A Song of Flame & Shadow - Eris x OC

The Winter Court I

Note: I will do my best to not just repeat the books as they are and only cover the relevant moments. In general, I will also try to explore as much of the other courts and characters as possible instead of just talking about the Night Court.

Vel's reunion with the High Lord of the Night Court was going less than stellarly.

"You played me."

"You knew what you were getting into Rhysand, don't act the victim." Vel bit back, arms crossed over her chest. Rhysand's nostrils flared.

"You showed me a human woman that you conveniently forgot to mention was my mate."

"Because you would have never agreed to the whole thing if you would have known." She threw her arms up in frustration.

"Because you got her killed," he growled. The townhouse seemed to quiver in response. Vel rolled her eyes.

"You know I don't appreciate the male posturing that seems to be so popular in your court. I got her killed and then brought back as High Fae because she is the key to winning the war that's coming. Unless you're planning to thank me for making your mate immortal then this conversation is over." Vel turned on her heels and stomped out through the foyer. When she opened the front door Cassian almost tumbled in. Although the snow outside was undisturbed, save for the spot where Cassian had been standing, the shadows cast by the trees appeared thicker than usual.

"If the two of you are done eavesdropping I would love to get some lunch." Cassian grimaced. She didn't wait for them to respond but as she trudged through the freshly fallen snow the two Illyrians fell into step beside her.

"How has he been since he came back?" Vel asked when she was certain they were too far for Rhys to hear.

"Bad." Cassian shook his head, seemingly at a loss for words.

"It's been one month since we heard Feyre is getting married to Tamlin," Azriel added.

"I've been telling him to call in the bargain, to at least talk to her. Maybe tell her that they're mated so she can make the choice herself." Cassian interjected. "But he keeps telling me she already made her choice and that he won't disturb her happiness." He scowled at his feet, even as a group of merry folk on their way to do their solstice shopping gawked at him. "He's pretending that everything is alright when it's very clearly not. He's not sleeping, he doesn't want to talk about what happened Under the Mountain. You saw yourself how angry he is. And during training he's just ..." Azriel gave him a warning look. Cassian just shook his head.

Vel chewed on her lip, deep in thought. "Give him a bit of time. Be there for him. It will work out sooner than you think."

"It can't be soon enough," Cassian grumbled and Vel patted him on the shoulder.

"Will you be spending Winter Solstice with us?" Azriel's voice was quiet, like a shadow on the wind.

"I would love to," she said to him and she really meant it. After a hundred years, it would feel good to go back to how things used to be. "But I don't think Rhys wants me here." Cassian opened his mouth to contradict her but she put her hand up. "It's for the best, Cas. I promise I'll spend the next one here." She gave him a grin that he returned half-heartedly.

It was late into the night when she finally got back home – new clothes courtesy of Mor and a few bags of groceries in tow. A scrap of parchment was pinned to her door.

My lady,

I extend to you a cordial invitation to join me for the Yule celebrations in the Winter Court.