A Court of Fire and Lies

Mysteries of the Past

I don't go to sleep, just another night of pondering the words that mean nothing. She told me to figure it out. But I don't know? I hold the piece of paper in my hand. I'd already examined each and every part, the curve of her writing. Nothing gave me a clue. I don't remember her, or ever even hearing the name Nova while I was in the Night Court. But then again I never ran into a seamstress either, but then again she said she wasn't always and neither was her friend. And who was she? I remember something. Just that Rhys' mom used to be a seamstress, but it couldn't be her. Could it? It's probably just a coincidence. Her whole story is a mystery to me. I'd already thought to ask Rhys whether his mother was good friends with a woman named Nova but I don't want to have him drag himself through the painful memories of the past. But it's gnawing away at me. The unanswered questions just lingering around me. I didn't even open the book. Fear isn't something I usually deal with. But it's there inside me. The book lays upon the thick sheets unmoved since I took it out. But I couldn't. What will it do to me? It's a liar as am I. Whatever that means I know it has something to do with the fact that I could open the book of breathings, and pretend to be Tarquin and anyone else through a whisper in my mind and the lies on the tip of my tongue. I grieve for peace but I know it's nowhere near me. The necklace though helps. I feel better more in control. I guess I've joined the club. Azriel, Cassian they all have one. And now me. The shakes, the pain has dulled though the turmoil beneath my veins tells me different. I feel uneasy with the fact that someone here knows me and my secrets. The book is obviously power itself, I can practically feel it radiating off it, pressing against my skin and mind. Like the humming of a song, dull and soft but it's there and soon your singing it too. I touch my necklace. I know I can trust her. At least I hope so. 

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"Aren't you coming?" Lili's voice an excited shriek as she pulls me off the bed as I roll my eyes. She laughs, why is she so happy? Wish I could be.

"Fine." I say, "I'll go but I won't be happy and she won't like me. At all." I have a way of people not liking me. Look at Tarquin, by the end of that trip a blood ruby was awaiting me. Technically that was Rhys's fault, which I'm guessing is why they did not ally with the Night Court. No matter how powerful they are, his hate encompasses everything. He'll know he chose the wrong side in the end anyways, he might just have to rebuild his city after the battle is done, once again. I wonder if any of the other courts were shredded during the time of the curse, when Amaratha ruled and the world lived in fear. Perhaps the Day or Dawn Court were left broken. I shudder and I feel someone take my hand.

"You okay? Cauldron you look as if you might collapse? I thought you were better from yesterday's illness, perhaps today isn't a good day to meet my mother."

"No, I'm okay, let's just go." I say nodding my head.

"Alright." The way she keeps glancing at me as I'm made of glass and might shatter before her.

Up a few marble staircases we reach a hallway that leads to the private quarters of one of the Lady's of the Night Court. Lili flicks her wrist and the door flies open as I mentally scold myself for not knowing the task, I should practice on that kind of magic. Lighting candles, opening doors, sadly I can do none of it. I'd always focused on the elemental side. I can change form, manipulate the shadows and water and raise fire and sheets of ice but I can't do the meaningless tasks Lili does like breathing. 

"Mother, we're here!" Lili says and a second later I see a pale woman drenched in glittering white, her diamond like dress trailing behind her, her walk smooth, poised and graceful. I can see where Lili gets her beauty. The Lady of the Winter Court stands before me only a few strides later.