Ravening

u dummy

Her eyes followed, as you and Rhysand cut through the crowd. No one dared to stand in your way, as if making a deal with a crazy high lord was enough to earn you respect.

She didn't expect you to show up here, nor that Rhysand would be the one to bring you. It was even more surprising to see you wearing his clothes.

No matter how he spun it, acting as though you were nothing but a toy, the behaviour he showed wasn't at all devoid of respect, in fact it lacked most of his usual mockery.

Amarantha tsked in displeasure.

Fae may be ancient and bored, but at the same time, they despise changes. Stability reassures them.

Rhysand's unprecedented behaviour was enough to make the queen suspicious.

And based on the poor, mangled armrests of her companion's throne, she guessed Tamlin didn't find much amusement in it either.

Just as the grand hall recovered from the unexpected guest's arrival, and the festivities were about to recommence, your sharp inhale drew everyone's attention back to you.

The queen wondered whether someone accidentally snapped your neck. She would not be surprised at all. Though, a tiny part of her would probably regret she wasn't the one to end you.

Shooting a glance in your direction, Amarantha found you alive and well – and still close enough to catch your sigh.

"Oh that's such a relief."

"What is?" She heard Rhysand question.

"Well, based on the rotten food I'd been given lately, I was worried the economy of faery was in crisis."

The fae guests were unsure whether you were being needlessly sarcastic or just really that stupid. While the first was possible, Amarantha didn't have high expectations for you.

"As you can see, it is not," the queen spoke before Rhysand could, motioning towards the number of tables near you. They were all abundant in luxurious and delicious culinary treats.

"There is no need to worry about our matters, human." Amarantha said, wilfully ignoring the looks the other high lords gave her. What do you mean no need to worry? The whole country's fucked.
Somehow your expression still seemed confused.

"It was not because we are doing poorly, it was because you're a prisoner," Rhysand explained as if talking to a child. You immediately looked back at the queen with a smile.

"Oh, then that's so sweet of you!"
Amarantha sighed, what lunacy were you thinking of this time. Still, since your stupidity was somewhat amusing, she'll bite.
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, it's just nice to hear how much you trust me, if you're afraid I'm going to win the next task unless getting starved with rotten food. It's really encouraging!"

"..."

The chamber of immortals mentally facepalmed.
"...Rhysand, take it away." The queen's expression was unreadable, but a movement away from killing someone sounded like a good enough guess.
"Was that a nickname?" Sadly, you usually sucked at riddles.

Before any decapitations could take place, you were dragged away by a seemingly amused Rhysand - though you could sense his raging emotions. He didn't like that interaction one bit.