A Court of Stars and Memories

33. Falling Drops of Rain

Mitsi dodged beneath Nyx's outstretched fist, connecting her own with his gut. He doubled over with a grunt. Mitsi beamed as she twisted out of reach and uncurled her fists. She had just successfully completed her assignment today. All Nyx had wanted her to do was manage to slip past his defenses and land a blow.

"Well done," Nyx said, still holding an arm around his middle as he straightened. Beyond him, the Twins giggled and waved at Mitsi. She waved back while Nyx rolled his eyes. "I owe them a trip to the bakery now."

"Oh?" Mitsi arched a brow.

"Yeah!" Emrys shouted. "We told him you'd hit him today and he said if we were right, we could pick out anything we wanted from Mama and Grandmother's bakery!" Beside him, Lir beamed and stuck his tongue out at Nyx.

"They call Azriel's mother Grandmother?" Mitsi asked quietly, facing Nyx.

He nodded. "She and my mother are the only real grandmothers they've known. Their own grandparents died before they were even born, and with Venelia's mother dead..." He glanced back at the Twins and smiled softly. "Azriel's mother is as much a part of our family as she is of her own."

"What about Tamlin's new wife?" Mitsi asked.

Nyx tensed instantly, his sapphire gaze flashing to her. Mitsi bit her lip, but fought the urge to look away. It was an innocent question. One he didn't have to answer, but one she would not feel ashamed of asking. She'd been practicing her confidence over the past three weeks as Lysander had told her to, and it was beginning to pay off. At least, she hoped it was.

"The Twins haven't met Ophelia yet and I doubt they will anytime soon," Nyx answered at last. "Tamlin has no interest in meeting them and doesn't want his wife around them either."

Mitsi longed to ask if he knew the reason why, but that was one question she would keep to herself. Perhaps she'd see if Eira would tell her more some other time. What she knew already would have to be enough for now.

"This will be our last lesson together," Nyx added. "Lysander is coming back today so I assume he'll take over again tomorrow."

Mitsi smiled. "Then thank you for your help. I've learned a lot."

Nyx returned her smile and bowed his head. "I want to hear all about how you kick his ass."

"I don't think I'm that good yet," she laughed.

"Don't underestimate yourself."

"Better to underestimate my abilities than to overestimate them."

Nyx eyed her curiously. "I'm not sure what to make of you, Mitsi Rohese. I'm struggling to decide if you're incredibly wise or incredibly naive."

"Probably both," Mitsi giggled.

Nyx just shook his head and offered her a hand. "Boys, why don't you see if Cassian will fly you home? I'll drop Mitsi off, then come and get you and we'll go to the bakery."

The Twins scrambled to their feet immediately and raced down into the House of Wind. Mitsi took Nyx's hand and let him lift her. A brisk wind whipped past her cheeks as they soared over Velaris. Mitsi lifted her gaze to the sky where clouds had been gathering for the past few hours.

"Is it going to snow?" She asked.

Nyx glanced up before replying. "Rain, more likely. Snow will come in a few more weeks when the temperature drops further."

Mitsi continued to watch the clouds even when she felt Nyx bank towards the ground. "I've never seen rain before."

Nyx landed before Azriel and Seren's house and set her down. "I think you'll like it. I'd better go before it begins though, or I'll have to drag the Twins home before they find some mud to douse themselves in." Mitsi laughed and waved as he took off once more.