a kingdom of light and lies

vii. chapter seven

Aeryn didn't think a room could be as beautiful as the dining hall in Azrael's personal residence. The room wasn't too big, but it felt enormous. It was decked out in all shades of green, brown, gray. A diamond-encrusted chandelier hung from the ceiling, vines covering the faelight, giving the room a greenish glow. The dishes were clearly well-made, and the food. Oh, did the food smell great.

Various spices filled the room, and just from this, she could tell the food here would be much better than Lumine's.

Azrael was lounging in a chair at the head of the table, not acting in the elegant manner she thought he would. The wings were still there, lazily spread out behind him, and he still had his clothes on from before.

At first, Aeryn stood by the doorway, rethinking this whole ordeal, then after silently reassuring herself, confidently strode into the room. The dress Cressida has excitedly stuffed her in was made of the blackest material she had ever seen. It was easy to move, and the one-layered skirt swayed with every swish of her hip. A green, gem-encrusted necklace was strapped around her neck, two studs of emerald in her earlobes. The look was simple yet elegant and impressive, exactly the kind of look she was going for.

Azrael heard her near silent-footsteps and turned towards the doorway. A taunting grin grew on his face as he saw Aeryn standing a mere few feet away from him.

"Well, well, well. It seems you clean up nice, Princess."

She gave him a look. "Please don't call me that."

He raised an eyebrow at the statement. "Why not, Princess?"

"Because I hate all of the responsibilities that come with that title. The rules, the chores, all of it."

"Why?"

"Why what?" she said as she looked at him.

"Why do you hate the responsibilities?"

"Because it's stressful, binding. I'm always either rushing about helping my father with politics, funds, and anything else, which I find obscenely boring. The rest of the time I'm mozying about the castle with nothing to do. I can't leave, the maids or guards won't give me anything to do, and I'm being monitored while doing even the easiest task."

"Wow, Princess. I think that's the most you've told me about yourself since I've had the pleasure of meeting you."

"I told you to not call me that."

"I can do what I want."

Aeryn huffed. "Fine. I can see no matter what I do, you won't stop. Can I sit now?"

He gestured to the seat across from him with a lazy flick of his hand and said, "Go ahead."

She strode over to the seat, gliding a finger gently over the dark green velvet covering the cushioning. She pulled it out, sitting down and now staring at Azrael. He stared back.

Even his gaze felt powerful. Aeryn could easily imagine him giving this controlling, powerful glare across a room and everyone would fall silent.

"They would bow."

She blinked, giving him a puzzled look. "What?"

"Not only would the room stop, but they would bow. I would make them bow, let them know who the most powerful person in that room is."

She looked at him with an offended expression. "Did you look into my mind?"

"You have no protection. It was easy to slip into."

"That's your excuse?"

"I'm not sure what other reason I would use."

"Don't look into my damn mind."

"Someone has a mouth on them."

"I don't care. Don't look into my mind. I won't say it again."

"Remember who you're talking to."

At this point, the two were standing, chairs pushed back and hands leaning on the table, glaring harshly at each other.

"You only look into my mind if I allow you to."

"I can do what I want."

She scoffed, fighting the urge to laugh. "Just because you're a fae High Lord does not mean you can mess with my mind."

"Remember I can snap your neck in half a second without touching you."

"Do it then. Let's see what happens."

All Azrael did was glare at her, and she glared back. The silence made everything more tense, and Aeryn started to feel uncomfortable. But she still stared.

Finally, she pushed her hands back, the table rocking a bit. "Fine. Do what you want. Now I know there's no stopping you from being a complete asshole."

She gave him one last look, then stalked out of the room. She heard a slam behind her and laughed.

"Such a brat."