Of High Lords and Heirs

20

Tamlin didn't understand why everyone present was staring at him and muttering. Did these fools not realise who he was? He was a High Lord of Prythain, he was more than entitled to some Cauldron-damned respect, after all. Did they not understand that he was well within his rights to reclaim what belonged to him. Feyre was his property, and he would damned well make sure that she was returned to him. Tamlin would make damn well sure that Feyre came home with him today. He would do everything within his power to ensure that Rhysand was punished for holding Feyre and the children hostage for so many years. He would make sure that the entire world – nay, the entire universe – knew what a monster Rhysand was. He would do whatever it took.

"This is exactly what I was trying to tell you earlier, my Lord," a voice Tamlin did not recognise uttered quietly. "I swear that Tamlin has started to go crazy in the years since the war. You thought that he was merely peculiar, but he has literally gone insane. He is no longer worthy of bearing the title of High Lord. Tamlin should have been demoted many years ago. A relative can take up the title. Anyone at all would be better than him."

These comments, no matter how innocently meant, or thoughtlessly spoken, only served to whet Tamlin's rage. He had come here for justice, and instead had received nothing but humiliation and degradation. In that moment, all Tamlin knew was that he was not going to put up with it any longer. He was not going to stand before the world and be punished for crimes that others had committed against him. He was not going to stand for it.

"I do not have to sit back and listen to you all throw insults at me," Tamlin said haughtily. "Feyre, bring our children back over here so we can go home together now. We can go home together as the family we should have been all along. We can start our relationship anew. Begin again. We can have a fresh start we so desperately need."

Tamlin was nothing short of confused as Feyre merely glared at him, nothing but pure, raw hatred in her eyes. Why would she hate him, though? He didn't understand. As his mate and future wife, Feyre was duty bound to love, honour and obey him. After a moment or two, Tamlin realised just how deeply Rhysand must have sunk his claws into Feyre's mind. The manipulation and brainwashing clearly went far, far deeper than he had ever expected.

"No," Feyre said firmly. "I am not going anywhere with you. My children will not be going anywhere with you."

"Come on, Feyre," Tamlin said, barely able to conceal his impatience. "You are safe now. Don't you understand that much, at least? You are safe now, Feyre. You don't have to listen to Rhysand anymore. You and I both now that Rhysand is nothing but a brute and a monster. He has been manipulating and brainwashing you for years. But you don't have to be brainwashed by him any longer. I can protect you now. I can keep you safe. Aren't you listening to me, Feyre? I CAN FINALLY KEEP YOU SAFE. COME HOME NOW, PLEASE."

By the time that Tamlin had finished his little mini-speech, he was all but screaming at her. To say that Feyre was beyond stunned, was putting it mildly. How could Tamlin honestly believe all of that crap he was spouting? How could he not see that it all exactly that – crap? Feyre knew full well that Tamlin and Rhysand used to be friends at one stage. Which only begged the question of how Tamlin could think so little of his former friend. Besides, the fact that Tamlin could willing ignore his own part in her suffering was simply astounding.

"I already told you, Tamlin," Feyre said firmly, anger flaring in her eyes. "Neither my children, nor I are going anywhere near you. Rhysand has done nothing to me. I have grown to hate you on my own accord over the years."

"You don't mean that," Tamlin said, his smug complacency nearly overwhelming. So entirely convinced that he alone was in the right. Outright refusing to even consider anyone else's point of view. So totally convinced that he alone knew what was best for Feyre, and the other women in his life. Conpletely convinced of the narrative that he had spun for himself, convinced of the narrative he was currently trying to spin to the others present. "Feyre, you know as well as I am that Rhysand is the only monster here. He stole you away in the night, and has manipulated, brainwashed and abused you countless ways since. I want you home where I can protect you and our darling children."