A Court of Water and Shadow

10

"How does Emissary to the Illyrian females sound?" Rhysand leaned against the doorframe with his hands in his pockets, giving me a smirk.

I looked around the large sitting room at the House of Wind. Everyone's facial expressions seemed encouraging, except for Azriel's. Not that he was frowning, I was just avoiding eye contact for the time being. Finally, I looked back to Rhysand. "What would that entail?"

He sighed. "You'd be an official member of my court. You'd keep in touch with the Illyrian females and report to Cassian if there's a threat to them in any way, shape, or form. You'd also have a room here at the House of Wind if you decide to stay. If not, we'll gladly pick you up from our meeting spot in Adriata. Plus, I'd pay you." Rhysand shot me a wink.

I can't leave Adriata. It's my home, it's where my family is, it's where my job is. I have a job as a teacher that would definitely conflict with this. However, this is my choice... and I don't think I've ever decided something for myself job wise before. My mother was the one to suggest I help her in the classroom. Then my parents suggested the teaching position at the school. I agreed because what else would I do with my time? Teaching brought me joy, sure, but the pride and accomplishment I felt when Verida accepted the bargain was something I never felt more strongly about.

How could I choose between teaching children who definitely needed to learn and helping females escape the dangerous environment of their homes? It seemed selfish of me to choose either, but it seemed more selfish of me to juggle both jobs. They both required my full attention, and now it was up to me to decide what was more important.

The school could hire another teacher. Sure, I'd like to think I'm more qualified and advanced than anyone they could hire, but they could find someone decent. Besides, the children don't have to learn complex maneuvers until they're much older. By then, I wouldn't be their teacher anymore. The Illyrian females however, are being stripped of their rights and their freedom. If I decided to continue teaching, Cassian and Rhysand would be back to square one, which wasn't helpful at all.

So then, it was just the factor of where I would live. Rhysand offered me a room here, but it's not my home. I don't think I could leave my parents so easily, much less explain to them everything I've been doing and where I would live. I think they'd be proud of me for what I've done. Sure, my father would grumble about it until the end of time, but he would know that I'm doing the right thing.

If I stayed in Adriata, they'd have to pick me up every day, which seemed like a complete hindrance on time. But if it was truly my decision, that was the one I would make. I chewed on the inside of my cheek, watching Frank swirl down my arm, then looked up at Rhysand. "You'll have to give me two weeks to notify my job and say goodbye to them. I—I don't wish to leave Adriata, but I accept the role as Emissary."

Rhysand took one hand out of his pocket and raised it to me. "Then we have ourselves a new Emissary. Welcome to my court, Evelyn."

I gave him a small smile and shook his hand, then Mor crushed me into a tight hug as Cassian started bringing out the bottles of wine and whiskey. I've never had the latter before, which offended Cassian when I told him and caused him to practically force the drink down my throat. When I tasted the amber liquid, I choked on a cough as my eyes watered, but it left such an intense heat behind that I kind of liked.

We eventually ate dinner and spoke about my visit to Illyria, as well as more stories of how the three Illyrians grew up there. By the time dinner was over, I asked Mor if she could take me home. As much as I enjoyed their company, I had to have a long conversation with my parents. One that I am most certain they will not like. Maybe they'll kick me out of their house for making such an awful decision. Well...the decision wasn't awful in my opinion, but they will certainly think it was. Anyways, if they kick me out at least I know I have a room here.