The Prince of Darkness is a gentleman

Chapter 12

~ Feyre ~

Today was my last day in the Night Court. Tonight I would return to Spring. I didn't know how I felt about this, I'm sure Tamlin would be happy to have me back- until he got distracted by more 'urgent business' left in Amarantha's wake.

I would be leaving behind Rhys. My stomach clenches at the thought. I wish I could bring him with me! Or just maybe he could let me stay a little longer... The black circles under my eyes had disappeared and, despite the week away from sunlight, my skin glowed with life. There was a part of me that knew I belonged here.

The week hadn't been anything like I expected, Rhys and I had spent a lot of time together. He never left my side as we sat around, chatting with various Courtiers and even going for walks through a few villages- traveling there by shadows, of course. I watched as he talked to both high and lesser Fae, asking about their businesses and families.

At first I had thought he'd been doing it to try and impress me. But then, when I saw a small, happy child run out to present him with a flower crown, I realised his visits were a regular occurrence. When the young girl offered to make me a flower crown for 'next time' before gesturing for Rhys to lean down, I had been more than a little shocked. She placed the delicate, hand-made flower crown on his head and he thanked her graciously before picking her up and spinning them both in a circle, sending her squealing. Thankfully a woman's laughter- the child's mother, I find out- put my mind at ease from Rhys carelessly grabbing a child. Which obviously would've been worrying otherwise.

I felt closer to Rhys, like I was getting to know him better. I liked what I had found so far, but I knew there were so many more sides of him to unravel. I especially liked the disappearance of the dark circles under my eyes. I had been sleeping so well, wrapped up in Rhys' arms all week. Guilt stopped plaguing me because it just felt so natural- and wouldn't Tamlin want me to have the best nights sleep I can?

I had also attended all but one of Rhys' meetings and I felt my opinion was valued. People looked at me with respect and admiration which I think unnerved Rhys- he admits he thought I would've had a couple death-threats by the end of the week. But nothing, Courtiers nodded their heads in respect when I walked past them, and made conversation with me when we sat in one of the many lovely drawing rooms. I felt welcome.

The one meeting I missed was still a mystery to me though. I'd prodded Rhys for information on the subject but he refused to say anything except: "Just plans for something." I really hoped he was organising a special event we could go to together! After the amazing ball on my first night, I regretted not dancing with Rhys more, it wasn't anything to feel bad about- a little dancing never hurt anyone...

My heart jumps into my throat when I hear the knocking on my door.
"Come in!" I yell and stand up, making my way towards the door. Rhys opens the door and our eyes find each other immediately. I then watch as his eyes trail slowly down my body then flashing up to mine again guiltily. Smirking, I ask him,
"Like what you see?" His pale cheeks flushing, he tries to throw up a cocky smirk- but I see right through it and roll my eyes before he can respond with something annoyingly witty.

We're both wearing tight-fitting training clothes and I fail at keeping myself from admiring him. This is when a real smirk appears on his face and he walks confidently up to me.
"Are you ready to go then?"
"Yeah, but Rhys, why are we doing this?"
"I think after our daily runs through the forest," -don't even get me started on that- "you've adjusted well enough to begin training. In case, you know, something happens."
"Do you expect something to happen?" I ask, confused. Everyone I had spoken to had been pleasant...
"No, I'm doing everything in my power to make sure nothing is going to happen to you. But," Rhys hesitates, fear flashing across his eyes. "There are some things I can't control."