This is only going to be a one-shot. I wrote this after I read The Assassin's blade and I just couldn't accept Sam's death (which was understandable). I LOVE Rowan and Aelin, but it's just impossible not to ship Celaena and Sam! _

The wind whipped around her, tugging at the silk gown and combing through her hair. She relished in the silence and stared blankly ahead at the endless, green rolling hills of Terrasen, from where she sat on the edge of the balcony. The red sky darkened before her eyes and she remained numb and unmoving-a state she'd stayedd in for the majority of the day. There had been strict orders that the queen remain undisturbed for the day. Regardless of her duties, Aelin was insistent upon the fact that she should be granted two days off; her parent's anniversary and Sam's.

It had been five years. Five years since she'd last set eyes on the boy who'd pledged his eternal love to her and she never even… Stop! She couldn't let her mind drift to her deepest regrets. The hollow ache in her chest- that not even Rowan could fill- need not be tormented by the what ifs that they would never experience. Aelin loved Rowan and a life without him wasn't an option anymore. He replenished the void, left by so many, but she would never forget her first love. If her life had unravelled differently she would be living with Sam somewhere in the world. She was sure of that.

She rested her hand atop her ever growing stomach. It was a surprise Rowan had even granted her the privilege of grieving alone, considering he was way too over protective of her condition. But she respected the day he took to the skies on his mate's anniversary. Neither dared to speak of their lost ones very often, but when they did it seemed that the pain never lessened; instead the sorrow and grief remained buried deep within her, threatening to surface and drown her at any moment.

The winter air pricked at her skin, but she couldn't convince herself to go inside to grab a shawl. He brushed his lips against hers. "I love you," he breathed against her mouth, "And from today onward, I want to never be separated from you. Wherever you go, I go. Even if that means going to Hell itself, wherever you are, that's where I want to be. Forever." The memory came crashing down without warning like a slap in the face. But he hadn't kept true on his promise! No, instead he had decided to chase down Farran in order to have sufficient funds to start their new life together!

"I am Aelin Galathynius…and I will not be afraid!" she reminded herself aloud.
"Are you sure? I know you're scared…" a voice shattered her silence and echoed around her. No! It can't be. My mind is just playing a cruel joke on me! She glanced around warily. Sitting on the ledge of the balcony was Sam- frozen, forever at eighteen. A sob escaped her lips as she gingerly walked in his direction.
"How?" Her voice cracked, as she traced her forefinger across his defined cheek bones, and along his jaw, finally caressing his face with both hands.
"A gift from the gods I suppose, I'm not entirely sure," he explained. "But I can only stay until sunrise." He added in a defeated tone. She pulled him down to his feet and cried against his chest. Her sobs racked through her body and he held her tightly, burying his head in the crook of her neck.

"Sam…" She said eventually after calming relatively. "T…there's so much I never got to say to you. I…I thought we had f...forever." The words fell from her mouth and a smile tugged at his lips.
"Celaena, I know. It's okay," he assured, gently stroking her hair.
"W…what's it like?" Death…the thought terrified her. No one can prepare themselves for death. Death is inevitable. It awaits each of us; just lurking in the corner ready to pounce and generally with no warning. Albeit this, we refuse to accept death. We defy the possibility for as long as humanly possible, because no one wants to delve into the unknown…
"Peaceful. No pain," he smiled curtly, "but I miss you," he added solemnly.
"I've missed you every day since." She croaked, shedding every ounce of her Celaena Sardothien bravado. "I…I shouldn't have let you go alone," she admitted, gravely.
"Look at you now!" He held her at arm's length, his grin spreading so wide that it reached his ears. "You're a Queen!" he beamed. "Honestly, I'm grateful for the way your life had turned out; you deserve the best."
"You deserve so much more than you got."

A silence settled between them and her eyes rested on his. Her Sam. After all this time she was granted a few hours of closure, but the realisation that he would have to leave again-forever- shattered her heart.
"Is it a boy or a girl?" He asked nodding to her stomach, changing topic quickly.
"Rowan's convinced it's a girl. I think it's a boy," she scoffed, amusement brimming in her eyes, as she remembered the countless times they'd debated said topic.
"Any names?" he chuckled.
"Sam." She stated, without hesitation. "It works for both," she added, gently and he didn't even try to hide his silent tears.

"Come on," she urged, dragging him into her chambers.
"As much as I love you Celaena, I don't think this is a wise idea. Your husband…" he trailed off. Even death couldn't change his habit of rational thinking and scolding her.
"Oh hush will you! He's away attending to my duties until tomorrow." She lay down beside him, draping an arm across his torso lazily- needing to maintain constant contact.

For the duration of the night she recounted the lost years since that dreaded night.
"I'll always love you, Sam Cortland." She smiled weakly, tears streaming down her face as the morning light seeped through the curtain dissolving his image.
_

I know that Celaena usually doesn't expose such raw emotion to others, but I couldn't help it. I hope you like it and please review! I know there wasn't a lot of Rowan and Aelin, and trust me I SHIP them, but I just wanted to mainly focus on Celaena and Sam.