AELIN
I had asked Phillipa to let me dress myself. She didn't even know what I was going to wear. I had selected a midnight blue dress that would compliment my eyes. It had quarter sleeves and a slit that came to my thigh. Otherwise, the dress was pretty modest. At least, for my standards.
There was a knock at my door. "Celaena? Are you ready yet?" The more than slightly irritated voice belonged to Chaol.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am." I had just finished dusting my cheeks with blush when he'd called.
The king was holding a ball tonight. It was for the return of some general who'd been stationed in the Wolf Tribes in my home country of Terrasen. I didn't see why the King of Adarlan, a man who at least seemed to despise attending or throwing balls with every last fiber of his being, want to throw one for the homecoming of one stupid general. But I mean, a ball's a ball, right? I wanted to have fun.
When I walked out of my chambers, Chaol and Ress were waiting for me. Chaol linked his arm through mine and muttered to come on, scowling.
We walked through the open double doors. The party was in full swing, and only a few people noticed our arrival. Dorian was on the dais, for now, with his mother and father. He was happily chatting away with courtiers. I spotted Nehemia weaving through the crowd.
I walked straight to the tables upon tables of food, saving dancing for later. When I was finally up to dancing, I strode out on the floor in search of a partner. After a while, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I was expecting to find Dorian behind me, but I didn't. In fact, far from it.
The man behind me was huge. His golden hair was the same shade as mine, our eyes were identical. Even though it had been 10 years, I would recognize that face anywhere.
Aedion.
"Aelin,"he whispered.