A Court of Stars and Memories

36. Her Own Choices

Mitsi didn't see Lysander after training that afternoon. She waited up past the time he usually came during the night, but he didn't show up, and there was no sign of him the next morning. Thankfully, she wasn't left without an explanation.

Eira passed along a message for him when they were in Windhaven. Lysander had asked Eira to let her know he, Nyx, and Corbin would be busy visiting other warcamps for the day, so she wouldn't be training unless she wished to practice with her friends.

Despite the message, Mitsi couldn't help but wonder if Mina's behavior from yesterday had something to do with his sudden disappearance. The fact bothered her all throughout the morning, even when she tried to distract herself by finally agreeing to spar with Eira and Orion.

She'd enjoyed the practice much to her surprise, but it hadn't quelled her questions or concerns in the least. They remained even now as she sat in her bedroom, gazing hopefully towards the balcony doors. Mitsi gave a small sigh and began to toy with her locket.

Should I try to send a message to him and apologize for whatever Mina said? She wondered. Or maybe I'm just overthinking this and he really is busy without any secondary motives. She rested her chin in her palm and sighed again.

The door swung open shortly, drawing her attention. Mitsi glanced over her shoulder to see Mina, carrying two tunics. Her sister strode across the room and spread the tunics on her bed before speaking. "I was invited out this evening. I wanted your opinion on which tunic I should wear."

Mitsi's brows lifted. "Invited out by who?"

"Micah and his friends. They're going to a nightclub and one of his friends asked if I'd like to join them."

"Micah is going out?" She repeated, her mouth falling in surprise. "Willingly, with friends?"

"It surprised me too," Mina admitted. "Honestly, I wonder if they invited me just so he'd say yes. Now tell me which one I should wear."

Mitsi slid off her chair and joined Mina, biting her lip thoughtfully. A part of her wondered if she'd be welcome too, but she refrained from asking. If Mina wanted her to go, she would've said so already. Besides, she doubted she'd enjoy a night out with her siblings and Micah's friends. She'd rather go out with Eira and Orion sometime. Perhaps Aramis too.

Mitsi pointed to one of the tunics, a burgundy one with bronze laces and matching trim around the collar and cuffs. It was one Mina had designed last year and she remembered how much her sister had admired it the first time she wore it. Mitsi also had a gown in the same shade, though she'd left it back in the Winter Court.

"Thank you," Mina said, scooping up the tunics and starting towards the door.

"Have fun," Mitsi called.

Mina paused in the doorway, looking back at her. "Do you have any plans tonight?"

"No." She tried to keep the hopeful note out of her voice. Mina just nodded. "Not unless Lysander or Eira decide they want to spend time with me," Mitsi added, her tone sharp this time.

Mina narrowed her eyes. "Be careful about that male, Mits. I'd rather you didn't spend more time with him than you already do."

Mitsi crossed her arms with a scowl. "What's your issue with him? He's just being friendly. Or am I not allowed to have male friends?"

"Of course you can. I just think you should be careful. That's all." Before Mitsi could reply, Mina had breezed out the door and closed it, leaving her alone once again.

Mitsi drew a shuddering breath, a familiar bitter sting building behind her eyelids. She blinked rapidly and busied herself by changing into her nightclothes. She wasn't going to be jealous of Mina and Micah going out without her.