The Dark Heir - Nyx

66. Nyx

Waking up without Theia at his side was a hellish sensation that Nyx never wanted to feel again. Reaching over in search of her warmth, only to find the cool untouched sheets. It made his chest feel hollow, until he remembered where she was. Where she would be.

Cassian was in the river house, Feyre and Theia at the House of Wind. Nesta and Zenova invited them in for the final night before the ceremony to give Theia a night with females and maternal love that she deserved. Nyx smiled at the thought. Theia, her hair pinned up to allow it to curl overnight and dressed in silky pajamas as she sipped wine with his mother, aunt, and cousin. He wondered how calm her night had been, or if they'd danced and screamed until the Priestesses stomped up the stairs.

His night had been too eventful. Cassian had challenged him to a drinking challenge, which ended in distant memories of being naked in the training ring with Azriel seeing who could win a duel solely with daggers strapped to their... It was simply a night he was grateful the alcohol blocked from his mind.

Now, Nyx sat at the dining table sipping water as his head pounded and his stomach twisted. His father and uncles didn't seem to be faring better. Rhys had to be in better shape sooner, because he needed to play High Lord and greet the family when they arrived. An agreement was made the evening before that the ceremony would be private in the temple beyond the library, and the newly wedded pair would join the rest of the family at the estate to celebrate. They'd announce it at the Hewn City the following week, after Nyx surprised his new bride with the cottage at the base of the mountains.

Nyx's eyes burned as he glanced to the large clock. He had a mere two hours before he'd need to be in the temple. When he looked back to the table, a variety of food had been placed in front of them. His stomach churned when Cassian five in, shoving handfuls of eggs and bacon into his mouth. Azriel had a similar idea to Nyx, grimacing as he glared at Cass from the side.

"Will you be recovered for the ceremony?" Rhysand asked, his voice gravelly and distant. Nyx rolled his head to the side and nodded, fighting the urge to purge the alcohol in his stomach.

"That's a lie, Theia's going to end up with vomit on her new pretty dress," Cassian chimed in around the mouthful of food. Nyx shot him a glare, earning a look at far too much of Cassian's half chewed food.

"I have some vials of tonics, I can run to my apartment," Azriel murmured. Nyx nodded as his eyes squeezed shut. He'd never forgive himself if Theia married him while he felt like a pegasus had stomped his head in. He wanted to be at full health in order to fully appreciate what they were doing.

Before he even realized Azriel had left, the male's scarred hand appeared in front of him with a vial. Nyx grumbled his thanks and popped the cork, bringing it to his lips. It tasted of decayed waste and boiled piss, but he was grateful nonetheless. Almost immediately, his headache and churning stomach disappeared.

"Eat something and go bathe, I need to dunk my head in some cold water," Rhysand murmured, shoving his chair back and stalking out of the dining room. Nyx followed his father's orders and piled his plate full. As he ate, the males next to him fell silent. Shoving a piece of bread into his mouth, Nyx lifted his gaze to see the two of them staring at him with amused grins.

"What?"

Cassian shrugged, his brow raised as he poked his fork at some eggs. "I can't believe you're getting married kid. I'm not going to lie, I had my doubts but I'm glad to see it. She's good for you, no matter how I acted before."

Discomfort settled in Nyx's stomach at the thought of Cassian disapproving of Theia, but he saw the wide smile and decided to push those thoughts away.