CHAPTER TEN

I awoke to the morning sun streaming in through the open doors, hitting the wall in front of me. It wasn't the bright rays of light that woke me, but the shudder in the air that finally pulled me out of semi-consciousness. The light footsteps would have usually caused me to jump out of bed and prepare for a fight, but the wind that drifted towards me made the outline of this person clearly identifiable. So instead, I sat up, my back pressed against the hard headboard as Azriel came into view. I fought the blush that threatened to heat my cheeks. Luckily, he clearly felt as awkward as I did. I wondered if that awkwardness between us would ever fade.

"Get ready."

"… I haven't got any clothes…"

Azriel turned slightly and motioned to a pile of fabric on his dresser.

"You went to the house?" I asked as it was clear he did not own woman's clothing. A quick nod confirmed my assumption. "How's Morrigan?"

"She's not there." And then he turned to leave down the stairs.

Tension I didn't realise I held in my back released and slumped back, sliding slightly down the bed. The amount I wanted to just slip back into bed and let the covers envelop me. Silently cursing my new found sense of loyalty, I dragged myself out of bed. A quick bathroom trip (more grey and forest green), I opted for a quick face wash in the sink to wipe away the sweat and kohl from the night before instead of stepping into the shower that was only separated by glass. I got dressed in the bathroom, but quickly as, although I knew Azriel wasn't going to walk in, there was no lock on the door. My hair was full of product from the night before but I smoothed it down and shoved it up, out of the way. I looked how I felt: dishevelled, insignificant and disposable.

Peeking my head around the door, I saw Azriel folding the throw I had put on him last night and placing it back down on the neat bedsheets. I gave a quiet cough as I entered behind him so I didn't startle him. He whipped his head around but relaxed as his brain caught up with his reflexes. I saw his eyes give my body a quick scan and felt a slight blush on the cheeks even though I knew it was only to assess that I could finally leave his house. He walked downstairs, out the door and all the way to Rhysand's house in silence.

The air was completely still once Cerridwen shut the door, making me want to hold my breath so I didn't disturb it. I subtly moved the air through the house, not enough to rustle the wings of Azriel or Cassian who sat waiting in the living room with Rhysand. Azriel had told me the truth: Morrigan was not here. I wanted to kick myself for being so naïve; I had no knowledge of where Morrigan's home might be, she always came here to get me dressed, I don't know how I ever considered us close. As I had since last night, I followed behind Azriel and into the living room. I tensed as I saw the furniture I had thrown aside when Azriel first found out about my magic. His hand twitched as if he was also remembering, regretting his decision to keep quiet. I gave a quick glance towards the floorboard that used to be the books home, unable to stop myself. But an intense rush of feeling in my stomach made me turn away and I made eye contact with Azriel. He gave me a look that meant be careful and turned to his Lord.

Rhysand was standing in front of the fireplace, Cassian sitting outstretched on the sofa. Rhysand motioned Azriel to sit next to him, and although Cassian began to fold himself up to allow room, he stayed standing. There was no mistaking he wanted to be between me and Rhysand, whether to protect me from Rhysand or ensure I didn't attack his Lord I wasn't too sure. Either way, intense pressure increased on my chest as the air was laced with tension. I wanted to push it away and flood the room with flowing air but I fought against it.

"Katherina, you were allowed to stay here, in my court, in my house, under the pretence of sanctuary." Rhysand began, his voice hard and sure, "After last night's actions, it has been made clear you no longer need this sanctuary." Is he setting me free? I felt my chest lighten slightly until, "As you broke the rules I set out for this arrangement when you attacked a member of my court, you owe me payment."

Azriel's hands tightened and my chest felt so heavy I found it hard to push out the word, "Payment?"

"Yes. As you broke my terms, the time you spent here cannot be classed as sanctuary, therefore, I am owed payment."

"What kind of payment?" I asked, feeling my magic building. Azriel could feel it too and raised his wing slightly as a warning.

"You have been training with my spymaster this past couple of months and he has praised your progress. And with your magical potential finally being shown to me, I had no doubt you are capable of more than you have been showing us. As such, I want you to enter the Spring Court and bring back information for me."

My head went back to the time I first arrived in this world and went to the Spring Court first. The air was so thick that it threatened to drown me and electricity bit at my skin. I never wanted to return there. But as I looked around the room, I knew this wasn't an optional task.

"What kind of information?" I asked, pleased with how steady my voice was.

"There is a woman staying with Lord Tamlin and I want the information she has gathered."

"A woman? Can I get any more details?"

"You will know her when you see her, and she will know who you are."

Rhysand turned around to face the fireplace and Azriel turned to face me. This conversation was over then. I couldn't help myself, though, I had to know, "You're sending me because you can't send anyone else and it's dangerous enough that you want to send someone you can afford to kill?"

"Why I am sending you is my business."

I took a step forward. Azriel shot out his wing to stop me from closing any further distance between us and Cassian stood up. Rhysand didn't turn around however as I said, "I don't like to be used." And I walked out.

Azriel followed after me, my own personal escort. But Nuala and Cerridwen stood in the hallway, blocking the exit.

"You leave in two hours. Make sure she is presentable."