A Court of Water and Shadow

4

A very annoying headache welcomed me this morning and seemed to stay with me throughout the day. No sort of medication could fix it, and I didn't want to stay in bed all day and raise suspicion from my parents.

Luckily I still remembered everything from last night. It was incredibly fun, and I can't wait to do it again with them—with my new friends.

Then I remembered what Rhysand told me about my father. About how he's an Illyrian who lost his wings. He said he'd look into it, so I won't start that conversation with my father. I don't think I would anyway in fear of angering or upsetting him.

My mother and I sat in her classroom waiting for the children to get back from lunch and recess. She was writing something on her whiteboard for her students while I played with Fishy in his tank. I created loops for him to jump through and obstacles for him to weave through until I grew bored.

Maybe I should think about something better to write for Azriel. The letter I wrote last night is far too embarrassing anyway.

"Something wrong Eve?" My mother capped her marker and sat down next to me.

I sighed and smiled over at her. "Nothing, just bored." I bit the inside of my cheek, then stopped before my mother would notice my tell. She knew when I was hiding things from her by my small actions. She calls it a "mother's intuition."

My mother gave me a hard look and raised her eyebrows.

I rolled my eyes and gave her my full attention. "Fine, but you can't tell father any of this."

She gave me a confused look, but nodded, allowing me to continue.

I couldn't tell her the whole truth, so instead I went for a half truth. I could really use her advice anyway. "I made a friend and I wanted to show them around Adriata, but I'm not sure what to write in the letter."

My mother looked to Fishy for a moment to think, then turned to me. "Where are they from?"

I took a deep breath, then winced as I spoke carefully. "The Night Court."

My mother gave me a hard look. "Evelyn."

My face fell and my heart sank at my mother's tone. "I know, don't scold me. I just wanted to show my friend around. It's fine it's stupid anyway."

I got up and started to head to the door when my mother called out after me. "Show them the city, then take them to your favorite spot. Tell them exactly that in the letter."

Hope blossomed in my chest again as I gave my mother a small smile before exiting her classroom and heading towards the bathroom.

—

Azriel,

As I mentioned last night, I'd like to show you around Adriata if you're still interested. There's a spot that I like to visit to practice my water manipulation that I think you might like. I look forward to your response.

I paused my pencil as I went to write the end. Mor had responded with "your friend" and she had called me that last night. Would it be too much to assume that Azriel's my friend too?

I sighed, then decided to play it safe.

Sincerely,
Evelyn

I folded the letter, then slid it into an envelope and addressed it to Azriel of the Night Court. Knowing that the mail carrier has already passed my house, I made a quick trip to the post office, then made my way back to my house.

Before I went inside, I stopped at the cliff and sat down at the edge to play with the ocean.

I made another tiny bat and smiled as it fluttered over the water. Then, I made it a friend to fly with. I directed them over the crashing waves and the frothing water as it met the white sand. Then, I sent them soaring up the side of the cliff and high in the sky.