12

Nesta merely nodded as Feyre showed her the features of the crib. Lucien copying her work on the latches to collapse the sides and build them back up again.

Cassian was leaning in the doorway. Though the other man made no sound he turned to Rhys. "If I had known you would let the two of them scrap your nursery for parts, I wouldn't have told you."

Rhys shrugged almost imperceptibly. "We're not yet expecting. Feyre wants them to have it."

"Is Lucien staying here, then?"

"He has decided not to," Rhys said.

Cassian made a noise somewhere between a scoff and a growl.

"You wouldn't have been happy if he had," Rhys added.

"I thought he would try and do the right thing," Cassian gasped.

"Nesta has refused him any marriage. And they're not mates. His interest is still tied to Elain. If given the choice he would prefer that she accept the bond and for Elain to assume the role as mother. At least that's what he has said."

"That little bit-" Cassian began.

"Nesta prefers her freedom, Cassain. This is Lucien's preference having heard Nesta's side of things."

"Well, he can't have the three of them," Cassian snarled.

"This complicates your relationship with Nesta, brother. I wouldn't sway your decision there, but you're better off setting aside your feelings for the baby, whatever they may be, and especially and most importantly, whatever tenderness has grown toward Elain."

"Horse shit," Cassian barked.

"They are Lucien's offspring and mate respectively. Stay away from them both."

"I haven't warmed to Elain!" Cassian's voice had rose but they had long since meandered further down the hall and out of earshot.

"The two of you practically beat down my door to give me the news of Lucien. And I know she waited outside for you, even after I sent her back to her room."

"Nothing happened," Cassian said

"And nothing is going to happen," Rhys replied.

"I told Nesta I would stay, to whatever end. Finding the father. Not finding the father. Being the father. She wants nothing from me. And apparently nothing from Lucien. He caused this whole mess and now he wants to mate Elain like nothing happened and leave her in charge of a baby."

"We've seen weirder, in our time."

"The reason Elain doesn't want him, is because she's a Seer. She can see through his bullshit…"

Rhys rubbed his temples. "Do. Not. Bed. Nesta's. Sister."

"...she too sweet to be with such a pig headed…"

"Do. Not." Rhys repeated.

Azriel approached from the other end of the hall. "Elain's locked herself in her. She's been there all afternoon. Crying."

"I'll see to her," Cassian informed them.

Azriel's confusion matched the obvious pain on his face. "What?"

Rhysand turned on his heel.

"Where are you going?" Cassian asked.

"I need to build another house. Very. Very far away from this one."