A Court of Gold and Shadows

Something good and right and real: Chapter 10

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Chapter 10: hostage to my feelings

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"Anything else I need to be aware of?" Rhys asked after their weekly meeting at the River House.

It was Azriel and Rhys and Cassian, a reminder of time long past. Cassian shook his head.

Which was Azriel's opening.

"I need a break," Azriel declared.

Azriel telling Cassian and Rhys that he had thought of quitting his job and taking up Herbalism as a hobby probably would have resulted in fewer shocked faces.

He didn't care.

The Lakehouse was coming along and he had plans, damnit. And for that, he needed a break. A few days off. Hopefully a week.

"A break?" Rhys asked, sounding like he had never heard the word.

"Yes. Cassian and Nesta took a week in the Illyrian steppes a few months ago. I want a break," Azriel repeated evenly.

"You want a break," Cassian repeated. "Did something happen?" his brother asked, sounding worried and Azriel just stared at him.

After the whole Eris Vanserra fiasco from a few weeks ago, Cassian had mostly kept his mouth shut over whatever he thought was going on in Azriel's romantic life. And Azriel was quite thankful for that.

"No," he answered with a shake of his head. "I just need a break."

"I have known you for 500 years and not once have you told us you need a break," Cassian said drily.

"Well, I do," Azriel responded sharply. There had been often when he had needed a break and just kept on working because nobody thought about even offering him one and he wasn't about to ask for it. But now he was asking, because he needed it and he wasn't going to let anybody tell him that he couldn't have it.

If he hadn't had a break outside of near-fatal injuries over the last 500 years, he probably earned one, right?

(Suddenly Azriel realised that he should never mention that to a very specific person, because she would have thoughtsabout that.)

"I need a break," he gentled his voice but he still stared down Rhys who just leaned back in his chair, mustering him.

"So you need a break, Az," Rhys said, a thread of amusement running through his voice. "When are you thinking of taking said break?" he asked.

He thought about it for just a second.

"Next week," Azriel blurted out. Next week. He could do it next week. It was as good a time as any. And the longer he waited, the more nervous he was going to be and...

"As long as no new war breaks out, you can have next week. For your break," Rhys said with some amusement. "Do you want the cabin?"

He appreciated the offer but the answer was a resounding no.

"No, thank you." He had plans.

The High Lady, his shadows hissed.

"Feyre Darling," Rhys said in greeting as Feyre entered the room, draping herself over her mate's lap.

"Am I interrupting anything?" She asked, making herself comfortable. He couldn't help but watch, couldn't help but yearn to have this for himself...

"Just Az telling us how he needs a break," Rhysand said with a snort. "I think he's getting soft," he teased.