A Court of Teal and Shadows

Chapter 6

Elain

Elain had chosen to take the long journey to the human realm, rather than winnow. She wouldn’t admit it, but Feyre saw through her and was kind enough to not mention that she was stalling. Elain knew she had her sister’s support, and even if she reached the border and turned around to flee back to Velaris, her sister would stay by her side. 

Rhysand had been hesitant to let them go, feeling uneasy about them roaming out in the open amid other courts so they had compromised. Rhys had winnowed with them to the Summer Court, after receiving a letter back from Tarquin permitting their travel through his territory. He claimed he had business with the Highlord, but Feyre mused to Elain later that he probably just wanted to watch them set off so he could grab a drink with Tarquin after they were gone. Varian was with them, thank the Mother. Varian had blended into the Inner Circle flawlessly, and though his loyalty was strong with the Summer Court, he had become an honorary member of the Night Court. Elain trusted Rhysand, but she also knew Varian would keep the other two from starting any arguments that would lead to bruised pride and feuding courts. 

Chaos within courts was too common these days, with Tamlin still running through his lands in his beast form, and the Highlord of Autumn seeking out allies among the enemies of Prythian. While all courts would likely condemn Beron’s actions, Elain wondered how many might side with him if they learned of the Night Court’s possession of two Dread Troves, one of ancient legend, and one newly Made. 

Elain shuddered at the thought and drew her attention back to the road they were on. She had already begun to miss her precious nephew, Nyx. She knew that the rest of her court was more than capable of taking care of him, but she secretly hoped he would miss her too, in his tiny little heart. 

As the beautiful mare she rode flipped her mane, Elain looked to her left, noticing Feyre’s attention on her. 

“How are you feeling?” Elain asked, hoping her sister was not feeling too tired yet. She appreciated Feyre being there, but she knew how much Nyx’s birth had affected her. 

“I feel just fine. I’m not the one going to visit three people I barely know to win them over.” Feyre said just gently enough that Elain knew she could turn around now and face no judgment. 

“I’ll be okay. I’m sure that we’ll all like each other soon enough. How bad can they be? Lucien is…Lucien is civilized enough that I'm sure he wouldn’t surround himself with animals.”

“You forget he lived with Tamlin,” Feyre said with a chuckle.

“That’s not reassuring.” Elain sighed with a slight cringe.

As they continued on their journey, they stayed to the Western edge of the Summer Court, avoiding Autumn in the East. Elain appreciated the warmth at first, but she wished it was more like Velaris, allowing the natural change of seasons. Back home spring was just beginning. She wished she could have stayed a bit longer to see some of the results of her labors in the gardens around Feyre’s home and the countless others she had helped during the rebuilding of the city. She hated to admit it, but she was thrilled to finally see the Spring Court on their journey. 

Rhysand had been coming more regularly to visit the Spring Court. The Inner Circle knew just enough about what he was doing. He was trying his best, Mother bless him, to get the Highlord back on his feet. Elain knew that Feyre had decimated the court. She had never once pitied the Highlord himself, but she often wondered how his people were. He was not taking care of them the way he should and she hoped they did not suffer due to his failings. Rhysand had visited him two days before their trip had begun to make sure he would not interfere. From what Feyre had said, Tamlin would stay away. Not because of Rhysand’s request, but because the feelings that drove him of late had been shame and sadness. He did not want to be seen like this, least of all by Feyre. 

As they finally entered the Spring Court, Elain inhaled deeply. She had been so excited to see the land full of flowers and growing things but as she breathed in the smell of blossoms and earth and trees, she shuddered. Feyre glanced at her asking if she was alright.

“Can’t you smell it? It’s underneath it all hiding, but it smells stagnant, like the faintest bit of rot.” Feyre inhaled deeply, but her eyes remained on Elain’s as she shook her head. 

“All I can smell are those stupid roses,” Feyre muttered back to her.