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"Sometimes the person you're meant to be with is right beside you."
Awkward Meetings and Fluttering Stomachs
~
Once we arrived in the Summer Court, my stomach contracted and I felt vomit rise up my throat. I spun around, holding a hand to my stomach as I looked around at the plants that surrounded the area. The feeling of poison was stronger here as there were more plants and nature due to the lovely sun.
"Acacia?" Azriel's voice was quiet but my ears were ringing. I felt hot tears roll down my cheeks and I leaned against a tree, trying to calm my body down from the panic attack I was about to have.
"You okay?" Feyre asked me, drifting to my side with a hand on my back. I nodded, not daring to open my mouth as I slowly turned around so I wouldn't provoke the bile.
I spotted Kaleb's concerned stare immediately, he looked as if he was going to come towards me and I hoped he did. I needed one of his hugs right now. But he simply straightenedhis tunic and made his way towards Tarquin's manor.
I stuck close to Cassian's side, who thankfully decided it was dutiful to subtly outstretch a wing in case I collapsed. Azriel and Kaleb walked together, speaking quietly. Feyre and Rhysand, arm in arm, sharing loving smiles as they also spoke about something whilst glancing at their son who was having a lovely time ignoring my presence.
"What did I do to piss him off?" I muttered, clenching my fists as I glared at Kaleb's back.
Cassian shook and I whipped my head towards him to see he was laughing. He instantly stopped and put a hand to his mouth, pretending he was coughing instead.
"It isn't funny!" I hissed, my canines almost slicing my lip.
He nudged me as if it was in fact completely hilarious and I just didn't know yet. That just wound me up more and I pursed my lips, turning my head and half marching up the steps and towards the grand doors of the Summer Court manor.
"Chill out, spitfire." Cassian snorted as he touched my shoulder and steered me back to his side. I reminded myself I had to remain composed and then it suddenly dawned on me.
My father might very well be behind those doors.
Bile rose up in the back of my throat again and I fought the urge to just halt, turn and sprint away. But Cassian's wing was in my way, and by the look on his face he had my back through whatever my father might say.
I took a deep breath as Rhysand dramatically pushed the doors open, allowing Feyre to lead the way with Azriel carefully scanning the entire room. Kaleb waltzed in behind his parents, not even glancing back to me as I sent him one last glare at the back of his head before looking towards all The High Lords and Lady's gathered in the room that I had never met.
Thankfully, my father wasn't yet here and I hoped he'd stay in his Court. I jumped as Feyre squealed, locking arms with what seemed to be The High Lady of The Winter Court, a cold beauty.
My nerves were on a brutal edge as everyone greeted each other, Cassian leaving my side to say something to Rhysand. Luckily, Azriel guided me along to stand beside my current High Lord, a reassuring look on his usually blank face as I suddenly became the attention of everyone in the room.
I looked around at all the different kinds of people that surrounded me, all insanely attractive and dressed in ways that made me guess what Court's they were from. I spotted Beron, The High Lord of Autumn, and fought a growl at the way he had treated Lucien.
"Spring Court?" A male spoke up, drifting towards me with chocolate skin and mischievous eyes. I blinked, guessing they were all taking in my scent.
"Your scent- no way." The same male said, something like glee in his tone and sparkling eyes as he took my small hand in his large ones.
He kissed my knuckles and I tried to fight a blush as I spoke. "I'm Acacia-" I paused, taking a deep breath. "The High Lord of Spring's daughter."
There were a couple of collective whispering and surprised looks, but nobody doubted my identity and I was half glad. I noticed Kaleb come up beside me and take the male's hand from mine and clasped it in his, something like tight welcoming in his face.
"Helion, I haven't seen you in years." Kaleb said, his voice unusually brutal however kind.
Helion grinned like a lion, his attention diverted to Kaleb and I gave the son of night a raised eyebrow look. He totally interrupted the lovely greeting this male was giving me. Typical.
Everyone introduced themselves kindly, Beron barely acknowledging me. However, his son Eris seemed to be interested as he didn't take his eyes off of me, amusement and something else there. I tried to shake it off as I sat down between Azriel and Cassian, glancing at Kaleb who sat a few seats down from me.
"Absolutely lovely!" Viviane, High Lady of Winter, smiled widely at me and I gave her a small smile back.
"So, why is a child of Spring with The Night Court?" Beron asked, his voice taunting and intruding. I wanted to rip his horrid face off.
Feyre gave him a sultry smile. "I believe that isn't your business, Beron."
Rhysand grinned and Cassian snorted. I looked towards Azriel who was glaring at Eris like he might rip him to shreds, I half hoped he would.
A breeze passed through the windows and I straightened, my eyes widening as it whispered into my ears. I sunk into my chair, ready for the male that was about the slam the doors wide open and storm in here like he had a debt to settle.
Just then, the doors were indeed flown open and in marched my father.
