A Court of Shadows

Chapter 3 - Origins

I woke up at the break of dawn but ended up staying in bed almost all morning. I felt...restless. Anxious. What if this meeting with Feyre and Mor was a huge mistake? What if, by telling them our story i was putting us in danger? Of course, Feyre seemed kind and sweet, but what if she changes her mind and decides that Thetis and i are a threat? What would the punishment be for this? We have finally stopped being home-sick, and made Velaris our new home. We have our routine, our friends and we are ..happy. It is a simple life compared to what we would have had back home, but we are safe, and we have each other. Thetis often said that we are like birds that learned to love their cages, and as much as it saddens me i have to admit that she is right. Her life would have been so much different, hadn't she chosen to be exiled with me, to protect me and bring me comfort.. My heart tightened and i shoved the thought away. I shoved all thoughts away, and took a deep breath. And another. And another. 
''I won't let anything happen to her, no matter the outcome of today.'' i promised to myself, and got out of the bed. The question now is, what do you wear for a tea-date with the High Lady?

I opted for a white linen dress, with long sleeves that let my shoulders show, a gold thin belt and simple leather sandals, that tied around my ankles. I left my hair down, save for some braids around the crown of my head. ''How ironic, i chose to dress as i would have if i was back home'' i scoffed to myself. 

I arrived first and took a sit at a sunbathed table. Elijah spotted me and was instantly walking to me, with a huge smile on his face, as usual.

''Wow.. you look..'' he said when he approached me. 

''The words you're looking for are amazing, divine, absolutely beautiful?'' I batted ironically my eyelashes at him.

''Like a goddess.'' he replied, his eyes traveling all over me, taking me in. 

''I kinda am one but shhh'', i put my finger on my lips and smiled at him. ''Can i have a lavender tea please?'' 

''Coming right up.'' he winked, and the women sitting on my left, followed him with their eyes. And then looked at me, sizing me up, wondering if i was their competition. I gave them a smile as if saying we're not in the same league, and they returned to their cups and gossiping.

Feyre arrived shortly after, and the smile i gave her was genuine. She looked so pretty in her tight pants, and her light blue tunic. Her hair caught the sun and looked like they were honey-golden. A Queen trying to blend in with the people. ''You look so beautifull!'' I heard myself saying to her and she smilled shyly.

''As do you! I'm sorry Mor can't join us, she has a headache, or so she says..'' She exclaimed giving me a look that meant she planned for us to meet alone, and i nodded my head in agreement. 

''I am happy we get to meet outside the bookshop! And this weather is great!'' I said, and regretted it immediately. Weather-talk? Really?

''Indeed it is!'' Silence fell, and we both kind of looked around us. Okay, it's going to be awkward before it gets better. Thankfully, Elijah arrived, leaving a steaming cup before me.

''What would you like to drink, High Lady?'' He said sweetly.

''Feyre please, and i'll have the same, it smells delicious!'' 

''Can you also bring us some of the cream pastries Elijah?'' i added and he raised his eyebrows, retaining himself from saying that he always brings out pastries anyways.

After the initial awkwardness and small talk, we looked like we were two friends, casually catching-up and eating delicious cakes. And it kind of felt like this. She talked about her latest painting, and i gave her some recommandations of shops she must visit, we talked about her sisters, Mor, Thetis, and inevitably, we arrived to the incident of the other day.