Azriel's Heir

9: Ash

The darkness felt different to the darkness in the Court of Dreams. He smoothed his tunic out, a black one. Identical to the one his father so often wire his blue black hair wind swept. He looked the spitting image of his father as Thayer had put it, apart from his emerald eyes as Kova had commented.

Next to him Kova was dressed in her usual Illyrian leathers, truth teller at her left hip and her two swords in a x shape across her back. White hair pulled into two braids at the back of her head but it was her eyes that had caused Ash to catch his breath. The sky blue had become still, they no longer mirrored a flowing vibrant river but now a frozen lake. Hard. Cold. Ready.

Thayer stood on his left, bronze wings catching the light of a few torches they passed. He was also dressed in silver armoured plates that weighted virtually nothing when Ash had picked up a piece to hand him.

The tunnel opened up into a cavernous room. "Time to play" he muttered letting a mask of calm fall over his features like the one he'd seen his father use when talking to Keir. Glad he was walking into this with two friends. Friends! The words sparked joy and courage in him a warm glow inside his chest.

The noise in the room disappeared when he entered making his way towards that black throne. At first many seems to think he was Rhys as they backed away in fear but when they caught is emerald eyes they didn't retreat now, only inclined their heads. Their message was clear, he'd have to earn their respect which was going to make this a lot harder.

"My Lord what an unexpected pleasure" Keir's silky voice drew his attention, "Unexpected or expected" he retorted sounding bored. He caught the flash of approval in Thayer's eyes but saw nothing in Kova's. Keir seems taken aback at Ash's response. "That's right you snake I've been brought up in politics" he thought savagely.

He seated himself in the cold throne, legs apart the image of relaxation. He did not portray the same arrogance and fear that his father did. Instead he was calm and cunning, instead of arrogance which he was so bad a pulling of in diplomatic situations. Ash used scheming Instead, he had learnt that it kept people in line just as well as arrogance the feeling that you were being manipulated. Something he had learned from a young age, his mother and father had always encouraged this mask to be used in-front if certain groups. The Court of Nightmares knew of his and Valaris' existence but they rarely visited.

Thayer remained by the door his wings glinting a hand on the pommel of his gold sword. Kova had taken her place near the base of the dais her shadows gliding around her seeming to nip at peoples feet. "What is it you desire?" Keir asked carefully, the two courts of the Night courts had become closer after the war but their was still tension. "Surely you know Keir" Kova cut in before he could speak.

Keir surprisingly lowered his head at Kova obviously having respect for her. "I assume you want our help again in sorting out your parents problems."
Ash explained the situation and their plan.

"Has Xavier come by?" Thayer asked from behind, Keir didn't turn to acknowledge him. "We have had no uninvited guests since Valaris was destroyed".

He turned to Ash something hidden in his expression, "Since you ran the streets have run with blood". Ash felt the blood leave his face a slight tremble in his hands had him clutching them in his lap fighting to remain calm. "What happened to the people?" Kova asked her voice sharp like a knife cutting into stone. "Don't worry we brought many here, they reside below in city and will remain to do so till I decide what to do with them"

So Keir loved that he held power over Ash. He could see it in the way Keir held himself as he smirked up at Ash. Ash clenched his fists, his people were safe. For now.

"Will you help us Keir?"

Keir nodded his eyes flicked to Kova as if asking for permission. Again Ash wonder about Kova's past. How did Keir know her? Why was the court of Nightmares so accept any of her and Thayer? Kova nodded her eyes glinting in the torch light. "Very well" Keir nodded Ash smiled lazily almost letting his mask slip. "On one condition" the air became icey. "What it that Keir" Ash knew it and been too easy. The court would never have agreed so easily. "I once told you Kova that you would do well in this court"
"You did"
"What is your condition?" Ash cut in rising to his feet his hand on Kova's shoulder.

"Kova joins the Court of Nightmares"

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
A/N what do you think of the deal!??

Thankyou so much for the continued support. Next chapter will be longer.

Tess