A Love From A Different World

Chapter 27

Azriel did not like the plan at all. He was not usually one to complain, but this-he wasn't sure he could bear it. Using Celaena as a puppet- no, he really couldn't do it. But it wouldn't be him using her, no, it would Rhysand. Seeing how well guarded the Veritas was within the Court of Nightmares, it would indeed be one hell of a nightmare trying to get it. Keir would notice something amiss right away, which is why they needed Celaena to be the distraction.

It enraged Azriel. It was more than just jealousy. His primary need to protect what is his- well, he wasn't sure that applied to Celaena but nonetheless, he did not want the wretched subject of Hewn City laying their filthy gaze on her. That's what worried him; that he would catch someone looking at her in lust and he would kill them on the spot. It was a gift, he supposed, being the one getting the Orb. That way he would not be privy to such a heart-wrenching sight.

They were all prepared already, the plan well-reviewed, the details ingrained in everyone's mind. It was a simple plan really; distract Keir with news that Rhysand has a human plaything whistle, Azriel retrieves the Orb and gets the hell out of there before anyone catches on. Hopefully, by the time Keir realizes that the magical object is gone, the Inner Court would already be on their way to meeting the Mortal Queens.

He had always been professional when it came to his job. Has never made a mistake due to personal reasons and the Shadowsinger had no intention of starting now. However, it was safe to say that his mind was just a little occupied at the moment.

But right then he needed to do his job. So he, much like the rest of their Inner Circle put on his mask, erasing any form of expression on his face as he silently made his way to the throne room, siphons glowing menacingly. Cassian was by his side, his own siphons shining brightly. The room was packed and yet felt so cold. Those wretched subjects stood stupidly together, not moving and the two males entered, their massive wings arched behind them imposingly. He had always hated this city, this room to be specific. Mostly because of who it entertained. His eyes traveled through the crowd quickly until he locked eyes with his target; Keir was standing perfectly still, sneering at someone behind Azriel. It did not take him long to sense Mor entering the room in all her glory. The Shadowsinger heard the jewels bouncing back and forth with every step, felt the smiling facade she must be currently wearing, sensed the absolute terror she must be feeling as she did every time she saw her family. Azriel had to constantly remind himself to be patient, that one day he would be able to end them all. Slowly and painfully. But not now, not until Mor said so.

Before he thought more of it, his entire body tingled as Celaena walked it, sucking the air out of the room. There were no words in his language or any other to describe what he was feeling as he watched her magnificence. Like melted gold, her hair hung in its natural state down her shoulders, a glistening black crown placed on her head. Her dress- if you could call it that- was nothing but pieces of fabric here and there. Two straps barely covered her breast and met at the apex of her legs before merging into one piece all the way to her ankles. The two slashes from her hips to her toes left little to the imagination, the dress having been apparently stitched onto her body, every curve on display. Jewels dangled on her ankles and met again on her legs before joining on her neck. And the most enthralling part, those seductive eyes which appeared like cats; angled and lined with kohl, bringing out her mesmerizing eyes.

Suddenly Celaena locked eyes with him and Azriel was sure he had died and gone straight to Heaven.