Chapter 23: Rhysand

Rhysand and Feyre retreat to his cabin for privacy after the Solstice celebration. Rhys reveals that all of Feyre's favorite dresses were made by his mother centuries ago as a trousseau for his future bride, and Feyre decides to have the tattoo marks on her palms altered to the Night Court insignia. After sharing a profound intimate moment during which Feyre mentally shows Rhys her vision of their future child, Rhys presents her with a Solstice gift: a ruined estate along the river that he has purchased for them to rebuild as their own home.

Following the Solstice dinner at the town house, Rhys winnows Feyre to their private cabin for solitude. When Feyre prepares to remove her diamond cuffs, Rhys stops her, hinting at his plans for the evening. He reveals the origin of her beloved dresses: his mother, a seamstress from his youth, crafted them centuries ago as a trousseau for the bride he would one day mate. Moved by this revelation, Feyre realizes the profound significance of wearing garments made with such love and intention. She then expresses her desire to have the surveillance marks on her palms—the eyes Rhys once used to monitor her—changed to the Night Court mountain and stars insignia. Rhys questions her certainty, but Feyre confirms her commitment, and he uses his magic to transform the tattoos. They share an intimate connection both physically and mentally, during which Feyre sends Rhys a vision through their bond: an image of a dark-haired, blue-eyed child—their potential future son. The intensity of their union causes physical destruction in the cabin, with pictures falling from walls and a vase shattering. The following morning, Rhys brings Feyre to a ruined estate along the Sidra River as his Solstice and birthday gift. He reveals he purchased the property on Solstice Eve and has hired workers to clear the rubble, offering Feyre the freedom to design and build their house exactly as she envisions it. He encourages her to dream without limitation, suggesting specific rooms: a painting studio, offices for both of them, a bathing chamber accommodating wings, spaces for family gatherings, and notably, a nursery. Feyre accepts the gift and his implicit promise of their future together.