A/N: This takes place 50 years after a Court of Silver Flames
Song- Daylight by David Kushner
POV Nyx:
I've been prepared to be the High Lord since I could talk. I've always felt the pressure to be the best son and heir to the throne. My parents have changed our world in so many ways, what if I fall short? The only time I feel relaxed is when I draw or sketch. My parents are wonderful, always proud of me and never disappointed. But I worry about how our people see me. The members of our court believe I will do wonderful things and I want to prove them right. Today was the day I would make my vow and become an official member of the Night Court. When an heir or heiress reaches a certain age they must swear themselves to their own court. I was disappointed that Aunt Nesta and Cassian wouldn't be there today but they were finally on a vacation. They decided they wanted some time in a warmer court, they went off to the Summer Court only 3 days ago. Uncle Azriel couldn't stop laughing when he received a post card from them this morning. We were having breakfast together as a family when Azriel came in while waving the card around.
My mom grabbed the card from Uncle Azriel and made her usual 'awe' that was before dad chipped in with a mix of laughter "I'm surprised they let him back into the Summer Court." But my mom quickly shot back "I'm sure it was Nesta's doing but that means they can join us there next time." My sister, Nova, wasn't as excited "Mom when is aunt Nesta coming back?" I looked up from my breakfast "When you are done following her around like a pet." Nova glared at me before replying "The only thing that follows you around is Moonlight." I became annoyed with her mention of my pegasus. We spent less time together nowadays because of my responsibilities, it became a sore spot. I missed the time I spent with Moonlight. Mom could tell I got upset because she gave Nova her signature look and the conversation was done.
"Nyxie? NYXIE?" The sound of my mom calling me snapped me out of the thoughts from this morning. I hurried and grabbed my sketch book. It was rare that I had an entire day with almost nothing to do. But as I grabbed my sketch book one of my drawings fell out. It was my favorite piece I did. I had a dream about a lady a year ago, when I woke up I couldn't stop thinking about her so I sat at my desk for hours trying to remember every detail of her. The memory has slowly begun to fade and I try not to look at my sketch much anymore, knowing she's only from my dream. For a few years I had hope I would find her. Every ball I attended, I would scan the party. Only to be left with nothing. No one coming closer to her features. I became more focused on my responsibilities and left my heart behind. Plus a good High Lord must be devoted to his own court.
I put my favorite sketch away in the drawer before heading down to find my mom. As I was heading down the stairs I bumped into Nova who was coming the opposite way. "I'm sorry" I quickly blurted but she didn't stop walking when she shouted back with a middle finger held high "Mom was looking for you." While waving my hand I say "Thanks dipshit" and continued down the stairs. Recently Nova hasn't been wanting to be around any of us. I tried to ask her what's wrong but she threw her astrology book at my head, closed the door and said "LEAVE THE BOOK THERE AND WALK AWAY NYX!" After the bump on my head healed I decided not to push her again. It feels like she's keeping something from me and I don't like it.
When I made it to the main floor I couldn't find my mom. Why would she call for me and leave? I looked in every room and she was no where to be found. "Mom?" "Mom?" "MOM?" But there was never an answer. I even checked the library where my mom and Nesta would normally hide but it was a ghost town. I started back up the stairs again. The second floor was where we kept our living room, guest rooms and studies. But third floor was our rooms. We have a room for Solaris next to mine and Nova's is next to his but my parents sleep on the opposite side. Our river house was cozier than the Palace, that's why mom wanted to live here instead. This was home but the palace was also full of my favorite memories. Ones of Nova, Sol and I sneaking around in the kitchen, running throughout the halls, the laughter from our Pythian play dates. I prefer my room there too but mom prefers when I stay here with the family.
I was heading to my mom's study when I heard Uncle Azriel's voice coming from the other side of the door. I put my ear to the door to try and hear the conversation better. My mom's quiet voice traveled through the door "Amren says the rumors are spreading through the court, the people became suspicious when they brought Ladies in waiting's to the palace, any day now he might debut her." Azriel sighed before responding "The shadows are louder these days. I can't keep them from him forever as everyday gets harder. We should tell Rhysand or at the very least-" but I heard my mother cut him off "Don't say it. I don't want to tell Rhys yet, I don't know how he will react and we don't even know if it will happen-." But then Azriel did something he's never done within my life and that is cut her off "Feyre please! We should prepare for this, we can't stop fate, haven't we learned this lesson before?" Then there was a pause before her voice went even quieter "Don't say anything to him- I will when the time is right." Another pause "Of course my High Lady." Then I heard footsteps. Fuck! I panicked and stepped further back and started to walk again to the door. What were they talking about? But before I could think anymore about it Azriel came out, "Hey Nyx what are you doing here?" He said with an uncomfortable and nervous tone. "Nova said my mom needed me?" Then Azriel's body relaxed which raised my suspicion even more. "Yes, she does" he said and he opened the door for me. I gave him a thankful nod before entering.
"Nyxie! There you are, what are you doing here?" Now I was confused "Did you not tell Nova you needed to see me?" Then she made a click sound with her mouth "Yes I did! Sit please!" But when I sat down I couldn't help but think of the conversation I had just overheard. It wasn't like my parents to keep secrets from each other. My parents told each other everything, or so I thought. I was worried something was genuinely wrong. Was there a new threat to our courts? Was something wrong with my mom?
My mom's water colored eyes locked with mine. "There is something I need to tell you about your powers-" "Darling!" Mom and I both turned our heads towards the sound of Dad calling for her down the hall. Without a second glance Dad opened the door "Feyre Darling I- Oh hello Nyx are you excited for tonight, I am! Anyway Darling, could you paint a new portrait for my study?" My mom quickly stood up and followed him out of her study.
Reluctantly I got up and followed them into his study where I saw him standing behind my mom with his arms wrapped around her. Above the black marble fireplace was a portrait in a gold frame. My mom was observing the painting with fierce eyes. But while I was watching her, I could have swore I saw the shadows move in the corner of my eye but I shrugged it off.
I noticed the signature on the painting, this wasn't my mom's work. "Why do you look so sad mom?" I spoke before thinking. I felt my mom's aura shift. My dad's arms wrapped tighter around my mom as he spoke softly instead "We were sad because for the first year of your life... we couldn't forget about how we almost lost everything." I heard my dad's voice break before he continued "Your aunt Nesta is the reason you, your sister, your mother and I are still here." I remembered parts of the story. It was a touchy subject to all my Aunts and Uncles. We never spoke about it while together. We all stood there in silence while looking at the painting before my mom said "Move it to the gallery and I will paint one of all of us. Maybe with Nyx's Night Court markings too!" I could feel my mom's mood lift as my dad called for someone to remove the painting.
I followed my mom out of my dad's study. "What were you saying before dad called you?" I watched the color leave her face once more. "There is something I've been meaning to tell you" she stopped walking and faced me. Her hands gripped onto mine and I saw sadness behind her eyes. "You have an extremely rare gift and tonight when you swear into your court, they will come to fruition." My powers? I've been working and mastering my gifts for years now. My father training me on how to use the power of death and winnowing. I've become extremely skilled and my mom know's this. "What do you mean?" I asked with a sense of urgency. "You have more powers-I- I don't know much about them but your Uncle does." She tripped over her words before saying "Excuse me dear, I need to get some work done." Then she locked herself in her study.
Hours later, I was drawing trying to clear my jumbled thoughts. I hated when my mother or Aunts would say shit that didn't make sense. What power? What didn't I know? Why was everyone leaving me in the dark? But as I was sketching I heard my dad was knocking at my door. "Nyx? Are you ready?" I rose from my art desk quickly before opening the door "Are we doing it here or at the Palace?" My dad gave me a smirk before taking my hand and heading down the stairs.
The second we were out the door he winnowed us to the top of the Velaris mountain, Ramiel. The mist cleared and the lights looked like the stars in the sky. "Wow this is the best sight" I muttered or so I thought. My dad patted my back "Your mom thought so too. Are you ready?" I looked back down at the city of Velaris. After today I would be a devoted member of the Night Court. I turned back to my dad and nodded my head. I was ready to devote my life to my court. "Nyx Alarie are you willing to become a devoted member to the Night Court? Willing to lay down your life for this court and it's people? Willing to rule over the Night Court when your mother and I decide it is time?" My dad's voice was loud and serious but I could see the pride gleaming in his eyes. "Yes, I vow my life to the Night Court from now until forever more."
I then felt the magic prick my skin. I felt
something shift around me. The shadows creeping towards my feet. Black markings stretched over across my chest and my arms, leaving the Night Court markings but different than the ones my parents had. I noticed tears pricking my dad's eyes. "You look... you look good son" my dad's voice was shaky and emotional. "Are you okay?" I walked closer to him. My dad took a seat in the snow. His eyes glued on the city below us. I sat next to him, my body becoming slightly cold as I sat in the snow. "I know you've been working hard and me and your mom are both impressed." I let out a small laugh "That's why you were about to cry?" He put his hand on my back "No Nyxie. I was thinking about life before I met your mother. You look just like me, you always have but now with your night court markings... it felt like I went back in time. I just want to make sure you never suffer. Not like I did and not like your mom. We want more for you." I let his words still like the snow around us before finally speaking "Where is this coming from? I'm doing fine." My dad looked at me "I know you are fine Nyx, I just don't want you to push yourself too much." Then he stood up and gave me his hand. He embraced me into a side hug before saying in a low tone "Live your life in every way you can." But his words stuck with me and created a small smile on my face "I will dad, now can we go home?" I watched my dad take one more look at Velaris before winnowing us home.
When we got back home everyone was already asleep. We walked up the stairs trying to be quiet but my mom swung her door open "Rhys!" Her voice in a stern whisper. She was in her nightgown with a robe over it. "Hello, Darling" my father said in a silky tone, which grossed me out. My mom's face flushed but she hurried past him and grabbed my arms "Nyxie these look amazing!" She pulled me by my arms into a tight hug "You are growing too fast, becoming too old." Then she whispered in my ear "Speak to Uncle Az when you need." Okay? I felt fine right now. I pulled out of her embrace "It's not even my birthday mom, I'm fine, don't worry about me." My mom leaned against my dad "It's my job to worry about you, Nyx." My dad gave me the look, and my guilt kicked in. I walked over and gave them both a hug "Thanks for caring about me. I love you both but can I go now?" My mom chuckled "Yes, go and sleep well."
I sat down at my desk and opened my sketch book. I hadn't finished my sketch of Moonlight yet but I struggled to sketch. My mind seemed to be pulled elsewhere. I heard something stirring behind me. "Nyx, Nyx, Nyx." I tried to shake it off. I opened the drawer and saw the sketch that fell out earlier. Her eyes were green and full of rage but somehow still looked gentle. She had sharp, pointed ears. Pale skin, unlike mine. She wore a pink gown in my dream but the second time I dreamed of her she was in yellow. Both colors never did her justice. They seemed to dull her out. I looked back at the sketch one more time before putting it away. I blew out the candle and headed out to my balcony.
I rested my arms on the rail and released my wings. I looked out at the full moon above, the moonlight shining on my wings. I admired the view until I saw a shooting star. I thought back to the lady from my sketch. "Where is she?" I asked out into the darkness, I hadn't expected an answer until I heard "Fields of flowers." In a field of flowers? Flowers existed in every court but the Winter Court. Though the Winter Court had beautiful trees. But when I looked back up at the moon, I had a feeling that this fae woman just didn't exist. Then I remembered the conversation my mom and uncle Az were having earlier. Something feels off but I don't know. I only hoped it wasn't the cauldron. I continued to stare off at the moon. Soon I would have even more responsibilities of the Night Court but I think part of me is ready. I've always been good at leading, at being in control and decisive. Maybe I will even attend the next High Lord's meeting in a few weeks? If I continue like this I might make a great heir of the Night Court.
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POV Azalea:
"Azalea?" I heard Bella's shrieking call rattle towards the upstairs tower. Today was the first day in years where I had zero lessons. I ignored the shouting of my name and went back to reading. I was reading a book about a woman who breaks a curse with true love, turning a beast into a man. Father didn't like me reading so I kept my door locked at all times. All my favorite books are in here. If only I didn't need to eat, then I could just stay up here forever. I knew my ladies in waiting were having tea in the ladies parlor. My father redid the entire Palace years ago when I was a young lady. He did it in phases. The west wing is where my father stays. His studies, rooms and such but the East side was my own. I like to believe he redid the east side for me because he loves me but he says "the females need to be contained to an area." The east wing looked masculine on the outside but inside each room there was a slight feminine touch. It didn't matter though because my ladies in waiting loved our new palace. Jennifer was the only one who saw the Palace before. Father officially revealed our new palace a few Tithe's ago, of course I'm not allowed to be there. Father says the Tithe and Calanmai are unsafe for real and pure ladies. I used to be curious about the events but now I would rather just read.
I do find myself questioning about my father's parlor. I was allowed in his study and that was it. If I went anywhere else in the West Wing he would probably lock me inside again. But it's been a while since that happened. The last time he locked me away was on my last birthday. I was begging to go with him to the High Lords meeting. I wanted to see the Winter Court since I've never seen snow but apparently it's a males only meeting. I remembered the conversation too well. "Father please let me go, I won't say a word, I won't look at anyone either. Can I please just see the snow?" My father gruffed "No Azalea, you can't go. Oh for cauldron sakes Azalea stop crying!" My voice was breaking "I don't have to go to the Palace, I could just explore the court." Then my father changed "Absolutely not. No daughter of mine will prance around a Court." Then he rushed out of the front door and when I tried to follow the doors wouldn't open. He had used his magic to trap me here. I began crying on the floor
Brimsley found me crying on the floor. After I explained everything to him, he finally gave me some information on the Courts as a birthday present. He listed Courts and the territories they rule. But that's all he could give me, I was thankful to finally know the names of all the Courts. I didn't know there was a Night Court, Dawn Court, Summer or Day Court. I only knew about Autumn and Winter because I eavesdropped on a conversation between Father and his council which consisted of 3 males. They all lived on the West Side of the Palace. After I left Brimsley's office, which was on the first floor, I went up to my father's study looking for a magical key to get me out but instead I found an unusual box sitting on his desk. Inside the box was a painting, a letter, a necklace and a dagger. I lifted the necklace and it was a gold chain with a mountain symbol on it. I knew it was from another court, maybe Day Court? Our symbol was a rose and you could find it all throughout the Palace. The painting was of a light brown beast full of rage and malice, blood dripped from his teeth into a pool below him. It reminded me of father but before I could read the letter, I heard someone coming. I didn't get caught but I also haven't been able to stop thinking about the small box. I've been hoping to see it again but I haven't.
Almost every week when father goes to hunt, I check for the box but I never seem to find it. Part of me wonders if I made it up for excitement but the necklace felt real beneath my fingers. I continued reading my book until I heard my name again.
This time it was from a friendlier voice. "Azalea are you in here? Don't make me climb all those stairs for you to not even be here." I put my book down and opened the door. "Yes Lady Jennifer, why did you call for me?" She tilted her head and said "We were about to go for a walk in the forest and we wanted to know if you wanted to join us?" I closed my door behind me and saw the ladies heading down the stairs. Jaylen lead Jennifer while Jayden walked behind. I eventually started down the stairs. My white gown trailing behind me. Our courts colors were green and pink. My father let me wear blue because the sky is blue everywhere, white was allowed at home.
We met lady Jayden and lady Jaylen out in the main gardens. This is where my father kept every flower that grew in the spring court, if you walked deep enough through the gardens you can find my fathers roses bed. My private gardens have azaleas, lavender and I recently used my magic to grow secret roses. Their shape is the easiest for me to do. Father doesn't allow me to use magic so I try not too but sometimes the urge is overwhelming, so I sneak to my gardens at night. Growing roses, lilies, hydrangea and more but I try to kill then before leaving so no one can find them. But my roses were too beautiful to kill so I kept those.
"Lady Azalea?" I turned my head to lady Jayden "Yes?" She lifted her nose higher to the sky "The High Lord's meeting is next week, will you be hiding in the parlor with us? If so we will need more tea." I was a bit taken aback that she knew and I didn't. My father never told me anything. But somehow she always knew something. She was a few years older than me. She and Jennifer are the same age. Jaylen and I are too. "No, I will be reading as always. A bright mind can never have enough sunshine" my voice was tainted with sarcasm. I tried to get rid of lady Jayden some years ago but my father completely lost it. Jennifer was the first to become my lady in waiting. She was a daughter from a respected Duke of the Spring Court. Then Jayden arrived, a daughter from another well-off Duke. Her sister, Jaylen was sent here too when she was born. I've learned to be passive with Jayden.
The gardens were beautiful even though it was the colder months. Jennifer was admiring the sunflowers while Jayden was talking with Jaylen about high members of the Spring Court. We started towards the woods. Jennifer and Jayden walked further away while Jaylen stayed with me. "Lady Azalea have you ever heard of suriel?" I snapped my neck to look at her "In stories but I've never seen one." She flashed a big smile "I know how to catch one." But before I could ask her how Jayden stormed over and grabbed my hand. Our white gloves covering our hands. "Come with me Lady Azalea." One moment I was peacefully walking with Jaylen, I was now strolling with Jayden. "Lady Azalea there is whisper that a Duke from our court has interest in your hand. Isn't that wonderful?" I furrowed my eyebrows "I haven't debuted yet." Her smile faded "No you haven't yet, but when you do, he could be a wonderful option." My father has hinted at marriage in the few conversations we had. I never thought he was serious, considering I didn't attend balls or social events. I decided to be done with our conversation and spent the rest of the walk admiring the woods. I listened to trees call to me. Their voices so prominent they sounded like Jaylen's laughter next to me. "Lady of the Spring Court. Lady of the Spring Court the Lord dreams of you. Lady of Spring walk into the darkness. Lady of Spring, come to us."
I felt my magic stir within me, out of the corner of my eye I saw my magic start to conquer a rose but I couldn't let lady Jayden see me like this. I hurried off further away from my ladies in waiting. I started doing my breathing exercises that Jennifer taught me. I needed a moment to myself. My legs took me deeper into the woods. I noticed I started picking up pace, what was now walking was almost running. I kept trailing deeper into the forrest. But then I stumbled across a fallen tree. I've never seen this tree before. It stopped me at a hault. Something was telling me to climb over it. Walk farther but right as I lifted my dress "Lady Azalea!" Then I saw Jayden's light green dress appear from behind a tree. How did she find me? "Azalea don't go there, come back this way, Lady Jennifer thought we could all take some tea? Doesn't that sound lovely! Lady Jaylen appears to be chilled as well, we must hurry" Without letting me speak she grabs my arm and drags me away from the depths of the forest.
Reluctantly I head back inside Blossom Palace. Lady Jayden lead us to the ladies parlor before she ordered green tea. It was my least favorite but she always ordered it anyway. Jaylen wanted to sit outside while we had tea. I watched the tea pour into the tiny china teacup. While Bella poured the tea, I looked back inside the ladies parlor. The walls blue and bear. I wish we had art on the walls. Something to admire or study. The only place we had art was in the dinning room. My father kept his favorite portraits on the wall. I used to be upset that he never commissioned a painting of me but I came to terms with it. I thought my father didn't love me but that was until he announced the name for the palace. He won't say it out loud but I know somewhere in his heart he loves me a little bit. At least I hoped. I finally took a sip of my tea. Hot and gross. I loved tea but not straight green tea. I tried not to make a face as I swallowed. I stood up while I drank my tea, walking around on the terrace, Jaylen joined me. I noticed Jayden's growing annoyance.
Lady Jayden started chatting but I tuned her out. When we finished tea we wandered back into the parlor. Jayden was still talking about the Duke's we could marry. Her voice becoming irrelevant until we all heard the High Lord's door open. My fathers den door made an unusually loud creek that seemed to echo through our halls. It sounded like he was with someone. "Can you believe Kallias would do such a thing? Our courts have traditions and rules we are supposed to uphold and he changes it? Which Court is next to crumble under a females ruling." Lady Jayden was focused on my father's conversation as was I, only I hid it better. Jayden's puzzled face gave it all away. Why was she so interested in my father? Once my father seemed far enough away Lady Jayden excused herself only leaving Jennifer and Jaylen. A moment passed and we all awkwardly stared at each other before Lady Jaylen said "Do you want to know how to catch a suriel?" I expected Lady Jennifer to oppose but instead she said "I've always wondered what I would ask?" My eyes widened with shock "How would one catch a suriel, I've heard it's almost impossible." Lady Jaylen took another sip of tea from the china cup, I waited patiently for her to answer me. "I heard that they are only seen in groves of young birch trees in the West woods where Lord Tamlin hunts. You need to sacrifice a chicken to lure them out." She took another sip of her tea "That's all I know." But curiosity poked at me. A suriel can never lie, but what would I want to know?
I never saw Lady Jayden at dinner but Jennifer and Jaylen spent the entire dinner gossiping about what they would ask the suriel. We had the same thing for dinner like we did every night. The only time we had something different was for fathers birthday but the food was always good. Jennifer and Jaylen always laugh, lightning the mood. I couldn't help but look at the portraits on the walls. Pale faces, all with blonde hair. My hair is apparently more like my mothers. My hair is a brown shade with red highlights. Jennifer has dark brown hair and so does Jaylen. Jayden had blonde hair, just like my father. My eyes were like my fathers, but that's all I see. I guess our ears are alike but don't all High Fae have sharp, pointed ears? I wouldn't know, my ladies in waiting have dull ears like Bella. Brimsley's ears have a small point to them but I haven't seen anyone else's. I excused myself from dinner and prepared myself for bed.
I ended up getting out of bed and walked onto the balcony. My balcony overlooked my private gardens and the forests. I looked over the balcony into the west woods. When could I go there? My father almost never left the house, he spent his days lurking our property. I could go at night, but I feared for what creeped deep out into the woods. I had no skills or training to protect myself, dancing wouldn't scare away the dangers. The shadows seemed to call to me but my father has told me that I could never protect myself out there. There must be sometime I can go there? I wanted to catch a suriel. I looked out at the full moon and admired the beauty of the moonlight. It always calmed me, unlike anything else. Although my books were a great escape. After locking the door behind me, I crawled back into bed and eventually drifted off to sleep.