A Court of Flame and Shadow (Azriel x eris)

Chapter 6: Rhysand

Rhysand had left Azriel bowed over on his knees in the library, with the promise that he wouldn't talk to anyone about it. Feyre had met him outside the doors, and, having heard shouting, demanded to know what had happened. All Rhys had told was that Azriel was fine, and not to be disturbed. She had agreed, asking if she would be allowed to bring him some water. Rhys had obliged her, and she had hurried off. 

Out on the balcony, Rhysand stood stony faced. Azriel had been right, this wasn't a little thing, rather one of the biggest things. Yes, it was almost identical to Amren and Varian, but also, that was different. Night and Summer were close allies, had fought well together in the war, and always worked hand in hand. With Autumn, it was different. Beron was already furious with them for harboring his 'errant' son, but this was bigger. Eris had to be High Lord, he was most certainly the safest option on the surface, but Beron wanted him to raise a powerful family with a powerful female. Azriel was absolutely right, if Beron ever knew, he would have them both killed, and the Autumn Court would go down in flames.  

But what of Mor? Did she know? And what could happen if he got caught up in it all? Would Beron kill him too?

~

The sun disappeared as Rhysand flew to Windhaven, to Devon's camp. The snow storm had been raging for days, and so Devlon had decided that the females were needed more inside than they were outside. Really, it was the kind of thing Cassian could deal with on his own, but it would put more pressure on Devlon if he was there. Also, he really needed to clear his head. 

When he landed in the disgusting mix of mud and snow, Cassian was already waiting for him to walk into the camp. 

"Hey mate. What took you so long?"

"Had to do a thing." Rhys muttered, brushing filth of his leathers. 

"Talk to Az?" Cassian asked with a knowing smirk.

"Yes, how did you know?"

"He was being weird this morning. Y'know, while you were getting Lucien. Feyre took him off to talk to him, and when she got back without him, she said she was gonna get you to chat with him."

Rhys nodded. "Yep, that's basically it."

"So why's he being so odd?" Cassian inquired as they trooped  through the wet camp, to the training ring. 

"Can't really tell you, but I get it. Its a big thing." Rhys watched as his breath drifted into the air in front of him, like smoke. 

"Big, big?"

"Its a problem, alright."

Cassian gave an exasperated sigh as they neared the training ring.

"Does he know we are coming?" Rhys asked, desperate for a subject change.

"No, its going to be a big nasty surprise for him."

Devlon turned at the sound of their voices and paled slightly.

"Rhysand, Cassian, I wasn't expecting you!" He gritted out.

"Yeah, that was the idea." Cassian muttered. "Where are the females, Devlon? If you say inside, I swear I'm gonna-"

Rhys cut him off. "We expect them to be training, even in these conditions."

"They are inside, working. We need someone cleaning and nursing anyone sick from the cold." Devlon gave Cassian a nasty scowl.

"That is not good enough, Devlon. If more help is needed, then the males can chip in, or I can send over workers."

"But the females are weak in the cold, I am giving them a break."

"They are weak because you do not let them train. Do not argue with me, Devlon, I have had enough of that today. I would like to see the schedule back to normal by tomorrow, please." Rhys snapped impatiently.

"But-" 

"I wasn't asking."

~

"Geez, you're in a foul mood today." Cassian chuckled as they left the camp.

"I've really had enough today Cass. I have no idea what I am going to do with Azriel."

Cassian hesitated. "I know its really none of my business, but what on earth happened with him that has got you like this? Can I know anything?"

Rhys shook his head dully. A scowl spread over his face.

"I have a lot of thinking to do."

But he had come to a decision. 

I know these chapters have been short but im brewing sm real fantabulous. hope ur enjoying the story so far! Xx