starfall. [ Rhysand ]

XXIV

the library.

"Are we not going to winnow?" Alexis wondered, already trying to figure out how he would lift her to take her to the Library.

"We can't winnow there, nobody can. It's to keep it safe from potential threats" Rhysand explained, but neither of them moved.

"I need to hold you, Alexis, if you want to go there," Rhysand said, grinning. Alexis nodded, her cheeks red.

"Of course, I knew that." She approached Rhysand with slow, unsure steps. Before she could react, he slid a hand under her knees and one under her back, lifting her up. Alexis gasped at the surprise and the tender touch. Her skin tingled where he held her, and Rhysand felt the same.

He looked down at her adjusting herself and looking at the point of her shoes too embarrassed to mutter a single word. He smiled tenderly at her awkwardness. He decided he needed to take her to the Library more often, just to hold her for a bit.
Rhysand felt bad for not being able to celebrate her successes in the afternoon, knowing she trained diligently to protect him and his family. He always felt though the bid that each night she sacrificed her hours of sleep to train silently in her room. For weeks she had been determined to become the warrior his family expected her to be in order to protect them from Hybern. He had such a deep respect for her and loved her passion and determination in helping them. Alexis was a kind being, she would have sacrificed herself for the people she loved and that warmed his heart but also scared him to death that she would do something reckless.

As they flew towards the mountains, Rhysand's wings fluttered open and shut quickly with a rythm. Alexis watched Velaris from above with excitement and then turned her eyes to the stars, feeling close to them. She wished she could touch them.

She lifted her chin toward Rhysand looking at how peaceful he looked, she wished she could see that expression on him more often. Lately he had been stressed by everything that had been going on

"Like the view?"

"Yes," Rhysand's grin widened at Alexis' response, looking at her with raised eyebrows.

"Stop flirting with me, Alexis!" she gasped, playfully hitting his chest.

"I meant the view of Velaris and the stars, not you," she defended, rolling her eyes. He laughed, enjoying her annoyance.

"Were you looking at me when I asked you?" he teased. Alexis widened her eyes, unsure how to respond. She was looking at him, but she wasn't talking about him, although he did look handsome that evening but he always did. She loved how the black and golden tunics he wore made his violet eyes stand out.

"Yes, but..." Alexis huffed, crossing her arms, refusing to give him satisfaction. He chuckled.

"I'm surprised you know what flirting means," he said, changing the subject.

"Mor is teaching me a lot," Alexis explained, giggling.

"I see," Rhysand laughed in disbelief. "Wasn't she supposed to teach you about Prythian's customs and traditions?"

"She says it's as important," Alexis grinned, and he chuckled.

"We're here!" Alexis turned her face forward, where Rhysand was looking. In front of them, the Library lay carved out of a cavern. Alexis's mouth went agape. On top of it, stood the House of Wind. It was one of Rhysand's residencies, perhaps it's biggest with many balconies overlooking Velaris. She wished she could visit it one day as Mor had told her about the vastity of the house, with wide rooms.