Azriel

My face had to have given me away when Tamlin walked in. Lucien's face certainly did. Belsar had to notice that Lucien didn't expect to see Tamlin nor did he like seeing Tamlin there. Myrrh spun her face around and looked at me with wide eyes. Tamlin had no idea about Myrrh being alive. I prayed that he hadn't seen her. He had, however, seen me.

"What in the world," Tamlin said, glancing around the tent. "Lucien?"

Lucien stood up quickly. "Tamlin, I didn't know that you knew our friend."

"He is in my court, is he not?" asked Tamlin. "It is rare that I am unaware of people within my own lands."

I tried to think fast. Belsar had obviously been playing Lucien to some degree. He had to realize that Tamlin could winnow but it was anyone's guess what else Tamlin may have told Belsar.

"What is going on here?" asked Tamlin, gesturing to me.

"Ah, Lucien was speaking to me about the slaves they keep in the Court of Nightmares," said Belsar brightly.

Tamlin's face was one of pure shock. "Surely, you're joking? Rhysand is – "

"Wanting to make a good impression on Lord Belsar," cut in Lucien quickly.

Belsar was glancing back and forth between Tamlin and Lucien trying to assess the situation. He had picked up on the fact that something was out of place here.

"They have some beautiful slaves there, Tamlin," said Belsar as he walked over to where I sat trying to hide Myrrh. "You should see this one."

With a swift movement, Belsar tugged at Myrrh, who wasn't expecting him to pull as hard as he did. He half got her to her feet and as he did she turned enough for Tamlin to get a look at her face.

Tamlin froze. I don't think I had ever seen him speechless but apparently seeing Myrrh in front of him was enough to do it. Tamlin's eyes went round and he took two steps across the tent and then stopped. I chanced a glance at Lucien who had put up an arm to stop Tamlin.

"Have you seen this one before then?" asked Belsar confused. Tamlin's reaction was not what he expected. I had sworn to Rhys that I would keep Myrrh safe and I had about five seconds to decide what to do next.

"Tamlin, surely you recall these particular slaves," said Lucien. "They are favorites of Lord Rhysand. Perhaps you are remembering seeing her at one of his parties."

"Uh, maybe," said Tamlin. He paused and looked at me. "I didn't realize that there was a business transaction taking place. I should come back later then?"

"No," said Lucien quickly, "please stay for lunch."

"I can not. Lucien, if you could do me that favor of stopping by later, that would be wonderful."

"Well, Lord Rhysand sent me to speak with Lord Belsar about a work exchange. I don't know if I'll be able to."

Tamlin stared at Lucien and then looked straight at Myrrh and me before he spoke again. "Tell Rhysand I will be by to see him soon then."

Without another word, Tamlin left. I was holding my breath.

Lucien glanced at Belsar, wondering what to do next. Belsar solved the question for him.

"Please tell your Lord that he should make sure his nearest neighbors are aware of his business dealings before coming to speak with me. I would like to speak with your Lord at his court, however. I should reach Hybern within the month and I will send word from there."

Lucien nodded. "Very well. I will pass along the message." He nodded at me, indicating he wanted to go.

I stood up and helped pull Myrrh to her feet. She was still avoiding looking at the opening of the tent but we were going to have to walk that way.

Lucien pointed briskly. "Let's go," he said to me. I nodded and went first putting Myrrh behind me. That way, Lucien would be behind her.

We walked quickly away from the camp that Belsar had set up and headed for the point we had arrived at. None of us spoke, wanting to move as quickly as possible. I was keeping an ear open for Tamlin as well. We reached the clearing and I stopped and looked around. I saw nothing that looked out of place. Lucien came into the clearing and sighed. He went to take Myrrh's hand to winnow the group of us back to Velaris when he spoke.

"Hello Myrrh. It's nice to see you're still alive."