Feyre/Rhys/Tam Fanficfion ACoTaR

Chapter 11

The next morning, I was packed and ready to go by nine am, just as Rhysand had told me to be. A knock sounded solidly against the door outside, and I jumped, even though I had heard Rhysand approaching.

I grabbed my bag and strode to the door, opening it quickly and almost whacking myself in the face.

Smooth, Feyre.

For a second we just stared at each other, a little bit too close. Energy crawling up my skin and I was acutely aware of the heat of his body. Unable to help myself, the memory of yesterday's kiss shot up on full display, with a single minded determination.

My tongue flicked across my bottom lip as I licked my lips, and for a millisecond Rhysand's eyes flickered shut. For a moment, I wondered if he would kiss me, and my body betrayed me with the thrill that ran up by veins.

Then his eyes opened, and they were dim.

"Do you have everything?" he asked me, taking a step back.

"I have enough." I answered, deciding to be vague. In truth, I had left almost everything in my closet.

I had packed about three tunics, and a book I had stolen from the library. I was trying not to think about the latter though, because for some reason it made me feel obscenely guilty.

Rhysand gave a nod, and then turned on his heel, striding down the hall. I followed, keeping my distance.

Far too quickly, we reached the courtyard and once again I was looking out at the dark carriage, pulled by the ink-colored horses. The weather today was stormy and smelt like wind and rain. The sky above was a turmoil of oily grey, and as I raced quickly to the door, sleet rippled through the manes of the horses.

They stamped impatiently as I seated myself, pulling the door shut quickly and hugging my sides. The tunic I was wearing was thin, and I shivered.

Outside, Rhysand stood like a marble statue, his face frozen.

He at least didn't seem to mind the weather, even though his hair was beginning to slick with the moisture.

We didn't say anything as I looked out my window at him, even though we would've been able to hear each other.

I wanted to promise him that I would be back soon, but I wasn't sure how long it would take, and more importantly, I wasn't sure if he would care.

The carriage suddenly lurched forward as the horses began trotting down the cobble. Remembering the quick ascent of last time, I looked back at Rhysand and felt something mounting inside of me. Quickly, I decided that I needed to say it, in case I was truly to never to see him again.

Opening my mouth, I looked at him with fear fluttering my stomach. Just as I was about to speak though, the carriage left the ground and when I managed to relocate where Rhysand has been standing below me, his spot was empty.

He had left.

I sighed.

Now I suppose he will never know, for I certainly won't tell him when I come back. Next to me, the stolen book continued to burn a hole in my bag, and I couldn't help but feel it was a shame.

If I'd been able to tell him about it before I'd left, it would have done wonders for conscience.

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This journey was by far the least eventful. The grim weather refused to dissipate, and followed the carriage even through the Dawn and Summer Courts. I thought this was odd, and contemplated it to no avail, during my copious amounts of spare time.