A Court of Guilt and Passion

Chapter 6

Tamlin returned a few days later, a defeated expression on his face. "What did you find out?" Lucien asked, trying to cover up the fact that you said nothing.

Tam just hung his head, "nothing, there is nothing in the old tomes about breaking a magical bargain."

He placed a hand on your shoulder, "that doesn't mean I'm giving up." He had misplaced your silence for defeat.

"The summer solstice is in two days," Lucien said, "you know he will come for her." Rhysand had given you till the summer solstice to reside in the Spring Court until he would call on the bargain, time to rest and recover. But now it was upon you, and you couldn't bring yourself to fear it.

Tamlin growled, "he will have to fight me for her." A shadow of his claws threatened to come forth.

You said nothing, you only stood and retreated to your room. You sat on the floor, your face in your hands. Tamlin arrived a few moments later, taking a seat behind you and wrapping you in his arms. "Don't do it," you said, leaning into his touch, "don't fight for me."

He looked shocked, "Sil-"

"I'm not worth it," you admitted, "not worth the risk of you getting hurt. The Night Court's cruelty is a fitting punishment."

Usually a comment like that would have him hissing, but he only held you tighter, "Lucien said the pain was getting to you."

You sighed but nodded. You didn't have to speak the words, he knew exactly what you meant. "Sil, you are worth it to me, I would fight armies for you."

"But you were powerless to fight Amarantha for me," you said. It was a low blow, but the truth. The image of him on his knees begging for your life flashed in your mind.

Tam tried to ignore the sting of your words, "I have my magic back now," he said.

"And you would use it to fight Rhysand for me, probably destroy this manner in the process and bring fear back to the people who only just recovered from it." You explained, "don't start another war - not for me."

Tamlin leaned closer to you, his face inches from yours, "I would do anything for you," he said softly. You almost leaned in, the male before you was the one who had cared for you, loved you, given up his own freedom for you. But then you stopped, you pulled away, "I don't deserve you, Tamlin, I don't deserve that kind of happiness."

You thought he was going to protest, but he said nothing, dumbfounded as you stood up and went into the bathroom drawing a bath and closing the door - a silent dismissal. And you could have swore there was a small tingle of light coming from your tattoo.

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The day of the Summer Solstice arrived and the manor was bustling with excitement as all kinds of decor were put up inside and around the house. Even down at the field where the rest of the high fae would gather.

Tamlin looked at you in confusion when you arrived at the breakfast table in a tunic and pants. "What's the point in dressing up?" you said, "Rhysand will arrive soon I'm sure - not wanting to waste any time."

Tamlin growled at his name, "he will not-"

"Not what?" a new voice purred from the entrance to the dining room. You turned and there Rhysand stood, his body erupting in power not dampened by his glamor.

"Not take her," Tamlin finished, staring him down, "she belongs here."

Rhys chuckled, coming into the room and picking up a piece of bread from the table, his eyes flashed to you, "hello, my dear Sil."

Tamlin was between you in an instant, "name your price."

Rhys stood at his full height, "Sil is my price."

Claws flashed from Tamlin's fingers, Lucien noticed too as he shifted next to you. You stepped up to him, placing a hand on his arm. He hissed at the contact, but looked at you apologetically when he realized it was your touch. "Don't start a war for me," you reminded him softly.

He said nothing, only stared daggers at Rhys as he tugged you close to his chest, letting his hand rest possessively on your back. Then you were behind him and he lashed out at Rhys, like he couldn't control the rage any longer.

Rhysand shoved him back, but it was Lucien's scream that erupted and stopped Tam in his tracks. Lucien was on his knees next to you, holding his head, ripping through his hair. You grabbed him, trying to hold him, but he gritted his teeth in pure agony.

Tamlin was about to rush Rhys, when you realized what was happening. "Tamlin, stop!" you screamed. He stopped and turned to you, but you were looking at Rhys, "release him, I'll go with you."

Tamlin tried to protest but you glared at him, it was not worth Lucien's life. Losing him would be a loss you would not survive. "I will go with you!" you shouted again, still holding onto Lucien, although his cries of pain had turned to a whimper. "Please, just release him."

Rhys obliged immediately and held his hand out for you. Lucien slumped next to you, a sign that the pain had stopped. You stood to go to him, when Lucien grabbed your hand. "Sil-" you only squeezed his hand in comfort before releasing it and walking to where Rhys stood, his hand still raised for you.

Tamlin opened his mouth to speak, but you glared at him, nodding over to where Lucien struggled to stand, willing him to help his friend. He took one last glance at you, "I-" but Rhys had already winnowed out of the manor and took you to the Night Court.