A Court of Hope and Legacy

Bonus Chapter

Several years earlier

Yulemas.

Suri rolled the outlandish word on her tongue, trying it out a few times.

Her mother had told her and Aksel that it was a major festivity in the human world. It was the briefest day of the year, teetering on the edge of dark and light, the day when the Goddess gave birth to the Sun King; and even if Prythian and the Gods had reciprocally forsaken each other for a long time, it was still celebrated in other countries.

Of course, what had caught Suri's attention about this Yulemas thing was the presents part. Every kid would get a gift on Yulemas morning, wrapped in colorful ribbons and waiting under a festooned tree to be opened.

Suri and Aksel had pestered their parents so much that in the end even they had been convinced of the fact that celebrating Yulemas was a good idea, a moment to enjoy the company of friends and family, but also to honor the peaceful coexistence of humans and Fae in their lands, and their mutual acceptance. Preparations had been arranged in haste to host a great party in Velaris for all the High Lords and their families, while the whole city would be open to every Fae and human who wished to participate. Yulemas fell on the same day as the Winter Solstice, though, so her parents would have their party thrown a couple days earlier as to give way to the High Lord of Winter and his mate—as well as to anyone else—to attend the celebrations at the Winter Court. Besides, her parents would have the day off to celebrate on their own since it would be also her mother's birthday.

The day of the party had finally arrived, and Suri was literally buzzing with excitement. She had her dress on and the guests would arrive at any moment. Suri, though, didn't pay much attention to the hawthorn wreaths lining the walls of the House of Wind, or to the bright little candles ensconced upon leafy wrought-iron screens along her path and the pretty red berries hanging from the ceiling as she walked toward the dining room.

A plan was taking a clearer shape into her head with every step.

Suri had just walked into the room when she got frozen by her father's baleful gaze. Sweat started trickling down her spine as she checked her mental shields fearing he might have glimpsed her secret agenda.

"Don't you dare take another step." He smoothed down the front of his perfect silver-threaded black suit and walked toward her. Her father stopped in front of Suri, looming over her, and raised a finger toward the arched doorway.

"Do you know what that is?" he asked serious.

She looked at him with confusion and shook her head.

"That is called a kissing bough, darling." Rhysand swept her into his arms and planted a kiss on her cheek.

Suri tittered and blushed, trying to hide a sigh of relief. "Good to know," she said wrinkling her nose at her father's intrusive effusions. "I'll be careful to avoid them as long as you're around. You surely needn't further excuses to embarrass me in public, father."

Rhysand laughed with merriment and hugged her tighter. "That's my girl—proud and fiery. Don't worry, though, I won't mortify your ego in front of the guests... as long as you promise to save me extra cuddles for later." He winked at her.

Suri jutted her lower lip out in a pout, but then threw her arms around her father's neck and kissed him back on his forehead while no one watched them. She slid out of his grip and ran away snickering, wings tucked in tight behind her. Aunt Nesta glowered at her as Suri skidded past her toward the terrace, but she ignored her aunt and instead waved her hand at uncle Cassian who walked beside her. Suri half-walked and half-flew down the corridor leading to the great terrace that would serve as entrance for the High Lords. Her mother stood outside, dressed in a beautiful dress, already welcoming the first guests who had showed up carried by enchanted chariots—another of her father's stunts. Aunt Elain was with her, always smiling. Suri stopped a little distance from them and caught her breath.