A Court of Trickery and Salvation

Chapter Seventeen

The bruises and cuts still sting as I'm forced to do my chores, scrubbing floors and tending to the High Fae's needs. At least the latter isn't identical to how I'd tend to Crighton's needs. I can't help but hope that Rhysand stays out of that particular part of my mind anytime he goes prying, sometimes I can feel when he does but others I only realize until his smirk lights up his face. Between the endless chores and the night time parading with Rhys I'm left to exhausted to really think much. I keep mulling over the choice I made to give Casteel a chance to show me he's still the same man I befriended but even that man chose to go to Masadonia over helping me. He's here now, he came before much happened to me and he's been helping Rhysand keep me safe even though his visits earned me that beating.

'You flip flopping your feelings for him is getting really annoying to feel Kayla.' Rhysand snaps through the bond formed from the bargain I made with him.

'I don't know how this stupid bond works! Sorry for annoying you with my inner turmoil.' I snap back as I continue to attempt to scrub the floor with dirty water.

'I'll teach you. Maybe in payment you'll let me in on whoever this Crighton person is who keeps plaguing your thoughts.' I can almost feel the smirk in his voice but my body goes rigid at the mention of him.

'No. Way.' I snarl through the bond, hoping that puts an end to the conversation.

'I'll just ask Prince Casteel then.' He volleys back, this time terror seizes my very being.

'Don't you dare Rhysand.' I growl at him, passing High Fae staring at me because of the faces I must be making at the air. After a few moments pass  Rhysand still hasn't said anything so I take it as he's dropped the subject for whatever reason. I can only pray that he stays away from Casteel or just leaves the Crighton subject alone. Rhysand might be the only person who would truly understand given his own experience with Amarantha but... I can't talk about it. Soon it's time for my chores to be over and for the shadow twins to collect me for another night by Rhysand's side.

"Out." Rhysand snaps just as the twins finish securing the see through dress. He walks towards me, stopping an inch in front of me. His violet eyes shimmer with unrelenting rage.

"What the hell are you so mad about?" I challenge him, not once breaking eye contact.

"I'm annoyed, not mad." He lies easily but those blazing stars in his eyes have been completely slammed into darkness.

"Bullshit." I cross my arms over my chest, snagging his attention to my breasts which, thanks to him, are very much on show.

"Okay, I'm mad. You still haven't asked about that riddle Amarantha gave you and your last trial is soon. Where is your self preservation?"

"I don't have any. If you're so upset about me not asking about a stupid riddle then just tell me!" I yell at him, shoving at his chest.

"Is your goal to make me more mad?" His hand curls over mine, effectively trapping it against his chest. Rhysand doesn't give me a second to respond, he simply takes a step back. "There are those who seek me a lifetime but never we meet, And those I kiss but who trample me beneath ungrateful feet. At times I seem to favor the clever and the fair, But I bless all those who are brave enough to dare. That's the damn riddle."

"Riddles sound weird coming from you or at least that one does." I say softly, trying to calm the electric tension in the room. "I'll work on it." The darkness in his eyes gives way to the shimmering stars flecked through the violet color.

"Agreements sound weird coming from you Kayla darling." He chuckles then extends his arm out for me to take, I smile softly at him before wrapping my arm around his. Rhysand leads me to the throne room once again but this time he doesn't take me straight to the wine table. He must note the confusion on my face as he leans down to whisper in my ear. "I'm growing tired of you being a mindless puppet. As has Prince Casteel, I trust you can school your emotions." Something I've done countless times over the years, I can do it without thinking but for Rhysand to say he trusts me.. it warms my chest.

"My next trial is soon... Rhysand if I die..."

"You won't." He growls, that darkness smothering the stars in his eyes again. This conversation is too similar to the one I had with Casteel. I don't know how to comfort Rhysand, what to say or do in this situation. When Casteel was just Hawke to me it was so easy to tease him and reassure him with a nudge and a smile but I can't do that with Rhys, at least not here.

"Just listen to me. If I do die here, tell Tamlin that other than Feyre my sisters are not to know I came here. That I died in Solis." The darkness in his eyes grows even darker at my words but he nods silently. "And Casteel... don't... don't let him spiral. He has a kingdom to run after all."

"It's pointless telling me this. You won't die, we have a bargain Kayla and I always uphold my bargains." He says firmly, letting me know that there is no room for arguments. "Are you going to give your Prince a talk as well or am I special?"

"If I tell Casteel this then he will break me out of here. He will ensure that it's not a possibility. That would mean serious consequences for him." I can't risk a glance at Casteel, he'll read everything on my face and come rushing over to me. Rhysand tightens his hold on my arm ever so slightly before sitting down and pulling me into his lap. Warm breath coasts against my ear as he moves his face down my neck, burying his nose there.

"I can't say I blame him."