#gccdstories

It was daunting to realize that her first ever trip beyond the borders of the Spring Court was not only to Summer on a diplomatic mission, but as the intended Lady of the High Lord of Spring. Had anyone told Feyre a year ago that she would be betrothed to the High Lord, she would've certainly laughed them from her father's hall. Nesta, her eldest sister, would be the Archeron offspring to make a fine match. Not only was her dowry sizeable, but her unique gifts that both frightened and awed her fellow fae would net a worthy marriage. If Nesta was to find success on the marriage mart, then Elain wouldn't be far behind. Sweet Elain, the most delightful of the three sisters, had males nearly throwing themselves at her feet from the time of her debut. Her seer abilities only make her all the more desirable.

Feyre, as the youngest of the three, was the last to ever be considered for a match. That was perfectly fine by her; she'd much rather be left to her paints and the open forest that surrounded her family's estate. Her peaceful, albeit somewhat neglected, existence was forever changed upon her evaluation by the priestesses prior to her debut at court. Whatever power that existed inside her was enough to garner not only the High Lord's attention, but his hand in marriage as well.

She'd only ever come into contact with the High Lord- Tamlin- a handful of times, and hadn't been able to form a clear opinion of him beside ingrained respect as her High Lord. To Feyre's surprise, she found she genuinely liked spending time with him the more she did so. When he'd requested her presence at a trade summit in Adriata, Feyre had been only too happy to accept. The purpose of her attendance was not to actually take part in the negotiations, but rather to serve as an introduction to the other courts as the future Lady of Spring.

The first day of negotiations found Feyre in one of the many courtyards that were littered throughout Tarquin's castle. In her lap lay her open sketchbook, the page blank as she considered the scenery before her. She had little over an hour before she was due to have tea with the Lady of Autumn; plenty of time to sketch and scrub the charcoal from her fingers.

After their afternoon’s orders were given, Violet was quick to pivot on her heel and depart for the designated area where she was to meet Tairn. Already pulling her flight goggles into place, she could hear the crunch of gravel beneath Xaden’s boots as he followed after her, knowing Sgaeyl would already be stationed and waiting with her Black Morningstartail. 

“I am on patrol duty with you…again?” Her brow was arched in question as she glanced over her shoulder to her left, knowing it would take minimum effort for the Shadow Wielder to catch up to her with his longer stride. “What strings did you have to pull to manage that? Am I really that much of a liability?”

Yesterday's session on the mat appears to have pushed her over the edge. When she reached her room last night she was fine, if a little bit achy. But this morning... the pain was too much, radiating into an ache down her limbs, and she was too tired to even reach for the flask of water she kept on her desk. She missed this morning's formation, but she's not sure what else. Judging by the insistant knocking at the door it's substantial. Violet's been missed. And honestly she couldn't care less.

"Go away." The words are unclear, grumbled into her thin sheets. She'll be back at breakfast tomorrow morning, that's all that matters. Maybe this evening she can get some notes from Rhiannon or Liam. She's played catch up before, she can do it again.

Another knock. Please, please, don't be Xaden. Be Liam, who'll leave her alone or just sit watch, maybe bring her some lunch. But not Xaden, who'll force her onto her feet and just reinforce how fucking awful she feels. She can't deal with him today. Violet curled onto her side, facing the wall in a futile attempt to ignore it.

"See, this is a power I could've welcomed with a lot more grace," Emma commented after being able to move again, since Genya's job on her face was done, "Rare, but so useful. Not that we need lots of effort, look how pretty we are." She was half joking - Genya was indeed beautiful, but she wasn't that conceited - and impressed, and gave her a wide grin to let her know so, before checking herself in the mirror again.