A week later, I was almost completely healed and could walk without being in too much pain. By now it was mostly just my shoulder that was causing any prolonged problems. My wings were better and I could fly a little at a time on days that my shoulder felt ok. Azriel helped me with anything and everything I needed.

I was spending some time in the library reading up on what was known about Hybern when Azriel sent down the bond that I had a visitor.

And that I should bring my weapons.

After shadow traveling to my chambers to retrieve my swords, I went to the throne room to see my family gathered around someone.

Azriel turned to look at my first. His face was emotionless but I could feel his anger.

"Who is it?" I asked. The others looked back at me, then after a moment's hesitation, stepped back to reveal my visitor.

The High Fae was dressed in green with a black cloak on his shoulders. His red hair was long and he had a scar over his left eye, which was replaced with a glowing metal ball.

Lucien.

I glared at him and moved a hand to my sword.

I glanced at Feyre and she seemed just as uncomfortable with his presence, standing close to Rhys, a hand tentatively on his forearm.

"You know, I found out a lot over the past month or so." I say, glaring at Lucien. "Galahad and Lance had a lot to do with Haven's murder. As did Jace. I then learned Haven was a traitor, wasn't dead, and worked for Hybern. However, you were there the night I was kidnapped and brought Under the Mountain for those twenty years. I have no love for Haven anymore, but I do tend to hold grudges." I drew my sword and snarled, "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't behead you on the spot."

Lucien's face paled slightly. He raised his hands and said, "I came here at a danger to myself as well. You misunderstand my intentions then and even now. I never had any ill-will towards you. Galahad and Lance were from Spring Court. I followed them up here to the Night Court when they left suddenly. I was trying to stop them, but then you arrived. They knocked you out. I was trying to save your life."

"Yeah, sure you were." I snarled and raised my sword to point at his face. The others took a step back.

"No, I'm telling the truth. I swear it. I was there to warn you but arrived too late. So, I tried to stop them. I failed. Listen I'm here because I need you to know something." He stepped towards me and Azriel took a threatening step towards him. Lucien stopped.

"I was home, for once, and was speaking with my mother. She told me my father had been having an affair. I asked her if he had done this before and she said yes. With a woman from Hybern who had been in Spring Court to be there for reconnoissance."

I faltered, not expecting that. "Are you talking about Ravenna?"

He nods. "Yes." He folds his arms over his chest and eyes Cassian nervously. The General was glaring at Lucien. Feyre wasn't looking at him. She leaned against the table with her arms crossed.

I sheathed my sword and said to the others, "Could I have the room?"

"Adrianna, are you certain that's a good idea?" Rhys asks carefully.

"I'll stay with you." Azriel says.

I shook my head and said, "He knows he'll lose his head faster than he can think of attacking me. I have questions about my past that have never been answered. And I think this Fae has the answers I want. The answers I need."

The others looked at each other, as if unsure if they should obey me or not. Rhys finally nodded and said, "Very well. If he even lifts a finger in violence, I'll know. And you may not even have to behead anyone today, Adrianna." He says and patted my shoulder as he passed by.

Slowly, the rest of the Inner Circle left until only Lucien and I remained in the hall.

I pointed to a chair and said stiffly, "Sit."

He hesitated, then sat down and I sat down across from him, folding my wings and rolling my stiff shoulder as it ached a bit.

"I don't get personal with strangers. I don't usually get personal ever. That side of me is reserved for my mate. So. Why should I be personal with you?"

Lucien swallowed hard. "I thought telling you this would be easier. I imagined more screaming. Maybe imprisonment. I think I would have preferred that to this."

I raised an eyebrow. "That can always be arranged. You did enter Night Court- and Velaris- illegally. You're not even supposed to know of this place's existence. We have every right to keep you here as our prisoner to keep you from blabbing to anyone in Spring Court. But there are things that are more important than starting a battle with Tamlin the Tool. I'm not exactly a fan of how he treated my best friend. Do make sure he knows of my displeasure."

Lucien grimaced. "Very well." He released a slow breath, running a hand through his red hair before he said, "Ravenna visited Spring Court. It was ultimately for the purpose of spying on Beron, but... she ended up sleeping with him." His face showed his discomfort. "She then left and returned to Hybern with whatever intel she so desired, and not soon after, Amarantha began to plan her attack of Prythian."

I clenched my jaw. "That doesn't make any sense at all. What evidence do you have?"

He reached into his tunic and pulled an envelope from within it, then handed it to me. "It's a letter from Ravenna to my father."

I reached out and snatched it from his hand and opened the letter. The paper was old- very old- and it was indeed addressed to High Lord Beron from Ravenna.

Beron,
I am writing to inform you our night together was, well, more than we both thought it would be. Four years ago, I had a child. A girl with Illyrian wings like me and your fiery red hair. Don't worry, she's living in the Night Court. I sold her to some Illyrian generals and told them to keep her. No one will ever find out about her real identity- and what her blood ties her too. She is an heir to two thrones, now. The Illyrians named her Adrianna, and she is under the protection of the High Lord, so I doubt you'll ever meet her, but I wanted you to know. I figured you deserved to know. Don't believe me? See for yourself. She is the only Illyrian in all of Prythian with red hair like yours.
I hope you are well, Beron. There is a storm coming I doubt you'll enjoy.
Love, your dearest Ravenna.

I finished reading the letter and I felt nauseous. I read it over twice more to ensure I hadn't missed anything, then dropped the letter on the table, my heart beating faster and harder in my chest. I swallowed hard, biting back unexpected tears.

"I was just as shocked as you." Lucien said soberly. "I didn't know I had a sister until now. Having five half-brothers, and all."

I swallowed hard and shook my head. "I...no. I can't."

"Can't what?"

"Can't believe this. It's almost as atrocious as Hybern being my father." I shook my head and looked at him. He was looking at me strangely, as if trying to guess if I was serious or not. "I don't care if Beron or Hybern is my father. I don't care that Ravenna is my mother. I don't. They're all awful. I'm a bastard. Not even born by a legitimate couple."

"You're not." Lucien said. "There's more to the letter." He said nodded towards the envelope.

I picked it up in irritation and found another piece of paper within it. I unfolded it and read the small scrawling note out loud.

"My dearest, Ravenna. I hope you will come back to me. I felt the mating bond when we were together. It kills me every day I am without you. Please come back to me and be the real Lady of Autumn. Bring our daughter. Beron."

Now I really felt like I was going to throw up.

"Do you realize what this means, Adrianna?" Lucien asks and points at the two letters. "Ravenna and Beron were mates. You aren't a bastard. If anything...you would be considered the only real heir to Autumn Court."

******

Author's Note: Hello! This chapter is a bit off from the trilogy, I know. Regardless of that, this is taking place towards the end of ACOMAF, and we should be coming to the part where that lovely Chapter 55 scene takes place (hehe). Of course, Adrianna won't be there for that- but just to provide a bit of a timeline for y'all in where I'm at with the time of events, and so I can begin to plan the rest of the story from here. Because it is from my OC's POV, there will be some discrepancies, but regardless, I hope you all enjoy the rest of this book. Don't worry! I will be going through to ACOWAR, lol.

Thank you so much for reading. The comments and votes I see on this story really mean the world to me.

Love always,
Cora Knight xoxo