Azriel's Tale

Azriel's Tale - Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3:

"So shall we get started with this meeting?" Helion called as he entered through the overly large golden doors. The Day Court palace was immaculate. In fact, so was the entire city. Obviously, nothing in comparison to Velaris, but Azriel vowed to himself that one day, he would look around the Day Court personally to see if this court had any more hidden, yet spectacular views.

"Absolutely." Rhysand agreed. Already sat at the table alongside; Feyre, Mor, Cassian and Azriel himself. 

"No one else joining you?" The Lord of Day asked. "What about your Second?"

"Amren has other tasks to be busy with this evening. I hope you don't think of us as lazy, but there are still things that we need to maintain back in our court." Rhysand replied. He wanted to maintain good relations with all courts, so he wanted to present to Prythian that both his court and himself were genuine about the Treaty agreement. But Amren had been very adamant about not coming to this meeting. Rhys had pushed her but to a point.  He didn't want there to be a rift between them, so, for the time being, he had to make an excuse. Rhysand knew full well that there were no 'tasks' that needed to be done so rapidly. 

"Of course not. Another time for her then, perhaps." Helion responded in his good nature. 

"Besides," He added, "You three" gesturing to Azriel, Mor and Cassian "are the only three I am truly interested in." A smirk spreading across his face. Everyone, including Azriel, laughed at his joke. Although the people in this room were all but too aware of Helion's...ambitions for the four of them. Of course, everyone also knew that Mor and Helion had already spent the night together, during the recent war with Hybern. To make sure Azriel knew that nothing would ever happen with Mor. As if I already didn't know. 

Helion sat on the roundtable, joining the members of the Night Court. 

"So, my thoughts on the ruins of Barcombe..."

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Hours after the meeting with Helion, which, thankfully and predictably, went smoothly, the Lord and Lady of Night, along with their Inner Circle were seated in the house of wind. The fire slowly crackling in the background, the fact that this needed to be set alight indicating that the seasons were indeed turning cooler. Weather that Azriel, and his Illyrian brothers were too used to, due to their harsh, but effective, training as adolescents. 

"You're out of wine," Mor said as she slumped down in her usual seat with a small glass of alcohol. Rhysand had noted that his cousin was drinking at a fairly fast rate this evening, presumably just to wind down for the evening. Despite this realisation, he sighed and acknowledged her statement. 

"I'm sure lovely Aslora's shop will still be open. I'll be back in a moment." He kissed his mate on her forehead lovingly and vanished, leaving only his salt and citrus scent. Feyre obviously wanted more of a response from her mate and quickly winnowed after him.

Rhysand was not the only person this evening to pick up on Mor's excessive drinking tonight, Azriel had, but of course noticing things were of second nature for him. However, it was evident that Cassian, Feyre and Amren had also noted it. The two latter females, being wise, decided not to comment. The army commander, however, was lacking in entertainment and sensed an opportunity to alleviate his boredom with some teasing. 

"I think you've already drunk enough tonight, Mor. You've had more than usual, and I don't want to have to drag your lazy ass home." Luckily, Mor had taken his comment in a lighthearted manner and not to heart, as she always did. That is what their relationship was based off. Teasing, taunting and just plain bickering. The two continued to do so now until Mor uttered something she knew she shouldn't have as soon as she said it. This utterance, however, was not directed at the army commander, but rather the Shadowsinger taking his usual seat by the window looking out. Thinking. Wishing. Dreaming. 

"I'm making up for Az' lack of drinking. Normally there isn't much for me to have, as he usually has some. But it's pretty apparent to everyone that things are not alright with him." It was as if the Third in command had not realised that the Illyrian was still in the room. Reactions from Mor and Cassian were similar. Mor quickly apologising, and Cassian dismissing the matter rapidly. But it was Amren who was different. It was Amren who was looking at the Shadowsinger and who knew that Morrigan was correct and that things were not 'alright'. 

Azriel calmed Mor's nerves and the matter was dropped. Thankfully, Feyre and Rhysand soon returned with the requested wine. A smudge of lipstick on the side of Rhys' neck highlighting exactly what had taken the two of them so long, and instantly caught the attention of Cassian and Mor. Jumping at the opportunity to tease them. Azriel, however, was not as interested, as he turned back towards the window, he noted Amren.

Looking at him, as if he were laid bare. She gave him a look, and he could have sworn he heard her say,

'Don't think you've fooled me.'

Please leave me your feedback! I really appreciate any comments, whether they be positive or negative. I am really trying to work and adapt my writing so any feedback is truly valued. Also, I love this series, and these characters and want to do them justice. Thanks! - Jessica.