A Court of Stars and Memories

21. Promise Anew

    Mitsi sat on the rails of the fence, watching as Eira and Orion sparred with one another. They effortlessly caught and returned one another's blows, though neither managed to strike the other. Mitsi couldn't quite see the point of it.

    Surely they both wanted a challenge, and it was clear that they were evenly matched. But perhaps they simply didn't want to spar with anyone else, or maybe no one else their age could keep up with them.

    They could always spar with some of the older novices, or even the warriors, Mitsi thought to herself. She smiled as Eira threw a snide taunt at Orion. No, it was like Venelia had said. They were joined at the hip and only wanted to train with each other.

    "What are you smirking about over there?" Orion called.

    Mitsi grinned. "I was just thinking that the two of you might fall behind the other warriors and novices if you only train with each other and don't find someone who can actually challenge you."

    "Wouldn't that place us ahead of everyone else?" Eira countered.

    "Not if you don't make any more progress than what you already have. Eventually someone will catch up and surpass you."

    "Maybe you should learn some skills of your own and come challenge us."

    Mitsi pursed her lips and looked away. "And who would teach me?"

    "We can," Orion answered. "We can show you a few moves right now if you want."

    She shook her head instantly. She still wasn't sure she even wanted to learn to fight, but if she did, she certainly wouldn't do so in Windhaven. She couldn't bear the thought of everyone here witnessing her slow progress and numerous failures.

    Orion shrugged. "Suit yourself, but if you ever change your mind, you know where to find us."

    He and Eira broke apart for a short break. Orion crossed to the other side of the ring to take a drink while Eira joined Mitsi by the fence. "Is Lysander still not talking to you?"

    Mitsi nodded with a sigh. "Seren told me the same thing you did but I'm not convinced."

    "I can tell. Want me to tell my dad? He'll bring Lys around with a good ass kicking, and if that doesn't work, we'll write to Aunt Estelle."

    Mitsi smiled, but shook her head. "It's fine. Besides, your dad would have to go track him down. Haven't you noticed that he hasn't been here at all this morning?"

    Eira crossed her arms and leaned back against the fence, her large wings vanishing. "Yeah, I saw Azriel teaching one of his lessons this morning and Devlon didn't seem too happy when he noticed."

    They faced Orion as he joined them. "Dad will be on his ass the minute he gets here," he said. "He's still unhappy that Lys didn't show up to help plan for tomorrow's Exchange."

    "He'll get over it," Eira replied. "He knows how Lysander can be. But speaking of showing up for things, I have to go to a meeting in the Autumn Court with my grandparents."

    Orion grimaced. "Feyre will kill you if you skip that."

    Eira nodded and turned to Mitsi. "I can winnow you back to Velaris now so you don't have to wait on Corbin and my dad, unless you want to hang out in Emerie's shop with Mina and Micah."

    "I'm fine with going back to Velaris. Mina and Micah don't like me hanging around when they're trying to work. They claim I get in the way too much."

    "That sounds like Emrys and Lir. They don't like when Mom and I try to play with them together. One of us is always in their way," she chuckled, and offered Mitsi a hand. "I'll see you tomorrow, Orion."