The Devil You Know

Part II: Chapter 13

Part II: Chapter 13

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"Welcome to the Night Court."

Irelia twirled in wonderment as she stepped out of Rhys's arms. The scent of jasmine filled the air, twisting with the breeze that fluttered the soft gossamer curtains around them. They were in a palace it seemed, perched atop one of the gray-stoned mountains. It was completely open to the elements, just moonstone pillars serving as its foundations.

It was beautiful and so unlike the court they had just come from.

"Of course, this is just my own private residence," Rhysand continued to explain as she took in their surroundings. "The Court most are familiar with is in the mountain below us."

"Will we be going down there?"

"No, darling, we'll just be staying here for now."

Lia let out a relieved sigh. She didn't want to visit the court that Amarantha had based her's off of. She wasn't sure she was ready for that.

She turned to face the High Lord, meeting his violet eyes. "What of Feyre?" The bargain had been made with both of them, not just her. Yet Rhys had not demanded Feyre to come with them.

Rhys shoved his hands in his pocket with a shrug. "It's...complicated."

Lia crossed her arms as she stared at him. "What do you mean it's complicated?"

Rhysand looked tormented as she examined him closely. In the few weeks they had been out from under the mountain, he seemed to have regained some of his color—no longer as pale as he had been.

"We can discuss that later," Rhys said, waving a dismissive hand. "Come with me, I will show you to your room while you tell me about your time in Spring so far."

Irelia trailed after him, her eyes soaking in every part of the moonstone palace whilst they talked. She told him about everything—the nightmares, Feyre's vomiting, not being able to sleep and Tamlin's obsessive need to protect her. With every new detail, Rhys's frown seemed to grow and grow.

"And what of your powers?" Rhys asked when she finished. "Has training been included in your lessons?"

"No," Lia said with a groan. "My father thinks training is not needed because I'm a female and have no use for my powers."

"He's a fool. No matter," Rhys said with a wave of his hand. "I will train you myself."

Rhys came to a stop in front of a door and Lia stood next to him as he pushed it open. She peeked inside to see a large four poster bed covered in silky black sheets, a lavish sitting area that faced out towards the open wall and a connected bathing chamber with a bath that looked more like a pool hanging over the edge of the mountain.

"Here we are," Rhys announced, placing a hand on the small of her back and guiding her into the room. "This is my personal bedroom."

She looked up at him. "I thought you were showing me to my room."

"You said you were having trouble sleeping alone," Rhys explained. "You can stay here with me for now."

Irelia threw him a grateful look as she stepped around the room, taking it all in. Despite the intricate and beautiful decor, it was rather bare of personal items.

"Will you tell me what's so complicated about bringing Feyre here?" Lia asked as she looked around. "Is it because she is my father's bride-to-be?"

"Partially so," Rhy said, taking a seat on the edge of the bed and resting his elbows on his knees as he watched her. "She is..." He let out a long breath. "Feyre is my mate."