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THE COURT OF SONG AND DANCE

CHAPTER ONE: HAPPY AND HEALTHY

Rhys frowned at his bank account statement ‘Feyre Darling?’ Feyre looked up from her desk in their office. Her blue eyes locked with his. ‘Have you seen Nesta lately?’ Feyre scowled ‘No, and I am all the better for it’ Rhys smiled at her indulgently ‘It's just that rent has stopped coming out for her crappy apartment and there are no other charges from her’ Feyre sucked in a breath ‘For how long?’ Rhys frowned looking at the statement in his hands ‘Three months’ Feyre looked at him worriedly.

‘I haven’t seen her. I haven’t even looked for her. What if she’s in trouble?’ Rhys looked at her concerned face ‘I will get Az onto it’ Feyre nodded warily ‘Okay, please let me know when she is found’

The Shadowsinger stood in the entry to the Hopping Pot, a skivey bar. It was full of fae all entranced by a beautiful fae on the stage. She was singing and playing the piano. The audience was enthralled. Azriel took a closer look at the female and sucked in a surprised breath. Nesta Archeron was performing to a room full of fae and she was good. More than good, she was captivating.

He ordered a drink and sat up at the bar. He found himself as enthralled as the rest of the audience. Nesta even included the crowd in her performance. She had them clapping in time and doing background harmonies. After her performance ended to wild applause, she approached the owner. He handed her a bag of coin and then he booked her in for another show. Many people shouted her drinks.

She joined a group of friends in a booth. Azriel watched closely. They were clearly good friends. Nesta was comfortable with them. He realised with a pang, that he had never seen her smile until now. Nesta looked healthy and happy.

One of the guys, a lesser fae with blue skin and pearlescent wings pulled her onto the dancefloor. Azriel watched in awe as Nesta and the fae danced precise movements. They looked like professional dancers. Many others joined them and Nesta and the unknown fae taught them the dance.

Azriel followed them home through the shadows. They entered a mansion at the edge of the city. Azriel quietly explored. It was huge and many fae lived there, all artists. Azriel quickly located Nesta’s suite by her smell. She had lovely tailored clothing and plenty of books. A piano sat in one corner and a guitar in another. Books of lyrics and music were open on the desk. Nesta had clearly been writing her own music. Azriel smiled and disappeared with his shadows.

The next day, Azriel was summoned to River House.  He found the family in the comfortable sitting room. Elain brought in a tray of cakes on an elaborate silver tray and blushed as Az accepted one. Feyre looked at him ‘Any luck finding Nesta?’ Azriel nodded ‘Nesta has been making money as a singer songwriter. She has moved in with a bunch of artists. She looks happy and healthy’ They all gaped at him. Elain said meekly, ‘I am not surprised, Nesta has been writing music for as long as I can remember’ Feyre nodded slowly ‘What are the songs about?’ Azriel shrugged ‘All different things. She is a wonderful performer’

Silence filled the room. Feyre suggested ‘We should invite her to solstice?’ Mor huffed ‘Why? You know she will say something vile and ruin the night. She always does’ Mor frowned at Feyre ‘How would we even get her to come? She doesn’t need rent money like last year’ Feyre blanched looking upset.

Rhys asked calculatingly, ‘Who is she living with?’ Azriel answered ‘A dance instructor, a few dance students from the university of Velaris and a few musicians. She has her own suite. They treat her well. She looks happy and healthy, more so than I have ever seen’

Amren and Rhys shared a look. Amren’s eyes flashed. Rhys asked ‘So she went from a drunk who was sleeping her way around Velaris to living with artists and healthy. How?’ Azriel shrugged. ‘Maybe we should ask her?’

Feyre sent an invite to Nesta for family dinner. Nesta sighed looking at the gold bordered invitation. Feyre’s family had found her. She wrote back ‘I don’t need to put myself through a dinner with your toxic family. If you or Elain want to see me, we can arrange a catch up. I have no interest in seeing the rest of your family’

Feyre stared at the letter tearily. Rhys scowled reading it over her shoulder. ‘Feyre darling, don’t let her upset you’ Feyre sobbed ‘She doesn’t want to be a part of our lives!’ Rhys glared ‘She always was selfish’

Feyre winnowed in front of the white mansion. She took a breath and knocked on the purple door. A blue skinned male gaped at her. He was well built and wearing tight black leggings and a black singlet top. He had gold eyeshadow highlighting his eyes. Feyre smiled pleasantly, blushing as she took in his muscley arms ‘Is my sister Nesta here?’ He nodded ‘Please come in High Lady’ he performed an elaborate bow and ushered her in.

Nesta stopped laughing abruptly when she saw Feyre. Nesta was dressed in leggings and a tight purple top. Dancing clothes. The others looked between Nesta and Feyre curiously.

A beautiful fae with honey hair and bright blue eyes said meekly, ‘Can I get you some tea High Lady?’ Feyre smiled ‘Thankyou’ she moved toward Nesta. Nesta stilled watching her.

Feyre said awkwardly ‘You look much better’ Nesta looked at her friends pointedly. They quickly left the room. Nesta sighed ‘Not being around people who are constantly putting me down has helped’ Feyre blanched.

Feyre sat down on the couch awkwardly, ‘I heard you are a singer songwriter?’ Nesta stared at her defiantly ‘Yes I am’ The girl brought in a tea tray and put it on the coffee table. She looked at Nesta worriedly ‘Are you okay Nesta?’ Nesta smiled ‘I am fine Sophie’ Sophie nodded, her eyes moving between Feyre and Nesta ‘Don’t forget that we have a class in half an hour’ Nesta nodded gratefully, and Sophie left the room.

Feyre studied Nesta, ‘What class?’ Nesta explained ‘I have been taking dance classes. All the courts have different traditional dances. I have a lot to learn’ Feyre smiled ‘You always did love dancing’ Nesta nodded ‘Garran got me a job teaching dance to younglings’ Feyre grinned ‘That is amazing’ Nesta gave her a hesitant smile.

Nesta asked ‘What have you been up to?’ Feyre eyes lit up ‘Teaching art classes and painting’ Nesta nodded a crease in her eyebrows ‘No High Lady duties?’ Feyre frowned ‘What do you mean?’ Nesta sighed ‘The running of the Night Court’ Feyre’s eyes narrowed ‘Rhys takes care of that’ Nesta’s clenched her fists ‘Its just that having a High Lady was a move towards equality for females, but you aren’t even doing the job’ She sighed ‘It might do more harm to the cause than good’ Feyre stared at her ‘I fought in the war!’ Nesta sighed ‘So did I. I am still dealing with the trauma from the war. I often get lost in my memories. I have been learning to cope’

Nesta looked at her pained ‘So many people are struggling with trauma. Many in Velaris are starving or too traumatised to look after themselves. Go to the bars, you will see what I mean. Many have come here looking for work. They live on the streets, but our High Lord and High Lady have built a sixth home’

Red blotched Feyre’s cheeks ‘I can’t save everyone’ Nesta narrowed her eyes ‘What have you done for any of them? Many lost homes in the Hybern attack and got no compensation. Many are missing a caregiver, no support has been provided, and that is in Velaris. The rest of the Night Court is faring even worse. You know Rhys doesn’t care about Illyria or the Hewn City?’

Feyre sneered ‘They aren’t worth caring about’ Nesta narrowed her eyes ‘Your beloved Mor came from the Hewn City. Why would there not be other dreamers there? Children are born innocent. They are condemned to a life with no sky and no hope because Rhys sees them as not worth anything. The Illyrian females are treated disgustingly, and Rhys allows it’

Feyre stood up ‘Rhys has banned wing clipping!’ Nesta asked ‘And what does he do to enforce the ban? Females are still being clipped. If the males were clipped in retaliation, it would stop. But Rhys won’t do that. He is sacrificing those females for his army of brutes’

Sophie came back into the room white faced ‘We have to get to class’ Feyre stood up. She looked at Nesta coldly ‘Thank you for the tea’

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CHAPTER TWO: PERSUASION

Rhys was fuming. Feyre had shown him how the meeting with Nesta went. Nesta was a troublemaker who saw right through him.  Feyre sat down looking defeated ‘She is right. I am not doing my job’ Rhys looked at her stunned. She asked, ‘What duties would a High Lady have?’ Rhys ran his hand through his hair ‘The same as a High Lord. Lots of paperwork and requests, meetings, decision making and public appearances’ Feyre frowned ‘Why haven’t I been doing my duties?’

Rhys pulled her into his arms ‘You have been through a lot. I want you to focus on what makes you happy. I have run this Court for a long time, I can do it myself for as long as we need’ Feyre frowned ‘Nesta said my being made High Lady was a move toward equality and not doing the job might hurt the cause’ Rhys frowned ‘You do public appearances. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors’

Feyre looked around the room. They were swimming in wealth. She gulped ‘What are we doing for the homeless and starving?’ Rhys crossed his arms ‘There are no starving in Velaris’ Feyre frowned ‘Nesta said there were and to check the bars. Many are too traumatized to look after themselves’

Rhys nodded ‘I will get Az to look into that’ Feyre smiled and kissed him before heading back to her art studio.

Amren stepped into his office and shut the door. ‘It didn’t work’ Rhys nodded looking annoyed. Amren smiled ‘We knew Nesta would be a tough nut to crack. She was never going to be easily broken’ Rhys paced ‘And now that she’s doing well, it will be obvious if we cause problems’ Amren nodded ‘Even unwise. She could leave the Night Court if we make her too unhappy’ Rhys smiled ‘Maybe it’s time to send Cassian back in. If she dates him willingly, we will have a way to control her’ Amren nodded approvingly.

Rhys mind spoke Cassian that he was needed. Half an hour later he stepped into the office. Rhys stood before him and took hold of his mind ‘You believe that you and Nesta are mates. You will do all you can to woo her and have her as your partner. You will bring her in line to our vision or face the consequences’

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CHAPTER THREE:  STALKER

Nesta was playing another gig when she noticed Cassian slip into the room. She ignored him and focused on the songs and the audience. When she was finished, she was pulled into a booth with her friends. They clinked their glasses together, toasting her success. Her galaxy cocktail was a circus for the tongue. She groaned in appreciation. Garran grinned at her ‘I really liked your new song, Gravity’ Sophie squeaked ‘Me too. It’s been in my head all day!’ Nesta grinned at them.

Cassian approached the booth ‘Hello Ness’ Nesta frowned at him ‘Hello General’ She turned back to her friends. Aubrey asked excitedly, ‘Did you hear a new bar is opening across town, it's in Damon’s old place’ Nesta gasped ‘What happened to Damon?’ Aubrey smiled ‘Nothing tragic, he’s just getting old, and he can’t be bothered running a bar. He said he’s ready for the quiet life’ Nesta smirked ‘Damon? No way, he loves the gossip he gets to hear at the bar’

Garran grinned at Nesta when a good song came on ‘Would you like to dance?’ She smiled and took his hand.

Cassian watched as they did a complicated and very energetic dance. He couldn’t compete with that. A few more extremely skilled dancers partnered with Nesta. She didn’t miss a step.

When she went to the bathroom, he waited in the corridor outside for her. She scowled when she saw him ‘What?’ He said, ‘You look good Ness’ Nesta stared at him ‘What is it to you?’ He winced ‘It's nice to see you happy’ Nesta said incredulously ‘Okay, goodbye Cassian’

He grabbed her arm ‘Ness don’t be like this, there is something between us’ Nesta scowled ‘If there ever was it is long gone. Go back to your precious Morrigan’ Cassian snarled at her ‘Leave her out of this’ Nesta huffed ‘Out of what? I have no interest in you. This is bordering on harassment. Leave!’ She yanked her arm from his grip and went back to her friends. He stared after her.

The next day, he brought flowers to the house. Nesta opened the door stoney faced ‘Cassian I don’t want your flowers or you. Go away’ She slammed the door in his face.

For weeks he followed her around harassing her. Finally, she had enough. She marched into River House furiously.

‘Call off your dog!’ Feyre looked stunned ‘Our dog?’ Nesta scowled ‘Cassian! He won’t leave me alone. He’s harassing me!’ Feyre smiled ‘He just likes you’ Nesta gaped at her ‘I don’t like him. I don’t want him to be anywhere near me. He keeps turning up wherever I am, and he won’t take no for an answer. I need you to call him off’

Rhysand came out of his office with a smirk on his face. His hands were in his pockets. Nesta glared at him ‘Call Cassian off’ Rhys picked some invisible lint from his jacket ‘Surely the attentions of my general aren’t that terrible’ Nesta gaped at him ‘Yes, they are. He won’t take no for an answer. I don’t want him. He’s aggressive and clueless. He’s harassing me!’

Cassian snuck up behind her ‘Please Nesta, just give me a chance’ Nesta spun around, fire in her eyes ‘No Cassian, it’s been a year since the war. You have never bothered before. It's much too late. I don’t want you. I don’t even like you. Please leave me alone’

Cassian pleaded ‘I can’t Ness. You are my mate’ Nesta glared ‘No I am not. I know who my mate is and it’s not you. You are trying to manipulate me!’ Cassian growled ‘Why do I feel like this then?’ Nesta frowned and looked at Rhys coldly ‘Maybe your brother can explain why?’ Rhys put his hands back in his pocket. Nesta caught his tells. She said pointedly, ‘Rhys did you happen to influence Cassian?’ Feyre’s eyes flashed and she stared at Rhys.

Rhys smirked ‘No, Cassian is his own male’ Nesta huffed ‘Cassian, I am not your mate. If I were, I would reject the bond. We have nothing in common. I don’t enjoy your company. I would like to never see you again. Please stop harassing me!’

Cassian fell to his knees ‘Please Ness’ Nesta growled ‘Do you have no self-respect? I don’t want you. Stop grovelling. Go back to horrible Mor’

Rhys said calculatingly, ‘You said you know who your mate is, who?’ Nesta smirked ‘None of your business’ Rhys looked at her furiously ‘I am your High Lord!’ Nesta argued ‘That doesn’t mean I owe you my sob story. What is going on here? I refused to visit because this family is nothing but nasty to me and then Cassian shows up and won’t leave me alone. Is this about me not visiting?’

Feyre looked at Rhys. It was clear they were having a discussion in their heads. Feyre pleaded, ‘I am hurt that you won’t visit’ Nesta said coldly ‘I am happy to see you and Elain, I told you that’ Feyre crossed her arms ‘But the rest of the family?’ Nesta scowled ‘Have been horrible to me. Why on earth would I want to see them?’ Feyre gritted her teeth ‘They are your family’ Nesta sighed ‘You and Elain are my family. My friends have become my family, just like yours have. I haven’t turned my back on you, or Elain, and I never will. I will set boundaries for myself. Listening to constant abuse is not good for anyone. I am loved and respected where I am. I wasn’t here’

After a pregnant pause, Rhys said pointedly, ‘We listened to a recording of your music’ Feyre nodded ‘It was wonderful’ Rhys added ‘Some of the song lyrics were interesting’ Nesta smiled ‘I aim to please’ Rhys frowned ‘I wasn’t pleased. Some almost sounded like a protest’ Nesta shrugged ‘I write what I feel’ Rhys glared ‘They don’t uphold the values of the Night Court’

Nesta shrugged ‘My values are certainly more far reaching than the borders of this Court’ Rhys said annoyed ‘Some lyrics should be changed if you are to perform them here’ Nesta smirked ‘Censorship? What are you afraid of Rhysand? Me influencing females to speak up for themselves?’ Rhys sighed ‘Why do you always have to be such a problem Nesta? Elain fits in fine’ Nesta raised an eyebrow ‘Different personalities. Elain has never liked to cause a scene. She will sit back and take your shit. I won’t. It's almost as if you actually liked seeing me broken?’

Feyre’s eyes widened ‘No we didn’t. You do look much happier, and I think you performing and doing dance classes and teaching children is wonderful. I remember you teaching the village children’ Nesta smiled ‘Yes, I taught the village children reading writing and numbers. These children I teach dance’

Cassian frowned ‘You never said you were a teacher?’ Nesta narrowed her eyes at him ‘You know nothing about me’ Cassian asked, ‘Why didn’t you teach Feyre to read then?’ Feyre blushed. Nesta said pointedly ‘I offered over and over again. Feyre turned me down every time’ Feyre said meekly ‘I was embarrassed’

Rhys asked, ‘Do you still have your powers Nesta?’ Nesta scowled ‘Why?’ Rhys looked at her calculatingly ‘Elain says hers have been gone since the cauldron’ Nesta frowned. She showed him her flame in one hand and then let it dissipate. He nodded ‘It would be wise to train in your powers’ Nesta nodded ‘Yes, I found out the hard way what happens when powers are left to fester. I have been training. Thank you for your concern’

Rhys asked, ‘Who have you been training with?’ Nesta shrugged ‘Anyone who wants to try. I have had several teachers. They have all used different approaches. All have merit’

Rhys suggested ‘I could train you?’ Nesta frowned ‘I think we are likely to hurt each other, don’t you? If you piss me off while I am covered in flames, I don’t know what will happen. Nothing good’

Rhys said composedly, ‘Your power is unique, it's not wise to trust knowledge of it to many people’ Nesta smiled ‘My actions in the war put my powers on display to all. There is no putting that back in a box’

Cassian asked, ‘What about physical training?’ Nesta glared at him and said coldly ‘I am a dancer, not a warrior’ Rhys said, ‘It still wouldn’t hurt to know how to wield a weapon’ Nesta sighed ‘Fine, but I will sort out training with Az. I have many commitments. I can’t just drop everything’ Cassian protested ‘But Ness, I train people all the time’ Nesta held up a hand silencing him ‘Cassian you have been harassing me for weeks. I meant it when I said I don’t want anything to do with you. At least Az won’t crack on the me constantly and he understands the word no’ Cassian gaped at her.

Rhys said ‘Fine, Az can organise some weapons training with you at your convenance. Are you sure you don’t want magic training from me? My power is also a lot to deal with. I know what it feels like’

Nesta frowned ‘I guess we could try. You need to keep your snarky comments to yourself. I will literally be playing with fire’ Rhys smiled ‘I will do my best’

Feyre looked pleased. She reached up and kissed Rhys on the cheek. Cassian still looked stunned at being rejected. Rhys asked ‘Do you have time now? We could do a magic lesson?’ Nesta sighed ‘Okay, lets get this over with’

Rhys suggested ‘We need somewhere out in the open to practice’ Nesta nodded ‘I know where’ She grabbed his arm and winnowed them to a clearing overlooking Velaris. He looked at her wide eyed ‘How did you winnow from inside the wards?’ Nesta shrugged ‘I can get through wards’

He frowned ‘I didn’t know you could winnow?’ Nesta’s eyes flashed silver ‘You knew I had enough power; you chose not to teach me’ He sighed ‘We were focused on what we needed for the war’ Nesta scowled ‘Luckily my other teachers have been more helpful’

He put on a fake smile ‘Show me what you have got Nesta’ She covered herself in silver flames and gestured to the air. A horse made of silver flames galloped through the air. Rhys gaped at it. Nesta suddenly flew up in the air and was riding the horse before Rhys could yelp in surprise. She grinned down at him and then floated down.

He said disbelievingly, ‘You can fly?’ She nodded as if it were nothing. She put up a wall of silver flames like a shield. She had it surround them. She pulled an apple from her pocket dimension and placed it on the ground. She used her powers to kill it. It became ash and then a seed sprouted and before they knew what had happened a massive apple tree covered in fruit stood before them. Rhys looked stunned. Nesta picked an apple and sat below the tree. She bit into it and moaned. Rhys ate one too.

Nesta confided ‘The whole Lady Death thing wasn’t quite right. Its life and death’ Rhys nodded still looking stunned. He asked, ‘Have you been struggling with anything?’ Nesta smirked ‘No, nothing’ He looked at her ‘Why did you agree to this training?’ Nesta sat back ‘So you would see that I know how to use my powers and wouldn’t see me as a threat. I am in control’ He nodded warily.

She looked at him ‘Can you please call Cassian off? Your romance plan failed’ Rhys gave her a small smile. ‘Done’

He asked ‘Won’t you give the family another chance? Feyre has missed you’ Nesta frowned ‘Amren, Cassian and Mor are abusive. They have been awful to me. Why would I put myself in that position again?’ Rhys sighed ‘I will talk to them’ Nesta said ‘Knowing me, I will snap back and start a fight’ Rhys nudged her ‘They would deserve it if you did’ Nesta looked at him ‘You haven’t been very nice either’ Rhys sighed ‘We are too alike. Personality clash’ Nesta laughed, and Rhys joined in.

Nesta glared at him ‘You tried to force me to bow’ Rhys said quickly, ‘Only because you wouldn’t!’ Nesta side eyed him ‘I doubt you can force me but if you do, I will take that as permission to do it back’ Rhys gaped at her. Nesta huffed ‘Don’t you think it’s a little lude to want your mates sister on her knees on front of you?’ Rhys roared with laughter ‘I didn’t think of it like that’ Nesta frowned ‘How could you not with the whole Court of Nightmares thing? Its all about violence and sex’

Rhys smirked, ‘I guess some parts of being High Lord I enjoy’ Nesta blushed ‘You enjoy people on their knees before you?’ He grinned ‘Sure, you should try it’ Nesta said stunned ‘Order people to their knees in front of me?’ Rhys grinned ‘You probably could. I heard you have a fan club’ Nesta huffed ‘Just friends and music fans who follow me to all my performances’

Rhys looked at the half-eaten apple in his hand, ‘This apple is amazing!’ Nesta smiled and started picking some. Rhys did the same. He asked, ‘Have you learnt the Night Court dances yet?’ Nesta smiled ‘Yes, I started with those. I am working on the Autumn Court dances right now’

He smiled ‘Would you like to attend the Hewn City Solstice Ball?’ Nesta looked taken aback. She said ‘Yes, I would love to attend the ball’ He nodded ‘I will get you an invite’ Nesta frowned ‘Who else is going?’ Rhys said ‘All of us are expected. I will leave Amren here to guard the city’ Nesta nodded.

Rhys asked, ‘Have you stopped drinking?’ Nesta looked offended ‘I have nights out just like everybody. I have stopped drinking to dull my powers. I learnt how to control them’ She looked at him ‘If anyone is an alcoholic its Mor. She has a constant glass of wine in her hands’ Rhys gave her a small smile.

Nesta asked ‘So you listened to my music?’ He smiled ‘Yes, I liked Girl on Fire the best’ Nesta smiled ‘Yes, fire in her eyes’ Rhys laughed ‘I can see what inspired that’

He looked down at the grass ‘Have you tried bringing forth a specific plant?’ Nesta shook her head. She put her hands on the grass and closed her eyes and concentrated. She thought of Elain’s tulips from the continent that were growing in their estate garden back in the human lands. Tulips popped up under her hands until they were surrounded by pink and purple tulips. Nesta grinned at Rhys ‘These are Elain’s tulips from the continent. I brought them forth from our garden in the human lands’ Rhys jaw dropped ‘That is incredible’ Nesta smiled ‘It's all connected underneath us. I can feel the heart of the earth’

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CHAPTER 4: POWER

Rhys paced in front of his inner circle the next day. He stopped and looked at them all, calculatingly. ‘Yesterday I had the opportunity to see the progress Nesta has made with her magic. She winnowed her and I straight out of this house’

Azriel frowned ‘The wards didn’t stop her?’ Rhys grit his teeth ‘She said wards don’t stop her. I am unsure of the extent of that’

He continued pacing ‘She covered herself in silver flames and then made a horse made of flames gallop into the air. It flew around and then Nesta flew up and rode it across the sky’ Mor gasped ‘Nesta can fly?’ Rhys nodded ‘She can also build shields, turned an apple to ash and then grew a seed from the apple into a huge apple tree’ He pointed at a bowl of apples on the apple ‘They taste amazing’

Amren leaned in. Her eyes gleamed, ‘What else?’ Rhys told them ‘She brought forth Elain’s violets that she had gotten from the Continent, from her garden in the human lands’ Elain squealed ‘That is amazing! I want to see them!’ Rhys smiled ‘I will happily take you’

He looked at Amren intensely ‘She said the whole Lady Death thing was wrong. Her powers are life and death’ Amren gasped ‘Like the cauldron’

Rhys turned to Azriel ‘She said she knew who her mate was but wouldn’t say who’

Elain sighed ‘If you continue to treat her like the enemy, you will drive her away. I am glad she has accepted her magic and is doing much better. The mate thing is Nesta’s business’ Feyre nodded ‘I agree with Elain’

Amren said coldly ‘Nesta is extremely powerful, her mate could pull her into another Court’ Elain shrugged ‘That’s up to Nesta. She isn’t likely to accept anything other than love. If she falls in love with someone from another Court, then so be it’ Feyre frowned ‘Where would she have met him? Its most likely someone from here’

Azriel said carefully ‘This city is no longer hidden. We have had many visits from outsiders’ Rhys paced ‘Mates are usually well matched in power. Nesta’s mate is most likely to be a High Lord or a Courts heir’ Amren said alarmed, ‘So it must be another Court!’ Feyre suggested ‘Or a foreigner from the Continent’

Rhys paced ‘We should offer her another job. That would tie her to this Court’ Elain glared at him ‘You are still trying to control Nesta!’ She glared at them all in turn ‘Nesta won’t fall for it. She’s not stupid. If I fell in love outside of this Court, would you try and force me to stay here?’ Feyre and Mor shared an uncomfortable look. Elain growled ‘Females are not property! We can make our own choices. You have no right to interfere in those choices! Leave Nesta alone’ She stomped off to her suite.

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CHAPTER 5: MISSING

The next Friday, Rhys felt Nesta leave the wards. He gritted his teeth and looked at Feyre ‘Did Nesta happen to mention going anywhere?’ Feyre shrugged ‘I haven’t seen her since she stomped in here’ he sighed and confessed ‘She just left the wards.’ Feyre suggested ‘She probably just went away for the weekend’ Rhys frowned ‘I don’t think that is very safe. Someone could kidnap her’

Feyre said hesitantly ‘I could go and ask her friends, but Nesta will be mad if she finds out’ Azriel said from the shadows ‘I could go and say you sent me as security?’ Rhys nodded ‘Yes please Az’

Azriel knocked on the purple front door of the artists mansion that Nesta lived in. A girl with big blue eyes opened the door. He said pleasantly, ‘Good afternoon’ She asked nervously ‘Can I help you?’ He gave her a reassuring smile ‘I was wondering where Nesta is?’ She narrowed her eyes ‘Why?’ Azriel said politely ‘She should have security if she leaves the city. I was sent to keep her safe’

The girl smiled ‘You don’t have to worry, Nesta hired security. She has a whole team with her’ Azriel looked surprised. He asked pointedly, ‘Where is she?’ The girl frowned ‘I can’t remember, but I suspect Summer or Day. She made me go bathing suit shopping with her’ Azriel said composedly ‘How long will she be gone?’ The girl answered ‘A month. She went on tour’ Azriel frowned ‘But what about her classes?’ The girl smiled ‘We are covering them for her. This is an amazing opportunity for her. She has many concerts booked. I know she has security with her. You really don’t need to worry’

Azriel asked getting irritated ‘Would anyone else here know where she is?’ The girl shrugged. He started to look annoyed. He asked pointedly ‘Can I ask them?’ She frowned looking him up and down ‘Who are you?’ He said composedly ‘Azriel, the Night Courts Spymaster’ Recognition crossed her face ‘Right, I should have realised when I saw your shadows. I am Sophie’ She led him into the house and into a lounge room. She said to the group chatting on the couches ‘This is Azriel, the Night Courts Spymaster. He is looking for Nesta because he thinks she needs more security’

Garran said lazily ‘But Nesta hired security’ Sophie nodded ‘I told him that’ Azriel asked ‘So Nesta is on tour?’ Garran said brightly ‘Yes, I am sure she is having a marvellous time’ Azriel asked ‘What Court is she in?’ Garran narrowed his eyes ‘If she didn’t tell you, maybe she didn’t want you to know’ Azriel glared at him ‘Our High Lady is worried about her sister. I was asked to go and find out where she is and watch over her’

Sophie asked anxiously, ‘Are you going to drag her back?’ Azriel said placatingly ‘No, of course not. I just need to know where she is, so I can check on her’

The group looked at each other nervously. Garran huffed ‘Adriata’ Azriel nodded ‘Okay thank you for your help’

He disappeared in the shadows.

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CHAPTER 6: CONCERT

Azriel stalked through Adriata feeling annoyed. Nesta’s friends were being deliberately unhelpful. He sighed knowing that his family probably deserved it.

He wandered around for hours until he found a large concert hall with Nesta Archeron the Kingslayer performing tonight written on a huge banner.

Azriel quickly bought a ticket for the show and then went and found somewhere to stay for the night. In his room, he changed into a casual outfit and combed his hair.

He went out into Adriata and ate a taco on the beach for dinner. He had always liked this city. Lesser fae were everywhere and no one looked twice at his wings.

When it was almost time for the concert, he headed back to the concert hall. His ticket was checked, and he was guided into the building.

The concert hall was impressive. It was huge and full of excited people. Azriel grinned at the merchandise stand. Nesta was cashing in on her popularity. He noticed the door that went backstage was being guarded. He would have to slip through later.

He went and took his seat and watched the rest of the audience file in. Anticipation rang through the room. Applause sounded when Tarquin, Cresseida and Varian took their seats in the Top Box, a fancy little platformed box that looked out over the stage and the audience. Azriel glared when he noticed Eris Vanserra sitting with them. He was talking politely to Tarquin.

Azriel clenched his fists. He felt annoyed that somehow Eris knew to come to Nesta’s concert. That Eris was going to get to see Nesta perform when her sisters weren’t even invited. The lights dimmed and Nesta came out from behind the curtain. The crowd cheered. She was wearing a silver sparkly dress.

Nesta grinned and sat at the piano. She said ‘Hello Summer Court. This is the first performance on my music tour’ Cheers sounded ‘For as long as I can remember, I have written music. I have used my music as an outlet to pour all my pain into. Whatever life threw at me, I poured into my music’

She started playing and then singing. The audience watched her reverently. Azriel couldn’t help but look up at Eris. He was grinning manically. The audience cheered and then Nesta launched into another story and then a song. Hours went by and Azriel was still entranced as was the rest of the audience.

After the show, Azriel moved out into the foyer. All around him, fae were commenting on Nesta’s talent and beauty and her resilience. Her merchandise was selling out fast.

Azriel crept through the shadows through the stage door. He slipped past many security guards. Autumn Court. He realised with a jolt that the security was all Autumn Court. His heart raced trying to think of the reason that could have happened.

Outside the dressing room door, a hand squeezed his neck ‘Ahh Shadowsinger. I didn’t realise Lady Nesta needed security to keep out others from the Night Court?’ Azriel shook him off furiously ‘I was sent to check on her’

Nesta opened her dressing room door. She sighed ‘Come in Az’ Her security let him go and he slipped through the threshold. Nesta had a team in there with her. They were laughing and clicking glasses together.

Nesta asked ‘Did you enjoy the concert?’ Azriel blushed ‘Yes, you were wonderful Nesta’ She smiled ‘Thank you. Did you just happen to come on a holiday?’ He said ‘No, Rhys felt you leave the wards, and Feyre wanted me to make sure you were okay. That you had security’ Nesta gestured to the guys outside ‘I have plenty of security and you can see that I am fine’ Azriel said quietly ‘Your security are Autumn Court’ A small smile appeared on Nesta’s face. She said, ‘I am not surprised’ Azriel said ‘We would have provided Night Court security’ Nesta frowned ‘I doubt Night Court security could be trusted to keep their hands off me. They are all brutes and evil Darkbringers, or so I have been led to believe’ Azriel blushed.

A knock sounded at the door. Nesta opened it and grinned. Tarquin, Cresseida, Varian and Eris entered the room.

Tarquin gushed ‘You are a star Nesta Archeron. I was entranced by you!’ Nesta smiled ‘I am glad you enjoyed it.’ Cresseida said ‘You must come up to the palace to dine with us’ Nesta smiled ‘I would be honoured’ Eris moved closer to Nesta and held out his arms. She smiled and hugged him tightly. Azriel was stunned. Eris said ‘You were incredible. I am so glad I got to be here’ Nesta smiled and cuddled into him.

Varian said ‘Azriel, I didn’t know you were in the Summer Court’ Azriel said ‘Yes, I didn’t realise Nesta was going on tour. I was sent to make sure she had security’ Eris said briskly ‘I organised Nesta’s security. They are good males. They won’t let anything happen to her’ Azriel frowned ‘Why should she trust you?’ Nesta sighed ‘Azriel your prejudice is not mine. I would trust Eris with my life’ Eris kissed the top of her head. Azriel stepped back wide eyed ‘She’s your mate’ Eris and Nesta looked at each other. Nesta said plainly ‘Not that it’s your business, but yes’ Azriel sighed rubbing his neck.

Nesta organised to have lunch at the palace the next day. Eris held Nesta’s hand as they headed back to the villa they were staying in. Azriel watched from a distance. He needed to know where they were staying but he didn’t want to intrude. Nesta did have many security guards, but they were hired by Eris. He sighed. Eris was going to be a problem. Rhys would be furious when he found out they were mates. Azriel was seething as he walked along.

The villa looked out over the ocean. Nesta kicked off her shoes and sat on a comfy white couch. Eris picked up her feet and gave her a foot rub. She groaned in pleasure. He smirked ‘That is a sound I like hearing you make’ She grinned ‘Aim for that later. Can you stay?’ He nodded ‘Yes, I will come to the lunch tomorrow too’

Eris said after a minute ‘So Azriel knows’ Nesta nodded ‘He will tell Rhys’ Eris squeezed her foot. ‘He won’t like that’ Nesta smirked ‘I couldn’t care less what Rhysand likes or doesn’t like’ Eris smiled, ‘I can’t believe he stuck Cassian on you’ Nesta smirked ‘As if I would fall for that stupid brute’ Eris kissed her foot ‘You aren’t allowed to fall for anyone else. You have thawed my heart Nesta Archeron. I don’t think I could survive the harmful heart freezing process again’ Nesta looked at him lovingly ‘You won’t have to. You have thawed my heart too’

She added ‘I have even written songs about it’ He laughed and pulled her onto his lap. He kissed her passionately ‘I have missed you’ She kissed him back ‘I have missed you too’ He sighed ‘I wish I could wake up next to you every day’ She grinned ‘I want that too’ He nodded ‘Then we will make it happen’ She covered him in kisses.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 7: MATE

Azriel entered River House the next day. His eyes met Feyre’s. She asked anxiously ‘Did you find her?’ He nodded. Rhys moved into the room. Azriel explained ‘Nesta is on tour in the Summer Court. She is starting in Adriata. She was even invited to the palace today for lunch. I watched her concert last night. She did an amazing job’

Elain came into the room. She squeaked ‘I want to see her concert!’ Azriel smiled ‘It sounds like you will have many opportunities. She is on tour for a month’ Elain nodded excitedly.

Rhys looked at him calculatingly ‘Why didn’t you stay with her?’ Azriel explained ‘She already has security; I saw at least six security guards with her’ Rhys frowned ‘From here?’ Azriel said quietly ‘No, her security are from the Autumn Court’ Rhys gasped ‘Why?’ Azriel braced himself ‘Nesta isn’t the one who hired them, Eris did’ Silence followed his words.

Feyre asked quietly ‘Why is Eris involved?’ Azriel braced himself ‘Eris is Nesta’s mate’ Feyre gasped and covered her mouth. Rhys growled.

Elain said placatingly ‘You don’t have to worry. I have seen them together. They are good for each other’ Feyre looked at her sharply ‘Seen as in a vision or seen in person?’ Elain said, ‘A vision way back when I first started getting them’ Rhys gasped ‘You knew she would end up with Eris?’ Elain nodded ‘Are you really surprised? They match each other well’ Rhys paced the room. ‘Nesta has so much power and it will be in the hands of the future Autumn Court’

Elain said coldly ‘Nesta is a person, not just powers walking around. We should all just want her to be happy’ Rhys snarled.

Azriel confessed ‘I have never seen Eris so soft. He’s clearly in love with her’

Rhys paced ‘Maybe we should bring her home’ Azriel narrowed his eyes ‘She has a lot of fans, her concerts are prebooked. She is a famous person. We can’t drag her anywhere’ Feyre said sharply ‘No, we should be supportive instead of trying to tear down what she has built for herself’

Rhys looked furious. Feyre said sternly ‘Rhys, we can either be supportive and have a future ally to the Night Court or work against her and create a Night Court enemy. She is my sister. I want her to be happy. Eris is her mate; we can’t change that. We need to be supportive’

Rhys said angrily ‘But he hurt Mor’ Feyre said placatingly ‘He wasn’t the one who actually hurt her’ Rhys nodded, still pacing. He huffed ‘Mor will be upset’ Feyre shrugged ‘Mor hates Nesta, she will think they deserve each other’

Elain scowled ‘Mor could tell Eris was Nesta’s mate. That’s why she has always been so awful to her’ Feyre’s eyes widened.

Rhys looked at Elain calculatingly ‘Elain you have been keeping secrets’ Elain shrugged ‘Not everything I have seen makes sense or comes to pass. Sometimes other decisions are made and the course changes’