ACOWAR (Rhysand's POV)

Chapter 12

(Rhysand's POV)

We convened in Amren's apartment after leaving Lucien at the House of Wind. With his own room, own clothes, own methods of reaching us - there was no need for him to wander. He was free to explore Velaris as long as he followed two very specific instructions: not to take either of Feyre's sisters and not to enter their floors. While it might be entertaining to watch Lucien try and lure Nesta from the library, I'd rather not deal with the headache that would sure come with it. 

Mor and Azriel had spent the afternoon with Amren - an obviously cranky Amren. The relief in Mor's eyes once the three of us arrived said as much. Nothing more had come from the Book aside from its usual nonsense mumblings. Feyre had been shocked by that. Amren, it seemed, has some kind of control over it. It listened when she barked her orders. "More than I can say for the rest of you." She had said. 

Feyre was filled in on everything she had missed while in the Spring Court: Failing to find Miryam and Drakon, Azriel still unable to infiltrate the human queens palace, and the three Fae territories on the continent. There wasn't much we could do about them. If Hybern went there - we would have to hold our breath and wait. But, Cassian particularly, was very satisfied with the false information he had planted over there, making sure that those longtime rival-nations had their hands busy. 

As my wings beat in the warm heat of the day, I watched Cassian carrying Feyre up to the House of Wind once more before we would retreat to the townhouse. He had asked to carry her, wanting to test his wings further. And, truly, I was relieved. Some things in that meeting. . . did not go so well between Feyre and I. And I was avoiding it like a coward. 

Amren had snapped at Feyre's choice for not wanting to involve her sisters in whatever it was we were planning. I understood, they had already been through so much. But Amren was right as well, Feyre agreed. Not involving them was taking away their choice just as much. They all agreed that her sisters needed air at the very least, a day in the city perhaps. And I just couldn't keep my stupid mouth shut. 

"I'm not entirely sure Velaris is prepared for Nesta Archeron." I'd said, far too smug for my own good. 

Feyre had snapped - snapped at me for that comment. "My sister's not some feral animal." 

It wasn't that she scolded me for my poor choice of words—she had every right to. But it felt... I wasn't sure how to name it. Guilt, shame, maybe both, for what I'd said about her family. Enough to make me flinch at her tone. I should've known better than to let my thoughts on Nesta slip so freely. 

I was still tangled in my thoughts when we arrived at the town house. Nuala and Cerridwen, so happy to see Feyre again, whisked her away to prep for dinner, and I excused myself to the bathing room - half for appearances, half for a moment to gather myself. The tension between us grew the entire flight here. Perhaps, I's misjudged just how deeply my remark had cut. That wave of guilt and shame rose once again as I watched my mate avoid my gaze. Even if she tried to glance at me beneath her lashes, it didn't settle my worry. 

Again, she chose to fly with Cassian to the House of Wind. 

***

I found my place beside Az and Cassian at the dining table, both feigning disinterest while clearly eavesdropping on Feyre and Lucien by the doorway. Azriel's brows lifted, gauging my mood. I shook my head—now wasn't the time. I didn't feel like dissecting the conversation with them. Neither pushed as I leaned against the table, grabbed a roll, and tore off a piece to pop into my mouth.