Chapter 11

Healing

It took a couple days before Mor and Cassian knew something was wrong when Holly didn't show up for the family party, but her gifts were there. Cassian knew something was up when she didn't come to training for the next couple days. Rhys was silent and Azriel looked like he wanted to be anywhere but with them.

"Where is she?" Mor demanded when Mor went to her room to see if she was sick and found her clothes gone. She stormed into Rhys office and slammed her hands on his cousin's desk. Rhys looked at Mor as Cassian entered and leaned against the door. "You know where she is."

"I got word from Clotho the day after the ball that Holly is gonna stay down with them for now. She's free to come and go." Rhys said, leaning back in his seat.

"What?" Mor said.

"Why is she staying in the library now?" Cassian asked. Rhys didn't look happy. "No."

"Azriel told her he's not worthy of the mating bond with her." Rhys said. Mor saw red. "I went to talk to her when I got word she was down there. She doesn't want to be near him."

"Where does she stand?" Mor asked.

"She doesn't care if he's a bastard. But getting that through his thick skull." Rhys said.

"Excuse me." Mor stormed out of the study. Cassian didn't blame her. Cassian turned on Rhys.

"What's going to happen if Az doesn't talk to her?" Cassian asked. Rhys had a grim look on his face. "She wouldn't go back."

"She can't be in the same room as Azriel right now. She might go back." Rhys said. Cassian didn't look happy. "I don't like this either, Cassian, but give them time."

"I'll beat some sense into that boy." Cassian said. Rhys knew Cassian would.

"He's disappeared to talk to his scouts." Rhys said as Mor's angry yell filled the house. "I think he's avoiding you and Mor after I gave him a talking to." Mor stormed in.

"I'm joining Holly." Mor said. Rhys and Cassian looked surprised. "She needs a friend. I'll stay with her as long as she wants less you need me back." Rhys nodded.

"I think she'll be happy you came." Rhys said. Mor disappeared to head to the library.

Holly was curled up on one of the couches with a book in her hand. Her eyes were bloodshot from crying. She just was able to pull herself out of the room and worked the day and now was curled up in one of the couches near a fireplace. The sounds of the library relaxed her. Holly looked towards the railing and stood up. She walked to the railing and looked down to the darkness below. Cassian had told her there was a terror down at the bottom of the library. Holly was curious to see what it was.

A hand grabbed her arm and Holly turned. Mor was standing there with a worried look on her face and Holly hugged her best friend. Mor returned the hug.

"Rhys told you." Holly whispered.

"He did and I'm going to nail Az's balls to the wall." Mor growled and Holly gave a small smile. Mor and Holly soon were in her bedroom after some dinner and Mor helping put books away.

"You got bags under your eyes. Are you sleeping?" Mor asked.

"No. The nightmares are getting worse." Holly whispered. Mor frowned. "There's a reason I don't care if Azriel is a bastard."

"Why is that?" Mor asked.

"There's a curse in Hybern. If a child is born with two different color eyes in the royal line, they are bastards." Holly said. Mor's eyes widen. "It's known for twins to have another father then the other."

"The uncle that your father killed." Mor said. Holly nodded. "Is that why your father hates you?"

"One of the reasons. He never wanted a girl. Its frowned on for woman to be commanders or leaders. Its why he never let me learn to swordfight. My mother trained me as a spy and with my healing. I could sneak in during battles or help with sick to get information, but like my mother. I been working against my father. My uncle, well father, he was my mother's actual mate. She married the King in a forced marriage. It was shortly after I was born that the mating bond snapped in place. The King was furious. By the time I could remember, they were sleeping in seperate rooms and she hid more of the affair." Holly explained. Mor looked at her in shock. "Its why I been abused a lot of my whole life, but my mother took most of the abuse for me. I loved being a spy. It got me out of my father's court. Ella and Carina were the ones I recruited and became close. We heard of the Shadowsinger among the Hybern Spies. I just... I never thought he would be my mate."

"You have to understand that he has his step mother and brothers voices still in his head." Mor said.

"No. I understand. I just wish he let me explain to him. But I fear my father finding out about him as well. He use him to get to me." Holly said.

"Well. If you two do accept the bond, we'll make sure your father doesn't find out till your ready." Mor said. Saddness filled her eyes. Mor hugged her best friend and a jug of wine appered in the room. "Let's drink. I'm here as long as you want me." Holly smiled widely.

Hours later. Holly slipped out of her room as Mor snored on her bed. They sat sharing stories and Holly learned more of the war. Holly had her cloak on and hood up as she shut the door quietly. Holly descended down the library, curious of what the bottom of the library held that terrified the General of the High Lord's armies. It got darker as she got further down. Holly reached the bottom. Holly breathed in the air. The smell of old books were in the air. They might be ancient. Holly moved through the stacks of books. Holly looked around.

Then she felt it. A presence behind her. A shiver ran down her spine.

"The Warrior Princess of Hybern has paid me a visit." A cold voice came. Holly didn't feel fear. "I smell no fear on you, Princess." Holly realized who the monster was. She read about legends of it, but she never knew it was here in Velaris.

"Your Bryaxis." The presence froze. Holly knew not to turn and look at it, because her worst nightmare would come true. "Your a creature of nightmares."

"So you heard of me." Bryaxis said. Holly nodded. "Hmm." Holly could feel the wards around where Bryaxis. "Why are you here?"

"I heard there was a creature down here and wanted to see myself." Holly said.

"You look and sound sad." Bryaxis said. Holly hesitated. "I just want some company. I won't hurt you. Your the first one in a long time that came here and weren't afraid of me." Holly opened up and told Byraxis everything. About her childhood, the abuse, and her time at the Night Court. Byraxis let her talk without showing itself which was fine with Holly.

When Holly crawled into bed with Mor she had a smile on her face. Byraxis asked her to keep visiting and Holly said she would. Holly for the first time in days fell asleep with a smile on her face.

AN: I promise in two chapters it will get better. Till next time