Dalinar entered Navani's study. "Did you make any progress?"

Navani shook her head. "I still don't understand. I've been over everything twice and it just doesn't make sense. How is Adolin?"

"Healthy, according to Lirin. And he seemed to be doing fine when I saw him this morning."

Navani studied him. "You don't look fine."

Dalinar took a breath. "I'm not used to finding my son half naked in bed together with a half naked Highmarshall."

Navaini's eyes widened and she tried to look serious but she couldn't hold back a smile when she imagined the look on her husband's face. "I always knew the boy was a charmer but I must admit I'm surprised he got Stormblessed to agree to that."

Dalinar shrugged. "Our Radiant is very loyal. I'm sure he thought this was the best way to keep Adolin calm."

"Calm?" She couldn't help but chuckle. "I don't think 'calm' is the word you're looking for."

Dalinar frowned. "I hardly find this amusing."

Navani smiled. "I think you need to have a little faith. They're friends. They have gone through some very difficult times together. I'm sure they will find a way to handle this."

Dalinar sighed. "I know. You're right. It's just…"

"Awkward," she nodded. "I know. Maybe you should take a step back and let them figure it out for themselves."

"Maybe. But this is my son and my most valuable Radiant we're talking about. I don't want this to get out of hand."

Navani gave him a reassuring smile. "I'll make sure Adolin is safe. Lirin will check him twice a day."

Dalinar seemed to accept that there was nothing more he could do right now and he headed back to his quarters to talk to Mink about their strategy going forward.

…

Kaladin took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

Adolin had been pacing the room. Now that he'd given in to how he felt and he'd slept in Kaladin's arms he just wanted to run out the door, find his Radiant and kiss him in public. Lay a claim on him. Make it clear to everyone that Kaladin was his. It was strange to feel so utterly committed to someone. Adolin never thought he would find someone who would feel like the perfect fit. But he'd just been looking in the wrong direction. And after last night he wanted to believe that at some level Kaladin wanted him too. But he also knew Kaladin well enough to know that the man would never just give in to feelings he might have. So maybe he needed a push. Last night had been a little nudge but Adolin knew he had to push a lot harder. And time was running out. Navani would figure out that the device didn't have any effect on him. He had to make Kaladin fall for him before she did or Kaladin would immediately pull back again. So when Kaladin knocked on his door he told the windrunner to come in and as soon as the door closed behind him Adolin stepped forward, wrapped his arms around Kaladin's waist and kissed him.

Adolin had expected Kaladin to push him away, maybe even punch him. But to his surprise the windrunner didn't move. He didn't respond to the kiss either but to Adolin it felt like a small victory. He took a step back and smiled at Kaladin. "I'm glad you're back."

"Apparently."

Adolin gave him another kiss. "Kal, I think that we should let others know."

"Know what?" Kladin asked with a frown.

"That we're a couple now."

Kaladin stared at him incredulously. "A what?"

"Couple. You know. Me and you. You and me. Together."

Kaladin took a calming breath. "Adolin, I like you. We're friends. I will protect you with my life. But we're not a couple."

"We are now." Adolin said with a stubborn look on his face.

Kaladin hesitated. "You know that I don't like it when I'm the centre of attention. I accept that's inevitable when I'm fighting but other than that I just want to blend in."

"You'll never blend in. You're Kaladin Stormblessed," Adolin smiled. "But I understand. We'll keep it a secret for now."

Before Kaladin could respond there was a knock on the door. It was Navani.

"Good morning. I'm sorry to interrupt but Dalinar wants to speak to Kaladin and I would like to talk to you, Adolin."

Adolin didn't look too happy with the interruption but he nodded.

Kaladin gave Navani a short nod and promised Adolin he'd be back later before stepping outside.

When the door closed behind him he leaned against the wall for a moment, closing his eyes. That kiss. He'd been tempted to give in but he reminded himself that this wasn't what Adolin really wanted. It was just the effect of that storming fabrial.

He'd always considered Adolin attractive. Who hadn't? And maybe he did feel more for him than just friendship but he'd buried that so deep. He didn't want to love people. Love got them killed. So he had shut that part of himself down. But losing Teft had changed something inside of him. The pain had been almost unbearable but it had also made him realize how precious the time was that you had with the ones you loved. He smiled when he remembered the dream he had about Tien. And now Adolin had slept in his arms. He had kissed him. And Kaladin found it harder and harder to keep his feelings buried. But it wasn't real, he reminded himself. With a soft curse he pushed himself off the wall and headed to Dalinar. He had no idea how to handle this.

Meanwhile Navani sat down in one of the chairs. "How are you doing, Adolin?"

Adolin knew he had to be very careful. Navani was one of the smartest people he knew. She would figure it out. He just had to make sure it would take her more time. "Fine, thank you."

"Do you still have….feelings for our Highmarshall?"

That was an easy one. He didn't have to lie. "I do."

She was careful to choose her words. "Do you think those feelings are caused by the fabrial?"

"I just know what I feel. I guess it doesn't matter what caused it."

"I can't predict when the effect will wear off but I'm convinced it will. You're human. You can't change the way Parshendi can. And then your feelings for Kaladin will vanish."

Adolin sat down and he was quiet for a while. When he finally spoke he didn't look at her. "I don't want them to. I've never felt that I belonged with someone. I know what people think. I've never been able to have any kind of real relationship. I've tried but it always felt forced. I didn't really want to be with that person. But Kaladin…" He finally looked up. "I slept in his arms last night. I've never felt happier."

Navani gave him a soft smile. Adolin was one of the kindest people she knew. And for years she had hoped he would find someone to love. She had no doubt that once he'd found that person he would do anything to make them happy. And Kaladin was definitely deserving of that kind of love. If only this was real. It made her sad.

"But what if those feelings do fade away? Maybe you should try to keep some distance and give this a few days." Although she'd told Dalinar to let them sort it out themselves she was starting to realize that this was very real to Adolin and people could get hurt.

"Maybe," Adolin said. "I'll think about it."

Navani got up. "If you need someone to talk to just let me know. I realize this must be very confusing for you."

When she walked back to her study she couldn't help but feel that the effect of that fabrial would have much bigger consequences than she'd anticipated.

…

Dalinar had decided to invite Kaladin to the meeting. He figured his Highmarshall could use the distraction. But while Mink was talking about defence and attack he noticed that Kaladin wasn't really paying attention. He'd expected the windrunner to be irritated, uneasy or moody. But what he hadn't expected was that the man looked sad.

When the meeting was over Dalinar asked Kaladin to stay. After everyone had left he closed the door. "I hope that my son isn't giving you too much trouble."

Kaladin shrugged. "He can't help it, Brightlord."

"I know. But that doesn't mean it's easy for you. Would you prefer it if I would confine him to his room and let the guards watch over him until the effects wear off?"

Kaladin hesitated. He should say yes. But then he'd never get to kiss Adolin again. Never get to hold him at night. He shook his head. "No, Brightlord. I promised I would protect him and I will."

Dalinar nodded. "Very well. But I want you to tell me if you change your mind."

"Thank you, Brightlord. I will. But I better go back now."

Dalinar watched him leave and like Navani he felt like this was far from over.

….

Adolin was laying on his bed when Kaladin walked in. "How did the meeting go?"

"Fine," Kaladin said and sat on the edge of the bed. "Did Navani tell you anything useful?"

Adolin shook his head. "No." He reached out and placed a hand on Kaladin's arm. "Kal, will you lay next to me and hold me again?"

And this time Kaladin chose to ignore that familiar voice in the back of his mind that told him to always keep his distance. He kicked off his boots and settled beside Adolin, pulling the man against his chest. "Like this?"

"Perfect," Adolin sighed happily.

"Your father asked me if I wanted guards at your door so I could leave."

"What did you say?"

"That I promised to protect you. You'd do the same for me."

Adolin felt a sting of guilt. He should tell Kaladin the truth. But Storms, it felt so good to be laying here. "Thank you," he said softly before lifting his head to give Kaladin a kiss.

Kaladin smiled. "You're welcome. Now try and get some rest. My father told me that you need sleep."

Adolin snuggled against Kaladin. "Yes, sir," he chuckled before closing his eyes.

Kaladin stared at the ceiling while he listened to Adolin's breaths slow down until the man was fast asleep. He pressed a kiss on that beautiful golden hair. "I'll hold you as long as you want me to," he whispered.

….

When Navani entered her study she found Wit leaning back in her chair, feet on her desk, playing with the orange gemstone.

Storms, this couldn't be good. She could tell by the grin on his face. "Wit, how nice to see you. What gives me the pleasure of your company?"

Wit smiled and tossed the gemstone up in the air. "So you thought you could experiment with form changes?" He shook his head. "That can be very dangerous, Brightness."

Navani managed to keep her composure. "I'm aware of that, Wit. Unfortunately it has caused problems already."

"Adolin? You think you accidentally made the blonde fashionlover want to mate with your most powerful Radiant?" He placed the gemstone back on her desk. "Don't overestimate yourself. You're not that skilled."

She frowned. "What do you mean?"

Wit studied her. "Are you frowning because I question your abilities? That should hardly come as a surprise. Or maybe you're frowning because your mind is trying to process the fact that I'm telling you that your little fabrial failed and what that implies."

"Failed?" The scholar in her felt a sting of disappointment at that but it was pushed aside by another realization. "Adolin has been lying to us?"

Wit got up. "He did. And the boy isn't very good at it normally so it makes one wonder why he is doing so well this time. I'd love to hang around to see how you're going to manage this little mess but unfortunately I have more pressing matters to attend to. Good luck and may I suggest you tread carefully."

Before Navani could respond he walked out.

She slowly sat down. She picked up the gemstone and watched the light swirl inside. Did Adolin lie to play games with the Radiant? No, that didn't sound like him. He wasn't that cruel. Which left her with only one possible option. Almighty, Dalinar's son was in love with Kaladin Stormblessed and lied about the effects of her fabrial as a means to keep the windrunner close. How on earth was she going to deal with this?