shadows don't lie

Chapter Twenty Pt.2

Rhysand shifted in his seat as he laughed, and beside him he was aware that Nyx was once again trying to take a nosedive off of the couch.

He had been entertaining the guests for some time now while they waited for everyone to arrive for the dinner, which was now being set up by Nuala and Cerridwen.

Feyre had left him a few minutes ago to find Azriel and Inei, the two nowhere to be found, as well as Mor, who Rhys guessed was probably off fixing her makeup somewhere.

His cousin did enjoy looking her best, not that he could really talk. Feyre did love teasing him about his fashion habits.

Rhys looked over at the small female who sat on a cushion directly in front of him, the one that had introduced herself as Lira.

She and a white-haired male had both been extended invitations to dine with them tonight as thanks for the hospitality shown to the shadowsingers, and surprisingly, they had both agreed.

The innkeeper had been nice-enough, and Rhys could see why Inei had taken a liking to her, but the healer had been a slightly different story.

He introduced himself with a practiced bow and respect, the kind that you only see with the people under other High Lords, and had named himself as Harkin.

To be completely honest, of the two, Harkin caught his interest more.

Rhys had already prodded at his mind, only to find a smooth barrier blocking him out, and judging by the way that he watched Rhys, Harkin had some training in the politics.

At least this wouldn’t be completely uninteresting.

“So, Harkin. You mentioned some training under Thesan. How was it?” Rhys asked, intending to make small talk even as he reached out through the bond to find where his mate was.

“It was extremely informative, Lord Rhysand. I was able to work with the Peregryns after the war, as well as some of the other troops from our bordering Courts. Needless to say, I got some practice in.”

“Oh?” Rhys summoned a ribbon of star-flecked night to hover around Nyx, who squealed excitedly, the sound immediately melting Rhys’s stone-cold demeanor and making him smile.

He picked up Nyx and turned back to Lira. “And what about you, Lira?” The female blushed and averted her eyes.

She was not trained in any type of politics then, Rhys decided.

“Just an innkeeper My Lord. I’ve run that inn since my father passed it down to me when he passed away.” Rhysand nodded and stroked Nyx’s arm.

“How has business been recently?” Harkin asked Lira and she looked at him sadly. “Not that well unfortunately. With some of the other Courts still marching their troops, it’s been more scarce to get travellers. Nobody wants to get caught by the soldiers that are moving through Winter right now.”

Rhys leaned forwards and Lira glanced back at him nervously.

“You said there are soldiers passing through the Winter Court?” He asked and Lira nodded quickly.

“Nobody knows what court they belong to, especially since we try to avoid them, but there are rumors.”

“What kind of rumors?”

Lira paled. “I don’t want to lie to you, My Lord- Nobody really knows anything for sure-” Rhys waved a hand and Nyx grabbed at it, babbling nonsense.

Rhys did his best to maintain eye contact and not look down at his son.

How was he supposed to look and act scary when his son was here, and he only wanted to watch the small child that his mate had borne.