A Court of Stars and Memories

24. Voicing Concerns

Both to Mitsi's surprise and relief, Lysander did return for her as he'd promised. She wasn't expecting him to, and had already met up with Corbin, Mina, and Micah to explain that she'd be going home with them.

Eira had even offered to winnow her, but just before she would've accepted, Lysander arrived. Mitsi was certain he was aware of her lack of faith in him, and the thought had her blushing all the way to the House of Wind.

Lysander hadn't said much during their training session. He only spoke to offer instruction and advice, and Mitsi didn't dare ask any of the multitude of questions brewing in her mind. It was none of her business who that female, Celeste, was, or what issues stood between them.

But given Lysander's behavior towards the Peregryn and Eira's own wariness at seeing them together, Mitsi thought she could guess. Celeste had to be the female Eira told her about. The one from the bad relationship that Lysander ended eighteen years ago.

Perhaps she'd ask Eira later, but it was clear that Lysander was in no mood to discuss what had happened. For that reason, Mitsi had even refrained from asking if he was all right. She'd seen him wincing a few times while demonstrating a move or position he wanted her to practice.

It filled her with worry, but she knew he wouldn't tell her anything. Towards the end of their training session, Mitsi had decided she would tell Seren what had happened. His mother would know whether or not she should be worried, and Lysander would be more likely to talk to Seren than her.

She didn't protest when Lysander ended their lesson early and flew her back to the house. He didn't even stay long enough to say goodbye. The minute her feet were on the ground, Lysander flew away.

Mitsi watched him for a moment before continuing inside. Mina and Micah were seated at the dining room table when she walked past, their sketchbooks open in front of them.

"Everything all right?" Mina called.

Mitsi summoned a smile and nodded. "Yes. Training went well."

Mina and Micah glanced at one another, then returned to their sketches without responding. Mitsi pursed her lips, but shrugged and continued up the stairs. Quiet humming came from Seren's art studio as she drew near. Mitsi hesitated outside the door, words drying up in her mouth. Should she bother Seren? Maybe she shouldn't interfere at all.

Just when she decided to leave, Seren caught sight of her. "Did you need something?" She asked with a smile.

Mitsi shook her head. "No, I just..." She trailed off, unsure of what to say.

"You're welcome to join me, if you like."

"Just let me get my sewing."

Mitsi hurried off to her room, not waiting for Seren's response. She gathered her unfinished quilt and supplies off a chair and returned to the studio. Seren gestured to a seat near her easel and Mitsi sat down obediently. She attempted to piece her scattered thoughts and concerns together as she began to sew.

"I hear Mikael, Estelle, and Aramis came along for the Exchange today," Mitsi remarked presently.

"They did. Aramis is staying the full four weeks in Windhaven. Mikael and Estelle will be here for a few days. They're going to stay with Lysander. I imagine you'll spend time with them at some point."

"It would be nice to get to know them better. I'm sure Eira will be glad Aramis is here. She didn't want to admit that she's going to miss Orion, but I can tell."

Seren grinned. "She gets that stubbornness from both of her parents." Mitsi glanced up from her sewing. Seren was still painting, each sweep of her brush leaving a dash of color on the canvas. As if sensing her gaze, the female faced her. "Yes?"