Azriel followed Ashdeer back into the carriage, sensing the anger radiating off him. He strode ahead of her and she almost ran after him. The court audience had ended in cheers from the nobles and Ishatar and Alavar had gifted her a beautiful green emerald necklace, made of large green emeralds enclosed with tiny diamonds. Ishatar had also given her a large wooden trunk, apparently filled with all sorts of wonderous fabrics, accessories and dresses. She had looked directly into her eyes and murmured, "The Duchess of Irismus, Protector of the Lands, the Silver Phoenix must be dressed appropriately don't you think?"
She had thanked Ishatar and tried to side step Alavar whose wandering hands were becoming a pain for her. She wondered when she could get away from this mayhem of a court, and the foppish nobles who seemed to fawn over her. Many of them came to her with pretty gifts.
