Chapter 2
Calanmai
25 years later.
Holly found herself more relaxed Under the Mountain. She didn't have her father or brother tormenting her everyday. And she was back with Rhys. Amaratha treated her like a guest and actually had a throne at the foot of the dais. Holly soon wound her way into the courts and worked with the High Lords. They didn't trust her at first with who her father is, but soon trusted her. The Autumn and Spring Court didn't trust her and Holly tried to avoid Eris, who seemed to send her sneer looks in her direction along with his brothers. Holly hated seeing all the people suffer especially when she was sent to the camps to heal those that needed it. She saw the suffering and loss and it broke her heart. Holly was not liking that Amaratha was taking Rhys to bed. She knew he was doing everything to protect her and their family, but still.
Holly rolled over in bed. It was Starfall in the Night Court and Calamnmai in the Spring Court. 50 years of Starfall away from her mate. Holly always refused to get out of bed during Starfall. Holly opened her eyes as she felt the shadows move around her body, like they felt her sadness. Rhys was in Amaratha's chambers all day. Holly closed her eyes.
The door to her room opened and Holly looked up. She sat up quickly when she saw Rhys standing there.
"Let's go." Rhys said as a dress and a cloak appeared on the bed. Holly looked at him.
"Where are we going?" Holly asked as she pulled herself out of the bed.
"Spring Court. They got the Calanmai goin on. Amaratha is letting us go." Rhys said. Holly wasn't sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing. Rhys left the room and Holly quickly changed into her dress and cloak. She put her hood up as she came out and took Rhys's hand. They winnowed to the Spring Court. Bonfires spread out over the hills as the sun was already set. Laughs and cheers came from the people.
"Go explore. I'm going to find something." Rhys said. Holly opened her mouth to protest but Rhys disappeared into the darkness. Holly walked down the path. People in masks moved away from her when they saw who she was. Holly didn't care. Holly saw some dancing. Holly needed a drink. The air was warm and Holly wondered if their friends were getting ready for the Starfall festival.
Holly came up to a table and poured a glass of wine.
"So the Princess a Hybern pays us a visit." A ruff cold voice said. Holly turned and Lucien, who wore a fox mask on his face stands behind her. "What brings you here?"
"Just seeing what Calanmai is about. Got nothing else better to do." Holly said. Of all the Autumn High Lords Sons, Holly thought Lucien was more nicer then the others. Lucian's eyes look over Holly. Holly took a long sip of her drink. "I think everyone is welcome here. Aren't we?"
"I know who you work for, Hybern Princess. Your not welcome here." Lucien said, coldness in his voice. Holly always thought he was nicer then his brothers. Holly took a long drink of the wine and looked at Lucien with pure dislike.
"I thought you were nicer then your brothers. Guess I was wrong." Holly said. Anger flared in Lucien's one eye. "We're all fighting for freedom, Lucien, from Amaratha. I might be the King of Hybern's daughter, but I don't believe in what he wants." Holly moved away from Lucien to go find Rhys. She had enough of being here. Holly heard Rhys's voice coming from a direction. The shadows moved down her body and disappeared. Holly never wondered where they went, but she was sure they went back to Azriel at times. She had told them to hide the torture and what her father did and she wasn't sure if they listened to her. They didn't talk to her like they did with Azriel. But she knew he missed her like she did with him.
Holly stopped when she found Rhys. He was talking to a young woman and what surprised Holly. The woman was human. Why was a human in the Spring Court? Rhys turned as sensing her and the woman turned. The woman's eyes widen at the sight of Holly. Rhys said something and came towards Holly and grabbed her arm, pulling her away. Holly looked over her shoulder. The human woman was watching as Holly and Rhys walk away.
"Who was that?" Holly asked.
"Some human I rescued from some Fae scum." Rhys said. Holly raised an eyebrow at him. "It's nothing, Holly. Stop worrying. Head back to the Mountain. I got something to take care of." Rhys winnowed away. Holly sighed and winnowed back to the mountain. A party was full swing in the throne room. Holly watched as Amaratha sat on the throne, looking bored. Holly turned and headed down the hall. Holly stepped into her room. Ella stood there looking paler then normal. Holly closed the door.
"What's wrong?" Holly asked.
"You need to find a way to get the High Lords out of the curse." Ella said. Holly grabbed her and they winnowed out towards the border of the Night Court. Holly was forbidden to go into the Night Court, but was never said about the borders.
"Tell me." Holly said. Ella bit her lip. "Ella. What did you find out?"
"A few of our spies went silent where we think the Cauldron might be." Ella said. Holly swore. "I think your father is getting close to finding it or has found it." Holly ran her fingers through her long hair. "We would of felt it if it was brought to the castle."
"Then he's getting close. I can't leave the Mountain. You'll need to send a few we trust to that location and find out what you can." Holly said. Ella nodded. "Rhys is not going to be happy about this."
"No. When is the Spring Court High Lords curse time up?" Ella asked.
"In the coming months." Holly said. Ella swore. "Amaratha is getting more and more anxious over it. I might not be able to get in touch." Holly said. Ella nodded. "Keep me informed." Ella disappeared. Holly looked out at the Night Court. She felt close to home, but knew she couldn't do anything. Holly felt the shadows move around her body. One slithered down and disappeared into the border. Holly winnowed back to the Mountain.
AN: Alright. Now we are in ACOTAR. I got so many plans with the coming books. Till next time.
