A Court of Games and Fate

Change of Pace

          Andromeda did not see the need for all the fuss.

          It was embarrassing enough that her father's Spymaster caught her in the midst of a fit, caught up in a hallucination likely brought on by sleep deprivation. Not only was Azriel given a front-row seat to her weakness, which likely solidified that he thought of her as some foolish child, but now her father was practically in an uproar of overprotective fae male instinct. Andromeda knew it was too selfish to admit, but she was almost missing the time when her father had no say in her life with how overbearing he had become.

          From the moment the High Lord ditched his important meeting in the Illyrian war camps, Rhysand had been on a rampage to ensure she was safe and taken care of. Whatever fog of busy work, mate troubles, or distractions through his friends and family that he had been surrounded by was lifted and his focus had zeroed in on the young female's wellbeing. Working with his family healer, her father was able to gather a supply of sleep aid potions that allowed Andromeda to finally sleep throughout the night without horrific dreams and memories plaguing her thoughts. Sure, it was helpful and Andromeda immediately felt much improved, but it was still embarrassing having the extent of her trauma broadcasted to the court.

          At one point, her father recommended that she speak with some mind healers who work with members of the Night Court, specializing in trauma and stress conditions. Andromeda strongly opposed this. What good would talking do her? Talking wouldn't change who she was and where she came from. Not to mention the last thing that was needed was for word to go out about the heir of the court and former princess going mad. It was bad enough that her father and his family were treating her like a broken doll. She did not need that from anybody else.

          Fortunately, some good came out of this. The two set a date at the end of the month for when she could leave the House of Wind and explore the city of Velaris, but only after some pushing from Mor for the young female to get a change of pace and finally see what all her home entails. Rhysand was still concerned about moving too fast in Andromeda's transition to the world outside of the Mountain, but she found herself agreeing with Mor. The city below seemed inviting enough, and while the House of Wind was delightful, she couldn't help but note the fact that she had been moved from one gilded cage to another. Perhaps with the introduction to the city of Velaris, Andromeda would not feel so caged.

          "She's not some animal, Rhys," Mor snarkily commented one evening. The trio had been enjoying their evening hangouts in the house library, at least until Mor had mentioned taking Andromeda into the city below them.

          Andromeda stayed quiet, but her father was quick to respond that it was too soon. Was it too soon though? She mentally debated with herself as the cousins bickered. Sure, the House of Wind was slowly becoming more and more suffocating, but would Velaris actually be better? Or would she just have more angry and pitying eyes on her?

          "I'm not saying she's an animal. All I am saying is that the city might be overwhelming right now. The House of Wind is the perfect place for her to adjust before throwing her into the midst of the Court and everything that entails."

          "Oh please, a trip down to the shops is hardly a full claiming of the heir status. Velaris is her home and she deserves to see it closer than a thousand feet in the air."

          "Are you both done talking as if I am not right here?" Andromeda had finally snapped, earning an amused smirk from Mor. Hearing their bickering, their desire to make decisions for her, she made up her mind. "I want to see Velaris. Actually see it and experience it, not just from up here. Mor is right. I cannot hide away forever."