A Court of Teal and Shadows

Chapter 3

Azriel

As he entered Rysannd's study, Azriel knew something was off. The large desk his brother sat behind was covered in its usual stack of papers and maps, but the face behind it was grim. In one of the two chairs facing him, sat Elain. Azriel immediately pulled on his face of uncaring calm, but hoped none of the others had seen his surprise when he'd first seen her. Feyre sat next to Rhys on the arm of his chair, the picture of casual grace. He was aware of Amren's eyes on him as she perched at the edge of the second chair. Mor was likely out somewhere with the baby, and Cassian and Nesta were still busy celebrating the mating bond. So the five of them began the meeting.

"Thank you for coming today," Rhys began, "I hope you have all been well since the mating ceremony."

"I'm doing fantastic thanks for asking," Amren replied with a hint of boredom, "but why am I here?"

Feyre tried to give her an understanding smile as she began.

"Our allies in the human lands are growing impatient. Vassa wants to search for weaknesses against Koschei to free her. She isn't listening to the logic of waiting for him to make the first move. We need a way to calm her down." Feyre explained.

"So tell Lucien that she's being a fool and that his task as our courtier is to keep her from making any mistakes that could create consequences for us." Amren countered, seeming impatient with the situation.

"The problem, is that Lucien sees her as more of a friend than us. His loyalty to the Night Court seems... strained. He is growing to be rather lethargic in his actions of helping us. He will fight for the greater good, but his good will towards us seem... conditional." Rhys tried to say it without implying anything, but Azriel knew they were all thinking the same thing when all eyes were on Elain.

"It's about me, then." Elain said tightly. "What can I do?"

"I want you to go to him. See if you can show him where his loyalties should be." Rhys said as he faced her.

"Absolutely not." Azriel hadn't realized he'd spoken until the room swiveled to look at him. "She might as well be going to a pack of wolves with Jurian and Vassa with him. Not to mention the threats they can't handle as humans with targets on them. It's too dangerous. Send someone else."

"You know I can't send someone else. Lucien is at the end of his patience with the rest of us and you know it. Even Feyre knows. If it were as dangerous as you think it is we wouldn't consider sending her, but it's not. She would be safe there." Rhys countered his argument, and he seemed annoyed with Azriel's uncharacteristic disagreement.

"And what about Nesta? What would she think about this? Or maybe that's why you decided to hold the meeting once they left." Azriel shot back, knowing it was a few inches away from a low blow.

"Enough." Elain replied before Rhysand could counter.

Azriel held his breathe as Elain stood.

"I will go. I want to do whatever I can to help. You have all done so much for me, it's the least I can do." Elain looked at him, as she added a final touch for only him as if the others weren't even there. "You are not my keeper. It is not your job to keep me from harm."

He knew that things could've been different. He knew that if Rhys hadn't stopped them on Solstice, his words would be the only ones she cared about. But he had stopped it before it could truly begin. And she would not let him forget.

"I will leave tomorrow." Elain said as farewell before leaving the study.

Fuck.

Azriel knew she was walking away from more than just the room as her steps faded.

As he turned back towards the room, Amren looked mildly amused.

"If anything happens to her Rhysand, I won't forgive you."

"I know." Was all his brother could say as he stormed out.