4 days later Nala found herself making her way back to the townhouse from Amren's apartment. The two had spent most of the night on a plan for the upcoming war and how to keep Velaris safe. Nala had attended all of Rhys' meetings over the last 4 days, her shadow presence making most nervous and even outright afraid. Nala hadn't seen Azriel much over the last few days, having only seen him in passing or when she one night had sneaked into his room after a nightmare. They still hadn't addressed the gold bond or even talked about that night. Both of them remained closed down. Azriel had spent most of his days trying to get past the barrier by the Queens' castle, while Nala did research in the libraries around Velaris. He had grown much quieter and kept growing quieter each time he could not get though.

When the rest of the inner circle had gone to Rita's a few nights ago, Nala had stayed home in the townhouse, drawing her own house that she wanted to build and being taught by Nuala how to cook.

Nala hadn't told the half Shadow-wraith why she had wanted to learn how to cook, but Nuala had her suspension. Cerridwen had joined the two when the food was complete, and the three girls had eaten together as they talked about life. The two had felt like sisters to her in no time. 

Nala meet up with Rhys in the townhouse and together the two made their way through Velaris to the House of Winds. People looked at them as they walked past, none of them looked on in fear but in awe and wonder. Nala had met a lot of people over the last couple of days, and so she smiled at them, waved at the kids as she talked with Rhys about reports of how Night Court were doing.

The two strolled out of the stairwell that led to the roof of the house where the rest were. Rhys was in his fine clothes, not fighting leathers like his brothers, his wings nowhere in sight. The dark suit made his violet eyes stand out. Nala had put on a tight black dress that had a deep neckline and a cape over her shoulders that hid her wings. Nala let her eyes scan the ground, seeing the daggers at her sister's feet. She raised one eyebrow.

"Sorry to interrupt while things were getting interesting." Rhys said.

"Fortunately for Cassian's balls," Amren said, nestling back in her chaise, "you arrived at the right time." 

Cassian snarled halfheartedly at her. Nala moved from her High Lords side and set herself next to Amren's legs on the chaise, placing a hand on the other females shin and lightly caressed the exposed skin.

Rhys laughed, and to none of them particular he said, "Ready to go on a summer holiday?"

"The summer Court invited you?" Mor said, surprise in her voice.

"Of course, they did. Feyre, Nala, Amren and I are going tomorrow."

Cassian's wing rustled as he crossed his arms over his chest and turned to look at Rhys. "The Summer Court is full of hotheaded fools and arrogant pricks," he warned. "I should join you."

"You would fit right in," Nala crooned. "Too bad you still aren't going."

Cassian pointed a finger at her with a raised eyebrow. "Watch it, Nala."

Both Nala and Amren bared their teeth in a wicked smile. "Believe me," Amren said, "We'd prefer not to go, either."

Feyre clamped her lips shut, not knowing whatever to smile or grimace at her sister's new friendship to Amren and how the two seemed like two sides of the same coin. She had noticed the small touches and looks between the two powerful females, but didn't want to pry in her sister's affairs, and so she waited for Nala to come to her. 

Rhys rubbed his temples. "Cassian, considering the fact that the last time you visited, it didn't end well-"

"I wrecked one building-" Nala laughed at that statement.

"And" Rhys cut him off. "Considering the fact that they are utterly terrified of sweet Amren and have heard the rumors of our lovely Nala, they are the wiser choice."

"It could easily be a trap," Cassian pushed. He didn't like that Nala, his brother's female, were going to the Sommer Court without his backup. "Who's to say the delay in replying wasn't because they're contacting our enemies to ambush you?"

"That is also why Amren, and Nala are coming," Rhys said simply.

"They are not contacting anyone," Nala spoke, "my shadows are constantly spying on the other High Lords to make sure they don't move to help Hybern, the only place I have trouble getting into is spring and autumn."

Rhys nodded towards the female Shadowsinger. Amren frowned – bored and annoyed. And also, not liking that Nala's shadows can't get into Spring and Autumn.

"There is also a great deal of treasure to be found in the Summer Court. If the Book is hidden, Amren, you might find other objects to your liking." Rhys said, all to casual.

"Shit," Cassian said, throwing up his hands again. "Really, Rhys? It's bad enough we're stealing from them, but robbing them blind –"

"Rhys does have a point," Nala said. "Their High Lord is young and untested. I doubt he's had much time to catalog his inherited hoard since he was appointed Under the Mountain. I doubt he'll know anything is missing."

"Very well, Rhysand – I'm in." Amren said, a small smile forming on her lips.

Mor gave Feyre a secret, subtle look that conveyed the same thought, and Feyre had to swallow a chuckle. The two had compared the short female to a firedrake guarding its trove.

Cassian started to object again, but Nala gave him a hard look as Rhys said quietly, "I'll need you – not Amren – in the human realm. The Summer Court has banned you for eternity, and though your presence would be a good distraction while Feyre does what she had to, it could lead to more trouble than it's worth."

Feyre stiffened, having been reminded of what she had to do while they were in the Summer Court.

"Just cool your heels, Cassian," Amren said, her eyes a bit glazed – as she no doubt imagined the treasure, she might steal from the Summer Court. "We'll be fine without your swaggering and growling at everyone. Their High Lord owes Rhys a favor for saving his life Under the Mountain – and keeping his secrets."

Cassian's wings twitched, but Nala chimed in, "And the High Lord also probably wants to figure out where to stand in regard to any upcoming conflict."

Cassian's wings settled again. He jerked his chin at Feyre. "Feyre though. It's one thing to have her here – even when everyone knows it. It's another to bring her to a different court and introduce her as a member of our own."

Nala glared at Cassian. Wanting to debate him, but Rhys was done. He inclined his head to Amren and strolled for the open archway. Cassian lurched a step, but Mor lifted a hand. "Leave it," she murmured. Cassian glared but obeyed.

Feyre took the chance to follow after Rhys and slipped of the roof.

"She is part of this Court, she left, she can do whatever the fuck she wants." Nala spoke up, having stood from the chaise to glare at Cassian.

"I'm not saying she isn't, but Summer is close allies with Spring, what if Tarquin reports her and Tamlin does something?" Cassian tried to reason.

"Then I murder him for what he did," Nala snarled, her eyes burning and her fire burning up her arms. "He had no right to her, and he can't declare war against Night Court for kidnapping his bride, not when I was the one that got her out. He can do nothing!" Nala turned on her heel and walked out after Rhys and Feyre.