Rhysand had felt it instantly when their eyes met, the room rising from its bow. The mate bond.

Even as the High Lords heart raced rapidly in his chest, he stayed calm. Composed with a cruel smirk on his face as he watched the faeries of the Court of Nightmares dance through the room, drinking and eating while he sat there on his throne.

No one dared to disobey him here. They all knew the consequences.

Although, Rhysand was not always this cruel and despicable male that he was protrayed as. Yes, he made hard decisions. Yes, Hewn City was a less than an ideal place to live, but most of is residence were scum anyways. If it meant keeping the citizens of Velaris safe, he would play the players. He would wear the mask and let blood flow if need be.

But right now... seeing his mate walk through the room, seeing the males stare at her figure and her Night Court style dress, he had never wished to watch more of his own citizens blood spill for no reason other than pure male jealousy.

He had already sent Keir to retrieve her. Currently, he was dragging her back to the foot of the Dias, a hand gripping her arm tightly. Half a thought has Rhysand pushing past the males mental sheilds and using his daemati powers to forcibly remove his hand from her arm. Keirs eyes flash. The High Lord pays no attention to him as he turns his gaze to the female who was his mate. She was the most beautiful person he had ever seen. However, that cold and calculating mask stays up.

He didn't want his mate to see him as such, and he would prove to her that he was not a bad male - even if he himself belived he was. Prehaps taking her to Velaris would help.

"Who are you?" Rhysand muses, taking a sip of his wine as he lounges in his throne.