The beginning of Gwyn and Azriel

Games.

  Gwyn dropped her glass and it shattered along the marble floor.

  She stood quickly, breathless from the news.

  Did he mean what she thought?

 "What are you talking about, Tamlin?" her eyes asked in desperation.

 "Something you have already known."

 "Say it," she growled.

  She waited with bated breath.

  Everyone sat straighter in their chairs...also holding their breaths.

 "You are the true daughter of Spring and my next Heir."

  Gwyn's legs went weak as she held onto the table.

  The group gasped and began to whisper amongst themselves.

  All this time....

 "You knew.." she breathed.

  Everyone shut their mouths...anticipating for what was to come.

  He nodded gently, unable to meet her eye.

 "How long?"

  Tamlin paused in thought.

 "Since before you came to spring."

  Gwyn rubbed her forehead in frustration and turned her gaze to Azriel. She needed some reassurance from him during that moment.

  But Azriel's eyes spoke another truth.

  He had also known...

  Gwyn's heart completely shattered and she gasped out.

 "I..."

  She stuttered as every single pair of eyes analyzed her.

 "I.."

  Her hands were shaking...chest ready to burst.

"I...need a moment," she began to move towards the hall.

 "Ten minute break everyone," she heard Rhysand order as she made her escape.

  She was burning with....disappointment.

  The two men who had help her heal in an indescribable way...had both betrayed her. 

  She wanted to scream.

  Gwyn felt Azriel before she saw him... he lurked in the darkness of the shadows.

  He was nervous, she could tell.

  Well, he better fucking be.

  Azriel began to pace towards her, but she turned and met him head on. 

  Then she reached and grabbed him by the throat, shoving him into the hallway wall.

 "You lied to me," she growled.

  His eyes darkened as he watched her breath.

  But she pushed against him harder.

 "Answer me, Shadowsinger."

  His head leaned back against the wall...as if he enjoyed her hands at his throat.

 "I did not lie, Priestess."

 "Then get that wicked smirk off your face," she snapped.

 "I just did not tell you the truth.."

 "Oh, and that is not the same thing?"

  Gwyn pivoted closer, tightening her fingers on his neck.