Cassian, Azriel and Mor's expressions turned serious, looking between the two of us rapidly for answers.
"Feyre. Tell me you are not being serious." Rhys's words were lined with icy rage.
I sat frozen. I bit my lip. The others did not dare speak.
"Get out of my head." I said warningly, reminding me of my initial days in the Night Court.
Rhys frowned deeper.
The other three pairs of eyes at the table widened. All humour left Cassian's face as he scanned mine accusingly.
"Feyre, you will notdareenter that Spring Court." Rhys stammered, strong restraint in his voice.
Three heads snapped to my face instantly.
Mor gasped at me in shock. Azriel stared at me with a face so angry, I almost recoiled.
Cassian pushed his chair back roughly, crossing his arms.
"You wouldn't." He said darkly, his nostrils flaring.
My heart pounded against my chest. I had to do this. Panic rose in my chest as all eyes flared for explanation.
"Look, it's just, you've all done so much for me, I want to be just as helpful; I, I want to protect-" I stammered, swallowing the lump in my throat.
Rhys pinched the bridge of his nose in anguish.
"Feyre, Tamlin would kill you." Cassian said with a growl of rage rumbling in his chest, followed in unison by Azriel and Rhys.
I bit my lip taking a deep breath.
Mor's lip quivered in disappointment.
Azriel's eyes studied mine intently.
"You are precious and essential. It's a foolish idea, Feyre." He muttered seriously. My eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Planning to go into enemy lands unprotected is entirely idiotic." Rhys rubbed his forehead in frustration.
"Not to mention, if Tamlin so much as LOOKED at you in the wrong way, I would tear him apart, inch by inch." Rhys growled aggressively as I shivered. His eyes were pleading across the table.
Frustration soared in my chest.
"You all sacrifice so much for me. I have made my mind up. " I stood up defiantly, leaning on the table, my eyes glaring at Rhys. I ignored the glowering protective rage in Azriel, Mor's and Cassian's eyes.
Rhys stayed seated, his eyes glaring back. I took a long, deep breath, collecting myself.
"You cannot stop me." I said to him sternly, turning to leave.
"Oh, I don't have to." Rhys muttered menacingly, still remaining seated.
I stormed to the door. My hand reached for the handle as Azriel winnowed in front of me blocking the exit. His arms were crossed, his expression reprimanding. I gasped softly, glaring at him.
I pivoted on my heels to turn to the other door.
I trudged two steps before Cassian's intimidating frame towered over me. There was only wrath in his eyes. I stared at him pleadingly, my heart racing.
Rhys stood up.
"You see Feyre? It's not just about me."
He walked around the table. Mor turned, still seated.
"Your family will also stop at nothing to ensure your safety and protection. Even if it's from yourself." He stood glaring.
I breathed heavily in frustration, Azriel at my back, Cassian blocking my front and Rhys standing in the middle. Trapped.
I turned to Cassian, hoping to sway him, my eyes pleading.
He scowled back.
"I'll stand guard for as long as it takes Feyre." He warned seriously.
I sighed in defeat.
"Alright." I said, bowing my head in defeat.
Rhys huffed a sigh of relief as Azriel's shoulders relaxed. Tears filled my eyes.
Azriel reluctantly let me pass, opening the door for me. Mor stood up to join him, the two exchanging a quiet look as I walked out.
I walked up to the roof, opening the window and stepping out onto the cool angled tiles. I hugged my knees to my chest and let the tears spill over, as I looked up at the moonlight.
It should have been me, echoed in my head.
I sniffled.
Feyre.
He called through the bond, his voice soft.
I buried my face in my knees.
I smelled his citrus scent as a strong arm wrapped around my shoulders, suddenly seated next to me.
Rhys let me cry for some time. I lifted my heavy throbbing head and rested on my arms. He tilted my chin to look up at me.
"I'm sorry." I said weakly.
He pursed his lips.
"You know I just need you safe. We all do. I cannot tolerate anyone coming close to harming you." His voice was riddled with tension.
I nodded weakly.
"I just, want to deserve you all. To sacrifice like you have. To be strong." I cried again as his arm tightened around me.
"Feyre, you are truly the strongest person I know and the finest equal to rule at my side. You are our beating hearts." He said with such earnest warmth, lifting my chin to kiss him.
I closed my eyes, kissing his warm lips. He held my face in his hand.
"Promise me, you won't put yourself in danger. You are everything to me. To our family." He stroked my hair tenderly.
I breathed in his scent deeply as I relaxed.
I nodded.
He pulled me into his lap as I gasped softly, hugging me against the cold night air.
"Thank you." He whispered into my hair.
"Although, I also don't approve of this as a safe resting spot when you don't have wings." He said disapprovingly.
I gazed down at the sloped roof.
I chuckled, turning to kiss him again.
We spent the night in each others embrace. Rhys let me speak about my fears, my guilt. He shared some of his own in return and I slept soundly.
He left in the morning, his eyes momentarily scanning my face. I knew he wasn't worried, given I had the others around today still. I sighed.
"You know I'm still going to be in danger today." I said as I tip toed to kiss his cheek. His jaw clenched and he frowned.
"Cassian is going to kill me today."I explained.
His frown softened and he smirked.
"I hate to say it but you deserve it for giving us all a heart attack." He teased.
We said our goodbyes.
