The Spymaster's Assassin (An ACoTaR Fanfic)

Chapter 17

{Pictured above are what their matching hand tattoos look like}

Song- "Long Way Down" by Tom Odell

*****

We returned to the Court of Dreams that night. After kissing my cheek, Azriel left me to talk to Rhysand about what I discovered.

The High Lord studied my face carefully, then said, "Accompany me for a walk?"

I simply nodded and walked with him down a hall and I realized he was leading me towards a large balcony. We stopped at the rail and he leaned against it.

"I know who ordered Haven's death." I say and cross my arms over my chest.

"And what are you going to do?" He asked.

"Don't I need a contract from you in order to do anything, Rhys?" I asked snidely and he chuckled.

"Indeed. I heard about how you did it, too, and I must say I am impressed. I chose the right person."

"Why did you ask me to be your assassin, anyways?"

He looked at me, then said, "Because I saw you in the Ring. And when you told me in code that you had warned my family here. That you had been helping them. And then risked your life to speak directly to me, I knew I could trust you. You have the fame from those years in the Ring. People know your skill. The thing is, you're just so good at playing the small helpless female that no one expects the cobra until you've already struck."

I beamed at the compliments, and asked, "So, what am I going to do? Take care of people as you need me to?"

His violet eyes drifted to the tattoo on my left hand and he said, "If your mate isn't too affected by it, I'd ask you to accompany me to the Court of Nightmares. I'd like to introduce you and make sure they know just what they'll have to deal with if they cross me."

I smirked. "So I'm your secret weapon?"

"In a way, yes. But more than that. To me, you are family. To the Court of Nightmares, you'll be a weapon and an instrument of fear."

I smiled at his words, then looked at him and asked, "Can I ask you a personal question?"

He looked at me, jaw tightening a bit, then nodded once.

I paused, thinking about how to phrase it, then said, "I know how you feel- how you were feeling- those fifty years with her. I know what it feels like to be a slave to serve in another's bed. I know how it feels and the toll it takes. My father liked to sell me off to spend the night with any wealthy Illyrian male available." I let out a steady breath, knowing I was potentially striking a nerve. "I guess my question for you is this: how do you get to feeling worthy again?"

He knew what I meant. I knew he did because he straightened and crossed his arms over his chest and looked out at the glimmering city far, far below. "Truthfully, Adrianna, I think that feeling will always be there. I know it will be for me. But I also know one thing: it takes a special someone for you to realize that you are worthy and that you are perfect in their eyes, even if you don't see it yourself, in order to grow from it and move on enough to feel worthy."

"Do you have someone like that?"

A small smile appeared on his face. "Not yet. But I'm trying."