A Love From A Different World

Chapter 8

True to his nature, the Shadowsinger stuck close to the shadows, keeping a critical eye on everyone and everything. It was a beautiful party, filled with beautiful people- or beasts, as was more fitting. The citizens of the Court of Nightmares were indeed creatures of pure evil. Azriel watched as his brother sat on his throne, giving his signature smirk to anyone who met his eyes. He truly hoped that he'd use this night to really amend relationships- they were in dire need of allies after Amarantha. Even Azriel had dreams of her, and they were never pretty. Not one to be distracted, Azriel narrowed his eyes in concentration as Rhysand gave a speech. Something that proved very difficult when Celaena made her grand entrance. The music stopped in anticipation as everyone turned to the figure at the entrance. Azriel sucked in a breath as he saw her. In all his hundreds of years of living, never had he ever seen such a breathtaking angel- no, she was not an angel. The girl was a goddess. As if her face wasn't beautifully framed by her golden hair, that dress did it. Azriel felt a very distinct stirring in both his chest and northern regions. It was not the first time that he appreciated being in the shadows. He continued to watch in awe as she advanced towards the guest, everyone looking at her in silence. The Shadowsinger clenched his teeth in annoyance as more than one male outwardly gawked at her. He wanted to tear apart their eyes. As if suddenly breaking out of his trance, Azriel straightened and instantly reprimanded himself for his unacceptable response to Celaena. The pull he had towards the girl was unexplainable- and incredibly worrisome. Hadn't he always prided himself with the knowledge that, unlike other males, he was never tempted by lust? And he wasn't, because Azriel knew that what he was feeling was not lust but something more- and wrong for that matter. Hadn't he only just met the girl? And acting like a complete sap. It was out of character, which only stressed him more and more. Azriel instructed himself to get his shit together before he ruined everything for everyone.

Aelin was immensely enjoying herself. Besides being undeniably gorgeous, she was also the center of attention. Of course, whenever she was in a room she was always the center of attention, but still, she enjoyed it every time. After being simply introduced as a friend of Rhysand- something that she found quite laughable- she mingled around. Mor seemed to like clinging to her- or more like keeping a watch on her. Aelin did not mind much and danced the night away with the other blond. The princess could not help thinking that if she had met Mor back home, the two would have been great friends indeed. She barely ate anything, nor did she drink- only an idiot would drink Fae wine. As the night passed, people around her were becoming more and more approachable- no doubt the works of the wine. Currently, she was having a rather animated chat with a red-headed male. She wasn't exactly sure what his name was, but he was handsome, and that's all that really matters after all. Realizing that the male was plied with enough alcohol, Aelin asked him endless questions about Prythian. She found it curious that although it was one whole country, each court ruled themselves with their own laws- and a High Lord over them. It appeared as if High Lords were the highest position one could achieve- and thinking back, she figured that Rhysand must have been absolutely insulted when she laughed at him for it. Aelin's keen eye also took in the tense energy around Rhysand and some of the Lords. It appeared as if Rhysand had more enemies than friends- but Aelin supposed that's what the party was for. The drunkard next to her was looking less and less attractive- but what the hell, he was quite useful. And perhaps another one of Rhysand's enemies at that. The princess did not miss the looks she received from Rhysand and his little secret court. At all times, at least one of them was watching her. She would have felt insulted if she did not feel so flattered. Good to know that even Fae saw her as a threat when she was nothing but a mere human. The male was spouting nonsense at this point- but did pique her interest when he mentioned magic. Though Aelin was disappointed when he did not say anything about Wyrdmarks or anything remotely similar, she did find his discussion fascinating. It appeared as if each court possessed unique powers, some were familiar while others totally foreign- and what the hell was winnowing? Nonetheless, feeling satisfied, Aelin excused herself and made her way to the male she had been watching all night. He looked absolutely dashing- and started when she approached him.

"Hello, handsome,"