Tethered to the Starlight: A Court of War and Starlight

Chapter 5: Rhys

I had spoken to Feyre earlier in the day and she was in a state of distress from Tamlin's advances. I tried my best to reassure her that I would always love her no matter the sacrifices she was forced to make. She is mine and I am hers.

In order to forget the situation unraveling behind a locked mental door, I sought comfort in the form of my inner circle. Despite it being rather early in the morning, Mor was busy bustling around in the kitchen muttering obscenities. The room smelled faintly of lilies and another scent I could not quite put my finger on.

"What're you doing?" I blurted, maybe a little too abruptly because she let out a shrill scream. Only now did I notice that had been carrying herbs that were then thrown three feet into the air.

Her nose scrunched in distaste at the scattered mess that now lay at her feet and she turned her attention to me. "Dammit, Rhys! Don't do that!"

I smirked slightly and lent a hand in reconciliation. Happily accepting the offer, I pulled her to her feet. Absentmindedly brushing at her Night Court attire she said, "Cassian just woke up, he's in a lot of pain. The herbalist suggested a mixture of all of these," she gestured to the jars thrown onto the ground.

I picked up a bottle of dandelion leaves and held it up for her to see. "Why dandelion leaves? Cassian isn't pregnant is he?"

Rolling her eyes, she bent down to pick up several of the stray jars and piled them in my arms. "Oh quit, you. Dandelion leaves do more than detect pregnancy. Apparently the leaves are used to detoxify his system of any remaining poison in his blood." I nodded in understanding.

"So, hear from my High Lady today?" Thank you, Mor.

"I'm not really up for it," my tone somber.

She laid a calming hand on my shoulder and rubbed slightly. "Hey, she is a strong girl. Feyre is going to rule us all one day I know it. And trust me, that girl is very capable of taking care of herself. So whatever it is, she and you will get through it. But if she doesn't I will kick the person's ass who lays a finger on her." I tugged on her hair slightly, an endearing gesture I've been using on her since our younger days.

Mor hefted the load of herbs a little higher and I followed her into the adjoining room being used for Cassian's care. Although, I am not sure anyone would need to be directed to this room as Cassian was moaning was indicative of the location enough.

Nesta was seated in a chair in the corner of the room, her hair disheveled. "You are impossible!" She was shouting at him.

Surprisingly, he didn't have a retort. He just huffed and moaned some more.

I turned to her, "Why don't you go see your sister, Nesta? I can take care of Cassian for a little while." She gave a terse nod and bolted from the depressing room.

I finally turned my attention to Cassian, who was lying on a table on his stomach. His wings were unfolded, but devastatingly tattered. Dark rivulets of dried blood snaked down his back and bruises decorated the muscular skin. "It's bad, Rhys," his words dripping with hatred.

I shook my head and approached. "You just need time to heal is all. You will be-"

His weight shifted too quickly and he barked in pain. He locked eyes with me, "don't say it will be ok. Just don't. Tell me what the herbalist said. Tell me the truth."

Mor and I exchanged worrying glances. The herbalist had approached both of us yesterday and had said Cassian's wings were too far beyond repair. If he had hope of healing, his wings must be amputated.

Mor's mouth dropped at the corners and she looked to the floor. She talked far too quietly, "you have to lose your wings Cassian."

The creases around his eyes hardened and he let out a low guttural sound. "Isn't there another way?"

I decided to speak up, "not unless you want to die of blood loss."

He nodded in response, his eyes becoming glassy. I took that as a hint and quietly retired to my room. Upon opening the door, I found a small piece of parchment lying on the desk with Feyre's handwriting.

Expect the unexpected, it said. A note that had obviously been glamoured and coded in case of discovery. Flipping the paper over, I found a haphazardly drawn colorless, rainbow. The message was clear, expect an attack on Velaris in a matter of mere hours.

As if on cue, Azriel appeared in my doorway, his gaze of pure curiosity. "Feyre?" He questioned.

"Yes. I think she is trying to warn of us of another impending attack on Velaris. Here, look." I showed him the small piece of parchment and his eyes scanned the page. He too slipped over the paper and he nodded almost immediately.

"I will gather the soldiers."

He held out his hand and I grasped it tightly. "One: no matter what Cassian tells you, he does not leave this house. Two: we need to heighten the wards on the city. Three: I want to be on that battlefield. This is my city, and I'd be dammed if I didn't defend it." We shook hands in silent agreement and he left quickly, leaving me alone again.

Clicking a pen, I laid the tip on the parchment. Safety ensured. I winnowed the paper into the Spring Court, thanking her silently.

Once again, this woman would be my salvation and the savior of many others. The quiet nights I held her solidified my prediction, her dedication to the Night Court palpable. She spoke of her dreams for the city, the possible dissolution of the courts. OShe was truly a woman worthy of the title High Lady.