Chapter 4: Stranger In The Mirror
Summary: Gwyn gets ready for the party.
Author's note: I hope you all are prepared. Because this chapter is a much longer one.
Gwyn POV
Gwyn couldn't keep her focus to save her life the next morning. Her training suffered due to that fact. Her attacks were slow and she missed obvious blocks as she sparred with Emerie.
She blamed all of this, of course, on her meeting with the shadowsinger the previous night.
Gwyn laid awake in her small cot, replaying their conversation in her head and berating herself for being so forward with her flirtations.
Finally, she gave up on sleeping. Not wanting to disturb the other priestesses, she secretly snuck out of the dormitory and made her way back to the library.
She spent the following hours flipping through books about the customs of the Day Court and the Summer court. If she couldn't sleep, the least she could do was make sure she was prepared.
At some point she must have succumbed to exhaustion. When she awoke she had to delicately peel her cheek off of the weathered pages of the book, The Sun and His People, A Detailed History of High Lord Helion Spell-Cleaver's Continued Reign.
When she looked up she found a concerned Clotho peering down at her, nearly causing the groggy priestess to jump out of her skin. Startled, she quickly apologized and explained what she was up late researching and why.
Clotho seemed excited for her venture and when Gwyn handed her a spare piece of paper and a pen she expressed as much.
I'm very proud of you Gwyn. A personal invitation from the High Lord himself is a big deal.
Gwyn blushed at her praise.
Why don't you take this afternoon off from your duties? Clotho had offered. It looks like you could use some rest.
Gwyn decided to take her up on that offer, besides she didn't think she could face Merrill today. When the High Priestess caught wind that Gwyn was personally invited into Inner Circle dealings, Gwyn wanted to be far away.
Luckily for her, when she went back to her room and laid her head down on her plush pillow, she was out like a light.
_______________
Cassian greeted Gwyn with a small grin and open arms when she made her way up to the roof.
It was late in the afternoon, still a couple of hours till she had to be at the party, but she had agreed earlier that morning to meet Nesta at the River House where she would assist her in getting ready.
Gwyn anxiously smoothed out her priestess robes as she made her way to Cassian; she hoped they would be formal enough since they were the only formal wear she owned. She had even worn them to Nesta and Cassian's mating ceremony.
"Stop fidgeting," scolded Cassian mockingly. "You look nice."
"Back at you." She told him as she regarded his usual attire of Illryian leathers. "But why are you dressed for war when you will be babysitting an infant?" She mocked.
"Have to be prepared for anything." He replied nonchalantly.
"I wasn't aware that babies were that dangerous."
He let out a small laugh. "While babysitting the little guy may prove to be challenging..." He led. "I'm mainly referring to outside forces. This is the first time both Rhysand and Feyre will leave Nyx's side, leaving protecting their precious heir to Nesta and I."
"Do you really think someone will try and take him as soon as their backs are turned?" Gwyn asked worriedly.
"No, I don't. It's mainly a precaution I am taking for Rhysand's peace of mind." Cassian admitted as he swept her up in his arms. Gwyn nodded in understanding. Tonight was a big step for the High Lord and High Lady, she hoped they could enjoy their time away and not worry too much.
Gwyn watched the buildings and homes of Velaris drift past as they flew leisurely through the crisp air. It was not quite spring, but small hints of green already poked through remaining snow piles here and there. Soon,Velaris would be bursting with color.
If I can make it through tonight. She thought quietly to herself. Then I can venture out soon and explore these city streets.
It was a promise that she had made to herself multiple times over the past couple of years since moving here from Sangravah. Yet this time she knew she meant it.
"What's going on in that giant brain of yours?" Cassian inquired.
"Oh nothing..." She smoothly lied. "Just thinking about how tonight will be such good parenting practice for you."
Cassian's cheeks reddened slightly and she let out a giggle.
Gwyn knew very well that he and Nesta planned to wait a while before trying for a child of their own, but she couldn't help but tease the general about it from time to time. He would make a great father, of which Gwyn was certain.
"Yes..." He finally responded. "It will be good practice... but I prefer the practicing Nesta and I already do. I have to make sure we get the baby making part down first." He winked at her suggestively.
Gwyn scoffed. "Leave it to a male to turn a conversation about children into sex."
She felt Cassian's chest rumble with laughter. "Aww Gwynnie do we need to have the talk about where children come from? You see when a female loves a male very much..." He didn't get to finish his teasing as Gwyn smacked her hand over his mouth, silencing him.
Her plan worked for all of a second before she felt Cassian lick her palm. She pulled her hand away in disgust. The look of horror on her face just made Cassian laugh harder.
Much to Gwyn's dismay, he was still laughing when they landed in front of the River Estate. She stood with her hands on her hips waiting for him to compose himself.
"Are you quite finished?"
She watched him as he feigned wiping tears from his eyes. "You're just too easy, Gwyn."
"Yeah, I'm just like your mother in that way aren't I?" she snapped back. Gwyn watched in satisfaction as his eyes widened at her words.
When he didn't respond quickly she started to panic. "I didn't...I mean it's just a..." He held up his hand, his once shocked expression was now replaced with one of pride.
"Atta girl, Berdara!" he praised. "The student is becoming the master." he put his hands together and bowed.
She rolled her eyes at his dramatics. "Can we just go inside now? I have a party to get ready for."
"Alright, alright. Let's go, I forget how much time it takes you ladies to be presentable."
The High Lord's and High Lady's River Estate is something of true beauty. It isn't Gwyn's first time there but it is the first time she has ever explored more than just the living and dining areas.
Cassian led her up the stairs and down the hall before coming to a stop in front of a plain wooden door.
"Here we are, Ness said to send you up to Feyre's room today, it's the only one with enough space for you all to get ready." he casually mentioned just as Gwyn was about to knock.
Her fist froze mid-air.
"F-Feyre's room?" she stuttered.
Cassian's eyebrows rose in amusement. "And Rhys I suppose. I try not to think about that when I'm there. All it does is remind me of the fact that they have probably fucked on every surface."
"That is... not an image I needed in my head, Cass" She pinched the bridge of her nose. How was she supposed to face the High Lady now?
She waited for his teasing but it didn't come. Instead he placed a tender hand on her shoulder.
"Hey..." started Cass and she looked at him. "You're going to be great tonight. Don't sweat it."
"What if..." She left the question open. So many things could go wrong. She worried.
His hand gave her a small squeeze. "Nothing will happen. These parties are nothing but glitz and glamour. But if something does happen..."
He made her face him squarely, a serious look in his eye.
"You have my full permission to kick ass."
She rolled her eyes, pushing his arms off of her. "Yeah, I'm sure the High Lord would love me doing that."
"I mean it, Gwyn." His piercing gaze never left her. "I don't give a shit what Rhys thinks, if someone tries anything..."
"...I will kick their ass." Gwyn finished for him, her lips uplifted into a smirk. "I can and will take care of myself, Cass. I promise."
Cassian gave her a weighty nod. She thought for a moment he would say something else but instead he rapped on the door.
After a few beats the door swung open to reveal a stunning and flushed Elain.
Gwyn had met Elain a few times before, first at the mating ceremony where they had only spoken a few words to each other at the reception. Their conversion was full of pleasantries but Gwyn had noticed the middle Archeron sister had seemed... distracted. Elain gave off an air of elegance and grace. Gwyn couldn't deny her beauty and that especially proved true tonight.
She was dressed in a pale pink off the shoulder gown, her hair intricately weaved into a low bun at the nape of her neck.
If Gwyn wasn't already feeling self conscious before, she was now.
"Gwyn!" Nesta called out. The priestess spotted her over Elain's bare shoulder. She was sitting cross legged on the large four-poster bed, a little winged baby with a mop of pitch black hair on her lap.
"It's nice to see you, Gwyneth." Elain greeted kindly, she stepped aside leaving her room to enter.
Gwyn managed to mumble out a quick "You too" as she made her way inside. Cassian followed her lead.
The room was large but far from grandiose. Modest decorations hung on the walls, mostly portraits that Gwyn could see. Her eyes fell upon the High Lady sitting at a small vanity, draped in her signature color, black. Her gown left nothing to the imagination, its neckline dipping almost to her navel.
She realized she was starting at the High Lady's chest.
Quickly she bowed her head in greeting. Feyre had mentioned once that she hated being curtsied to, Gwyn hoped that her gesture didn't offend her.
But Feyre greeted her back with a small wave. Before Gwyn could say a proper hello Nesta was bounding towards her.
She handed the wiggly bundle to Cassian. Nyx didn't seem to mind being passed off and reached for the General with enthusiasm. Cassian grabbed him and tossed him carefully in the air. The baby squealed in response.
"Come on little dude, it's time to leave the ladies to primp in peace." He gave Gwyn one last wink and exited the room.
Gwyn felt like she had been left inside a den of lions.
She didn't get to dwell on that feeling for long before Nesta pulled her towards a large walk-in closet. Inside she found rows of stunning gowns, shoes and jewelry. Gwyn couldn't help but look on in awe. She allowed herself to graze a hand over the dresses, admiring their finery.
"Impressive, right?" Nesta commented. Gwyn just nodded.
"What do you think about this one?" Nesta inquired and Gwyn turned to face her friend. She held up a beautiful light turquoise gown. Its gauzy material sparkled in the lamplight.
"It's beautiful." she complimented. "Is that yours?" She asked her adoptive sister.
Nesta let out a melodus laugh. "Oh cauldron no, it's not my color at all..." She exclaimed. Her grin turned mischievous. "It is, however, yours."
Gwyn stared at Nesta trying to put together the meaning of her words. "You mean? No, Nesta I can't." She started to protest.
"You can and you will." She stated sternly. "I found this dress in Velaris yesterday while I was getting supplies for last night..." her sister blushed deeply, not finishing the sentence. "I saw it and I thought it would look perfect on you."
Gwyn was touched by Nesta's forethought. No one had ever given her such an extravagant gift before, well besides the necklace she had received two Solstices ago.
"You look like you are about to argue again but you better not." Nesta teasingly warned. Gwyn dramatically sighed and rolled her eyes. "I suppose I'll accept it then."
Nesta groaned at her dramatics and shoved the dress into Gwyn's arms. Gwyn barked out a laugh as her sister shut the closet door with a quick call out to "Get dressed so we can do your hair!"
She quickly undressed and hoped that Rhysand didn't mind his closet being used as a dressing room. She turned and admired her appearance in the mirror on the back of the door.
Wide straps held the dress up at her shoulders but the neckline plunged into a v past her collarbones. It wasn't as deep as on Feyre's dress; she sent a quick thanks to the mother for that detail, however it showed much more cleavage than she was used to. The bodice tightly hugged her waist and flared out slightly at her hips, leaving the tulle to flow down in an a-line shape.
The dress made her look...beautiful. Curvaceous, even. Though she would have never thought a term like that could ever apply to her, she had to admit her figure had developed nicely ever since beginning training. Her arms were toned and her ass... she spun around and appreciated its view for probably the first time.
Maybe I will actually catch Azriel staring at it tonight. She chuckled at the thought.
A knock sounded at the door followed by a muffled "Are you dressed yet?"
Gwyn abruptly stopped her pandering and let Nesta back inside.
She let out a long whistle. "Damn, Berdera. I knew you had a figure from your leathers but now I know for certain what a crime it is to have you hide it in those gaudy priestess robes all day."
Gwyn scoffed at her friend. "You are starting to become just as crass as Cassian, you know that right?"
"Like calls to like." Nesta sarcastically said, making Gwyn laugh.
"But seriously Gwyn, you look hot. Now all you need is some jewelry. Let's pick some out." She said as she made her way to the corner shimmering with gems.
Gwyn's eyes went wide. "Nesta!" She whispered. Her eyes bounced between the door and her friend. "Those are Feyre's!"
"Yes, I am aware of that." She whispered loudly back. Then she laughed at Gwyn's still shocked face. "Do I need to remind you that I am her sister?" she said at a normal volume now.
Gwyn still didn't seem convinced so Nesta reassured her again. "Gwyn, I already asked Feyre and she said you are welcome to borrow anything you want. Hell I bet you could get away with wearing one of her crowns if you wanted."
This time Nesta didn't wait for Gwyn to compose herself. She started rifling through drawers till she found something that caught her eye. Nesta made her way back over to where Gwyn was still frozen.
She held out a pair of large, diamond shaped, dangle crystal earrings. At least Gwyn was going to pretend they were crystal so she didn't hyperventilate. Before she could object Nesta threaded them through her ears and spun her to face the mirror again.
It was the perfect amount of sparkle, Gwyn thought. Though she was too speechless to voice it.
"I think that these are all you need." Nesta led with a grin. "I veto a necklace, although there is one that matches them, because your breasts draw enough attention as it is." That snapped Gwyn out of her stupor. She playfully knocked Nesta's shoulder.
"Alright, you think you look stunning now just wait until I've done your hair and makeup." And with those words she led them back out into the room.
While she was gone she noticed Elain had started on Feyre's hair. She met the High Lady's gaze through the vanity mirror.
"Gwyn!" She exclaimed. "You look absolutely gorgeous!"
Gwyn could only blush in response, Feyre giggled as her face turned redder than her hair. "I mean it." She reassured. Feyre turned her attention to Nesta "What were you thinking of doing with her hair?"
"I'm thinking of leaving it down and curling it just enough to give a wavy texture."
"Oh, yes! I love that, can I make a suggestion though?" Nesta rolled her eyes at her sister but waved her to continue.
"Pin one side back behind her ear with..." She carefully opened up the drawer of her vanity, trying not to move too much and mess up Elain's hard work. "This!" she declared triumphantly as she held up what she had found.
Nesta drifted over and grabbed the item out of Feyre's hand. Her face split into a grin. "Excellent choice." Gwyn tried to see what she had but Nesta held it out of her view. "No spoilers, you will see it when I am through with you. Now, on the bed." She commanded. Gwyn reluctantly sat on the edge of the wide bed.
Of course Cassian's earlier words about the High Lord's and Lady's... coupling came to mind as she sat. She willed the thoughts away with all her might.
Nesta worked her magic surprisingly fast. With no mirror for Gwyn to gaze into she watched the sun start to set out the window. It was there in the garden that she spotted him.
Azriel stood alone by the large oak tree. His large hands made the glass of whiskey he was holding look small. For once he was dressed in something other than leathers. He had donned a fitting all black suit. Though when he moved she saw the setting sun reflect off of his siphons.
If he still wore his siphons she wondered where he had truth teller strapped...
Nesta appeared in front of her then. She followed her friend's gaze out the window to see what had her rapt attention.
Nesta let out a small laugh when she spotted Azriel. Gwyn glared at her.
Nesta threw her hands up defensively but she didn't further comment. Instead she pulled out a small bag of makeup and started to work on her face.
She finished quickly. Claiming that Gwyn was a natural beauty and didn't need much other than some eyelash and eyebrow definition. Nesta grabbed a couple of lipsticks out of the bag and voiced a question to the others in the room.
"Pink or Red?"
"Pink!" Elain and Feyre both responded so Nesta opened the mauve tube and applied it to her lips generously. Nesta stood and took a large bow and announced that her masterpiece was now finished.
She helped Gwyn stand and led her over to the vanity mirror.
Gwyn looked at the three sisters all present in the reflection of the mirror. Feyre looked regal with her glimmering crown. Elain was the personification of elegance and grace. Nesta, although dressed in comfortable clothing since she was not attending tonight, was still as striking as ever.
But a fourth person looked back at them too. Her copper hair flowing down into gentle waves, half over her shoulder and half down her back. Above her left ear her tresses were pinned with a shining hair pin that only complemented the sparkling earrings on display. The coal on her eyelashes made her teal eyes pop and the rouge on her lips made them appear fuller.
Mother. She thought incredulously. That's me.
Feyre's ringing laugh brought her back to consciousness. She wondered how long she had been staring at herself.
"Oh my Gwyn." Feyre said, looking her up and down. "I have a feeling you will have quite a few gentlemanly callers tonight."
"They better be gentlemanly or they will have me to deal with." growled Nesta protectively. She looked to her sister's eyes but her gaze caught Elain's instead. Gwyn offered her a small smile which she returned but her eyes remained cold, as if almost sizing her up.
Gwyn tried to shake the thought out of her head. There was no animosity between them, at least she didn't think there was. Quickly she searched her mind at their previous encounters, looking for some clue.
Abruptly Feyre stood, rolling her eyes at some silent joke. "Rhys, has just informed me that if we don't head out soon our arrival will likely cause more of a scene than we intend."
As the sisters made their way to the door, Gwyn spared her reflection one last look in the mirror. She felt unrecognizable, as if the scared young woman at Sangravah never existed.
Gwyn wondered if Catrin would even recognize her now, and her heart seized painfully.
She couldn't let those thoughts take over her now. Gathering the long skirts of her dress she followed Nesta, Feyre and Elain out the door.
Author's note:
This chapter was supposed to be even longer than this and was supposed to include Azriel's reaction to seeing her, but I decided to leave that for next time. ;)
Until then!
-Meagan (she/her)