Rhysand's Birthday

The Day Before

Feyre

It had been over a year since the war ended. Waking up every day still felt like a blessing. The relief that washed over me whenever I remembered we didn't have to go fight. That we didn't need to see a battlefield of dead bodies.

The war had ended around Rhysand's birthday. None of us were in the right mindset at the time, which was why I wanted, needed, this year to be perfect. I'd been thinking about our day together and his gift for months.

I'd slipped out of the house early. Rather, as soon as Rhys had left. He'd be busy with Azriel today which was a blessing in disguise. I'd winnowed to the studio, having been there until midnight the day before to finish the painting. I'd let it dry during the night. I take a step back to look at it, checking every inch for any imperfection it may have.

Only when I'm satisfied with it, do I winnow back home to hide it. Asking Nuala and Cerr to guard the room in case, I go back into town for the rest of the surprise.

The town was already aware of the High Lord's birthday. Of course they were, after so many years. Which is why it wasn't hard to get them to play their parts.

I knew my mate would be coming into town later in the day tomorrow to pick up some housewarming gifts for Gwyn and Azriel's party. We both knew loads of wine would be needed. A lot.

Taking the longer route this time around, I walk. On my way, I'm stopped by a few townspeople. Edgar, an older fae who always stopped to tell me not to work too hard. He'd been one of the first to speak to me when we first started to rebuild and heal. Him and his partner, Elizabeth. Edgar hadn't fought, but he'd helped supply armory. They were one of the lucky ones it seemed. If lucky was a word one could even use in a war.

It was only a week following our return. I'd been focused on distracting myself, feeling completely restless. I spent every day roaming around town, seeking anyone who may need help, from the crack of dawn until my body gave out and I drifted to sleep as soon as I hit the pillow. Food had lost its taste again and I knew Rhys worried about me, but he let me go off every day, knowing I'd go crazy if not. On that day, the week must have finally taken its toll on me. I fainted in the middle of town. Edgar's wife, Elizabeth had been the healer to tend to me as Majda was busy.

We appreciate everything you are doing, my Lady, but you need to make sure you properly take care of yourself as well. For the sake of our High Lord as well.

Edgar had told me and ever since he'd kept an eye on me.

My first stop was the winery where I asked Caldor, the owner and long time wine seller to Rhys, to keep my mate there as long as he possibly could. I already knew everybody in town would be taking the chance to talk to him as well, giving me time. As for me, the fact that Elain was helping me with my costume gave me a good reason to go to her new home. I was hopeless on my own. There was no way I could bake a cake worthy of my love. Which is why I had requested my sister's help.

Following my visit to Caldor, I entered a few more shops to pick up some items I'm missing, asking them to wrap it for me. Unlike Elain, I wasn't naturally gifted at making things look pretty.

With everything set, I go to bed, looking forward to celebrating my mate.