A Court of Stars and Memories

64. Mornings Together

    Mitsi sat awake despite the late hours, finishing her last few stitches on the quilt she'd brought from the Winter Court. She'd been working on it all day as there hadn't been anything better to do.

    She hadn't been able to go to the orphanage since the children had gone out on a trip into the city, and she hadn't been asked to accompany them. Mitsi didn't have training that day either.

    Corbin was busy in Windhaven all day and Nyx had gone to a meeting with Rhys and Feyre. Mina and Micah had been swamped in work at Emerie's shop in Windhaven, fixing leathers and filling orders for new ones in preparation for the oncoming storm, which left them unavailable as well.

    Now, everyone else had gone to bed, exhausted from their long day, while she remained awake and unable to sleep. Mitsi pursed her lips and tied off her seam. She clipped the needle and thread loose and set it aside, then smoothed her hands over the quilt draped across her lap.

    She smiled to herself and began folding it. Hopefully she'd have a chance to give it to Ellie soon so it could be used as a gift for Hollis. Mitsi set the quilt in her trunk before a faint noise from the balcony caught her attention. She whirled towards the doors and a bright grin split across her lips as she recognized Lysander.

    She hurried to the doors and opened them just before he reached them. "I thought you'd be back sooner," Mitsi said while he stepped inside. "I was beginning to wonder if..."

    She trailed off as he took her by the waist and pressed their lips together. She wrapped her arms around his neck, still smiling when Lysander deepened the kiss.

    "I meant to be back sooner," he said when they finally broke apart. "I got home earlier this afternoon and I was going to come see you, but Devlon sent word that he needed me in Windhaven to help with preparations for the Exchange. I didn't think they'd take so long. Corbin just went home too."

    "It's all right. I understand. How were Estelle and Mikael?"

    "They're doing well. I'm sorry I didn't tell you myself before I left, but I had to talk to them as soon as possible."

    "It's all right," Mitsi said again. She averted her eyes and sensed Lysander's concern. "But I was worried you might've left to avoid me. I thought maybe I was right and what happened was too much and too soon, and you didn't want to be around me until you sorted it out for yourself. Your mother told me that wasn't the case, but I still wasn't certain."

    Her breath caught as Lysander took her face in his hands and drew her gaze back to his. "Mom was right. I did want to discuss what happened between us with Estelle and Mikael, but I didn't leave to avoid you. I regret nothing and I don't want you to think that." He touched a light kiss to her forehead. "I love you."

    Mitsi smiled. "All right. I believe you."

    Lysander shook his head with a faint laugh. "So, did you face any unnecessary teasing while I was gone?"

    Mitsi rolled her eyes and gave a disgruntled huff. "Of course. Mostly from Corbin and Mina, but some from your parents too. Your dad did say that I need only tell him if you cause me any trouble." She touched one of the marks on her neck, throwing him a pointed look. "And my brother likely has a vendetta against you."

    Lysander raised a hand to the back of his neck, his blush made visible by the faelights overhead. "I know how to handle my father, but do you think I should keep an eye on your brother?"

    "No. Micah knows he wouldn't stand a chance against you, and as much as he'd like to hit you, I don't think he would because he knows it would upset me."