Chapter 4

Spring Court Visit

Rhys and Holly winnowed into the Spring Court. Holly was meeting with a spy near the Summer Border and Rhys had promised Amaratha to check in on Tamlin. Holly took one look around and Rhys gave her a nod to go. Holly winnowed away and appeared near the border of the Spring and Summer Court. A man with a wolf mask stood talking to a Summer Court informant.

"You weren't followed?" The Wolf mask ask. Holly shook her head.

"My High Lord is talking with your High Lord, but he knows I'm meeting with someone." Holly said. Holly folded her arms and eyes roam the area. "We're alone. But we must not stay long or we will be found."

"We are still gathering forces to march on the Mountain, but not enough yet." The Summer Court spy said. Holly swore.

"And Tamlin's time is running out." The Spring Court spy said. Holly rubbed her temple.

"I'll talk to Eris and see if we can get some people from the Autumn Court over to help with forces." Holly said. The two stared at her in shock. "I'm working with the Heir of the Autumn Court now to get allies."

"What was the cost?" The Summer Court asked. They knew that Holly was trying to get on the Autumn Court side. Holly looked at them.

"A fake engagement. So far it's working. The High Lord approves." Holly said. Barron was thrilled of the engagement and the brothers had glared at her. Eris promised her that they won't lay a hand on her. Rhys was still not happy about it and Holly would never forgive Eris for what he did to Mor. Her heart breaking at the thought of her best friend. But everyone wanted to get out of control of Amaratha.

"You shouldn't have done that." The spy that knew Azriel said.

"I did what I had to. I don't like it, but its a fake engagement. Tamlin's time is almost up with the curse. I don't want to find you both in those camps under the Mountain. So try and get to the forces." Holly ordered. Being Azriel's second with the spies, Holly was now in charge. The Spies nod. Holly winnowed back to the Spring Court mansion and stepped in. Holly moved towards the dining hall and found Rhys standing there with the human girl from the night they visited the Spring Court and Tamlin and Lucien were on their knees in bow. Holly raised an eyebrow at them.

"You think you embarrassed them enough?" Holly asked. Rhys's eyes flickered to Holly in a silent question. Holly gave a slight nod as the human woman looked at Holly and eyes slightly widen. She was a pretty girl with golden hair and blue eyes. Tamlin leapt to his feet and claws comes out as he turned on Holly. "Now. No need for those."

"You serve under the Night Court and your father is the King of Hybern." Tamlin about growls. Holly gives a cool smile.

"I have no alliance with my father. You should know by now. We do what we have to, to stay alive." Holly said.

"Get out." Lucien said.

"Is that any way to treat your future Sister in law?" Rhys asked and Holly shot him a look.

'You signed up for this when you agreed to this fake engagement to Eris.' Rhys said in her mind. Lucien's eyes widen as he looked at Holly, who kept a cold look on her face.

"Your... What?" Lucien said.

"Oh, I forgot you don't talk to your family and haven't been to Under the Mountain. Your brother, Eris, and my good friend, Holly are engaged to be married?" Rhys said. He seemed to be enjoying this and Holly made a mental note to smack him later. Tamlin didn't look happy. "Your father is quite happy about it because it gives him more leverage with Hybern." Holly shot him a glare and Rhys had a smile play on his lips.

"We should head back, My Lord. Or Amaratha is gonna wonder what's taking so long." Holly held her head high. Rhys came up to her and took her arm. Tamlin was glaring at Rhys. Holly knew him and Rhys had a history and Rhys's father is the reason Tamlin's family was killed and why Rhys mother and sister were dead. Rhys winnows them away. They arrive in her room and Holly pulled her arm free.

"You seem to enjoy telling Lucien of the engagement." Holly said as she went to find a dress for the party tonight. Rhys headed for the door.

"Anything with the spies?" Rhys asked. Holly looked at him.

"The less you know, the better with you sleeping with the enemy." Holly said. Rhys's eyes show hurt but he knew she was right. "I need to talk to Eris and get ready for the night. Go report to your mistress." Holly turned her back on him. Rhys disappeared. Holly felt the shadows slither up her body. Holly closed her eyes.

'We got to do what we got to do to protect our secrets.' Holly thought.

AN: Getting to Freye coming to the Mountain. Probably next chapter or two more. Till next time.