A Court of Shadowed Hearts (ON HIATUS)

Chapter One

Cadryn POV

The wind sweeps through the open window of the oak study, ruffling the lose strands of my hair from where it fell out of my braid. The Velaris air was warm this time of year, leaving the softest kiss on my face.

"Most would not have been able to master the skills you have at your age," Rhysand says from his seat across from me. The High Lord of the Night Court grins with pride, and I can't help but feel pleased with myself for a job well done. "but you aren't like most, are you?"

Indeed, it was uncommon for a soldier to be master of shadows by their twenty-first year, but I liked to think none of the others possessed the sheer will and determination that I did. "You honour me with your words, High Lord." I smile and incline my head.

Rhysand rises from his seat, pacing the spacious room in long strides. "Feyre and I are very proud of what you have accomplished," he says. "and have decided to offer you a promotion."

By the Cauldron, my mind races, and I desperately attempt to school my face into neutrality. I urge my mind to come up with the right thing to say, but Rhys continues before I have the chance:

"However," I try not to let my heart sink. "there is one more mission for you to complete before you can be officially ranked as acknowledgedas part of my court."

He pauses by the fireplace, dormant now that summer had arrived in the City of Starlight. "Given your excellent work in infiltrating the Autumn Court, I think this will be a piece of cake."

I refrain from snorting. Such an un-high lordly thing to say; but that was the charm of Rhysand and his court. "I am at your disposal My Lord."

He waves an elegant hand, brushing off the title. Rhys turns to me, violet eyes glinting. "We wish for you to infiltrate the Court of Nightmares."

An instant grin tugs at the corners of my mouth. How dark and luring. And exactly the sort of thing I'd enjoy. "With pleasure, High Lord."

He returns my grin, stalking back to his desk to retrieve a piece of paper which seems to have been ripped from an old book and places it on the desk before me. A picture sketched with an elegant hand takes dominance in the center of the page: a necklace of what seemed to consist of diamonds, shimmering with what seemed like starlight encased in a glass box. My eyes dip to the words scribbled beneath the image, The Jewels of the young maiden Mirielle, crafted from a fallen star...

Rhysand says, "These have been in the possession of the court of Nightmares since the beginning of Amarantha's reign fifty-two years ago. They belong to my family and I would like them back." He straightens, brushing an invisible piece of lint off his immaculate dark clothes.

I grin, reaching for the paper. "This is going to be fun." And after, I will finally have the position in Rhysand's court that I've worked so hard towards. "When do I start?"

"There are a few extra little details that I should mention."

Extra details. That didn't sound good.

"You cannot simply take the diamonds and walk out, even under the cover of dark. You will have to infiltrate using a different strategy. Flattery." Rhys says.

"Flattery?" Something not included in my list of expertise.

Rhysand holds up his hands in defense. "I know that isn't part of your job description, so you will be working with someone trained in that specific field."

"But why is that important for me to know?" I was toeing a line. A very dangerous line.

Leaning his muscled body against the desk, Rhys says, "If you're going to be promoted, then it's an important skill for you to have; especially if you're going to be working with my court. You'll need to take a few weeks to earn their trust before retrieving the necklace."

I fight down the negative emotions threatening to take hold of me. Not ideal, not ideal at all, but if that's the only additional thing Rhys requires of me then it's fine.

But my relief is short lived at his next words.

"So I've assigned Azriel, my Spymaster, to accompany you on your stay at the Court of Nightmares."

(A/N: her name is pronounced kad-rin)

I hope you enjoyed chapter one! I'll post the next one tomorrow <3