The Princess & The Lord

Part 10

Can we go back to the River House? Elena sent the thought to Nyx.

Of course. Nyx nodded. He returned to bid his friends and cousin a farewell, telling Bryn he'd see her back at the River House.

Nyx and Elena started the cold walk back to the River House. Elena wrapped her arms around herself. Nyx gently slid his jacket over her shoulders. She gave him a closed mouth smile, but her eyes shined bright up at him.

Elena had been enjoying her night. It was an escape from the weight on her shoulders, the stress of never knowing if she'd see Terrasen again. She'd have continued to enjoy the night had the blonde asshole not ruined her night.

Things like that didn't happen to her in Terrasen. Everyone knew who she was, more specifically everyone knew who her mother and father were. It made it hard for her to make friends in Terrasen. Her people seemed afraid to make genuine conversation with her- it all tied back to her status as princess. No one in Terrasen saw her as anything else. It made it hard to form relationships with any of the males. It was difficult to get a read on whether there was interest in her or her position of power- the male hoping one day to be King Consort of Terrasen.

But here, in Prythian-in the Night Court, she wasn't a princess. Sure, she was a world walker who'd fallen through a rip in the world, but Nyx and the Inner Circle seemed interested in learning about her and her world. Cassian and Azriel trained her every morning. Feyre and her sisters had treated her like their own, making sure she always had something to eat or a book to read. Rhys helped her learn to control her powers and listened intently when she explained wyrdmarks. And Nyx had shown her his world. He had made her apart of his world. They seemed to care for her. They had little to gain from her position as Heir to Terrasen. It was a welcomed relief.

"I hope you enjoyed tonight," Nyx said cautiously with a hopeful look on his face.

She smiled at him, "I did. I really did. Your friends were fun. Bryn's friends were fun. It was exactly what I needed."

Elena looked up as the flakes of snow began to fall from the sky. She held her hands out to catch a few. She grinned as they melted in her hand.

"I haven't seen snow in what seems like forever," she said quietly. She remembered the winter in Terrasen of her 15th year, it had always been her favorites. Dorian, Manon, Chaol and Yrene had visited Orynth. The snow had packed so high they were unable to travel back to Rifthold.

Elena, Cal, Aster, Gavriel, and Josefin had spent those extra days creating tracks in the snow trailing down the mountains. They'd grabbed a few shields to use as sleds and rode down. That was the first time Aster had kissed Elena.

"Have you ever been in love?" Elena asked Nyx. Of course, he probably spent his years surrounded by females vying for his attention. His dark curls and violet eyes could capture the heart of any female.

"No." He said firmly.

"No?" Elena was shocked. "Surely the females fight for your attention."

"That wasn't the question." Nyx looked at her.

"Has there been anyone close? Someone who could have pictured your life with? You are an heir. It must be a priority, maybe not now but eventually." She tried to dig more information out.

"No. I know what mother and father have. I won't settle for anything less." Nyx held out his hand to help her up the step as they continued the trek back to the River House.

"But they are mates. Mates are so rare." Elena let her hand linger slightly in his before she pulled away slowly.

"Then I shall wait." Nyx said firmly. "And you? Have you ever been in love? Found someone you would consider to be consort?"

"There was a boy. I love him, but I don't think I was ever in love with him." Elena said as they turned the corner. The River House now in view.

"And there's a difference?" Nyx asked.

"Yes. He and I have spent much time separated. We live in two different kingdoms. We will always live in two different kingdoms. And when he is gone, I am still content. Even now- I miss his company and he means a great deal to me, but I don't need him." Elena went on. "I want a love that's all consuming- a love that makes it hard to breathe when he is not near. Something that devours my mind and body-something I can't live without."

"It sounds beautiful," Nyx said as he reached for the door to the River House to open it for her. "It sounds like a love worthy of a Princess."

Elena smiled up at him and they entered the dimly lit hall of the River House. There were a few lights on in the sitting room ahead.

Nyx went still. Elena could feel their presence. She could smell them before she could see them.

Nyx moved Elena behind him and summoned his shadows. Elena placed a soothing hand on his shoulder. The scent- pine and snow followed by crackling embers

"Nyx, that is no way to treat our guests." Rhys said as Aelin and Rowan stepped out from behind him.