A Court of Stars and Memories

74. The Lady of Spring

The Spring Court was just as beautiful as Mitsi imagined it would be. Even more so, in fact. Upon her arrival, the first thing she noticed was the sweet scent of flowers and mist that permeated the air. There had been scarcely a cloud in the bright azure sky, and not a whisper of cold wind.

It was warm enough the past three days that she'd been wearing her lightest clothes, although Eira and Venelia claimed the temperature was a bit chillier than usual for the Court. The fact was owed to winter having set into the Mortal Lands and the Solar Courts.

But Mitsi didn't mind the change. Living in the Night Court had already helped her adjust to such things, and she was doing her best to enjoy the Spring Court to the fullest. Already, she and Eira had toured the grounds of Tamlin's estate and even ventured beyond.

Everywhere she looked, there was nothing but rolling green hills, lush forests, and the occasional lake filled with clear sparkling water. Tamlin's estate was a lavish building of alabaster adorned by jutting patios and balconies.

A grand marble staircase led up to the front doors, which were carved of thick, richly colored oak. Sprawling moss and ivy climbed up the trellises situated mere inches from the manor's walls, adding a leafy splash of color to the place.

The grounds were filled with bubbling fountains and vibrant gardens. Mitsi had already spent several hours walking through them. They were peaceful and beautiful, although the number of guards on patrol sometimes unnerved her.

She didn't like the feeling of being watched, and that's why it was a relief to escape with Eira on the backs of horses. Mitsi was unable to contain her excitement when Eira revealed that her grandfather owned horses and had received permission for them to go on rides.

Riding was one of the things she's missed while in the Night Court. When she was younger, Wynter had taught her and Micah to ride and care for the animals on Bruma, his now elderly Ursa stallion.

As soon as he was old enough, Micah took a job at a ranch that bred Ursas. Mitsi had often gone with him and helped with his duties. Even after Micah moved on to a different job, the owners permitted them to come back and ride their horses whenever they liked.

Mitsi regularly took them up on the offer, though Micah didn't quite as often. When Mitsi asked how Eira knew how to ride herself, she'd been surprised to learn that it was one of the rare experiences Eira shared with her grandfather.

Her friend explained that after she had first learned to winnow large distances, she brought herself to visit Tamlin every few months. During those visits, he had taught her what he knew about horses and they'd gone for rides together.

Of course, it had been Venelia's idea initially, Eira explained when Mitsi asked why her visits ceased. Her mother had wished her to have a relationship with her grandfather and encouraged her to visit, but Tamlin seldom made efforts to initiate those visits or return her attention himself.

"But I don't mind," Eira had said. "Our rides were boring. Now I have you, and you're much better company."

The rest of their rides and exploration were mostly spent by Eira drilling Mitsi on everything that had happened while she and Orion were in the Dawn Court. Mitsi couldn't blame her for her confusion and curiosity.

The last time they'd seen each other, she and Lysander had been...well, more than friends, but less than they were now, and there was a lot to explain. Once she'd made sense of everything, Eira was overjoyed, of course.

Her questions had then shifted to the nature of, "Are you going to live in the Night Court now? Have you discussed a mating ceremony? Can I plan the reception?", and so on.