A Court of Shadow and Song

Chapter 3

Azriel POV

Azriel felt a blush creep up his neck as he stared at the Nymph Priestess. He tucked his hands into the pockets of his suit and masked his face in indifference. Or at least, he hoped he did. He couldn't stop himself from glancing at Gwyn while Nesta spoke with Rhys. The blush spread to his cheeks when one of his shadows leapt from his shoulder to rest on Gwyn's. Her eyes widened at the intrude before she tilted her head back and laughed. The shadow seemed to dance to the sound. "Apologies," Azriel huffed, pulling the reluctant shadow back, "They occasionally have a mind of their own."

"I don't mind." Gwyn smiled, hand rubbing over where the shadow had rested. Azriel inwardly scolded the shadow only to have it flick his ear in defiance.

Azriel watched his brother take hold of Nesta, flying smoothly from the window with her tucked to his chest. Then Mor took hold of a blushing Emerie, before simply jumping and then winnowing once they passed the ward. Azriel turned to Gwyn, clearing his throat.

"May I?" He asked, quietly. Gwyn smiled and stepped into his arms. He heard her breath catch as he stepped off the balcony and couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips. "You've never flown." He realized aloud.

"No." she breathed. He looked down to see her eyes wide as she took in Velaris passing by.

"You look beautiful." He said before cringing. He had no idea why he said that. He couldn't stop the words from tumbling from his lips.

Gwyn didn't seem to notice his inner scolding. She only smiled up at him and tightened her arms slightly. "Thank you, Azriel," She said genuinely, "You look rather beautiful yourself." Azriel cursed the blush that crept up his neck again, he had blushed more today, it seemed, than he had in his entire life.

He landed swiftly, setting Gwyn to her feet, ignoring the sudden cold he felt across his chest and the way his shadows almost begged to follow her.

"Ready?" Gwyn asked Nesta, leading her into the temple.

~*~

Azriel couldn't help but smile as he stood beside his brother who seemed unable to stand still. Azriel was certain that Cassian was bouncing on the balls of his feet in order to avoid the tears that would inevitably spill from his eyes. "Ready?" Azriel asked as the music started. Cassian only nodded, his eyes fixed on the back door, waiting for his mate.

Feyre and Elain entered first. His high lady was in a dark gray gown looking royal as ever, Elain wore a flowing purple gown, looking breathtaking. She stood out some now, Azriel noticed, as she took a seat in the front row. Everyone else was donned in Night Court colors, but Elain could never stand the darkness. Ironic, Azriel thought bitterly before turning back to the doors. His breath caught when Gwyn and Emerie entered. His eyes were fixed on the Nymph Priestess. Again, his shadows tried to dance out to her. He restrained them by his side and felt their devastation. He had no idea what was getting into them.

Gwyn and Emerie walked over to the other side of the alter. Azriel caught Gwyn smiling again at his shadows. Azriel turned forward, doing his best not to stare. Instead, he caught the sad eyes of Elain and knew she was hurt that it was not her standing by her sister's side today. Azriel wished he could comfort her. But that was not his job, he reminded himself, noting her mate, Lucien, sitting beside her.

Again the back door opened, but this time the entire room stood and faced Nesta. She had decided against the human tradition of a white gown and instead wore a dress of black silk with silver beads threaded in to look like stars. She was the embodiment of the Night Court, of the Court and the people her mate stood to defend. She had chosen this for him, to show him that they were now one.