X L V I I

                                    

                                          
"SUNSHINE, PACING isn't going to solve anything. Come sit." 
	Nohx was lounging on the couch in the Icewood cabin, his eyes tracking the way Andorra moved back and forth, a little bit frantically. He brought a cup of coffee to his lips, a human trait he never kicked. He smiled fondly when Andorra turned to look at him.
	She let out a groan and flopped beside him on the couch. When Nohx set down his coffee, she crawled into his lap and pressed her face against his shoulder blades. "I just don't see any way around it. We're going to have to go to the Spring Court."
	Nohx immediately wrapped his arms around Andorra, pulling him tighter against himself. He let his fingertips trail down her body soothingly. He pressed a soft kiss to the crown of her head, inhaling her deeply.
	Having her gone for those days in Averotho had made him antsy in the worst way. He trusted that Andorra knew what she was doing, and he trusted that she would keep herself safe. Trusted that Oberon would do the same.
	But not knowing if she was in danger, it rattled him beyond belief. He had sat at the truth pond, just checking in, like he had done so many times in the human realm. It had been almost nostalgic, to see her in the shimmering water.
	"So what? Princess Eolande isn't going to do anything to you while you're there. And if she does, well, you'll take care of it. Vulara would hate it if all that training went to waste."
	"Do you think she'll agree with us? Do you think she'll actually say yes to helping?"
	Andorra had good reason for doubting the Princess of the Spring Court, but it still made her stomach cramp. Then, her mind perked up. "Wait. What if we spoke with the Clan Leaders? I've been so focused on hoping that having her son on our side would help change her mind, but that's like befriending Callum and hoping Puck would follow suit. What if I tried to win over the Clan Leaders?"
	Andorra pulled back to look Nohx in the eyes, her own expression hopeful. Nohx found himself cupping her cheeks and pulling her close to him. "I think you're brilliant, always. And I think that's a great idea." He kissed her softly, quickly, reassuringly. When Andorra tried to deepen the kiss, he pulled back with a low chuckle. 
	"When do you want to leave? We're running on borrowed time as it is, Andy. As much as I'd love to make out with you on our couch..." he grinned at her to soften the way he had pulled away from her.
	Andorra pressed another quick kiss to his lips, just to be cheeky. "You're right, as always. We should leave like, now."
	Nohx took a look at Andorra. She wore one of his t-shirts, and nothing else. Her hair was unruly and wild from last night. A few of Nohx's bite marks could be seen where the neckline slouched low.
	"In that attire? I think the Spring Court would be up in arms. I can see the Spring Court headlines now: Winter Court destroys Summer Queen..." he pressed a kiss over the hickeys, scraping his teeth jokingly.
	"I think it'll do them some good to see that Anders was never going to be my King." She ran her hands through Nohx's dark hair. She pulled his face back to hers. "I think it'll do them some good to see who the new king will actually be."
	Nohx tilted his head. "You want me to join you."
	"I think Anlithamy deserves to know who I'm in love with, yes. You'll be their king soon enough."
	A feral grin split across Nohx's face. "Careful with those words, or we won't be leaving our cabin any time soon."
	"I didn't realize my fiance was so ravenous." Andorra patted Nohx's cheek as she stood from the couch. He stood with her, hands loose on her hips as he stole another kiss, not quite deepening it, but not really releasing her, either.