❝ Life rarely plays out the way we wish, but I don't think that I would have had it any other way ❞
Carasai had always thought marriage and mates were a sacred thing, one determined by the Mother and no one else. But with war at the forefront of eve...
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𝔗he week in the Court of Nightmares had passed by in quietness and darkness. I didn't truly dare to leave my room, scared of bumping into Rhysand's father and whilst I'm sure that his mother was nice, I missed my own home and family.
Maiya had not been seen since the fateful first dinner, having returned to wherever the Hewn City was. Rhysand had only told me that Maiya had apparently dodged also being married off, and her father had banished her to Hewn, which was Maiya's domain. He had not told me where Hewn was, or what Maiya was banished for, but I was under the impression that even Rhysand did not know the answer to that question.
On the other hand, Rhysand had tried as much as possible to become friendly with me. He would bring me my meals, having worked out that I didn't feel comfortable around his family, and would leave books that he thought I would like from the library. Hopefully, he would stay this kind when we married. I would hate for this to change.
There was a knock on my door, two gentle taps and then a pause and another one. A small smile formed on my face as I opened it, smiling up at Rhysand.
The half-Fae was dressed in his usual dark top and breeches, but a small smile formed on his face as he saw me.
"Carasai," He trailed off, before taking a deep breath. "My father wants the wedding to happen soon."
"Soon?" When was soon? Soon was vague. Rhysand scrunched his nose, huffed and then pulled a face of apology.
"Tonight." That was soon. "I know. I tried to put it off but he wants us married before I go back to the War Camps. He thinks if I go back to the war camps, I'll run away from my duty or something."
"Oh..." I licked my lips, tugging nervously at the sleeves of my dress. "I-What-?"
"My mother said she'd come and help you." Rhysand chewed on his lips, scratching at the back of his neck as I panicked internally, trying to think of what was happening. "I know that this is far from ideal and I really tried to push it back longer so that we could get to know each other more. I know you are uncomfortable with the idea of an arranged marriage, and you have every right to be..."
"You need to teach me how to put walls up in my head." I muttered. "This is going to get annoying if you keep reading my thoughts."
"I'll teach you. Next week." Rhysand sent me a small smile, "and you'll like Velaris. It's really nice there and the house I own has a big garden and it's near the arts district of the town."
"Is there a library?"
"Yes, a big one." That made me smile. I'd missed the big library of the Day Court more than anything. Rhysand shot me another awkward smile before stepping back. "I'll see you tonight. Mother will be around shortly to help out."
