The Princess & The Lord

Part 26

The 7 High Lords each sat in a chair surrounding the sparking pool- Kallias, Tamlin, Eris, Tarquin, Thesan, Helion, Rhysand. Seated in the eighth chair next to her husband was the High Lady of the Night Court. Queen Aelin Galathynius and her consort King Rowan Whitethorn took up the seats beside Feyre with King Dorian and his consort Queen Manon filling the last 2 chairs. Each member of their court stood behind their sovereign.

Nyx gazed over the other courts. Kallias was turned around whispering with his wife, while his daughter tried to hide in the shadows.  Noelle has always been shy and timid. The girl nearly chewed through her hair she was so nervous to be surrounded by so many people. Their pale skin nearly camouflaged them with the surrounding ice. Nyx felt confident in the Winter Court's position- Kallias already agreeing to fight with them against the Valg. Viviane would support the decision-she was wise and fair and always fought for the needs of her people.

Nyx's stare traveled to the Spring Court. Tamlin's only other member was his son, Taurin. Nyx held back his growl as he watched the High Lord's son scan his eyes over Elena's body next to him. While Tamlin had pledge to fight with the Night Court at the battle in his territory, Nyx was unsure if he would live up to the promise. Both Tamlin and his son had a tendency to stray from the path. One small inconceivable could throw off everything they had worked for.

Eris' brothers stood behind him their arms crossed at their chests. Even Levi, Eris' son, held the same cold stare. Eris was a wild card. While he had promising relations with the Night Court, Eris was very critical and condemned any idea he didn't agree with-especially seeing as his brothers were always whispering in his ear. Nyx knew most resistance in today's meeting would come from the Autumn Court and the Spring Court.

Tarquin's bright blue eyes met Nyx's as he nodded to the High Lord. Varian and Cressida returned the gesture. The Summer Court had dreamed of a world that was equal to all. Tarquin would quickly agree that the Valg needed to be stopped, but he was also inquisitive. He wanted all of the information before he jumped to a conclusion. Varian and Cressida served as a wise council and it didn't hurt that the former spent every free moment wrapped up in Amren. He would steer towards siding with the Night Court.

Thesan was accompanied by his captain of the guard and his most trusted healer, Nuan. Securing Thesan's support would be crucial. The Dawn Court's Peregryn legion would be a massive advantage in the war, especially in regards to the ilken. Having two aerial regiments - Illyrians along side the Peregryn- would prove to be invaluable.

Helion shimmered brightly with a large grin on his face as Solana stood with her hands crossed at her waist staring at floor, refusing to look up at them. Nyx didn't really care what Solana thought nor cared. He was still angry with her for last night-she must have known she was not Nyx's mate, but she tried to convince him she was. Nyx should have known. He had never felt anything for her and the bond never snapped into place. He'd never wanted it to.

Whispered conversations between the members of each court filled the room. Nyx looked to his parents with Mor, Cassian, Azriel, Nesta, Bryn, Elain, and Amren staggered behind. Aelin and Dorian's court stood strong as Aster, Fenrys, Lorcan, Elide, Cal, Lysandra, Aedion, and Gavriel took up their positions behind their monarchs.

The Queen of Terrasen didn't turn her head as she addressed her daughter. "Late," Aelin said sternly, disappointment dripping from her voice as Elena and Nyx crossed the large room.

Elena lowered her head as she stopped and stood next to Rowan. "I'm sorry," Elena mumbled as she avoided making eye contact with her mother.  Nyx took up his place behind his father as Elain rubbed a soft hand down his back in reassurance.

"Go easy on her," Fenrys said quietly to his Queen. "I'm sure she has her reasons."

"We have raised you better than this, Elena. Your tardiness will be seen as insolence to our hosts," Aelin said quietly as she scorned Elena. Rhys gave Nyx a look of disappointment that echoed Aelin's dismay.