Chapter 2

Alec's P.O.V

The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. His family was sitting in the foyer, each desperately on edge. Feyre, his mother, had her normal tanned skin turned ice cold while her mate gently rubbed circles on her back to calm her down. The two large winged males, sat unmoving in their armchairs, as if an attack could come at any minute. And his cousin, Mor, did nothing to try to hide the anger in her eyes and had been clenching her fists for the past hour. The only people who weren't letting their fury swallow the room was Amren, his aunts, and his sister who had not yet arrived. Amren had pulled Nesta out for a chat a while ago, and Elain was ill. Leaving everyone waiting for Lorelai. She's rarely early - or even on time - so It was no suprise when she sauntered in, 15 minutes late.

Everyone turned to look at her, and she plonked herself next him.

Rolling her eyes, she sighed, "Oh come on, I wasn't that late!"

Rhys chuckled. "Your lucky they're still climbing the stairs."

The House Of Wind was barred from winnowing, and so the only way in is to fly, or walk. Tamlin had unsurprisingly flat out refused to be flown in by the illyrians, which left them to the 10,000 step climb. He hoped they were enjoying it.

As Lorelai has entered the room, the mood lifted a little and small banter began to bounce back a forth. He'd always marvelled at his sisters art of conversation, and how she could get anyone to calm down, and maybe ever crack a a smile. It was a pity she could never try and use some of her methods on herself.

He saw her laugh, and drink and be happy, but he knew how hard it worked her. To tell jokes and talk when all she wanted to do was sit in silence and let herself be filled with thoughts.

He was the only one Lorelai had ever trusted when it came to the problems she faced, and she hid them so well, he often forget they were there. But her facade never lasted forever. After a while cracks would show. She'd drift off to space, a tear might appear in her eye, but she'd shake everything off and act as if nothing had happened.

This is why she was to be High Lady, even if Alec himself was the oldest. She had the ability to lead, to inspire. Alec was much more content with owning a beautiful bookshop in Velaris, he enjoyed the quiet life.

As the tension began to drift, a servant walked through the swooping, white wooden doors.

With a bow, she said,'The High Lord of Spring has arrived my lord and lady."

Feyre looked like she was about to burst, and Alec wondered why she isn't just sitting this one out. She'd got enough to deal with already and this visit wasn't helping anything.

Everyone rose to their feet, and Lorelai stalked forward to join their parents, Feyre and Rhysand, at their side. Behind them, we began to fill out. On their right was Cassian and Nesta and Amren, who had just returned from their chat. On their right was Mor, Azrial and Alec. With everyone standing together, they all looked formidable. Alec tried to remember it all in his mind to paint later when he got back home.

Lorelai looked behind her a gave a small smile to her brother before their father declared to everyone, "Well then, it's time for the show to begin.'

Lorelai's P.O.V.

As they walked through the doors, she heard everyone's heavy breathing stop, as if their hearts had suddenly stopped working.

Rhys stepped forward and put his arm out in welcome. "Welcome to our court. We trust you had a safe journey." Mischief glinted in his violet eyes.

They waited for Tamlins retort, but none came. Instead his son stepped in and drawled , "The stairs were a bore, although i guess it's fun to get some good exercise once in a while." Lorelai looked at him, and blinked, twice, thrice - he was the most beautiful male she'd ever seen. Brennon Hardgrove was absolutely stunning. His tanned skin and golden, straw like hair, assented his cutting edge jawline and his crossed arms drew her eyes to his biceps.

Snapping out of her trance, she stepped forward as her father did, her mother staying behind. "We trust that the rooms you have been shown are to your liking, would you care to join us for dinner?" This was the most polite she had been all year, at a promise to her father to behave. They hadn't directly pissed her off yet, but one wrong move and the nice act would be off - permanently.

Tamlin stares at her, stared at the child of his past lover - he felt nothing. He grunted a vague yes, and we led him into the dining room. Feyre walked quickly and briskly, Mor next to her, as if they were about to explode. Rhys, Cassian, Alec and Azriel walked subtly behind them , next to Amren and Nesta. She walked the closest to the Lords of Spring, keeping the closet to them. She felt Brennons stare at the back of her head, even though he had yet to say anything to her, it seemed he had already made up his mind.

After a walk which seemed to drag on forever, we had made it to the dining hall. She glanced at her brother and spoke to him though her mind, "50 gold marks a fight breaks out in the first 30 minutes." He gave her a wolffish grin, "70, and in 15 minutes."

"Deal," She whispered back through the link. They were both Daemati, and frequently talked to each other through their minds.

He outstretched his hand, and she took it as they walked into the airy hall.

This would be a long night