Tethered to the Starlight: A Court of War and Starlight

Chapter 4: Feyre

Standing the mirror, I allowed my hand to circle the little life force once more. The sheer beauty of what I believed resided in there was astounding. Tamlin's presence still loomed so I knew I couldn't leave the safety of the bathroom until the glow subsided a little.

Thinking hard, I focused on how I could dodge a potential bullet. I began to slide down the down and plant my bare bottom on the ground, back to the wall. Think. God my thoughts were swirling; how would I tell Rhys? How would I hide it from Tamlin? And what of the war, it is far too dangerous.

Danger often sought me out as a companion; a fact that Rhys and Alis never hesitated to point out. They would enjoy each other those two. He would say something witty and I would enjoy watching her smack him upside the head. She could be my most valuable asset in this court.

Sheepishly, I projected my voice towards the closed door, "I need Alis."

That animalistic huff sounded again before a terse no, escaped his mouth.

"I won't come out until you get Alis."

Slamming his fist against the door in frustration his voice dropped in desperation, "Feyre, you're my fiancé. Let me help you. If you still need time, I can give that to you. If you want to paint, you can do that too. I just need you to come talk to me."

"Get Alis," I muttered through gritted teeth. "And tell her to bring my robe."

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Her pear shaped body slid through the door, robe in tow. She dropped the robe immediately, however. Running to her, I pushed a finger to her mouth, preventing a noise from escaping her lips. She nodded in understanding and moved towards the grand claw foot tub, turning the faucet on high.

The tub easily prevented any unwanted noise from bleeding into adjoining master bedroom, a technique Tamlin and I had used on multiple occasions.

Moving from the tub to where I was situated she eyed me in confusion. "Fey-Feyre you are glowing." I nodded in understanding. Taking one of her hands, I guided the nimble fingers to my stomach. Curiosity consumed her and I watched as that same sense of wonder flooded her body just as the warmth did simultaneously. "Feyre are you...?"

Reaching for the robe, I sighed. "I don't know. But all I know is it's possible. And I know you are the only person I can trust."

"Do you know why you are glowing at least?" She moved to touch my abdomen again, her eyes fixated on the fiery patterns of circular light.

I shook my head in response and shrugged slightly. "All I know is Tamlin tried to bed me and I just felt such intense pain. And then this happened" I said, exasperated.

Alis pulled me into a hug and drew comforting lines on my back. "Well, you crazy girl, let's find out for sure. No sense worrying if you are just experiencing phantom symptoms." I nodded into her shoulder and allowed her to guide me to the toilet.

I sat comfortably on my porcelain throne and gazed on while she rifled through the medicine closet. She threw several bottles and medicinal herbs aside, hunting for Cauldron knows what.

When she finally pulled out a jar of dandelion leave, I was confused to say the least. "What the hell are those for?" I half shouted.

"Oh shut up you. It's an age-old test. One that is tried and true. I performed the same test on someone a few weeks ago..." At this point, she had managed to distract herself with the leaves.

"Alis, focus."

"Right. Crisis."

Pulling out a bowl from the medicine cabinet, she placed it at my feet. She planted her fists on her hips and sized me up with her eyes.

I crossed my arms, "No way."

"Do you want to know or not?"

Reluctantly I got up and proceeded to urinate in he ornate bowl, much to my distaste. I muttered several choice words during the process, which only made her smirk more.

When I was finished, she place the dandelion leaves in the bowl. Each one quickly formed little red 'blemishes' that were rough in texture. Her eyes widened in wonder and she turned to my worried body.

"What does that mean?"

"I think you know what it means. Congratulations, Feyre Archeron."

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We both emerged from the bathroom several minutes later when my glow had subsided. Tamlin stood upon our entry. Thankfully, Alis gave an excuse before he had a chance to even question anything. "Lady Feyre's body is exhausted from the amount of magic flowing through her. I have seen this before. No need to worry of course. She was worried she could hurt you in a moment of passion which induced the dramatic episode." Tamlin turned to me, his skepticism clear. I nodded an supplied a half hearted smile.

"Well if that's all it was-"

"That's all it was," I answered far too quickly. A grin stretched on his lips and I was aware I had won. I simple dip into his mind revealed the same conclusion as well.

He reached for my hand and tucked a stray hair behind my ear. "Good. Now that that is settled, we have visitors."

"Visitors?"

He patted my hand reassuringly. "There is no need to worry, Feyre. I will protect you." When did you protect me when I was bargaining my life in exchange for yours? When did you protect me when I became Amarantha's plaything? When did you protect me when offering my court to Hybern in exchange for me?

"Come Feyre." The statement was cool and calculating, dripping with order. Following behind him, I turned to find Alis winking, a gesture of understanding.

As we descended the grand staircase into the great hall and kitchen area, I was immediately hit with a blast of cold air and an all too familiar scent.

"Feyre, darling, please do sit down. You look as though you've seen a ghost."

I sneered, "I would have to say more like the Fae embodiment of Satan." He chuckled deeply in reply, wiping a stray tear from the corner of his eye.

"You sure did find yourself a bitch, Tamlin. Better keep a tight leash on that one." Hybern pointed to me with the scone he was holding and jabbed Tamlin in the stomach.

Tamlin seemed extremely unmoved, "You will not insult her. You are a guest in my home and territory."

Getting up from his chair, Hybern squared his shoulders and snarled inches from Tamlin's face. "See that is where you are wrong, High Lord of Spring. Ever since you made that deal with me, you belong to me. This court belongs to me. she," he thrust a finger in my direction, "belongs to me."