A Court of Tears and Starlight

A case of terrible timing

I materialised next to a large elm tree in the Spring woodlands. I could hear voices carrying over the splashing sounds of the nearby stream.

"It's a universally acknowledged fact that girls can't jump. Just admit defeat Feyre. You will never make it." An arrogant male voice called out.

I smiled as I imagined the defiant scowl that was gracing her lovely face at that exact moment.

I silently edged my way towards the break in the tree line as I heard a giant 'whoop' of triumph, followed by two light feet thudding down on the opposite side of the stream.

"Come on Lucien. Don't be such a chicken or the Suriel will come for you" she jeered.

Lucien ran and leapt.

I knew before his foot even left the bank that he was not going to make it. He soared through the air, arms and legs flailing, before crashing down into the stream with an almighty splash.

Feyre squealed with laughter as Lucien glared up from under his sodden red hair.

"I win! I win! I win" she declared twirling around in triumph.

As she spun her foot caught the edge of a very slippery piece of pond weed. Then she was falling, landing hard in the silt of the embankment, before tumbling all the way down into the water with a splash.

Lucien howled with laughter.

"Serves. You. Right" he crooned, splashing a new wave of water into her face with each word.

She dunked her head under the water, missing the last wave he sent surging  towards her.

When she resurfaced she was only three feet away and sprayed a jet of water from her mouth straight into his face.

Lucien spluttered and glared at her in outrage.

"That was disgusting"

"Ugh - especially since I've seen what's been in your mouth... I maze well have just been licked by Rhysand himself."

"If only you could be so lucky" I sneered, emerging from the tree line.

They both jolted upright and looked up at me in surprise.

A faint blush coloured Feyre's lovely cheeks as she realised how water logged and muddy she had become. I felt my heart warm as I looked down at her. It had only been three weeks but I felt like my starved eyes were now feasting on her.

Lucien cleared his throat, clearly indicating that he didn't approve of my stare.

I rolled my eyes scathingly at them.

"Feyre, if you're done rolling around in the mud with this pig it's time to go."

I felt her anger through the bond. I grinned. She rose to the bate.

Oh she was simply furious with me. How delicious this week was starting out to be.

"I'm not going anywhere until I've changed."

She straightened and walked stiffly back to the manor. It reminded me of the way a cat swishes it's tail before it claws you.

I followed them. To my annoyance Lucien stopped on the threshold.

"We'll wait down here for you Feyre. He isn't welcome here. And besides, I need to make sure he doesn't whore his way through half the court before you get back."

Feyre frowned at Lucien before nodding and running off inside to change.

"Careful fox-boy" I warned quietly.