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

The High Lords heart raced rapidly in his chest, but stayed calm reminding himself of where he was. Staying composed, with a cruel smirk on his face as he watched the faeries of the Court of Nightmares dance through the room. He made sure to keep Keir occupied, making sure he kept serving drinks and food to him, while he sat there on his throne.

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

However, Rhysand was not always this cruel and despicable male that he was portrayed 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. If that meant that he had to play their game, then he would wear the mask and let blood flow willingly. Even if it made him disgusted with himself.

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, but he keeps reminding himself not to let his mask slip.

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 believed that he was. Prehaps taking her to Velaris would help. Perhaps he could let her see some parts of him, that this cursed court didn't allow.

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