Holly sat at her mirror in the Moonstone Palace putting combs into her long black hair. It had been a few months after her and Azriel became mates and she couldn't be happier, but tonight. Her father's most trusted Generals was paying them a visit to the Court of Nightmares. The ring Azriel gave her was on the desk. She didn't trust Amaratha to tell her father. The dress was long sleeve with black sequins on it. There was a slit from the top to the navel. It hugged her figure.
"Father is enjoying this woman's company." Mor growled, coming over in her usual wear. Holly didn't answer.
'You'll be fine.' Azriel said through their bond. They had discovered they could communicate down the bond to each other when they weren't together. (AN: I know its not really confirmed in the books on this, but I'm gonna have it in my story.) Holly smiled. 'Rhys is on edge too.'
"Rhys is on edge as well." Holly said.
"They do have history. You do know that Amaratha held him hostage and made him watch her battle with Jurian." Mor said. Holly turned in her seat. She heard the story of Amaratha and Jurian's battle after he killed her sister. The war was before her time, but she heard the stories of the war. Her father was still pissed that Amaratha never answered his call for help while she tortured Jurian.
"I never knew that. I heard the stories of her battle with Jurian." Holly said.
"That doesn't surprise me. I'm sure some of the war is still talked about in your fathers court." Mor said. Holly stood up. Holly moved with ease to the bed and pulled on the black sandals to go with it.
"It does. More then you guys realize. There's still people in Hybern that wish for us to go back to the old ways. It's why my father is hunting for the Cauldron." Holly said. Mor shook her head. Holly sat back.
"You ready?" Mor asked.
"No, but let's get this over with." Holly said, standing up.
Amaratha was talking to Keir as the doors to the throne room open. Heads turn as Mor and Holly step into the room. Amaratha eyes widen in surprise seeing the Princess of Hybern here. She had heard that she was staying here against her father's wishes. Holly gave a small smile in a friendly greeting. Keir sneered at the woman, but they ignored them. Holly stood in front of the dais as Mor announced Rhys, but Holly's eyes were on Amaratha. The General was eying the Princess and Holly couldn't read her face. Holly held her head high as Cassian and Azriel step into the throne room. Amaratha turned and looked as Rhys stepped in. Holly saw the General's back stiffen as the mountain seemed to shake. Azriel soon was next to Holly as Cassian came over and Mor stepped down. Everyone got on their knees in bowing. Amaratha. She stayed standing. Rhys stopped in front of Holly as she knelt on the ground. She looked up as he held out a hand. Holly took it and stood up. They both stepped onto the dais. Amaratha watched. It was part of the show. Rhys turned to face the people as Holly stood next to the throne with her hands folded in front of her.
"I see none of you Hybern people have respect." Rhys said, looking at Amaratha. His face was unreadable. "Least the Princess knows it." Holly had to bite a smile. Amaratha sneered at Rhys. "Rise." Everyone stood. "Go get food and drink." Everyone scrambled away. "Music." Music started playing. Azriel stayed near the dais. Rhys slid into his throne as Keir approached.
"High Lord. We have a guest here. I showed her around the Hewn City." Keir said. Holly watched Keir. Holly felt the dagger on her leg get colder. She didn't want to come without some weapon. Keir motioned for Amaratha to step forward. "May I introduce. Amaratha. The General of Hybern Armies and now trying to make peace here." Amaratha had a smile on her beautiful face, but Holly saw the coldness in her eyes. Azriel watched her every move. Cassian hovered not to far away by one of the columns. The General's hand was close to the knife on his belt. Holly moved closer to the throne and rested a hand on the arm. Rhys showed no emotion.
"High Lord." Amaratha said. Her eyes wondered over to Holly. "Princess. I'm surprised your here." Amaratha said.
"Amaratha. It's been awhile." Holly said, coldly. A smile creeped over Amaratha's lips. "I'm here as a guest to the High Lord. I don't plan to leave anytime soon." Amaratha sneered at Holly and Holly bared her teeth at Amaratha, which shocked her. Azriel smiled with pride.
"Are you here to check up on Holly or you here for another reason?" Rhys asked, sounding bored.
"I just wanted to see what the Court of Nightmares are. I'm creating my own home almost like this but under another mountain." Amaratha said. Holly looked at her in shock. "I don't plan to leave anytime soon." Holly and Azriel share looks.
'She's up to something.' Holly told Azriel down the bond.
'And nothing from Ella or the others?' Azriel asked.
'No.' Holly said. Azriel frowned.
"I'll invite you and of course Holly when it's done." Amaratha said with a smile on her face. Holly gripped the throne a little hard. Rhys put a hand on hers.
"Yes." Holly shot Rhys a look and he gave her one to trust him. Holly nibbled her lip.
"I should get going. I have stuff to do." Amaratha said.
"I'll walk you out." Keir said, holding out his arm. Amaratha took it and they walked out. Holly let out the breath she was holding.
"Relax. I don't trust her either." Rhys said. Holly turned to him.
"She's planning something. I don't know how, but I just have that feeling." Holly said. Rhys looked where Amaratha came.
"Go get something to ear." Rhys said. Holly turned to Azriel who was waiting for her with a worried look on his face. Holly stepped down and Azriel put a hand to her back and steered her towards the food.
"Breathe." Azriel said.
"I am." Holly said. Holly grabbed a plate of food and a goblet of wine. Holly took a long drink as people moved and talked. Mor joined them with a frown.
"Why does she want you and Rhys to come see?" Mor asked.
"I don't know, but I got a bad feeling." Holly whispered as she ate some of her food. The meeting really put them all on edge. Holly didn't trust her and neither did the others.
'What is she planning?' Holly wondered.
AN: I figured maybe two more chapters before y are summoned Under the Mountain. Until next time.