The Princess & The Lord

Part 11

Nyx immediately recognized the two fae standing behind his father. He had seen them in the memories Elena had shared with him. Nyx pulled in his shadows as Elena carefully stepped out from behind him.

Elena took a few steps forward and she fell to her knees. A quiet sob left her chest. Aelin and Rowan met her on their knees and embraced her tightly.

There didn't seem to be any words that needed to spoken between the three of them. Everything could be passed through a silent conversation.

Rowan looked over Elena's shoulder at Nyx. He gave him a slight nod. From what Nyx knew about Elena's father, it seemed to be a good sign, maybe the most emotion he'd ever see from the male.

Shadows moved behind Rhys from the sitting room and more of Elena's family appeared.  Nyx hadn't seen much about the rest of Elena's family. He saw bits and pieces, but couldn't put names to faces.

After a long moment, Aelin and Rowan released Elena and helped her to her feet. "Everything will be alright, fireheart," Rowan's voice was deep.

Elena looked beyond her parents. A tanned, muscular fae male stepped forward- his long blonde hair tied back.  "Little wolf," he said "you gave me quite the scare."

She embraced him. "It's good to see you too, Fenrys" Elena smiled.

"I never doubted you for a second," a deeper voice said as a large, nearly giant, fae moved towards her. He was even taller than Cassian. He had dark skin and darker hair. "All our training paid off," The male ruffled her hair.

It was no wonder Elena was as skilled at combat as she was taking in the size and build of the three fae warriors gathered closely around her.

Elena smiled up at him as she embraced a small, dark haired woman. "What he means to say is we've missed." She said.

Elena said back, "I missed you too, Elide."

Nyx immediately recognized Elena's uncle and cousin. They had Elena's eyes- turquoise with a ring of gold. Her cousin hugged her in a death grip. "Never do that again, we are done with the portals." The general just laughed and kissed her forehead.

A beautiful brunette came running from the exterior doors. Her eyes were a piercing green. "Elena," she breathed as she pulled her in for a tight embrace "You had me worried."

"Manon & Dorian are outside with the boys finding a place to house Abraxos." Lysandra continued. "I scouted the mountains, he'll have more than enough space." She said more so to Aelin than anyone else.

Nyx could see the joy and relief on Elena's face to see her family again. He was happy for her, yet his heart ached a bit.

"I'll have rooms made up for you all," Rhys said as he walked off to find the servants.

Elena looked over to Nyx. She walked towards him, "Everyone, this is Nyx." The two fae warriors gave him a deadly stare. Nyx pulled on the collar of his shirt to make more room.

"It is lovely to meet you, Nyx." The small woman said. Elide Elena informed Nyx. "I know we can be an intimidating group," Elide said as she hit the large male, Lorcan Elena sent again, in the chest, "but we mean well."

"Nyx and his family have been very welcoming," Elena said.

"Too welcoming," the blonde fae male said under his breath taking in the jacket Elena was still wearing.

"Fenrys," Aelin snarled as she gave him a stern look.

"You have my appreciation," Rowan moved toward Elena and Nyx. He out stretched a hand. Nyx accepted the firm handshake. "Thank you for protecting my daughter."