Daylight

Chapter 3

As they walked the bustling city streets, Lucien allowed himself to marvel at the mere existence of the place. He'd been out in the city before, but that had been for a specific purpose as they prepared for the coming battle with Hybern's armies. This was the first time he'd been able to leisurely enjoy the city for what it was. Just as he'd observed when he first arrived in Velaris, children laughed and played in the streets. Merchants sold their wares with smiles on their faces. This place was a living miracle. And he was strolling through it, midmorning sun heating the sidewalks and making the Sidra glitter, all with his mate by his side. This had to be a dream.

Granted, she was his mate by title only. Though he'd felt the bond snap into place the moment he had picked her up off the water-soaked floor in Hybern, it had yet to manifest for her. He reminded himself to be patient, to give her time to get to know him and then make the decision willingly. Even if that decision was to reject the bond. The mere thought of it felt like a dagger straight into his heart, but it was still not as sharp as the pain of imagining her being forced into accepting a bond she didn't want.

When they'd left the townhouse, Elain had walked next to her sister while Lucien followed a few paces behind them. From her time in the spring court, he knew Feyre's relationship with her sisters had been strained even before the events in Hybern, so he was glad that it appeared those relationships were being mended. At least, it appeared they were being mended with Elain, at least. Nesta was a whole other story.

They crossed one of several bridges that led to the far side of the Sidra—toward the Rainbow. Elain and Feyre chatted idly about nothing in particular as they passed by a few shops. Elain stopped suddenly, pointing at a storefront with garments in the shop windows.

"This one is my favorite," she explained. "Deidre makes such lovely dresses."

"Just what Lucien needs," Feyre teased. "Some lovely dresses."

Elain nudged her sister's hip with her own. "Very funny. She also has quite a knack for male styles too."

Lucien caught Feyre's eye and from her expression, he knew she was thinking the same thing he was. Elain had said 'male'... not 'man.' He took that as a hopeful sign that she was beginning to embrace her life in Prythian.

"Well, if you say she's the best, then she's the best," Lucien offered.

Feyre rolled her eyes as he heard her voice resonate inside his head. Kiss ass. "I'm going to get paint," she said aloud, raising her eyebrows at Elain, as if to ask if her sister was staying or coming with her.

Elain quickly glanced between Feyre and Lucien.

"I'll stay and help Lucien. Cauldron knows, males can't match clothes as well as females can."

"Oh, okay then," Feyre declared. "I'll meet you back here for lunch then?"

Lucien nodded weakly. He had certainly not expected Elain to choose to remain with him. But she simply smoothed away invisible wrinkles in her skirt and gestured toward the door. "Come on, I'll introduce you to Deidre."

Lucien held open the door for her before following her inside the shop. It was a tiny space with mannequins and bolts of fabric everywhere. There was a narrow path that wound its way toward the back of the shop. Yet somehow, the clutter seemed welcoming instead of chaotic. Despite any lack of obvious organization, he suspected Deidre knew exactly where everything was.

"Oh, hello, Elain!" A voice called from the back of the tiny shop. A short plump faerie appeared carrying several different fabrics. She had warm eyes and a kind face that reminded Lucien a lot of Alis.