Tea party III.

"Why did you seek my attention?" Azriel's eyes wandered about, paying little attention to her. He did not want the princess to think that he was flirting with her sister. Azrael was the main target now that it was clear that Ember was not the princess... He must focus on her.

"I overheard your conversation when I went to get something" Ember lowered her eyes. She dare not look into those holes that could swallow her pride and honor. She wanted him if only he could read her mind. "You were talking about queen Ariadne, right?

He was surprised that her guess was right maybe she did hear them over "You were eave dropping?" the skin between his brows pinched a little frown appeared on his handsome face. He did not like when people meddle in businesses that did not concern them.

"No…not at all" she was surprised that his face changed so quickly. "Your voices were loud enough for any passerby to get something for your conversation. It was me."

Azriel sighed as he finally settled his gaze on her. She was a beautiful woman as well. From the corners of her eyes, he could tell that she was up against the princess now. She liked him enough to do anything for him "I see…go ahead and say what you wanted to tell me, lady Ember."

The smile that appeared on his face relieved her. She was afraid that the charm that the princess put on men was not working on Lord Azriel "Do you want to know more about the late queen?"

"Yes, tell me" His facial expression changed to anxiousness. He was curious about it.

"The few queens and guards who were captured on that night were killed by princess Azrael."

His jaw dropped instantly. He wanted to say something but his voice betrayed him. Azriel felt a fire burning through him. Those innocent women who were killed were his family members.

"She ordered their executions in front of the town hall" Ember continued to tell the story. She did not know why he was interested in the late emperor's business. However, she was glad that her plan worked.

She wanted to stop Azrael from coming to the tea party but Hazel did not agree to the plan. So, she came up with this mind-blowing plan.

Ember was more excited when she heard their conversation. It was perfect timing.

"Is there anything you want me to know?" Azriel managed to say.

"There is a popular alehouse closed to market house…not your inn" He nodded and she continued "They will tell you everything you knew to know about that bloody night."

"Thank you, lady Ember" Azriel bowed. "I wanted to know the type of person, she is."

"I am sorry, she is not up to your expectation" Ember apologized but he did leave already. She could not help but laugh. If only Hazel was here, she would be proud of her. "Let us see who wins his heart, princess."

**

Heather pulled him to the corner when he left Ember. She thought he changed his mind about Azrael "What do you think you are doing, young lad?"

"What are you doing?" he broke from his sister's grip. Even though she was a woman, Heather was very strong. She started training as a warrior before he was born. "What if someone sees us?"

"You don't care about getting the princess angry while flirting with her sister."

"We were not flirting, Ember" Azriel leaned against the wall. His sister was acting as a mother right now.

"Ember?" Heather was surprised. Was this a joke? She wondered if her ears heard it wrong. "Do not tell me you are in love with her?"

"Please, do not say that" He placed a hand on his forehead. All the women around him were annoying him today. He wished he did not leave his room. "Ember knows something. She wants to say it but…"

"Why will she betray her sister for you?" Heather was not in the mood for this. The mission was to get the princess to marry him before the third moon. They had to return ticket the tribe and celebrate their victory.

"Do not act like a commander, dear sister" He said. "I think Ember likes me and she wants to create problems between me and Azrael. I'm not stupid. I know these games but if there is any information about that night…"

"The night father died?" fear gripped her. She was a child when all that happened but the fire and blood were unforgettable.

"Yes, Heather" Azrael held both of her hands. Her skin went pale. "I want to know what they used to put our uncle, Prince Edward to sleep. I want to get the cure and save him."

Hot tears rolled down her cheeks as she remembered the last time she sent him. He was lying on the bed in that cold land they seek refuge.