A Court of Wings and Teeth

Chapter 5: Reactions

Celeste POV:

"We were called here for a challenge? Let them see what I can do" Aston boasted from across the room. 

I turned to look at him. Grinning from ear to ear, his red hair made him seem alight from within. Those mismatched eyes dancing with imagined glory. His father stood next to him, one hand on his shoulder as if to reign him in. Eris remained silent as he took in the others' expressions. They must think I knew about this, he is my father, after all, I thought to myself. I crossed my arms nervously. Some of the other High Lords were already engrossing Helion in conversation again. 

"Did you know about this?" I turned to face the voice. Kyrrha waited expectantly for my answer, her ice-blue eyes sharp. Kaisys was as a shadow, waiting a few steps behind her. 

I shook my head "no, I didn't" I answered truthfully. I looked over at my father, still grinning "he only told me that we would host the other courts for some time as a way of meeting each other peacefully" I paused. 

"I didn't believe it would end in us fighting each other". Kyrrha's eyes swept over me appraisingly and after a short time, she nodded. "I don't suspect you're lying". She nodded at Aston, "at least one of us is excited". I followed her eyes to where Aston was speaking enthusiastically to Fenris. Fenris stood over a head taller than him and didn't seem as excited. He responded to something Aston had said by shaking his head, his long, ice white braid swung behind him. 

I looked over at Iliana who was speaking in hushed tones to Commander Eros. His face remained neutral as he answered her questions. His helmet glinted in the light. I finally noticed the fine detailing, there were etchings of feathers lining the sides. An homage to his Peregryn race I guessed. Glancing sideways, I noticed Thorne. Both he and his father stood quietly, Tamlin kept shooting glances in the Night Court's direction. Thorne said something to his father and Tamlin immediately looked down. From what I knew about the Spring Court, they were not as highly revered anymore. Their court had fallen out of favor during the war as Tamlin betrayed his court and others by trying to take Feyre back from the Night Court. He remained Lord of Spring by name only, until a mysterious fae entered his life. She brought beauty to the land again by tending it with a kind heart. She healed his broken heart and gave him a son. He mostly kept to his own court and rarely made an appearance. I'm sure he wanted to prove that his court had not weakened during his absence from inter-court politics. 

Finally, my gaze found him. He was leaning against one of the walls in the corner. His arm crossed in front of him, his eyes cast upon the ground. Feyre and Rhys were murmuring to each other, his arm locked around her waist. Matching tattoos whorled around their hands, almost as though they were living shadows.

Kyrrha noticed me staring at Nyx "he's handsome" she commented smiling. 

"I suppose, he's..." I paused. After a moment I finished, "fair". Just then his head snapped up and he pinned me with a violet stare. His eyes sparkled with mischief, it was almost as if he heard me. I could have sworn I heard a laugh, I shook my head. "Lord Tarquin mention anything?" I asked them. 

Kaisys shook her head. Kyrrha once again responded, "no, just that we were to meet the others".  

I nodded "I'm going to speak with my father, try to see what else he's hiding". I strode over to Helion and where he stood, looking quite pleased with himself. 

"Hello sweetheart" he twirled his champagne and beamed at me. "Are you excited to show off your skills? I want to make a good impression on the other courts and I know that you're leagues ahead of the rest". 

"Why didn't you say anything to me about this?" I demanded. "The high lords and ladies all determined it would be fairer not to say anything, and that the skills of the courts should be tested without preparation" he answered and took a sip of his drink. "If we told you, it wouldn't have been as challenging and that is the entire point my dear". He looked at the sundial in the corner "look at the time, you have some time to retire before the ball this evening". 

"When will we know what we're up against?" I tried to put my scrambling thoughts together.

 "Soon, but for now go and relax" he waved a hand and dismissed the room. The courts started filing out and heading back to their temporary wings of the palace. I headed towards the door and took a last look behind me at Helion. He had his back turned from me, his shoulders hunched as he clutched the rails of the balcony staring out into the day. I paused, my hand on the door before shutting it quietly after me.