Hi lovelies! Sorry this took so long. I had a baby and it turns out they're a lot of work. It's also pretty scary to try writing more of these beloved characters. Hopefully chapters will be coming a little quicker from now on. Happy reading! Let me know what you think!

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I stayed in bed. At least I was alone for these last few hours. Soon I would belong to Azriel. When I pictured him, I saw the dark planes of his face, his brow shadowing his eyes. His broad shoulders looming over me. I remember the thrill of him touching my face, and the shame of knowing what I would be to him. Breeding stock. But I would also be his wife. Did that matter in the Night Court?

The time came all too soon when servants were sent in to ready me. I was cleaned and dressed in a fine emerald green gown cut to show the appealing curves of my body. I suppose my uncle wants them to know they're getting their money's worth. My long golden hair was braided and pinned up on my head, a delicate gold circlet woven into the plaits. My lashes were darkened with coal, my lips and cheeks subtly tinted pink. Rose oil was dabbed onto my neck, my wrists, and into my cleavage. I sent the servants away and took a moment to look at myself in the mirror. What would my mother say of this if she were alive? Would she think I looked lovely? Would she say words of comfort? Would she tell me to run? To Fight?

There was no fight. The cauldron had given me my fate. Now I had only to live it. There was a swift knock on my bedroom door followed immediately by my uncle entering. He stalked toward me, his eyes glittering with malice and pleasure. He stopped right behind me, his front almost touching my back, his hands came to rest on my shoulders. His eyes met mine in the mirror. His grip tightened as his eyes moved slowly over my body. He let his hands trail down my arms as he leaned forward and breathed in the smell of my neck. I shuddered, but kept my face and body still, trying to appear unphased by this new intimacy. His hot breath brushed against my skin as he chuckled softly.

"My sweet, lucious day flower," he said. "To finally be rid of you. But it seems almost a waste to give that animal your virginity. Perhaps I should save you from being deflowered by that Ileryan beast. Would you like that, flower? Would you be good for me?"

Oh no no no nononononono. This can not be happening. I tensed. I would throw myself from the balcony window before I let this man, this monster, my uncle, have my body.

Reluctantly it seemed, he released me and stepped back.

He continued "Perhaps it is best to close this deal with the High Lord of the Night Court properly. Stay in his good graces. He is a dangerous one, that one, but would be a valuable tool if I can bring him over to my side."

"Yes, uncle," I replied in a flat voice.

I released a tense breath as quietly as I could. I had avoided one kind of monstrosity, but I would be walking into another in just a few minutes.

My cousin didn't bother knocking before striding into my room.

"Father, Fairyn. They're here." He leaned against the doorway and watched me, smirking, radiating smugness. Everyone was just so happy to be rid of me. Fine. Whatever. I'll willingly face the horrors of the Court of Nightmares if it got me away from them.

My uncle led the way from the room. He walked swiftly to one of the smaller receiving rooms in the hall. As far as I knew, the exchange would be made and I would leave with the Night Court.

As we neared the room my fear began to grow again. Maybe I should throw myself out a window. Everyone knew the stories of the Night Court and their City Under the Mountain. Living in darkness and playing deadly games with one another. Beating and maiming on the lightest whims. Could I be going to a place worse than here?

By the time I was gestured into the chamber with the waiting Night Court, my movements were stiff and forced, my muscles locking up from tension and fear. My guards entered behind me, but lingered by the door. At least I'd be free of those two soon.

They were all here. The High Lord and Lady stood beside Cassian and Mor, all of them looking relaxed and at ease. Only Mor showed a slight tension on her face, her eyes burning as she looked at my Uncle.

Azriel was here. He stood a few steps from his companions and wore the same fighting leathers I'd seen both men in before. He stood in the light but shadows still edged around him. He watched me. His face cool and uninterested. My belly started twisting into knots. Why did he have to be so beautiful? And so cold? His eyes never left my face as we neared. He gave a small bow to my uncle and nodded at me.

"Lady Fairyn," he said.

I had to work my throat a few times before I could answer. "My lord", I whispered.

My uncle clapped his hands together loudly and raised his arms.

"Now that we're all present! I have a little surprise for us!"

Rhysands voice came out of the silence, soft but insistent. "You have your money. We have the female. We must be going."

"Nonsense!" Answered my uncle, his smile showing all his teeth but not touching his eyes. "What kind of family would I be if I missed the wedding ceremony of my favorite niece!"

He clapped again, a quick command, and two servants entered throwing flower petals, followed by a priest in long robes.

We were going to have the wedding. Right now.

As my uncle turned away, I snuck a glance at Azriel. He and Rhysand exchanged a quick look. Rhysand nodded once and Azriel turned back to me, straightening, his wings tightening against his body. Rhysand turned to speak softly to his High Lady. Her mouth had turned down into a soft frown. They seemed more taken aback by this than I was. Perhaps they had never meant me to actually marry Azriel? Maybe I was meant to be thrown in a dark cage somewhere. This could be ruining their plans. Was my uncle actually doing something to help me?

The priest had made his way to the front of the room. Azriel and I turned toward him and he started speaking the words of the ceremony. Cauldron boil me this was moving fast! I tried to keep my eyes off of Azriel. His cool face was making me more and more anxious. I kept throwing glances toward his group. Mor was clenching and unclenching her firsts. It came time for Azriel to speak his words. His voice was steady and soft. I somehow managed to choke out my words around the lump of fear in my throat. This was it. This is actually happening. The priest said the closing words, ending with a booming command to kiss the bride.

Azriel didn't kiss me. His hand whipped out, quick as a snake, and grabbed my arm firmly.

"It's done," he said, his voice still measured and remote, and I had a quick glimpse of my uncles shocked face as Azriel winnowed us away.

We arrived in a house. At least that's where I thought we were. We were in a large foyer. I could hear the sound of a river somewhere nearby and natural light came in through the front windows. What was this? Illusions on a place in their dark city? My thoughts were cut short when I realized Azriel was standing next to me, and we were alone.

"It's alright," he said. "You're safe now."

Sure, sure. Of course I'm safe. Trying to put your new pet at ease. My husband.

My. Husband.

I kept my head down and my eyes on the floor. My hands twisted into the material of my dress. I needed to get myself together. I needed to prepare for what was next. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

Azriel looked over his shoulder toward the front door. I peaked at him as he frowned slightly and furrowed his brows. I quickly looked away as he turned back to me.

"They should return any moment. Your uncle may be holding them up. Why don't we get you settled, and then Rhysand can talk with you."

I didn't hear much of what he was saying. I was still breathing deeply, working to ready myself. He placed his hand behind me, carefully not touching, and led me up the stairs and down the hall. We stopped outside a door and he led me inside. It was a bedroom. It was large and comfortable with a small sitting area. An open door showed an attached bathroom. The room was furnished in dark wood and soft cream bedding. Cream drapes covered the window so I couldn't see what was outside.

This was it. It's time.

My uncle never hid his plans from me. He was always clear about his expectations and the uses I would be put to. He had drilled it into me over and over that my only use was for breeding. He had told me what males would do to me if I didn't perform my duties. My time, my purpose had finally come. I was as ready as I could be. I cleared my mind. My hands finally stopped shuddering. My breathing steadied.

I walked into the room with confidence, with my head held high. I could feel that Azriel had entered the room behind me.

With my back still to him, I reached up and pulled my dress off my shoulders. I let the material fall around me, brushing down my back on the way to the floor. I stood still for a moment, bare, standing in a pool of deep green material. I turned slowly, my head high but my eyes still down, until I faced Azriel.

He still hadn't said anything. I looked up and met his eyes.

They're hazel. His eyes are hazel.