Rhysand was a few paces ahead of me as he walked through the halls, leading the way to wherever we were going. His black suit contrasted the white walls starkly.
I realized how different we were; complete opposites. His hair was darker than the deepest nights while mine was whiter than snow. His complexion was a golden brown while mine was pale. My eyes were green and his were violet. It was...unsettling. Like he was night and I was day.
Rhysand took a left, going down a hallway full of large dark wood doors. His steps were sure. Confident. His hands were stuffed into his pocket—one of his signatures moves in my opinion.
He turned again, this time coming to one of the many doors. This one was larger than the others and had multiple carvings in different languages. Most of them I knew. There were others I didn't. I did recognize one quote carved onto the door in a lovely artistic rendering, "Knowledge is power. Those who use it hold the hand of fate."
I nearly leaped from my skin with excitement as I realized where we were going. Rhysand pushed the double doors open and walked in. I followed, tipping my head back to take in what had to be one of my favorite places on Earth.
Rows upon rows of books and shelves. Two floors filled to the brim with stories and worlds. There was a multitude of desks on the ground floor and Rhysand was walking towards one.
I glared at his back for no reason other than the fact I found him frustrating. I guess I did have a reason then.
I walked towards the table he had set himself at, propping his feet up at the edge of the table with his hands behind his head and a shit-eating smirk on his face as he likely observed my wonder.
"Welcome," he mused as I sat down across from him once more.
"What is this place?"
"A library." he deadpanned and I gave him an incredulous look. "This is my private library in this palace, passed down by my predecessors," he said. Oh, how I wished to see the public library. This place was astonishing but I could have easily found it on my own. The entrance wasn't subtle.
"Why have you brought me here?"
"I want you to research."
"Research what?" I asked, mildly curious as I once again surveyed the library rather to get started.
"Everything. Past and Present. I want you aware and I want you to work with me...as an ally, Danika."
"Why would you need me as an ally?" I questioned. So many questions. I was getting really tired of questions.
"That comes later." I rolled my eyes, must he be so vague all the time? Oh, what fun is it to reveal my games? Oh, can't show you all my moves, or else you'll actually know what's going on around you. Blah, blah, blah.
He was so cryptic all the damn time, i was tired of being kept in the dark.
I raised an astonishing brow, "I'm not doing anything for you until you tell me why you want me to. You can't just say you need me as an ally and then refuse to tell me what I'm allying against." I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms over my chest as I looked at the High Lord expectantly.
Rhysand sighed, and shook his head, "Soon." he assured as he tipped his head back into the ceiling and sighed breathily. His head turned backs arching my eyes.
"Patience is not one of my strong suits, Rhysand. You'd do well to remember that if you want me as your ally." I mocked as I leaned forward in protest. Such a prick.
His eyes grew an amused edge as talons scraped against my mind and a chuckle sounded from behind my barriers. But it's so much fun making you squirm, said Rhysands voice in mind.
I seethed into my mind, "Stay the hell out of my head." he smiled, "And stop trying to change the subject." I said aloud.
But his claws dug into my mind and I went still as death, Did I tell you how delicious you looked today? The fashion of the Night Court suits you.
I stared at him, internally fantasizing about his murder.
Keep your sheilds up, Danika. You've had them down for months and anyone can get through. He warned me, I hadn't even realized they'd been down. A fool's mistake I wouldn't make again. Now shove me out and put them back up.
I wasted no time, finding the metaphorical door of lightning in my mind and slamming it in his face. I was lucky he'd only been on the threshold of my mind and not inside. Inside would have been harder.
Rhysand staggered back in his chair as if I'd actually hit him. His eyes were wide as if he hadn't expected it.
I leaned back, "You're an asshole." I shrugged.
He stared at me a moment longer, "Oh, most definitely. Excellent work." the words were full of humor but there was still a disbelieving look on his face.
I rolled my eyes again, sick and tired of his games, "Oh, please. Spare me your condescension."
"I'm not." He replied nonchalantly as he began to stand from his chair, likely to leave me to to my research.
I narrowed my eyes, "Is it possible to ever keep you out fully?"
Rhysand's features were those of contemplation. Like he wasn't sure. "With your power...maybe."
I cocked my head at him, he looked almost torn up about the fact. Like it was meant to be impossible. It even more confusing.
Every time I thought I had the male figured out, he puzzled me again.
Rhysand started walking away but he stopped. He turned just a fraction, "I'm not your enemy, Danika." It was quiet, like he wanted to assure me.
I leaned back in my chair once more, "Everyone else says you are." my conversation with Hart only days ago was proof enough.
He turned fully then to face me, his back illuminated by the light in the hallway, "And what do you think?"
"Does it matter?" I asked him. The question was genuine. Not once in my life had I ever been asked what I wanted. Decisions had been made for me by my superiors. I'd never really thought twice about it until then.
"Yes." He replied bluntly.
"My opinion is irrelevant at the moment." I breathed out, "I'm here for a week every month. We won't see each other other than that. My opinion shouldn't matter in this situation."
Rhysand chuckled, but somehow the sound was empty. "Is that what they've taught you there? At Spring Court? That your opinion doesn't matter."
"I've never known anything else," I said as I stood from my seat and started walking away to one of the tall isles of books. If Rhysand wanted me to research. Fine. There wasn't much choice in that. But I didn't have to sit over there and listen to him try to give me a pep talk or whatever the hell that was meant to be.
To my ever loathing dismay, Rhysand followed me into the isle—no, followed was too light a word. He stormed after me. "Is it so much easier to let them coddle you?" He asked, frustration dripping from his voice at my back.
I whirled, "I do not let them coddle me."
He scoffed, "They had you wrapped up like a present yesterday. Like you were his toy."
"So?" He could never understand the full extent of my situation. Could never understand the position I'd been forced into. Why not just let him think about what he wanted?
"So?" A flicker of rage, before it was gone. Pushed back under the waves of his mind.
I sighed in defeat, turning back around to the shelf in front of me, "Just leave me be, Rhysand." I sounded like a child. I was aware, but I truly did want to just be alone with the peace and quiet of the books.
"Fine." He seethed, "I'll be back in an hour."
And then he vanished into the shadows silently.
─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
A/N: Had to add some angst.
I'm supposed to be doing schoolwork right now but I'm writing Wattpad instead because I'm sad and can't stop crying whenever even look at it. So I hope you guys eat this up because I'm literally dead.