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The celebration was running long.
Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court, and his High Lady, Feyre, were anxiously watching the clock, hoping the party would be adjourned soon. This had been the longest they had been separated from their son, and they both wanted to get back to him before it got too late in the evening.
He knew Nyx was safe, but Rhysand wanted to be the one to kiss his little star goodnight, not Mor.
The celebration, recognising the new High Lady of Winter, was held in the tallest tower in the Winter Court palace. The glimmering meeting room glistening like freshly fallen snow, fireplaces making it warm and inviting, even in the frigid court.
The party had been full of joy on all fronts. Viviane was ecstatic, her crown a twin to the one worn by her mate, Kallias, her tinkling laughter ringing around the room. Kallias was gazing at her with such devotion, listening to her laughter seemed to bring him even more joy.
Rhys was happy for them and knew that Kallias must be glad to finally have the fierce female off his back about making her his High Lady, as he had done with his Feyre Darling.
But being who they were, it devolved into discussions of rebuilding after the war, diplomacy efforts between courts, and Helion making passes at Azriel and Cassian, regardless that both males were mated to two of the founding members of the new Valkyrie warriors.
Rhys chuckled under his breath. Hellions outlandish flirting was (mostly) harmless. He knew the male would never interfere with secured mating bonds. After what had happened to his own all those years ago, he would never try and inflict the same pain he went through on anyone.
Feyre sighed quietly next to him, even though a pleasant smile remained on her face. The tension in her shoulders drawing her tight like the bow she so favoured.
Rhys reached out a hand, gently stroking her arm, wrist to elbow, under the table. Feyre smiled tiredly. He was about ready to stand and try and sneak out with as little fanfare as possible, when a high-pitched shriek echoed through his head, causing him to jump with a shocked gasp.
Grasping the side of his head, Rhys looked around in alarm. The table around them went silent, all turning their gazes to the High Lord of Night.
Feyre clutched his arm tightly.
"Rhys love, what was it? Is everything ok?”
Feyre was speaking into his mind, now stroking his arm gently after his initial outburst seemed to have passed quickly.
“I’m not sure. I’m fine though Darling. ”
Rhysand addressed the others around the table.
“Apologies everyone. Seemed to get some sort of feedback. Someone must be projecting a bit too hard. Helion. I’m looking at you. Stop flirting with my General and Spymaster. ”
The table erupted into titters of laughter, Helion shooting a salacious wink to Rhys.
Viviane glancing over, concern marring her delicate face. Rhys waved her off with a charming smirk, knowing the caring female would still worry, but trying to assuage her fears anyway.
Rhys felt an echo, before his head was once again filled with shrieking and… babbling?
Rhys’ eyes widened, finally recognising the sound.
Hello my star boy. Did you miss dada and mama? We miss you too darling heart. Have you been a good boy for Auntie Mor?
More giggling babbles filled Rhys’ head, along with flashes of Nyx’s toys and the starry ceiling of his nursery.
Rhys’ smile was splitting his face, when Feyre finally looked at him quizzically. Rhys leant over to his mate, smile still set on his handsome face,
“Your son has figured out how to mind speak. He’s currently talking a mile a minute. Listen in.”
Feyre’s eyes widened, and soon he felt her cool touch to his mind too. Feyre let out a small, shocked gasp and then giggled herself.
Look at you my sweetheart! Mama is so proud of you! You’re so clever talking to dada all the way from home! We love love LOVE you! We’ll be home very soon
Nyx let out another peal of giggles and started babbling mamamamamama and throwing his arms all around in front of his face in excitement of hearing his mothers voice too.
The couple looked to each other, tears gathering in their eyes at the precious little boy they get to love showing them he missed them too.
Without any words exchanged, they stood as one, hands clasped and walking towards Viviane and Kallias. Cassian and Azriel stepping to attention and flanking their High Lord and Lady, while Rhys clapped his hand down on Kallias’ shoulder.
“My friends, I’m sorry to cut our celebration short, but we’ve been summoned back home by his little majesty. Congratulations again to you both. It’s about time after all.”
Kallias rolled his eyes as Viviane laughed.
“You’re telling me. Are you sure that’s all? You had us worried there Rhys. Can’t have you losing your mind any further, it’s a wonder Feyre can deal with you at your current state.”
Viviane winked at Feyre, knowing that she was as besotted with her mate as Feyre was Rhys.
“Nothing to fear. Nyx has just realised his powers and has figured out how to mind speak is all. He’s too clever for his own good. Takes after his mother after all.”
Rhys kissed Feyres hand, the high lady scoffing, but blushing nonetheless, before she addressed the couple in front of them.
“We’re so happy for you. Mor was devastated to miss today, so you’ll have to let her make it up to you. We’ll host a small get together soon. Don’t have too much fun now or do. My son could use a friend his age”
She winked cheekily and Rhys tugged on her hand, drawing her back against him as laughter erupted from the couple in front of them.
“As soon as the Mother blesses us, we’ll draw up the betrothal contracts, fear not. And we’ll await your invitation. Tell Mor to have her best wine ready for us.”
“MY wine will be ready and waiting. Take care friends. We’ll speak soon”
and with that cool night enveloped them and they found themselves rushing through the dark back to their brightest star.