Violet Dreams

Chapter 38

Arabella wondered whether her message had been received by Rhysand at all. Because the Night Court entourage entered liked they didn't have a care in the world, the only thing that made Arabella suspect he had received the message was that Feyre wasn't there.

Arabella was also painfully aware that Nyx hadn't looked her way once. She supposed he was being extra cautious with how they looked at one another, but it hurt to see him so blatantly uninterested.

All the High Lords sat around the circular fountain of water that was always used for these meetings. Zachery wore an obnoxious crown of rose gold, while Arabella wore a matching yet understated one.

"Good evening, it is a pleasure to have you all here again on such late notice", Zachery began, a fake smile gracing his lips, "I have some very exciting news to announce".

The High Lords and Ladies all looked impatient. None of them seemed to care for Zachery's speech and Arabella tried to hide her smile at the thought, it seems he has not practiced this role enough.

"Hurry up, I've got wine to drink", Helion said lazily from his chair.

You could always count on Helion to call it like it is. When Zachery had invited them all he had called it a party, but he'd pulled away all the High Lords for this impromptu meeting. A poor piece of planning on his part.

Zachery gave a coy smile, "I'm sure you'd prefer champagne after this announcement".

Arabella had been watching the Night Court carefully and when Rhysand's eyes glazed over, she was curious. Who was he talking to? Her eyes flicked to Azriel and Cassian, both of them stood straight like loyal soldiers but Azriel's shadows were gone. Nyx was still avoiding her gaze.

"I'm happy to announce that after careful deliberation by Thesan and Torin, we have decided that it was time for a change in leadership".

This perked the interests of the High Lords, except for Rhys who still seemed to be speaking to someone in his mind. That was when Arabella noticed it; Helion wasn't reacting either.

"I am proud to announce that I am now High Lord of the Dawn Court, and Arabella my Lady of the Dawn Court", he smiled smugly.

Soft chatter broke out among the High Lords and it seemed Rhys and Helion had broke away from whatever conversation they'd been having.

"Congratulations", Tarquin said, softly bowing his head.

Tamlin too congratulated him, while others seemed more reluctant and confused. She was unsure what lie Zachery was going to spin in order to convince the High Lords, she was unsure if this would work.

While Zachery spoke with the High Lords, confirming trade routes and other business matters. Arabella felt her ankles begin to sting. She'd been wearing a long dress of pearl and while everyone was distracted she snuck a glance at her shackles. They were simmering down to nothing, like there was an imaginary fire burning the magic away. She could feel her powers coming back to her at full force.

Arabella snuck a glance across the table and Rhysand winked, nodding his head towards Helion who was conversing with Zachery. Behind his back, the High Lord of the Day Court was moving his hand, braking her shackles. Arabella surged with relief, she could almost cry if she wasn't in such a public setting. As the last of the shackles disintegrated, Arabella felt the mating bond shine brighter than before. She followed the force of the bond and slithered straight into Nyx's mind.

Hello stranger.

She couldn't help the happiness in her voice; the hope.

If it isn't the Dawn Court Princess, Nyx replied sarcastically, she could hear the smile in his voice.