ACOTAR (Rhysand's POV)

Chapter 4

Her eyes were wild as they stared me down, demanding a name. My mind was still replaying the encounter and the fear that shone from her eyes. She was smart enough to give me a fake name, right? Amarantha tapped her clawed nails on the arm of her throne, impatient for my reply.

"Clare Beddor." I barely had a second for my body to react before Amarantha eyed the Attor. And without a word, they were gone.

***

The screaming echoed up the stairwell and down the halls. I stood in place by the dais, Amarantha almost beaming with excitement. I had heard bits and pieces of what happened in the Spring Court. I knew that Amarantha tore the place apart, but they did not find her. I had exhaled heavily, relieved that Tamlin sent her away. He now sat next to Amarantha in a similar throne, face devoid of any emotion. I had felt relief, a gratefulness. Yet, that screaming drew nearer and I feared who was making the sound. While Amarantha and her sentries laid siege to the Spring Court, the Attor was sent on a special mission - to get the human girl. And now I would know, whether that name was a lie or if I was about to crumble.

I could barely feel my body as I saw the shadows slide around the corner. It didn't sound like her screaming, but how would I know? Cauldron please, I would give anything. I'd spend a hundred more years under this mountain if it meant she was safe. Tamlin still had no reaction, has not said anything since he arrived. He was torn apart from sending her away, no doubt. Would he fight if she was dragged in here? Would I?

"No! Please!" The desperation echoed throughout the throne room. Her golden brown hair was wet with sweat and strewn across her face. My breath hitched, my stomach now one large knot. Please... As my heart pounded in my ears, her face lifted and the Attor wiped the strands away. I could have melted at the sight. It was not her. A thin girl, similar in height, stood with tears streaming down her face.

"Please, PLEASE!" She begged, but the Attor held his grip, presenting the girl to Amarantha proudly.

"My my." Amarantha stood, approaching the girl. "You thought Tamlin would keep you safe?" She spoke as if toying with an infant. Tamlin didn't move.

"Plea-" the girl began to say, but Amarantha was ready to play.

"Shh my girl." Amarantha strode closer, her long index finger grazing the girls jaw line. "You should have known better. Well, Tamlin should have known better." Both of their eyes lifting to meet his.

"I don't know who Tamlin -" The girls plea was cut short, Amarantha clutched her hand in the air, closing off the girls throat.

"Let's play a game, shall we?" With another wave of her hand the girl was stood straight, hands at her sides. "Let's see how long it takes for Tamlin to break while I break you." Again, Tamlin sat quiet, unmoving. Amarantha released the grip on the girls throat enough to allow the screams to escape as she began her game. The only way this could work was to let Amarantha believe the girl was her. And it seemed Tamlin was in agreeance. She would remain safe, remain with her family, and live out her days. Unfortunate for Clare but, as wicked as it sounded, I was relieved.

***

It is never wise to trust when things go in your favor. I knew that by now, but still couldn't listen. Then, it would have been no surprise when this happened. The room spun and my knees shook, my skin vibrating with fear and rage. Beautiful, stupid stupid girl. The Attor clutched her right arm and dragged her through the throne room, up to the foot of the dais. Her eyes flicked in every direction, taking in the numerous Faeries that watched her in return, until she was thrusted against the cold marble floor. Her head lifted slowly, soaking in the situation she was now in and who sat before her. Her eyes shifted from Amarantha to the throne beside her and her arms collapsed sending her face into the marble flooring once more.