Shallan was just about to leave her room when Pattern returned. She sat down and put her stack of books back on her desk. "Did you find Kaladin?"

"Mmmm, yes I did. I did find him. And the Highprince. I found him too."

Shallan frowned in confusion. "Why did you go to find the Highprince? I only told you to find Kaladin."

Pattern settled on her skirt. "They were together."

Shallan raised an eyebrow. "What were they doing?"

"Mm, Not sure. Confusing."

"Pattern, what were they doing?"

"Arguing. Then kissing. Then mating?"

"Mating?" Shallan eyes widened. "Are you sure?"

"No," Pattern hummed in annoyance. "Confusing. But they seemed pleased."

Shallan leaned back in her chair. Apparently her husband and the windrunner were very aware of their mutual attraction. For a moment she felt a twinge of jealousy but it was almost instantly replaced by a feeling of happiness. They were the two most important men in her life apart from her brothers and they both deserved to feel loved. "And then what happened?" she asked.

"Men from Bridge Four came in. No more kissing then."

That made sense. Of course they felt like they had to hide whatever was going on between them. According to the rest of the world, Adolin was happily married. And now she understood why Adolin had been so upset about his father's refusal to annul the marriage. If he and Kaladin had already kissed then it made things a lot more complicated.

Shallan wanted to figure out a way to help them. She knew the pain Kaladin had to live with every day and he'd saved her life in the chasms. It was time to repay him.

The door swung open and Adolin stepped inside. He didn't even notice Shallan who was still sitting at her desk. He laid down on the bed and let out a happy sigh.

Shallan got up. "You must have had a tiring morning," she chuckled.

Adolin immediately sat upright and a blush colored his cheeks. "No, I...I just… I..."

Shallan sat down on the edge of the bed. "It's okay, Adolin. I know."

His blush deepened. "You know what?"

Pattern hummed. "You and the windrunner. Kissing. And something else. Still confused."

Adolin's eyes widened. He pointed at Pattern. "Was he…"

Shallan looked a little guilty. "Yes. I asked him to find Kaladin for me. Apparently he wasn't alone."

"I can explain. I was...we were…" But Adolin knew he couldn't really deny what had happened.

Shallan put a hand on his arm. "It's okay. I already knew that you like him. Although it was a bit of a surprise that you were already at the stage where you confused Pattern."

Adolin groaned and buried his head in his hands. "This is so embarrassing."

"Don't be silly. It's not like I was actually there. Although I might come and see for myself next time," she added with a grin. "You know, just to expand my knowledge."

Adolin couldn't help but chuckle. "You'd be even more embarrassed then I am right now. Though Veil probably wouldn't blink an eye. But how did you know?"

Shallan got up to get the drawing. She handed it to him. "I drew this a few days ago."

Adolin stared at the drawing and he let his fingers caress the lines of Kaladin's face. "It's beautiful," he said softly.

Shallan smiled. "I must admit that I outdid myself." But then her look turned serious. "Do you really like him, Adolin?"

He nodded. "I do. He makes me feel safe, grounded. When I kiss him it's..." he paused. "I'm not sure I should tell you."

"Please do. Really. I want you to be happy. I want Kaladin to be happy. And you're kind of hot together."

Adolin chuckled. "I'm not going to give you the details, woman."

"Yeah, maybe you should wait for Veil. I bet she would love to hear all about it. But I want to know how he makes you feel."

"It's like nothing I have ever felt before. I just want to be with him." The smile died on his face. "But that's impossible."

Shallan took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "We'll find a way. Let me help you. The two of you need some time together. Talk about this. Find out if he feels the same."

"How? People are always looking for him. Or for me. The only time they leave either of us alone is when we're asleep."

Shallan's face lit up. "Oh, that's it!"

Adolin looked at her in confusion. "What? It's not like we can sneak out of our rooms without being seen by the guards."

Shallan grinned. "Kaladin can. He could be on guard duty. You're the one who can't roam around the tower alone at night. But did you forget how easy it is for me to change you into a servant? We'll just have to find a room on an abandoned floor where you can meet."

A grin appeared on Adolin's face. "That might actually work."

"Of course it'll work. I'll talk to Kaladin. You have to find that room. And if something happens during the night and you're needed then I'll send Pattern to get you. Just make sure you're not doing something that will confuse my poor spren even more," she added with a wink.

The look on Adolin's face made her laugh out loud.

…..

Kaladin had a hard time focusing on the training. All he could think about was Adolin. How it felt to have his strong hands touching him. How kissing the man made him forget everything else around him. His thoughts were interrupted by Lopen who walked up to him. "Hey Kal, just wanted to know if you're still mad about me accidentally locking that door."

Kaladin studied him. The man had a wide grin on his face and he didn't look very remorseful. For a moment Kaladin wondered if Lopen knew more than he was letting on but he dismissed that thought. As far as everybody was concerned Adolin was happily married. "No, I'm not mad. It was just an accident, right?"

Lopen nodded a bit too eagerly.

Kaladin frowned but then he saw Shallan approach. "Just forget about it, Lopen. Go back to the recruits."

Shallan joined Kaladin and when Lopen was out of hearing range she said, "I've heard that my husband thinks you're a great kisser."

Kaladin barely managed to hold back a gasp. "Excuse me, Brightness?"

She grinned. "You heard me, Kaladin Stormblessed. No need to be formal. My husband really likes kissing you."

"What makes you think that?"

"He told me."

Kaladin found it nearly impossible to remain calm. "He told you?"

Shallan leaned in. "It's okay, Kal. I have no problem with it. None. If anything I'm happy that the two of you enjoy each other's company so much."

Kaladin really didn't want to know how much Adolin had told her. He shifted on his feet. "He told me your marriage was over. That you both prefer to be friends. I never wanted to betray you. He's just…"

"Hard to resist?" Shallan smiled. "Yes, I have to agree. Adolin can be very charming."

Kaladin couldn't believe he was having this conversation. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I think the two of you need some time together." She laid out her plan to him.

He hesitated. Storms, it was tempting. Spend a whole night with Adolin. But wouldn't that make it even harder? Because he knew that Dalinar would never accept the annulment of their marriage. They could never really be together. His mind was telling him not to do this. But his heart won out. "You really are something special, Shallan. It's hard to believe that you're willing to help us."

Shallan shrugged. "I think I still owe you one. So you want to do this?"

Kaladin nodded. He might regret it later but all he could think of now was sleeping in Adolin's hold. And all the things before that.

She smiled. "I'll let you know when and where. Just one more thing. Don't hurt him, or you and I will have to find out who's the stronger Radiant."

"Never," Kaladin vowed.

Shallan studied him and nodded. "I believe you. I'll let you know." She turned to head back to the tower.

Syl had been hovering nearby and flew closer. "Kal, do you think this is a good idea?" She wanted him to be happy and although it was a relief to know that Shallan wanted to help them, Syl felt like nobody seemed to realize that Kaladin could end up with a broken heart. Adolin had a reputation with women. What if Kaladin was the first in a line of men?

Kaladin shrugged. "Probably not. But I've done many things in my life that didn't seem like a particularly good idea. But at least this time I know I will be happy. Even if it's just for one night."

"Oh, Kal. You deserve so much more."

He gave her a sad smile. "I don't know about that. But I'm going to do this. Please don't try and stop me."

Syl shook her head. "I won't." As she watched him walk back to his recruits she could almost feel his loneliness. "I'll be here for you when the night is over," she whispered before taking to the skies.