Violet Dreams

Chapter 18

Foolish, stupid, idiot.

They were the only thoughts that rushed through Arabella's head as she sat at the dinner table with the Inner Circle. Nyx had returned to Velaris after Arabella's outburst, making Arabella feel like an insolent child. He had kissed her on the head before he departed to have a bath, but that made Arabella feel wrong too. Who was his mate? He had said mate in that cafeteria, unless she heard him wrong.

But now, they all sat at the dinner table surrounded by silence and a thick tension that made Arabella wish the chair would swallow her.

"The wine is nice", Cassian said awkwardly.

Arabella watched as Nyx rubbed his temples, clearly feeling as though he too was suffocating in this awkward silence. Arabella poked at the food on her plate, it tasted nice but she felt sick to her stomach already and didn't want to entice the feeling with food.

She had ruined the promise to her fathers. She had said she would be on her best behaviour and yet here she was running around after Nyx like a hormonal teenager. She was an idiot and taking advantage of the kindness the Inner Circle had offered her, and not only that, she was embarrassed. Now everyone knew she liked Nyx, she had ran after him like a lovesick puppy, there was no denying that.

"I'm sorry", she said suddenly.

"There's nothing to be-" Nyx started but Arabella ignored him, she wasn't speaking to Nyx.

Arabella looked up at Rhysand, "I'm sorry I took advantage of your kindness and didn't take my daemati or winnowing classes seriously".

Rhysand surveyed her with cat-like stillness.

"I have behaved inappropriately and will do better in the near future", Arabella continued, "and I'm sorry Cassian for forcing you to take me to Windhaven, and therefore, forcing you to take part in my childishness".

Cassian blinked, confusion on his features. However, it was Nyx that spoke for him.

"Belle, you really don't have-"

"My name is Arabella", she forced herself to correct him.

Nyx's eyes widened a fraction but he didn't say anything as his father interrupted.

"I appreciate your apology, Arabella, and I'm sure you'll do better in classes when Nyx is away at Windhaven", he stated.

"What?" Nyx said breathlessly.

Rhysand scrutinising gaze turned onto his son, "I think it would be best if you remained away for the duration of Arabella's visit".

"Rhys", Feyre hissed from the head of the table.

Nyx eyes flicked between his father and Arabella, clear panic and fear was written on his face.

"You can't do that", Nyx said helplessly.

"Why can't I?" Rhysand challenged, "I'm sure Arabella agrees with me".

Arabella gulped, forcing any objection down her throat, "I think that is a wise idea, High Lord Rhysand".

Hurt flashed across Nyx's features before he stood from the table, "I guess I'll go pack then".

"Nyx", Feyre said reaching out to him, but it was Azriel whose chair scrapped against the floor as he followed Nyx out.

                                     —————

Nyx was infuriated. He would have to remain at Windhaven until Arabella left? That's outrageous! She was his mate, he would suffer everyday that he wasn't beside her, couldn't his father see that? Rhysand had suffered as his mate was preparing to marry his enemy and he had been content to let her go on without him. Nyx could not sit around and wait. Not while Arabella would be staying in his house and he'd be exiled to Illyria.

"I can smell your anger from down the hall, not to mention your hands have caught fire".

Nyx's eyes turned on Azriel. With a reluctant sigh, Nyx forced the flames to leave his hands, but he couldn't tame the anger in his heart.

"I hate him".

Nyx didn't need to clarify who he was talking about.

"I know. But he is doing the right thing".

"It's right by him, not for me, not for his son!" Nyx could feel the anger in his stomach like a raging storm.

Azriel looked down at the ground, Nyx sensed he agreed, at least to a point.

"Azriel, please", Nyx practically begged, "I can't leave her".

"It will get easier each day", Azriel began.

"No!" Nyx stumbled over to where Azriel stood, "don't side with him. I can't leave her here, surely you must be able to understand?!"

Azriel's shadows masked his face, "I can't help you Nyx. Your father is my friend but he is also my High Lord".

"Azriel!" Nyx pleaded as his shadows began to consume him, he was about to winnow away.

"I'm sorry. I did try my best".

"AZRIEL!" Nyx roared but the place he once stood was empty, only a whisper of shadow remained.

Nyx resisted the urge to break down and cry. His mate, he'd have to leave his mate and it was his father's fault.

                                      —————

Azriel always considered himself to be the perfect spymaster. He knew how to find secrets, he knew how much to reveal and how much to keep secret. But standing in Rhysand's office, being asked to reveal everything he knew about Nyx and Arabella, it was his biggest test yet. Rhys had surely gone mad. He was always protective of Nyx in the way any father would, but now it seemed he was protecting Nyx for an invisible threat, one that was only in his imagination.

"How long have they...you know?" Rhysand waved an exaggerated hand.

Azriel visibly winced at the question. He had the unlucky talent of finding Nyx and Arabella in all sorts of precarious positions, he really didn't want to relive any of those memories.

"I don't know", Azriel shrugged, "maybe a week or so".

Rhys paced behind his desk, running a hand through his hair, "and he didn't tell me".

Rightfully so, Azriel thought. He too wouldn't tell Rhysand anything if he always acted like this. He genuinely had no idea why Rhys had taken such a dramatic turn from how excited he was when he found out his son had a mate. Azriel hadn't seen Rhys so happy since he married Feyre.

"Is that all?" Azriel asked, desperately wanting to leave.

"One more thing", Rhysand said before he could leave, "can you...keep an eye on Nyx?"

Azriel turned around, "you want me to spy on him?"

"Only a little bit", Rhys cringed at his words, "just to make sure they aren't meeting up behind my back".

Azriel nodded once before turning to leave. Sure, Azriel would keep an eye on them, but he wouldn't keep them apart.