･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ Prythian ･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･

Isabella

Oliver wouldn't be joining her on the first visit. Isabella had discussed it with Cassian when they had gone through the plan on their last visit. He had understood she needed to see Prythian herself, needed to keep that degree of separation to ensure that it was safe for her child before bringing him there.

Even though he had shown her Velaris that night, through the power of an orb. It had been like she was flying, it was exhilarating and she understood why Cassian loved it so much in that moment. She had only seen a glimpse of the city from above but the warm lights and the bustling music was enough to convince her it would be a good place. A completely different one to the world she knows.

Cassian had seemed excited by her approval and promised to take her flying over the river one day. She had blanched and giggled, waving off the idea but part of her was excited by the idea. By the freedom of it all.

The Queens had apparently replied and had visited this morning. Isabella had been invited but Oliver had been extra clinging this morning. Part of her thought it might have been because of last night, that he had understood what his grandfather had been saying. Or maybe he had just picked up on her nervous energy.

Either way there had been tears and Isabella wasn't ashamed to admit they had mostly been hers when she walked away from her wailing son. She should have just brought him to Nesta, and asked her to look after him for the day. But things were tense with Elain and she suspected that her sister's staff were gossipers. Even if they would be gone for the length of the meeting she knew Elain would keep on at least one maid to look after Oliver.

So here she sat in the anti library waiting for Cassian and Feyre to finish talking with their family, no doubt debriefing the meeting. Nesta was keeping her distracted while they waited for the others to join.

From what Nesta says of the meeting it was both wildly unsuccessful yet they got the book. It seemed their apparent sacrifice – not that Isabella understood why sharing a city of magnificent culture was a sacrifice – had been unnecessary. It had simply been a power play by the queens, an opportunity to find out more information. One queen, the golden, had seemed moved by Isabella and Oliver's pitiful tale and as a result had smuggled out 'the book'.

Isabella couldn't lie and say she cared at this moment about a mystical magical book. But it was important to Feyre and it was important to Cassian so she nodded along at the right moments.

"You're sure about this then." Nes murmurs, eyes bright with worry. "You're really going to go to Prythian."

"Yes." Isabella feels a nervous smile tug at her lips. "If the visit goes well that is."

"And if it doesn't?"

"Then I'll think of something else." She murmurs, praying that wouldn't be the case. "We can't stay here, Ollie and I."

"I know." She murmurs, and Isabella sighs at the silver lining her twin's eyes. "Just swear to me that this decision isn't about the male."

"You know it's about Oliver." She whispers, leaning forward to grip Nesta's hands. "He needs to be somewhere safe, a place he can be himself."

Nesta nods, "But you have chosen the Night Court."

"I thought you wanted me to be close to Feyre." Isabella jests, forcing a smile as she thinks about all the moments she will lose with her twin. "With people who could be a support network."

"Isa-" She whispers, eyes pleading for the truth.

"I think I could love him, Nes." the words were said with a tentative smile though Nesta closed her eyes with a soft sigh. "Please say something."

A muscle ticked in her twin's jaw, "I won't pretend that... this– male – is what I wanted for you." Nesta murmurs, reaching forward to clasp my hands when I begin to withdraw. "But I want you to be happy, and if this is what you want and the gener- Cassian will love you and keep you safe then-" She swallows, steeling her resolve. "Then I will learn to accept them."

Isabella grinned, feeling like she's moving forward now that the people closest to her know her decision. Know what she wants and are supporting her. It feels good.

Rhysand strolled into the room, closely followed by a pale Feyre and astounded Mor. Her illyrians were stone faced, unyielding but Cassian lit it up when he caught sight of her.

"I thought you couldn't make the meeting." He looked tired, exhausted, yet there was soft smile on his face as she rose to her feet and embraced him. Isabella could feel eyes on them as Cassian lifted her off her feet for a moment. Morrigan was watching them with a blank expression and Feyre was watching her. "You should have said you were here."

Not that there would have been a moment too considering they were meeting with the Queens when she arrived.

Isabella shrugged, "I'm here now. Nesta told me you got the book." She forced a pleased smile, pretending she understood the significance. She thought the whole point of the meeting were to broker an alliance, Isabella had thought she was helping them work towards peace and saftey. But she guessed a book worked as well. Feyre akwardly returned her pleased smile, still staring at the golden book, wrapped in thick cloth that rested in Rhys hand.

The longer Isabella stared at it the more she felt its wrongness. It was odd, like she couldn't stand to be near it yet she didn't know why.

"Where's Oliver?" Cassian peered around as if he would find the boy hiding behind a sofa cushion. "Has he opened his Solstice presents yet."

"He's in the village and it's not solstice yet, Cassian." Azriel drawls, staring pointedly at his brother before settling into one of the arm chairs. The others watched him, glancing between the illyrians and Isabella got the impression that she had missed something.

Cassian rolls his eyes, "Why don't we stay-"

"We should be getting back." Morrigan calls, givingIsabella a sympathetic smile before she raises her brows pointedly at Cassian. "Amren needs the book."

Cassian waves her off, "You can winnow on ahead. I'm sure Feyre wants to spend time with her sisters." Feyre blanched but forced a wobbly smile. She was loving her new life, it seemed that Feyre fit in much better with the fae than the humans. Isabella couldn't blame her for just wanting to move on with her life.

Isabella turned to Rhys who was watching Isabella and her sisters curiously.

"It's up to you ladies," He drawled and Cassian frowned at him, "Whether you wish to remain here, or come with us. You have done the maths about an evacuation." A nod of approval as he met Nesta's grey-blue stare and Isabella frowned at her twin, who winced in apology for not mentioning the new development. "Should you choose to remain, a unit of mu soldiers will be here within the hour to guard this place." Isabella really loves nepotism at this moment. "Should you wish to come with us in that city we just showed them, I'd suggest packing now."

Nesta glanced at Isabella, sharing a nod of understanding. She would be leaving with them now should they accept. Her twin turned to Elain, who had gone still and wide-eyed. The tea she had prepared – the finest, most exotic tea money could buy – sat undisturbed on the table.

Elain thumbed the iron ring on her finger.

"It is your choice," Nesta said with a gentleness that was usually reserved for Oliver. Isabella tried not to bristle at the fact Nesta would go to Prythian for Elain but not her. She understood it. Or she at least pretended to.

Elain swallowed, a doe caught in a snare. "I–I can't. I..."

Rhys nodded kindly with a soft smile of understanding. "The sentries will be here, and remain unseen and unfelt. They will look after themselves. Should you change your minds, one will be waiting in this room everyday at noon and at midnight for you to speak."

But it was Isabella Rhys turned to when he said, "My home is your home. Its doors are always open to you." Cassian froze beside her, his arm tightening across her back and Isabella blinked in surprise. She had forgotten that she was still half nestled into his side.

"What time will you be back?" Nesta asked me and Isabella almost glared at her forgiving me that final shove. Nesta knew she needed it though, that last reassurance. Isabella turned slightly looking up at Cassian before glancing between him, Rhys and Feyre.

"I was hoping to come with you..." Silence. "Just for the day while Oliver is with Mrs Mandray." She gnawed at her lip but Cassian glanced wide eyed to Rhys, almost pleading before shaking his head slightly.

"Of course." He murmured, voice rough as he tucks her into his side. "Why don't you winnow with Azriel and I?"

Azriel straightened up, as if he were going to object but Feyre cut in. "Trust me, the shadow travel is much nicer than power-fueled winnowing. Especially for your first time." Feyre seemed to have hesitantly lit up at Isabella's desire to join her. It brought back memories of younger days where Feyre would toddle up to her with a shy but proud smile as she presented her art work.

"You sure?" Rhys asks, stepping closer to peer down at her and for a second she forgets to breathe. "Because you don't have to rush-"

"I don't have the luxury of time." She murmurs, and Cassian stiffens and a little bit of the light dies in his eyes. She rests a hand against his arm for a moment, regretting her choice of words. "I thought we could discuss it once we were there but if the offer is still open Oliver and I would like to come stay with you."

Rhys' eyes were shining when he smiled at her. "Of course you can still stay with us. I have far too many homes and palaces with unused rooms."

Cassian curled her into his arms, pressing a kiss to the top of her brow before pulling back and grinning down at her. Azriel had migrated to her side at some point and stared down at her with a fond warmth. He extends his hand and she smiles at the way he doesn't hide his scars at this moment.

She distantly registers Elain sharply inhaling at the sight of the male's scars. Azriel reacts instantly, glancing at her sister as his hand begins to lower and Isabella finds herself stepping forward and gripping his hand.

Cassian crowds against her back and then a silken darkness slides over her skin.

All she can see is darkness. It takes her breath away, the sheer depth of it all. The impression of distance even as their cold touch clings to her skin. Isabella gets the impression that they're talking to her. There's no words but she can hear their gentle hums, feel the vibration against her skin.

A scorching light stings her eye and holy-fuck is it bright.

Why did they warn her about the shadows and not the light?

Cassian seems to understand her dilemma and the light deems as he gently presses her against his side. Slowly the shadows slide away until they only linger on her shoulders. Isabella curls her head into them, feeling them brush her cheeks and he eyelids that are scrunched up.

The hand holding hers flexes but she doesn't let go. Cassian murmurs something but she doesn't pay attention to what he says. Slowly peeling her eyes open she takes in the sight before her. Or rather the lack of it.

Instead of a city scene or the interior of a house she's met with a large transparent wing. She thinks she gasps but they're so much more... bright and powerful in the morning sun. Each vein and muscle lit up with colour as Cassian blocks out the midday sun from her view.

"You doing okay there, Iz?" Cassian murmurs against her head and his breath brushes against her skin.

Slowly, Isabella reaches out. The wing is soft and leathery so smooth and warm as she gently curved her hand around the edge of it. Cassian has gone still as death behind her, his breath laboured but she pays him no mind. As though she were pulling back a curtain Isabella moved the wing to the side, stepping forward as the busy street was revealed to her.

The dingy alleyway they were sequestered in only emphasised the colour and light of the street beyond. Isabella walked forward as if in a trance, pulling the males along behind her as Cassian grasps her other hand.

Vendors of every race, colour and magic lined the street. They weren't in some posh end, suburban gentrified area. No, her males had brought her to the heart of their city. To a market full of spices and food.

Before her was a stall covered in spice bowls, each one perfectly formed into a triangle as their turban wearing seller took cover from the sun under the rich purple cloth colour over his stall. There was a young female who Isabella could swear had delicate horns selling thick rolls of cloth further down the street. Beyond her was a male with wings similar to a dragonfly's haggling with an old man- male, selling glittering jewels that sparkled with power.

Everywhere she looked there was a new sigh, roasted nuts of some kind being covered in a sweet caramel, stacks of ancient tommes next to newer editions, the street curved and her view was cut off so she looked up.

Buntings of different colours had been laced from one side of the street to another. Housewives leaned out windows, calling to one another as rows of washing were stretched across between them.

Glass jars appeared to be hung intermittently and Isabella wondered if they would light up in the night. A gasp caught in her throat when the delicate bird she had been admiring shifted into a tall male with talons for hands in a swift movement. He snarled at her glare and Isabella felt Cassian step forward protectively.

The male moved on and she turned back to her companions. Cassian was staring after the male, monitoring the street for threats and giving Isabella a wonderful view of his sharp jaw. He looked so much more... alive here. As if his skin had taken on a warm glow, and a weight seemed to have been taken off his shoulders.

Azriel was watching her and she found herself gaping back at him. His lips twitched in amusement and the shadows seemed to slow their movements at her attention. He was stunning in this light as well. Eyes dark and hooded as he held her gaze. Isabella found herself looking away with a blush tingeing her cheeks.

Her interest was once again piqued by the- well she didn't know what to call the male with pale blue skin that was covered in dark swirls and patterns. He was stirring some kind of sweet smelling boiling liquid. Strawberries and various fruits she didn't recognise had been covered in what looked like a sugar glaze and left out to harden on skewer stick. Beside him was a darker pan of what she recognised as a caramel.

Curiously, she watched as a group of small children bustled their way through the crowd towards him. His face lit up and she tried not to be put off by the canines on display thanks to his wide smile.

She wouldn't judge. That's what Isabella told herself. Her mother and father had been wrong about many things, including the fae, so she would not judge but she would be cautious.

It didn't stop her from marking his every move. The presence of the children seemed to heighten her sense and she found it easier to accept them. Children were innocent, they always have been and always will be. It wasn't their fault they had butterfly wings, or tree bark skin, and she could picture Oliver among those children. Shoving his friends forward in front of the line, hiding behind them as the eldest was forced to pluck up the courage and ask for two toffee apples.

He gave them four, one each, and accepted the coins the boy had originally offered him.

"Do you want one?" Cassian seemed excited by the prospect already rummaging through his pockets for the coins she could hear rattling. "The caramel apples are my favourite but there's some hard glazed fruits as well."

Cas seemed desperate to provide for her. To share a little slice of his world with her and she found herself nodding. He grinned, overjoyed and she found herself smiling at the way his hazel eyes lit up.

Azriel stepped closer as Cassian walked off. Continuing her perusal of the street vendors Isabella found herself leaning back against the male and allowing his shadows to twine through her arms and around her wrists as though they were holding hands.

"I– I don't know what I was expecting..." She began but trailed off, looking up at Azriel with bright eyes as he smiled softly down at her.

"We thought this would be the best place to first take you." he glanced out at the street and Isabella fought the urge to enter the throngs of people, to have him walk by her side as she sated every curiosity that piqued her interest. "It's the closest thing we have to your human market days."

No. There was nothing like this in her village, not even in the nearest town.

Cassian glanced over his shoulder at her, expression worried but the idle smile on her face must have been reassurance enough for he turned back to the vendor.

"They're all so different." Isabella hoped she didn't come off as rude, it was just so unexpected. "I thought all fae would look like Feyre and Rhys."

Azriel snorts, amused but not unkind. "I thought you read the books I dropped off?"

"I did." She rolls her eyes, "Except they just referred to people's names and the little illustrations on Oliver's novel looked like..." She waves her hand, unable to articulate the fanciful nature of it all and Azriel chuckles at her bewildered expression.

"That might have been an oversight by Rhys or the author." his eyes darken for a moment and isabella feels he brows furrow in response. "Most literature about our people in the main libraries are written by High Fae. It's getting better now of course but all the famous and main ones are still predominantly from our upper classes. Everyone you see before you is classed as Lesser Fae."

"A ridiculous term." Cassian grumbles as he returns to her side. His gruffness is belied by the eager smile on his face as he presents her with what she thinks is an apple hidden underneath layers and layers of thick buttery caramel. Her mouth waters.

"Milady." He offers and she accepts the treat with a grin.

Both males watch her with expectant eyes so she bites into the apple. She feels a blush burn her cheeks as she awkwardly fights to stop the caramel from smearing across her cheeks or the apple juice from sliding down her chin.

She's unsuccessful to say the least.

Cassian seems to love it though and his boisterous laughter echoes off the streets. A few passerby look over at the sound but quickly lose interest and Isabella enjoys the anonymity of it all. She's certainly no longer in her 'everybody knows everybody' village.

The thought threatens to sour her mood and she finds her smile dropping.

"Hey," Cassian murmurs, stepping forward to wipe off some caramel with his thumb. He leaves his hand there, cupping her face before scrunching her cheeks together and she feels herself pout. "None of that. There's no need for that."

She finds herself nodding in his grip and his grin twists something in her stomach. Cassian pulls back, still smiling as he brings his hand up to his mouth. Isabella watches transfixed as he meticulously licks off every digit covered in caramel.

His smug smirk screams I know exactly what I'm doing to you right now, but it's not until Azriel pointedly coughs that Isabella jerks back. Cassian rolls his eyes, glaring at Azriel but the shadowsinger only stares back.

"I'll leave you two be then." The shadows buzz angrily and Isabella finds herself frowning at Az.

"I thought you were coming with us." She states, pointedly glancing down at the shadow curling around her wrist and apple. Azriel glares at the shadow and it hides behind Isabella.

"Yeah Az," Cassian drawals and his viscous smirk screams nothing but trouble as Azriel stiffens. "You agreed to join us before we meet up with Rhys."

Isabella frowns at the two males, "Am I missing something?"

"No." They answer more in sync than her and Nes but the matter is seemingly closed.

Isabella quietly munches on her apple as the two illyrians flank her. She expected the citizens to cower or shy away from the males, if not for their status than their sheer size but they still have to fight through the crowds of people. Sometimes they'd shift into single file, Cassian ahead, Azriel behind and Isabella sandwiched in the middle. Other's they would walk in a tight row.

They allowed her to peruse the stalls. Occasionally munching on roasted chestnuts Isabella found herself stroking thick pelts and glancing at shiny jewellery. Isabella found herself haggling with Cassian more than the vendors as he tried to buy her everything that her gaze lingered on.

Eventually when her heart beat had slowed and her wonder had grown they had made their way across a river and into a residential area. They walked in silence now. All three of them were just content to bask in the afternoon sun and Isabella began to picture her life here.

Now that she was away from the hub and life of the market Isabella began to look around and think through all that she had seen. There was no doubt that there was more culture and life available for them here but she couldn't discount the looks she received once they left the lower city. It would seem that no one bats an eye at looks or status among the lesser fae but she could feel the eyes of curious residents following her once they reached the more gentrified areas.

Her son would be accepted but Isabella feared she would not.

She wasn't stupid enough to forget the fae's history of human slavery, she knew there might be some backlash should she move, when she moves. Though in an odd, comforting way, she liked knowing that the precious city of starlight wasn't perfect and faultless. It brought a certain– she almost laughed at the concept – but it brought a certain humanity to this new fae world.

"You ready to go in?" Cassian murmured, eyes bright as he smiled down at her.

Isabella looked to where Azriel was walking on ahead to the townhouse. Was she ready? To have afternoon tea with her sister and talk home option with the High– with Rhysand? It was a big step. Logically she knew the hard part was getting to Prythian but in truth it felt harder to visual a life, a home, of her own without the presence of her sister or her husband.

It would be just her and Oliver.

"Shall we?" Cassian offered her his arm and she grinned.

So maybe it wouldn't just be her and Oliver in that home.

A/N: Well this was a mammoth of a chapter – 1500 words over what I intended to write. What did everyone think?