*Nyx*

We arrived above the Court of Nightmares an hour later, Mother and Father winnowing us in. Father moves to talk with Cassian and Azriel as Mother leaves to change. She returns in a thin slip of black fabric that barely covers her body, and a silver diadem sits atop her head. Father ends his conversation as I tuck away my wings and we spiral down into the heart of the Court of Nightmares.

I hate this place. It's disgusting and full of filthy people who will do whatever it takes to make sure they get what they want. It makes me sick. Especially knowing we are here for Keir.

Court had been called, meaning everyone would be in the massive hall.

I walk out with Azriel and Cassian, but stay close to the thrones. Resting my arm on the back of Father's throne, my parents are seated and the whole room falls to their knee. I scan the bowed heads until I find a familiar one: Kier. This would not be my first time dealing with him, and I know it will not be the last.

"Rise," Father's voice booms out across the crowd. "Continue your activities." The room jumps back to life. The band playing from their spot in the corner. "Kier. A word."

Making his way up to the thrones, I watch as Kier eyes all of us. From Azriel and Cassian, to me and my parents. Deciding which one would be easier to deal with.

"This is a lovely surprise," Kier starts. "I was not expecting the whole family."

"Nor is the whole family here," Father interupts. Mother tenses at the mention of my siblings, her children. Though Amren and Mor are also not here, the rest of our family. "But I hear you have a surprise of your own. Tell me, Kier, where is Eris?"

Kier ponders this question. Eris is still here. I scan the crowd hoping for a glimpse at him, but his red hair is no where in the sea of darkness that makes up the court.

"Why don't you tell your Shadowsinger to stay out of my business," Kier says.

"Who told you it was him who informed me? Am I not allowed to have people of my own on the inside?" Father responds. "I will not ask again, where is he?"

"I am right here," Eris says as he emerges from the group Kier was speaking to moments ago. He has a smirk on his face. One that I replicate. "You called, High Lord."

"Eris, I do not know why I called you here, care to explain?"

His smirk never leaves his face as he brushes away his red hair from his face. "Am I not allowed to have business with an old partner?"

There is history, history that I am not aware of, nor anyone will probably ever tell me. I am the outsider here, glancing around to see how everyone is reacting. Cassian and Azriel's siphons shine with power, Mother is reclined though on edge, and Father has a mask of cool on his face, everyone unaware of the storm that is just of the verge of breaking.

Mother's thumb discreetly rubs the back of Father's hand, a soothing gesture.

"When your business in my court involves Kier, it becomes my business," Father says.

"I do not believe you have officially introduced me to your son. It has been a hundred years, and I still know hardly anything about him," Eris says as he studies me.

I give a deep sigh and shake my head. "All I should be to you is the Heir of the Night Court," I respond, leaning more onto the throne.

"Tell me, Feyre, how is my brother doing with his mate?" Mother's smirk turns into a feral snarl. "Careful, High Lady, you don't want your people to get the wrong impression."

Cassian gives a scoff and folds his arms. As if my parents cared about what this court cared as long as it was what they wanted. Everything they did, even if it appeared feral and unplanned, was carefully measured and planned.

"And I hear you've had a few more children. When will I get to meet them?"

"Eris, I do believe we are here to talk about you," I interject smoothly. "And I believe they asked you a question. What are you doing here."

Father rests his head on his fist, my Mother's hand in his lap. Eris looks less than pleased to my interjection, but I can feel my Father's pleasure roll off of him.

"I only wish to settle a doubt I have with Kier," Eris answers. "I was just in my way out before you arrived. If you wish to have your guard dogs escort me out to ensure I have left they may do so."

Father looks between Cassian and Azriel. "You have less than a half hour to leave this court and return home. Or I will be forced to take precautionary measures."

Azriel slowly reaches for his dagger as Cassian's siphons glow red.

Eris sets his jaw. "As you wish."

Turning to Kier, the crowd parts and allows the Heir of Autumn to leave the court. Once the massive doors close, everyone resumes their tasks as if nothing had happened.

"Kier, you may think you are being sneaky with these antics, but just know, I always find out."

My parents stand and leave the room, and I am not far behind.