I adjusted the collar of my suit. I hated wearing formal attire, but my father always insisted I wore it when we went to these high lord meetings. He said it was a good way of showing our power and a good way of practicing for when it was my turn to rule.

My mother, father, and I winnowed the spring court, where this year's high lord meeting was taking place. Apparently, we needed to discuss some new dark entities. The had been feeding off fae while they slept. Wraiths or something like that. I hadn't entirely been paying attention when Rhysand briefed me on the topic.

My mother and father held hands as we walked into the meeting room. I knew both of them were uncomfortable to be in the Spring Court, and frankly, I was too. I knew they had some sort of beef with Tamlin, the high lord here. And whoever they hated, I hated too.

The high lords from the summer, autumn. winter, dawn, and day court had already taken their seats. Some of them had their wives with them. None of them were as lucky to have a mate like my parents.

Tamlin is late. How can he be late to a meeting that's held at his own court. I thought and mentally scoffed.

One quick mental peak at some of the other high lords, and I could tell they were thinking the same thing. I took a seat beside my parents and leaned back crossing my ankle over my knee. This was going to be boring as usual.

"How long do you think we'll wait?" I sighed.

My father chuckled. "Depends on how long it takes Tamlin to do his hair." He earned a chuckle, from me and my mom and even Tarquin.

Just then Tamlin walked in, looking frustrated and odlly worried. Trailing behind him came a beautiful female. Her eyes met mine.

I felt it. A tug. A snap. A truth. The mating bond, clear and true and breathtaking. My wings twitched and my hand clenched as I reigned in my instincts. This was complicated.

Tamlin spoke. "This is my daughter {{user}}. As you know, the spring court is dealing with more wraiths and dark faeries than all of you. So.. I need one of you to take her in."