Chapter 17

Visiting Mother

Holly let out a gasp as Azriel comes out of the shadows into a freefall above Velaris. Holly's arms tighten around him and his wings catch on a wind. She felt his lips on her head as she relaxed.

"I won't let you fall." Azriel said.

"I know. I'm not use to it." Holly said as she lifted her face from his chest and looks out. "Thank you for getting me out of there."

"You brother is a piece of work." Azriel said. Holly sighed. "I'm a little surprised you were calm till you left the Council room. I could feel your emotions."

"It took a lot of effort. But I knew that I wouldn't be going back." Holly said. Azriel turned towards the mountains not far from Velaris, but not near the House of Wind. "Where are we going?"

"There's someone that I want you to meet." Azriel said. Holly looked at her mate. "I'm taking you to meet my mother. We're heading to Rosehall." (AN: I'm gonna have it near Velaris. Just taking a guess till we know more of Azriel's story.)

"I thought she was in one of the war camps." Holly said, remembering some of the stories from their nights spent after nightmares. Azriel's eyes harden. She knew he hated the camps and she hasn't visited them yet since she got there. Holly hoped she never had to.

"After the war and when Rhys became High Lord, I got her away from the camps and brought her here." Azriel said. Holly smiled. "She's happier here and I can see her whenever I'm not busy. She's been wanting to meet you."

Azriel landed in front of a small manor with roses surrounding it below a mountain. An Illyrian Woman came out of the door as Azriel set Holly down. A smile appeared on his mother's face.

"Azriel." His mother said. Holly turned and saw she had black hair like Azriel and her eyes were brown. "You must be Holly." His mother hugged Holly.

"Hi mom. Sorry we're earlier then what I planned, but I needed to get Holly away for awhile." Azriel said as he got a hug as well.

"You know your always welcomed here. Both of you. I'm just happy to see you happy with someone." His mother said. Holly found out his mother's name was Amara.

They sat in the parlor with tea.

"So your from Hybern?" Amara asked.

"I am. I'm actually the daughter of the King." Holly said. Amara's eyes widen at the words. "Well, technically my twin is more the son of the king. I'm his brothers daughter."

"So your a bastard." Amara said.

"Yes. The King found out because there is a curse that if a child is born a bastard into the royal bloodline, the prince or Princess will have two different eye colors." Holly explained. Azriel frowned deeply as Holly told Amara about her life in Hybern. Amara saw why the cauldron picked the two to be mates. Both were tormented by their families and lived in shadows. "How are you here?"

"After the war and Rhysand coming High Lord. Azriel came and got me away from the war camps and brought me here." Amara said.

"After we got revenge on my brothers for the torment they did to me." Azriel said.

"What did you do?" Holly asked, looking at her mate.

"They can't fly for a long period of time." Azriel said. Holly looked at his scarred hands.

"Nothing they didn't deserve." Holly said. Azriel smiled fondly at her. Amara smiled seeing light in her son's eye that she hadn't seen in a long time.

"You come a long way, Azriel" Azriel looked at his mother. "Even after everything you went through with your father, the camps, and the war. Your one of the Strongest Illyrian's in history and now. Your mated to a Princess who is a sweetheart. I couldn't be prouder."

"Thank you, mother." Azriel said. Holly squeezed his hand. Azriel smiled.

"I should get dinner going. Holly. Would you like to help?" Amara asked, standing up. Holly nodded and followed her to the kitchen. Azriel stood leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. He had a huge smile on his face as he watched the two woman he loved and cherished talk and make dinner. He was happy the two got along and was happy he could cheer Holly up after dealing with her brother.

'How she doing?" Rhys said coming into his head.

'I took her to meet my mother. She's calm and enjoying time here.' Azriel told his brother. Rhys sighed in relief. 'How did it go dropping Draco off.'

'The King is not happy with us. The guards looked surprised to see their precious Prince so hurt. Cedric wasn't there. Ella stopped me to let me know she'll get in contact with Holly soon.' Rhys said. Azriel nodded. 'Stay as long as you want. Take a few days with your mother. Tell her I say hi.'

Later that night. Holly walked through the roses. Amara had Azriel help her with something. Holly wanted to see the garden. The roses were beautiful. Holly sat down on a bench and looked up at the stars.

"There not as beautiful as you." Holly smiled as she turned to see Azriel heading her way. His wings were tucked in to not damage the flowers.

"I still think they are." Holly said as Azriel stood in front of her. The shadows moved around him. Holly smiled as she stood up and rested her hand on his chest. A shadow moved around her hand.

"My mother really likes you." Azriel said. Holly smiled.

"I'm glad." Holly said.

"I'm sure no one will like me with your family." Azriel said.

"Cedric will like you. Ella seems to like you." Holly said. Azriel leaned down and kissed her. Holly returned the kiss. Something cold slipped onto her left ring finger. Holly pulled away and looked at her hand. It was a ring with a sapphire jewels on it. "Az."

"It was my mothers moms. Its yours now." Azriel said. Holly hugged him.

"Thank you." Holly said. Azriel pressed a kiss to her head and he felt her relax in his arms. Holly closed her eyes. She was safe for now.

AN: I maybe have a few more chapters, maybe more before we will be in the ACOTAR books. Till next time.