Isabella

It turns out that Cassian didn't need supervising though her kitchen was both in disarray and fixed better than it previously was. Cabinets with squeaky hinges were now silent, a window pane looked newer and there was an entire cupboard that looked to have been remounted properly on the wall.

Isabella kind of missed the cupboard's wonky charm if she was being honest. It added a certain personality to her home.

Cassian had taken one look at their hovering presence and shooed the pair over to the fire, insisting that he was cooking for them tonight. Isabella had faith in Cas' cooking but it didn't stop her and Azriel from sharing teasing remarks about finding a back up meal.

It was easy being in their company. She and Azriel had drifted from topic to topic and she relished in the quiet normalcy of it all. He told her about a mystery book he recently read and how unsuccessful he was at guessing who the murder was. He claimed there were inconsistencies in the plot, she had only giggled and the sound seemed to spark a light in Azriel's eyes.

From Cassian's surprised look and raised brows she wondered how often the Spymaster spoke this freely. Especially when Cas had quickly backed away from them as though fearful of shattering the moment. Part of Isabella had bristled at Azriel's attention, bitter that it might have been out of guilt or an attempt at praise for trying to leave her husband.

Except his questions were genuine and he was willing to listen to her ramble about her day. Meaningless stuff that had no real importance yet he treated it like the most interesting story. But as the evening drew on and Morrigan had winnowed her sister in she found herself enjoying Azriel's conversation. The way he asked after Oliver and remembered what she had previously mentioned from weeks ago.

It was nice having someone who respected her. Even when she wasn't making decisions he agreed. Isabella realised that was the difference between Azriel and his brothers.

Cassian had only seen Tomas as a controlling male, that was the first thing her lovable giant had seen about her relationship. Rhysand had seen both sides of the story, the complicated and messy truths- the sacrifices she had made. Azriel had seen her son. He had seen a scared little boy and did his best to help him without becoming another male controlling his mother.

Isabella thought it would be quite nice to have another person putting Ollie first.

Watching Azriel and Feyre converse now, the older brother role he so clearly had taken on only warmed her heart further. She wanted this, Isabella realised with a jolt. She wanted this life. Someone kind and caring helping to make food, a family unit who talk and look after one another.

Part of her wanted this family.

But she wasn't sure about Prythian.

Even the thought of the Fae realm had her stiffening. She had gotten better with it though. Isabella and Cassian had spoken extensively about all that he had seen on his many unscheduled visits to walk her to and from the market. It was easier when she considered Prythian in relation to her friends.

It made it less vast and daunting. Because, oh that was just windhaven, the place where the boys grew up. Velaris is a wonderful city by the sea, did you know her sister liked to go dancing there? Yet she still found herself overwhelmed by all of it, the size and power of the courts, the number of beasts and creatures that lurked in the forest.

"You look deep in thought." A silky voice murmured so close to her ear that she jumped back. The clattering pots and conversation instantly stilled behind Isabella at her gasp of surprise though it quickly picked up again at the sight of the High Lord.

"Sorry." She waves him off, smiling politely as she drags her gaze away from the window. For a moment she stares at the male, wondering how best to greet the High Lord who was somewhat considered a friend. He seems to make the decision for her because strong arms are gently wrapping around her shoulders and she feels herself sink into his embrace. Rhys holds her for a second longer than socially acceptable.

It was nice, having someone to hold.

"How is Oliver? Cassian mentioned looking for a fever tonic the other day." Rhys queries and Isabella thinks she hears Cassian snort. As if feeling the need to explain himself Rhys adds on, "Azriel mentioned he had a cold."

"Sleeping, currently." She sighs, leading the lord further into her home. "I'll need to wake him up soon."

"I hope you don't mind but I brought something for him." There's an elegant smile on Rhys face, a certain politeness that betrays the mask he's wearing.

"Is this from the High Lord of the Night Court," She counters, taking the seat Rhys was about to step into and trying not to smirk at his narrowed eyes. "Or is it from Rhys."

"Am I not both?" He arches a brow, settling into the seat on her right and it was only then that Isabella realised she was sitting at the head of the table.

She shifted her hair, buying a second of time to think while she clamped down on the panic at being Tomas chair.

"I think you have separated the two parts of yourself, the title of High Lord is a job after all. Do you not have a home to return to?" A cold nudge, no more than a slither of silk curling around her ankle has Isabella looking up. Pesky little shadow. Catching Azriel's gaze from the opposite end of the table she found him staring at her. It was the gentle inclination of his head. The barest dip of nod that gave her reassurance. This was her home, she had the right to sit anywhere she pleased. "So, should I have my son call you Rhys or High Lord."

Potentially a low blow. Feyre seems to think so from the way she's gone silent but there's nothing but curiosity lining Cassian's expression as he begins piling dishes onto her kitchen table.

"Well that depends," Rhys is eyeing her with interest now, leaning back in his chair to display an arrogance she doubts he feels. "Should I call you Isabella or Mrs Mandray."

Cassian stiffens and Isabella feels her heart skip a beat. Her husband. The one whose home she is hosting fae in.

"If you truly thought of me as Mrs Mandray then I doubt you would have let this dinner happen." She chooses to answer instead and it's only when she allows her gaze to drift towards Cassian and back to the High Lord that a flicker of understanding crosses his gaze.

She knows he likes her.

It's hard not to, Cassian is not a male who shows affection quietly.

Part of her doubts if he has a romantic interest in her. Worst case scenario he just sees a reflection of his mother and his own childhood in her. But either way he cares and Isabella has decided she quites like having someone care for her, and she would like to think she still remembers how to care and love a friend.

Love someone as more than that.

Not that she's doing a very good job considering Isabella intended for this dinner to be an opportunity to prove that Cassian's endeavours weren't one sided. That she wasn't just using him for the companionship and safety he offered.

Rhys sighs. It's as much approval she ever expected from him. So she and Cassian can continue whatever it is that they have at least.

"No Morrigan?" Isabella asks Feyre, finally facing the rest of the table and the empty seat opposite her sister.

Fey blushes, "I didn't want to make you uncomfortable in your own home."

"And I am willing to play host and make amends with your friend so long as I am in turn treated with respect." She arches a brow, a teasing smile softening the formality of her words and Feyre sighs. Isabella turns to the high lord, "You can get her back here, can't you?"

"She's been waiting for an invitation all evening." He rolls his eyes, a fondness in his expression betraying the familial loyalty. "Mor's probably trying on her nicest dress for you now."

It's been a long time since someone has dressed up for her.

But as Isabella looks around the table where Feyre has already begun piling the large roast dinner onto his plate. Azriel's leather armour gleams in the dim light, the talons on his dark wings and the blue siphons shining with a polished gleam. Cassian is for once not weather his leathers and her heart threatens to race at the casual yet dressed up attire he's wearing.

They've all made an effort she realised. Rhys always wore those pristine suits but the others? Feyre's dress is clearly new. The material thick and lush yet carrying a simple beauty no doubt meant to put Isabella at ease.

It's a nice gesture but she still feels underdressed in her own home.

"I've not made enough food for Mor." Cassian states, sliding into his seat. Oh. That's new. "I've got a plate cooling for Tiny on the side."

Did she just become a priority?

Isabella smiled at him gratefully rising to her feet. Oliver was completely flaked out on the bed when she entered. Bat-bat was hanging loosely in his arm while little Wisp was snuggled into the crook of her son's neck. If she had Feyre's painting ability Isabella would immortalise this moment for herself.

What she would not immortalise was the next few grumpy moments of waking up her disgruntled child and trying to politely force another dose of fever medication into him. It was tough. Not to mention she was wildly aware that every fae in her house could no doubt hear his annoyed grumblings.

It would have been funny if she wasn't the one having to deal with this potential tantrum.

All though it turned out that she had been going about it completely the wrong way for the second Ollie saw the Shadowsinger perched at one end of the table he was racing off. Which not at all raises a jealous bitter feeling in Isabella. Not like she gave birth to him or raised him for his entire life. Just for him to race into Azriel arms while excitedly talking about his day.

"Doesn't seem so ill now." She grumbled to herself though Cassian and Rhys shared amused glances from either side of her.

Dinner was a quiet affair. Oliver had taken the seat on Azriel's right with Cassian cutting up his food from Isabella's left. The pair of Illyrian's had taken to entertaining the young boy while Feyre and Isabella caught up on all that was missed between them. Rhysand seemed content to just watch the two females converse. Even though he was sitting beside Feyre she caught no sign of romantic feelings between the two.

It seems Rhys wasn't lying. Not that she doubted him but Feyre had a tendancy to attach to any older male figure in her life. At least this time she seems to have found a decent brother figure instead of another Tamlin.

"There is this utterly delicious waffle house," Feyre's eyes practically rolled back in her head. "You'd love it. They stack three or four of them with chocolate, caramel or ice cream sandwiched between the layers. It's sooo good. And there's a whole display case of icecream you can pick from. Not to mention all the toppings."

Isabella grinned at her sister. It had been so long since she had seen her so pationate about something.

"I always thought of you as a panckae girl." She countered, trying not to worry at her lack of knowledge about her own sister. Feyre waves her off, "I was but that cafe has me converting."

"Only you would find religion in a dessert." Isabella teased and relished in her sister's beaming smile.

"We should take Ollie there sometime." Feyre titters on, clearly excited by the prospect of bonding with her older sister. "He'd love picking from all the ice cream flavours."

Rhysand was eyeing her curiously now. Even as he kept up a steady conversation with Cassian she could feel both male's attention on her.

"Oh, and there's this super velvety blueberry flavour that you must try. It's one of my favourites." Feyre seemed to pause, catching her breath. It was only then that her younger sister seemed to dim down. Uncertainity clear in her eyes.

"We'll see." Isabella answered, smiling softly and Feyre quickly perked up. She was positively beaming and Isabella couldn't stop her own smile from blooming in response.

Azriel finally managed to catch her gaze. Subtly raising his brows before glancing to the High Lord at her side.

Right. Time to pull her big girl pants on and ask for help.

A/N: Planning a date idea between Cassian and Isabella. Something casual with no expectations but what is everyone's thoughts on it