The Princess & The Lord

Part 22

Elena woke the next morning with the wind pushing at her heels. She quickly popped out of bed, dressed in a loose white shirt, brown pants, and ventured down the glass stairs.

She wandered the halls and foyers of the large palace looking for Nyx but she couldn't find him. She tried to search for his mind, but it wasn't within the walls of the palace.

Elena found Rhys in the sitting room with Kallias and two other fae whom she assumed were High Lords.

"Good morning, Elena," Rhys said greeting her.

She curtsied a bit, "My lords," she said as she dipped her head.

"Please, Elena, no formalities. You are a princess-you bow to no one," Rhys said.

"A Princess?" One of the High Lords asked as he stood from his chair and circled around her. The fae was shimmering with light. His dark skin was contrasted with his white attire. A crown of glimmer sat upon his dark hair. His golden eyes looked her over. "My dear, you are an exquisite creature-beautiful. There's something about you. I can't put my finger on it," He said as he looked her over.

"Helion, this is Elena Whitethorn Galaythinus, Princess of Terrasen and heir to the throne," Rhys said as he introduced Elena. "Elena, this is Helion, High Lord of the Day Court," he said referencing to the shimmering lord. "And this Eris, High Lord of the Autumn Court." He motioned to the Lord with deep red hair and eyes full of amber. His stare was cold and calculating.

"How exactly did you all come to meet?" Eris asked as he also looked over at Elena. His eyes stopped at her pointed canines. "I've never seen fae of your kind-never heard of Terrasen."

"It's a long story," Rhys only answered.

"Oh, come Rhysand, a little more than that," Helion pleaded.

"The short version is I fell from the sky and split through the side of a mountain," Elena added. "Pretty hard to miss an entrance like that."

"I'm sorry?" Helion asked as he coughed on his drink- confusion written all over his face. "You fell from the sky? From where?"

"Like I said, it's a long story." Rhys answered again.

"You're going to have questions," Elena said. "The other lords most likely are going to have those same questions. It's best to answer them all at once."

Helion nodded though he seemed to be riddled with more confusion.

"I've quickly learned to enjoy the ride with this bunch," Kallias said to Helion and Eris as he crossed his legs on the table in front of him and folded his arms behind his head.

"I've been looking for Nyx," Elena admitted. "Have you seen him?"

"He's off with your friends actually." Rhys answered. Elena's heart dropped for a moment

"He's alone with Aster and Cal? Oh gods," Elena sighed. While Aster may have apologized yeasterday, Elena still didn't trust that he wouldn't do anything stupid.

Kallias offered, "A few of my men were headed off hunting this morning. The boys asked to join. It should be quite the venture. I think they'll enjoy it."

"He's with Aster and Cal and there are hunting weapons?" Elena put her hand to her forehead. Not that any of them needed weapons to kill. It only made it easier and more likely.

"They'll be fine. Gavriel invited Nyx to join them. He said it would prove to be a bonding experience for them all. They'll come back stronger. Don't worry," Rhys reassured. Elena tried to push the thought to the back of her mind. At least Gavriel was of sound mind, he would keep Aster and Cal in line.