Azriel's Tale

Azriel's Tale - Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10:

After everyone had informed Cassian of what had happened and he was now fully aware, they talked about it.

"Maybe you were slightly harsh, Rhys." Feyre commented. "She was right, we barely said hello before we questioned her." Rhysand looked at his mate and acknowledged her statement.

"I needed to address this matter," he replied. "Maybe I should have given it some time. But, urgh, the upcoming meeting with Thesan, she is not willing to go to. She is our Second Feyre, there are duties she needs to do, whether she likes them or not. I mean, it's not like we like doing all we do." He finished, gesturing to the others in the room. She nodded in agreement, and they made intense eye contact. A gesture the Inner Circle were well aware of, and which meant they were talking privately, mind-to-mind. Mor coughed and turned to the Illyrians in an effort to give the couple more privacy. 

"Rita's?" Mor asked innocently. Cassian rolled his eyes.

"You know other clubs exist, right?" He said. "Cauldron, it wouldn't kill us to go to a different place. I'm getting a little bored of going there all the time." 

"Fine." She agreed tersely. Clearly annoyed at the fact that they would not be going to her usual place. She turned to the Shadowsinger.

"Are you coming?" The hope. Just the hope in her voice was enough to make Azriel consider and as if the female saw that consideration, her eyes lit up with glee. He couldn't say no after seeing that look.

"Okay," He relented. "Just this once." She just simply beamed at him.

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They were all going out this evening it seemed. Rhysand had sent a message to Amren as a form of invitation, whether or not she would show was still yet to be seen. They were at another club in Velaris, still just as good as Rita's despite Mor's insistent protests. They were all sat in a booth with alcohol flowing around for everyone. Azriel had started his 3rd and final drink of the night, he decided. He didn't want to get too drunk or disorientated that if something were to happen. It was unlikely that an event like that would take place, but the spymaster wasn't taking any chances. Azriel stood to go to the bathroom and as he returned he noticed Amren at the bar, ordering a drink. Ever since she was fully transformed into Fae she had been sampling all kinds of foods and drinks to see what she would like, she had adapted well, as everyone knew she would. It was still a shock to the others though, to see her eating and drinking, rather than consuming blood. He walked over to her and sat next to her.

"Hey." He nodded an introduction. Amren turned to him, swirling her straw in her drink which Azriel didn't recognise, perhaps it was her own concoction. 

"Where are the others?" She asked in lieu of a hello. Amren had a habit of doing that, he noted. He gestured to the booth where they were all sat, her gaze followed and she nodded, confirming she could see them. It was hard to be heard over the loud music, but Azriel commented.

"Rhys told us you are reluctant to go to the meeting with Thesan next month. Why?"

"I will go," she protested. "I just don't see the point. I'd rather be doing something else with my time. I didn't realise you'd all be pissy. Especially Rhys." She added. Indeed, even Azriel had been shocked by his reaction last night. It was a tone that he rarely heard from his High Lord. He nodded his agreement.

"Likewise. The Treaty is still in its early stages, he just wants it to go well. You know how long he has wanted this to work. Peace in Prythian, well," he paused. "as much as there can be with what has happened in the past." She didn't say anything in response, she just simply lifted the glass to her lips and drank. He smiled softly. He rested his scarred hand on Amren's shoulder briefly as he stood in a comforting gesture. "We'll be over there. Come over when you are ready." 

As he approached his friends, it was evident they had noticed Amren's presence. 

"Is she alright?" Cassian asked Azriel privately. 

"Yes," He answered. "I think so. I think, just like the rest of us, she has some stuff she needs to sort out." Cassian could understand. Yes, Azriel had been noticeably more preoccupied than the others but every member of the Night Court, hell, even Prythian, had private things they needed to work though. He saw a hint of sadness of the army commander's face, in the hopes of elevating this, he bought up a subject he knew would bring a grin to the Illyrian.

"How is Nesta?" 

"The usual, I suppose." It was evident he was trying to disguise a smile. 

"At least she has agreed to some training now," Azriel commented. But Cassian didn't think this was enough.

"Oh yeah," he stated sarcastically. "A whole hour a week. That's practically nothing-"

"At least it is something." Rhysand lazily cut in. The High Lord had now turned his attention to his brothers as his mate and cousin had gone to were Amren sat at the bar. Cassian just grunted in response.

"I don't mind training her for more." He said, trying, and failing, to sound disinteresting. Azriel chuckled, whilst Rhysand said,

"Yes Cas, we know how much you don't mind."

Please do let me know what you thought of this chapter. Also, a question, would you rather have longer chapters but with less updates, or short chapters like this but updated more often. Let me know. Thanks! -Jessica