The Devil You Know

Part II: Chapter 14

Part II: Chapter 14

+++

Azriel was sitting at the kitchen table, sharpening his dagger trying to ignore the noise of Cassian munching on bread across from him, when Mor strode by, glancing at the two of them.

"Did you guys not get Rhys's message?" Mor asked, looking both of them up and down. They had indeed got Rhys's message a few hours ago while they had been sparring together.

I'm bringing a guest to dinner tonight. Be on your best behavior and please, for the love of the Gods, don't embarrass me.

When Rhys's voice had popped up in their heads, Cassian had fumbled for a second, letting Azriel get a hit on him, much to his chagrin.

"What about it?" Cassias asked, his mouth full of bread. Azriel's face twisted with disgust at the sight.

"Seriously?" Mor exclaimed. "We're eating dinner in half an hour and you couldn't wait to eat? And why are you two still in your leathers—is that all you own these days?" Mor herself was wearing a stunning red dress, looking as beautiful as she normally did. Azriel tried to refrain from outright staring at her but it took more willpower then he'd like to admit.

Cassian rolled his eyes. "What's wrong with wearing this? It's just a dinner for gods' sake, Mor. Some of us have better things to do with our time than spend hours in front of a mirror."

Mor huffed, annoyed. "At least brush your hair before you leave."

She walked out, the kitchen door swinging on its hinges as she left. Azriel went back to sharpening his knife, unconcerned.

"Who do you think Rhys is bringing with him tonight anyways?" Cassian asked, brushing some bread crumbs off his chest.

Azriel shrugged. "Who knows."

Their High Lord had been missing all day, claiming he had business to take care of that didn't involve them. That had peaked Azriel's interest but Rhys had winnowed away without another word, leaving them all to guess what he was up to.

Cassian raised an eyebrow at him. "You're not the least bit curious? Rhys never brings anyone to family dinners. Can't you like, send your shadows to investigate or something?" Cassian's arms flailed around as he gestured towards the shadows swirling around his brother.

Azriel had been curious when Rhys had sent that message to them and he had sent his shadows to try and get any intel about this mysterious guest. But they hadn't brought back any useful information besides some cryptic message.

A pretty flower blooms like spring in the night city.

But he wasn't about to tell Cassian that.

"You did send your shadows, didn't you?" Cassian prodded, a grin on his face. Azriel shot him a look that only made the grin on his face grow.

Azriel sheathed his dagger as he stood up, rapping his knuckles on the table. "Come on, let's draw sticks to see who has to fly Amren up tonight."

To Azriel's relief, it was Cassian who drew the small stick. The General had grumbled on his way out, cursing Azriel under his breath as he left to go get the grumpy female.

Now they were sitting together, all waiting for Rhys to show up with this mysterious guest of his. He was late though and Mor had opened up a bottle of wine in his absence which she and Cassian were now sharing. Azriel had warned them it was a bad idea considering Rhys had begged them to be on their best behavior. But like always, they ignored him.