The Flames in the Horizon

11

Millie had pulled Azriel with her from the room when court political talk started. Eris didn't blame her, he was already sick of it too. Deep into the conversation, Lucien had picked up on both Eris's and Tamlin's irritation and called for a break, claiming he needed to stretch his legs. Eris had the intention of seeking out his mate, but Tamlin decided to follow him so now they both stand silent on the first-floor balcony watching Mille and Azriel stroll about the garden.

The pair are too far to hear, but that doesn't stop Eris from staring at the shadowsinger. The Spring sun shines brilliantly upon the golden-skinned male. He walks with his hands in his pockets beside Millie who's fiddling with a flower and plucking the petals off.

"You should tell him," Tam speaks, startling Eris.

The Autumn King raises a questioning brow.

Tamlin smiles. "Tell him you love him."

Eris sputters in an undignified manner before turning his nose up. "You know not what you speak of."

Tam snorts then his mood sours as a frown takes place. "It'll be better the sooner you tell him, certainly before he leaves for Night. Rhysand has a way of changing those around him. I believe Azriel will learn to be genuine through you."

Eris takes a moment to reply. "You've grown wise Tamlin."

Lucien steps out from wherever he is hiding and gives a laughing breath through his nose. "Yes, Tam certainly has a way with words." He turns to his brother. "If you really want to woo him, tell Azriel how clean his hair is." He grins.

Eris doesn't understand but Tamlin gives a good-natured snarl.

_________

"I've gotta say, I'm a bit jealous shadow man," Millie says, ripping another rose from the ground to twirl it between two fingers, "I've wanted to stick it to the old Vanserra bastard for years, but it seems you've beaten me to it."

"Apparently there was a waitlist," Azriel muses.

Millie laughs and the sound is dark and rich, "Yes, there seems to have been many who wanted to hand the male his death. Eris had been plotting his downfall for centuries. But then you came along."

Azriel swallows uncomfortably at the change in Millie's voice. The deadness is gone as quickly as it came and her tone is once more cheery and teasing.

"I hope you gave him all he deserved." She grins.

Azriel is silent for a moment, then, "May I ask you a question?" He prods gently.

"Certainly," Millie says, turning her head to look at him.

"What happens to the sorcerers who use their magic to harm?"

Millie sighs as if the question is a complex thing to put words to. She's quiet and Azriel does not press on as she fiddles with the flower in her hands. The distraction seems to help.

"It depends," Millie says steadily, "The punishment must fit the crime. We are a peaceful people compared to all other species. We seek to defend and only when it is absolutely necessary do we resort to violence. A long time ago we were worshiped by the humans. We were their connection to the Mother. They built beautiful churches for us and we helped send their prayers and pleas to the Mother. We healed their sick, as all us warlocks and sorceresses are taught the ways of healers when we're young. We are born to help and protect and we did so for hundreds of years. Then, the humans changed."

Millie gives a sad smile, "You know how it is, they're driven by their fear. Riots rose because some of the humans believed we had too much power and there was always the possibility that we could overtake them, and enslave them as the early Fae Kings did before us. Never mind that we were the ones who helped free them."