ACOWAR (Rhysand's POV)

Chapter 13

(Rhysand's POV)

"Please don't say we need to go to the Court of Nightmares." Cassian muttered, still chewing on his food. 

I tried not to cringe at the sight. "Not in the mood to terrorize our friends there?"

"You mean to ask my father to fight in this war," Mor's voice trembled slightly, a tell only noticeable to someone who had known her for a long time. 

Nesta's interjection was almost welcome. "What is the Court of Nightmares?" It didn't sound like a question - it was more of a demand. 

Lucien answered for us. "The place where the rest of the world believes the majority of the Night Court to be." His chin jerked to me, his red hair rustling in the dim lighting. "The seat of his power. Or it was." 

"Oh, it still is." I said, feeling somewhat annoyed by the comment. Did he think I didn't have control in my lands? "To everyone outside Velaris. And yes," I leveled a look at Mor, "Keir's Darkbringer legion is considerable enough that a meeting is warranted." 

"Why not just order them? Don't they answer to you?" Another demand by Nesta. 

Cassian set his fork down, sighing loudly through his nose. "Unfortunately, there are protocols in place between our two sub courts regarding this sort of thing. They mostly govern themselves - with Mor's father their steward."

"The steward of the Hewn City is legally entitled to refuse to aid my armies." I finished, sliding a glance to Nesta who seemed inclined to listen. "It was part of the agreement my ancestors made with the Court of Nightmares all those thousands of years ago. They would remain within that mountain, would not challenge or disturb us beyond its borders. . . and would retain the right to decide not to assist in war." My eyes shifted to my plate, but my appetite was long gone.  wanted. 

"And have they - refused?" Feyre asked. 

"Twice." Mor answer, nodding gravely. "Not my father. But. . . there were two wars. Long, long ago. They chose not to fight. We won, but. . . barely. At great cost."

Mor knew the risks of not asking Keir's help - she would understand the need for them, what we might have to sacrifice in order for them to join us. Because if he refused. . . if every High Lord in Prythian refused. . . We would still fight. "We leave in two days."

"He'll say no," Mor sounded defeated already. "Don't waste your time."

"Then I shall have to find a way to convinve him otherwise."

"What?" Mor's eyes flashed with fear - anger.

Cassian and Azriel's wings shifted uncomfortably and Amren clicked her tongue at me in disapproval. I didn't care. I was not taking anymore risks when it came to my people or my family.

"He fought in the War," I said, keeping my voice as even as possible. "Perhaps we'll be luck this time, too."

"I'll remind you," Mor began, pushing her plate away from her, it being only half consumed. "The Darkbringer legion was nearly as bad as the enemy when it came to their behavior."

"There will be new rules."

"You will not be in a position to make rules, and you know it." My cousin snapped, eyes ablaze.

We were not in a position to turn any help away. I understood not wanting to deal with her father in this - I truly understood. It wasn't like I enjoyed dealing with the male either. "We'll see."