The Prophecy - ACOTAR

Chapter 26

Wrenica had come back and told Astrid about her conversation with Feyre, Astrid's heart falling once more. She knew Feyre was mad at her, but she had hoped she would have tried more to understand. Feyre had been her twin for 19 years, and while they hadn't felt as close since they arrived in Prythian, Astrid had still considered Feyre her sister. Just as she still considered Dagdan and Brannagh her cousins. Dagdan may have been a twisted freak, but he still found ways to help her and helped her grow her Daemati magic. These were bonds she never thought would break, but it was becoming increasingly clearer that for Feyre, Astrid was no longer her sister.

Astrid could only hope that one day Feyre would understand, forgiveness would be to much to ask, especially when Astrid knew she wouldn't be able to forgive Feyre. She could understand, accept everything that has happened and work to move forward, but she would never forgive her for coming back. She could appreciate and understand the sentiment behind it, but it was a move made out of passion, no thought made behind it.

She tried to remind herself time and time again that Feyre didn't have the same training she did, that she had more life experience than Feyre. But none of that could quell the frustration and anger associated with the decision. She couldn't fathom what Feyre had been thinking, coming here as a human, into a mountain full of fae.

But here Astrid stood, watching as Feyre was brought in, the reek of her clothes reaching the dais where Astrid stood to the right of Amarantha. Once again, Amarantha had sent a dress for Astrid to wear, continuing to send the message of her control. This time it was russet colored with an A-line skirt, held up by thin straps with a cowl neck. The satin material flowed from her waist with an open back that mimicked a corset.

Astrid stood with her hands clasped in front of her, a weight missing on her hip from where the rotten Queen had ripped her prized dagger. If Astrid had left her hair down as instructed or worn the slippers sent with the dress, there was a chance she would have been allowed to keep her weapon, but she would only accept so much control being taken. So, here she stood in her bare feet with her hair braided back, a braided style Amarantha was sure to understand the meaning of. It was a style Amarantha had taught Astrid, for the day she was to lead Hybern's armies into war. A style to signify Astrid was ready for a fight today, regardless of her dress.

Her golden-brown hair had three smaller braid running on each side of her hair, each weaving into a larger braid that ran down the middle of her scalp.

The silence of the cavern was deafening, all of the fae Under the Mountain were eager to see how this trial ended. Many secretly hoping that the reeking human standing before them could manage to win. Others were eager to see how she would die. Astrid raised an eyebrow as she watched a few of the fae touch their fingers to their lips and extend a hand towards Feyre – a gesture for the fallen, a farewell to honor the dead. Astrid steeled her features as Feyre made her way up the path towards the dais, Amarantha smiling as she neared. Feyre continued staring straight at the wretched Queen, seeming to ignore both Astrid and Tamlin.

"Two trials lie behind you," Amarantha prattled, picking a fleck of dust from her blood red gown. "And only one more awaits. I wonder if it will be worse to fail now – when you are so close." Her black eyes glided over to Astrid, "Don't you think dear Astrid?"

Astrid slowly turned her head towards Amarantha, taking in a calming breath as she blinked at the idiotic Queen. "I guess we will have to wait and see."

Astrid didn't miss the flash of anger across the female's face, a small bit of pride swelling in Astrid's chest. Amarantha turned her boring gaze back to Feyre, "Any words to say before you die?"

Feyre finally tore her gaze from Amarantha, looking towards Tamlin, "I love you. No matter what she says about it, no matter if it's only with my insignificant human heart. Even when they burn my body, I'll love you."