a court of light and shadow

chapter 9(Azriel)

"Gwyn will break so hard that even you can't fix"All Azriel was thinking was Mor's words while he was at his brother's mating ceremony.
Mor winnowed Nesta, who was wearing a very pretty dress for the ceremony. When Cassian saw his mate he literally jumped because of happiness. Emerie wore a dark brown dress, a bit lighter than the colour of her skin. And behind Mor was standing Gwyn-
Azriel's eyes widened as he took an eye on the young priestess.
She was— he'd never seen someone so beautiful. Her red hair was down, half braided. And that dress which she wore- He always knew: Mor was good in fashion, but the dress which she gave Gwyn was meant for her and not Mor.This light blue beauty who was standing beside Emerie looked like- an angel. He never thought something like this about someone. Not even Elain.
He could stand here and watch this light blue beauty for hours and not getting tired.
From far Gwyn looked at him and nervously smiled. He couldn't help but smile back. His attention was on her neck, now. Thank the cauldron that she wasn't wearing that necklace.
Elain was here- Gwyn was here.
And Mor was still very angry with him.
He took a deep breath and joined his brothers to start the mating ceremony. Azriel didn't talk to Gwyn for the whole night. He was just watching her. How she danced with her friends, how she laughed about Cassian's jokes. How happy she was around these people. He also didn't notice Elain and Gwyn together.
They only said 'hello' to each other and nothing more.
"You're too quiet tonight, brother." Said Rhys when the three of them were alone.
Cassian drank wine and smirked, "He's always quiet."
"But he's not smiling every day." Rhys slowly smiled, "May I ask you're grinning all night?"
"I'm not." A fake smile danced on his lips.
"I think that's because of-" started Cassian, Rhys looked at him and then at Az again.
"That priestess?" Rhys raised his eyebrow.
"Mor?" asked Cassian at the same time.
Azriel couched and shoot him a warning look. Rhys looked at him with confusion in his eyes, "Mor? What's happening between you and Mor?"
"Nothing." Answered Azriel quickly.
"Liar. I saw you two today in the hall." Cassian's smile widens, he winked at him, "Az being shy."
"Shut your fatass mouth Cassian," Azriel said to his brother, kicked him in the chest and turned around.
What's happening between you and my cousin? asked Rhys into his mind.
Az looked at him, I'll explain later
"I still think he's shy," went on Cassian, "Az only wants to be Mor's secret lover."
"Shut the fuck up, Cassian."Azriel found himself smiling on that. Cassians jokes were sometimes too horrible to hear so Az turned and went into the balcony. As he opened the door he saw Gwyn.
In one second after Azriel realised that Gwyn wasn't okay. Her breathing was hard and fast, she had pressed her left hand on her chest- She was having a panic attack.
"Gwyn," Azriel whispered, he moved closer and put his hand on her shoulder gently. She gasped at taught and quickly looked around. When she saw it was Azriel, he knew she relaxed.
"I-I—" she gasped. Tears were falling on those pretty cheeks. She was afraid.
"Look at me, Gwyn." He said quietly and lifted her chin, her eyes were so beautiful that Azriel blinked. once, twice. Then Gwyn breathed hard once more, "I am sorry-" Don't ever apologize for what you're feeling." Azriel's fingers were touching her chin, her skin was so soft, his shadows danced around her again. Comforting her. "is this because you left the library?" "I failed her," she whispered, "I'm such a big coward." more tears falling down. Azriel knew she meant her sister. His hand moved to her cheeks from her chin, he wiped those tears away.
"You survived that night. You survived the Blood Rite. You became an amazing, brave Valkyre." He put her hands in his scarred hands, "You are everything but not a coward." He tried to smile, "You have that night like a scar which always is with you."She held his hands tightly, and answered very quietly, "Everyone knows those scars of mine."
"You aren't ashamed." He finished. Gwyn looked at him, they only shared gazes. Then Gwyn said too softly, "Neither are you, Azriel."
She looked at their joining hands, for a moment Azriel thought she would take them back- but she didn't. Her fingers touching his scars were gentle moves.
"I think we should go back." She said.
"I think the same."
Gwyn smiled at that. "Thank you."
Azriel knew he would do anything to see that smile on her lips often.