p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ab91d9ef4b7bac4b19f9ab3b1e850730"span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"*WARNING! Kingdom of Ash Spoilers!*/span/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="72cf8e4d94ba66bd8a2ec5e2e8b3e4cd"In the dawn of the morning, a young queen stood on the balcony outside her room and watched as the sky changed from black to orange to pink. The balcony overlooked a lush green forest that housed creatures ranging from birds to faeries. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="23ae8ffa9ef122a6477e252568d19665"Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius loved her new life. Despite the pressures of court meetings and deadlines, she had lots of time to relax. She would sleep until she grew bored of sleeping, and when she woke, Rowan would be sitting in the bed beside her, patiently waiting for her to rise. Then Aelin would rest her head on his shoulder and they'd stay there for a while. After that, servants would come up and serve them breakfast in bed, typically eggs and toast. Then Aelin would dress, and go down to the library. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a3957fee262a49c8e2d69ce761690c76"The library was a whole other story. Her dream had come true a few months after the Battle of Orynth. A library taking up the whole top floor had been built. The room was a dome, the walls complete book shelves. The roof was glass, and it was so far up it seemed to touch the sun. In the center of the room there was a huge, round, red velvet couch that circled a fireplace. Piles of books were stacked on the floor around the couches, on the arms of the couches, on the cushions and were scattered, open, here and there. Wooden ladders were stacked against the shelves randomly, mostly in the sections that Aelin loved the most. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8dd849a9e5cee46ee191e2b1ef25de1e"She would sit in the library, crying over dead characters, and yelling at stupid characters, followed by going down to the great hall where she'd eat lunch with Rowan and their visitors at the time. They always had visitors. After the lunch, court meetings would be held. Usually 1-5 a day, but on the rare there was none. After the meetings, they'd roam the grounds and talk. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4d059a4362026524b6262ed4003428e1"They were no longer just normal people of Erilea. They were all adults with duties to tend to, leaving them very limited time to gossip. Aelin missed being able to stuff herself with chocolate at the castle in Adarlan with Dorian, but at the same time wished it would never go back to that. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="eb31f9d9781bf43f1d137165587226e7"They always ate dinner late. They'd stuff themselves until someone swore they'd blow up. No matter what time they finished, they'd all go to the parlour, and drink until they couldn't remember what they were doing. It got messy after that. But at some point, they'd all make it into beds, and Aelin would either fall asleep far before her head hit the pillow or find herself pinned beneath Rowan. She didn't care which. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="76a3b21b2079357f1d9284217343c9f4"Today though, she'd risen far before she was okay with being up. Lysandra and Aedion were coming, and she wanted to see them as they rode down the rode several kilometres away. She could hear Rowan snoring quietly behind her, and she knew it'd be a while yet before he woke. So she watched the road from the south with keen eyes. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c1bef325b2e92eaf4f19e8225d19eba3"She was wearing a long red gown that hung to her feet and trailed behind her, gold embroidery covering the bodice and streaking down the skirt. It was open back, revealing the tattoo of a hawk in the ancient language. Her shoes were small black flats that were hidden beneath her dress. Her hair had been recently cut, now falling just below her pointed, fae ears. The golden strands pulled the turquoise out of her eyes—her Ashryver eyes. Turquoise ringed with gold. Resting atop her brow was the crown of Terrassen, a gold delicacy that encircled her head. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9e48fb1e86b274322bab2fd55b72110b"A queen always dresses in finery, even if it is before breakfast. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="79afbf793215c19859eaed58928501df"It was several more minutes of waiting before Aelin spotted two blurs racing towards Orynth's walls. She smiled, and then turned from the balcony and went back into her room. Their bed rested atop a dais, the door to the balcony behind it. Down the steps there was a dark wood wardrobe, and a door to the washroom. Inside the washroom was a sizely pool, always filled with hot water. Other then that, the room was bare save for piles of books em style="box-sizing: border-box;"everywhere./em /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="db1ec1f203fc877a9d97446b03a37507"Aelin slipped from the room, careful not to wake Rowan. That was one advantage of being fae. Having stealth. The halls were silent, which was not normal, therefore quite eerie. But Aelin advanced quickly, doors passing in flashes. Down several flights of stairs, rounding numerous corners, through countless archways, until—there it was. The huge metal doors to the castle gardens. Aelin signaled to the guards posted by the door to open the gates, and then she sped past them. She appreciated the security, but felt like beneath all those masks was a familiar face. The brown eyes, the three scars down the cheek, the elegant edges. Chaol was nowhere close to Orynth, but she still saw him in all of the guards./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ec3a43a1fe8ed7eb12c03ab9e64d0ebf"It seemed so long ago, the captain and the assassin, even though it was only two years past. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="97cd1ef25766c89e863861036a507454"Aelin ran to the gates, which were open, even at the early hour. They would be here any second. She subconsciously put a shield around herself, as thin and weak as it may be. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a108b07432684a4be72e4bded8f4741e"And then suddenly—/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="95201e91c80ec33e2c41500b3a2fe875""Aelin!" she heard Lysandra cry. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3441ba7262e7829fd1f5c6976567dd5c"The young woman was running towards her, oblivious to the fact that she wore no clothes. Aelin didn't care. She threw open her arms and embraced her friend as if her life depended on it. Aedion was not far behind. His dark mare came to a halt, and Aedion swung off her. Then shoved Lysandra to the side in order to wrap his muscled arms around Aelin's small build. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="760e10c7cd4a6a8b3c9127776f5edad4""I missed you guys," Aelin said, her words unclear since her face was being crushed beneath Aedion's grasp. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3cf7cbc5b318ed3b211ebbb2d14362ad""I missed you too," Aedion murmured. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f56090d2f7e8231a729d75df4ffe1c1e""I didn't," Lysandra drawled, a grin spreading across her face. "I've been too busy." /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="820d19fb06e328e047380d072e104c3a""You did too," Aedion shot at her. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="af1b2350eafccb1e2b8a3f450d1646c3"Aelin laughed. She'd missed them more then she'd known. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="baa6ba695b0c483fb80926dfae5c3d39"Lysandra shifted into a werecat and prowled alongside Aelin as they all made their way through the gates. Aedion had hold of his horses reins, but a guard quickly pulled the horse to the side and towards the stables. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f4d92cf6d1c5f067dd404496cdfed9ae""I'm exhausted," Aedion yawned. And then added, "And hungry." Aelin smiled. Leave it to her cousin to always have room for food. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1e534bf19419a3140ba381a29b60d298""I have a guest room prepared for the two of you, and I'll get a servant to bring you food. No guarantee it will be good, though," Aelin said. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3bbf52722ba9b3392ee83e8f83823fef""As long as it's food," Aedion grumbled. Lysandra, in wereact form, purred as if she was chuckling. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6f05d9931a5adcf5dd591af9ad7c5bcd"They entered the castle in silence, and stayed silent until they reached the guest room. It was a grand room, a king bed with a maroon duvet, and fluffy white pillows. Windows overlooked a pond in the center of the garden, where a fountain splashed water onto the lily pads and lilacs. Lysandra hopped onto a chair beside the bed and wrapped her tail around her head. Aedion stood beside Aelin until she turned to leave. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c26011077f9e1ac3cfc83cdc8074c669""If you need anything, the servants will be passing through the halls any minute. Stick your head out the door and one of them will come assist you," Aelin informed them as she stepped out of the doorway. "I am in the room directly two floors above you, but I suggest you don't go up there unless absolutely necessary. It's... dangerous getting past Rowan's obstacles." /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="063f37a37af7232bae3df9f25c7b65a0"Aedion thanked her, and Lysandra grumbled, and then Aelin closed the door. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="074c0b38575949a8c5e06db9e52fbdfc"She returned to her room a few minutes later to find Rowan awake, practicing tattoo markings on a piece of parchment at his worktable. He didn't even look up as she entered. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e156f2937c612fe099514101206a9a81""They are here and settled," Aelin said, walking to the wardrobe. "They're probably going to sleep for a few hours, and then Aedion is going to wake up famished and wish he hadn't slept." /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f22e8bbb50db20f326f4088e3e0271cd"Rowan nodded and went back to drawing. Aelin removed her gown and hung it in the closet. She then riffled through her selection of other clothes and chose a light pink nightdress. She placed her shoes on the floor of the wardrobe, and then padded up the stairs to their bed. She placed her crown on the deep red cushion resting atop her bedside table and ran her fingers through her hair. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="597191ac6aa3c074246986c8175432a1"Before falling onto the mattress, she went down the steps again and kissed Rowan's silver hair. He looked up at her, his green eyes shimmering. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f37f74abf0545dbf171613f9df5ba24e""You're going to mess up my practices, fireheart," he whispered. Aelin smirked. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="299cba26b0aabd4ff7042dd65d8966df"She loved Rowan with all her heart, and when Rowan called her 'fireheart'... she knew he loved her too. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7c639fe2db7d9b6b5301f47205f5030e"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0572d6af9bfda3ba248484ab595d6055"Hours later, after they had all eaten, washed and dressed, Rowan, Aedion, Lysandra and Aelin walked through the maze of plants outside the castle. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e5153e205cf47b970f511958ccb72dfe""I can finally relax for a while," Aedion said, plucking an orange daisy and placing it behind Lysandra's ear. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b0cd7b67b89e0b98b786cb6e8520fe8c""Things are no quieter here than in Cerravere," Aelin intoned. It was true, but she knew how Aedion felt. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e52194059252428b995bf50672139737""But I still get to relax," Aedion drawled, and Rowan chuckled. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b29873e5d7b7593154034b40704a1de3""I have a meeting I need to head to," Rowan said suddenly, hearing the stone clock tower chime 2 o'clock. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7e702f3a2a391d58ec02dec56e5f392d""May I accompany you?" Aedion asked, glancing at Lysandra for verification. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="564a83edd3b18e2868505e3831ab85f4""As long as your shifter allows it," Rowan said with a grin. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bda6318b7c5a3c17061380a8b3e01418""Oh shut your trap," Lysandra snapped. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e8f2c317949b3024a9eec521df438e32"Aelin remembered that day so clearly. They had been sitting in her old apartment in Rifthold when Lysandra had mentioned Rowan's fangs. Rowan had revealed her true identity as a shifter, and for a while, Aelin had been shocked. She had hated Lysandra for so long, but realised she had actually known nothing about her at all. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4f45d93d2b4ba18b812cc8c378d019d1"Rowan and Aedion turned and headed back towards the doors, but Aelin and Lysandra continued on their way. They wore matching dresses. A pale green gown with flowing sleeves and a low cut neck. She liked the way it looked as they stepped in sync and their dresses flowed identically in the breeze. Lysandra's long, brown, wavy hair was half up in a bun, half hanging down her back in long ripples. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="04bb960fb12b730d7a755e5583f55b0d""So, my friend," Lysandra said finally. "What keeps you locked up in this castle, unable to venture anywhere else in the world?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="26db01dc909f5f8a27b88e70dee38c57"Aelin thought for a moment. Then said with a laugh, "Rowan. Rowan keeps me home." Lysandra chuckled./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d0041f7ae058eb0fffc868f251a5df68""I couldn't help but notice..." Aelin trailed off. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9e275f01ed0534159bf3c33679edb410""What?" Lysandra asked, but she knew what Aelin was going to say. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d90e9503b11f17b7ca84da3826eeaa78""Your going to have a baby aren't you," she said. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5e8a3e8d9c194d0d7f3df0f6cce43295"Lysandra's cheeks reddened, but she smiled and said, "I am. In a few months." /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="769ce66dbe0eba81b4567fb6f3ee92d9"Aelin grinned and then twirled, her dress flying around her. "What are you going to name them?" she asked. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a4cc255e4add08be69f1f38f6eb10386""I'm thinking Sasha. It goes for any gender," Lysandra said. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1edd4acdcb0da5952fdefb42def71b6a"For a while they talked about Lysandra's case until she asked, "And what about you, Aelin?" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2ea17c5b8e6604986e3beb8f056f330d""I don't know, honestly. We both want to, and we've tried, but nothing yet. We'll see."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="568868f8daffc8bd76bd64882bb56294""Someday," Lysandra murmured. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ee9cafb152e94866c3493af6d51d6709""Someday," Aelin repeated. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f15955af03f61b94ed7fc993d7650c65"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1c9515e3dad1d41402d67eaacf7e2bb3"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"And that's it for this story! Sorry, it wasn't quite interesting. I hope you enjoyed. Feel free to comment—no pressure. I'm not sure when I'll get the next story out, but eventually I will. If you have any ideas, you can drop them in the comments, and I will write them. I'm planning to do Manon next, so stay tuned. /em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d8b349e10292b7ffa027eaef9567ca3b"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Thanks for reading, it means a lot. /em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4c843bd5e890558b89583052fe61a44c"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Bye!/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="72cf8e4d94ba66bd8a2ec5e2e8b3e4cd"In the dawn of the morning, a young queen stood on the balcony outside her room and watched as the sky changed from black to orange to pink. The balcony overlooked a lush green forest that housed creatures ranging from birds to faeries. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="23ae8ffa9ef122a6477e252568d19665"Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius loved her new life. Despite the pressures of court meetings and deadlines, she had lots of time to relax. She would sleep until she grew bored of sleeping, and when she woke, Rowan would be sitting in the bed beside her, patiently waiting for her to rise. Then Aelin would rest her head on his shoulder and they'd stay there for a while. After that, servants would come up and serve them breakfast in bed, typically eggs and toast. Then Aelin would dress, and go down to the library. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a3957fee262a49c8e2d69ce761690c76"The library was a whole other story. Her dream had come true a few months after the Battle of Orynth. A library taking up the whole top floor had been built. The room was a dome, the walls complete book shelves. The roof was glass, and it was so far up it seemed to touch the sun. In the center of the room there was a huge, round, red velvet couch that circled a fireplace. Piles of books were stacked on the floor around the couches, on the arms of the couches, on the cushions and were scattered, open, here and there. Wooden ladders were stacked against the shelves randomly, mostly in the sections that Aelin loved the most. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8dd849a9e5cee46ee191e2b1ef25de1e"She would sit in the library, crying over dead characters, and yelling at stupid characters, followed by going down to the great hall where she'd eat lunch with Rowan and their visitors at the time. They always had visitors. After the lunch, court meetings would be held. Usually 1-5 a day, but on the rare there was none. After the meetings, they'd roam the grounds and talk. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4d059a4362026524b6262ed4003428e1"They were no longer just normal people of Erilea. They were all adults with duties to tend to, leaving them very limited time to gossip. Aelin missed being able to stuff herself with chocolate at the castle in Adarlan with Dorian, but at the same time wished it would never go back to that. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="eb31f9d9781bf43f1d137165587226e7"They always ate dinner late. They'd stuff themselves until someone swore they'd blow up. No matter what time they finished, they'd all go to the parlour, and drink until they couldn't remember what they were doing. It got messy after that. But at some point, they'd all make it into beds, and Aelin would either fall asleep far before her head hit the pillow or find herself pinned beneath Rowan. She didn't care which. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="76a3b21b2079357f1d9284217343c9f4"Today though, she'd risen far before she was okay with being up. Lysandra and Aedion were coming, and she wanted to see them as they rode down the rode several kilometres away. She could hear Rowan snoring quietly behind her, and she knew it'd be a while yet before he woke. So she watched the road from the south with keen eyes. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c1bef325b2e92eaf4f19e8225d19eba3"She was wearing a long red gown that hung to her feet and trailed behind her, gold embroidery covering the bodice and streaking down the skirt. It was open back, revealing the tattoo of a hawk in the ancient language. Her shoes were small black flats that were hidden beneath her dress. Her hair had been recently cut, now falling just below her pointed, fae ears. The golden strands pulled the turquoise out of her eyes—her Ashryver eyes. Turquoise ringed with gold. Resting atop her brow was the crown of Terrassen, a gold delicacy that encircled her head. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9e48fb1e86b274322bab2fd55b72110b"A queen always dresses in finery, even if it is before breakfast. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="79afbf793215c19859eaed58928501df"It was several more minutes of waiting before Aelin spotted two blurs racing towards Orynth's walls. She smiled, and then turned from the balcony and went back into her room. Their bed rested atop a dais, the door to the balcony behind it. Down the steps there was a dark wood wardrobe, and a door to the washroom. Inside the washroom was a sizely pool, always filled with hot water. Other then that, the room was bare save for piles of books em style="box-sizing: border-box;"everywhere./em /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="db1ec1f203fc877a9d97446b03a37507"Aelin slipped from the room, careful not to wake Rowan. That was one advantage of being fae. Having stealth. The halls were silent, which was not normal, therefore quite eerie. But Aelin advanced quickly, doors passing in flashes. Down several flights of stairs, rounding numerous corners, through countless archways, until—there it was. The huge metal doors to the castle gardens. Aelin signaled to the guards posted by the door to open the gates, and then she sped past them. She appreciated the security, but felt like beneath all those masks was a familiar face. The brown eyes, the three scars down the cheek, the elegant edges. Chaol was nowhere close to Orynth, but she still saw him in all of the guards./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ec3a43a1fe8ed7eb12c03ab9e64d0ebf"It seemed so long ago, the captain and the assassin, even though it was only two years past. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="97cd1ef25766c89e863861036a507454"Aelin ran to the gates, which were open, even at the early hour. They would be here any second. She subconsciously put a shield around herself, as thin and weak as it may be. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a108b07432684a4be72e4bded8f4741e"And then suddenly—/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="95201e91c80ec33e2c41500b3a2fe875""Aelin!" she heard Lysandra cry. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3441ba7262e7829fd1f5c6976567dd5c"The young woman was running towards her, oblivious to the fact that she wore no clothes. Aelin didn't care. She threw open her arms and embraced her friend as if her life depended on it. Aedion was not far behind. His dark mare came to a halt, and Aedion swung off her. Then shoved Lysandra to the side in order to wrap his muscled arms around Aelin's small build. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="760e10c7cd4a6a8b3c9127776f5edad4""I missed you guys," Aelin said, her words unclear since her face was being crushed beneath Aedion's grasp. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3cf7cbc5b318ed3b211ebbb2d14362ad""I missed you too," Aedion murmured. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f56090d2f7e8231a729d75df4ffe1c1e""I didn't," Lysandra drawled, a grin spreading across her face. "I've been too busy." /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="820d19fb06e328e047380d072e104c3a""You did too," Aedion shot at her. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="af1b2350eafccb1e2b8a3f450d1646c3"Aelin laughed. She'd missed them more then she'd known. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="baa6ba695b0c483fb80926dfae5c3d39"Lysandra shifted into a werecat and prowled alongside Aelin as they all made their way through the gates. Aedion had hold of his horses reins, but a guard quickly pulled the horse to the side and towards the stables. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f4d92cf6d1c5f067dd404496cdfed9ae""I'm exhausted," Aedion yawned. And then added, "And hungry." Aelin smiled. Leave it to her cousin to always have room for food. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1e534bf19419a3140ba381a29b60d298""I have a guest room prepared for the two of you, and I'll get a servant to bring you food. No guarantee it will be good, though," Aelin said. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3bbf52722ba9b3392ee83e8f83823fef""As long as it's food," Aedion grumbled. Lysandra, in wereact form, purred as if she was chuckling. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6f05d9931a5adcf5dd591af9ad7c5bcd"They entered the castle in silence, and stayed silent until they reached the guest room. It was a grand room, a king bed with a maroon duvet, and fluffy white pillows. Windows overlooked a pond in the center of the garden, where a fountain splashed water onto the lily pads and lilacs. Lysandra hopped onto a chair beside the bed and wrapped her tail around her head. Aedion stood beside Aelin until she turned to leave. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c26011077f9e1ac3cfc83cdc8074c669""If you need anything, the servants will be passing through the halls any minute. Stick your head out the door and one of them will come assist you," Aelin informed them as she stepped out of the doorway. "I am in the room directly two floors above you, but I suggest you don't go up there unless absolutely necessary. It's... dangerous getting past Rowan's obstacles." /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="063f37a37af7232bae3df9f25c7b65a0"Aedion thanked her, and Lysandra grumbled, and then Aelin closed the door. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="074c0b38575949a8c5e06db9e52fbdfc"She returned to her room a few minutes later to find Rowan awake, practicing tattoo markings on a piece of parchment at his worktable. He didn't even look up as she entered. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e156f2937c612fe099514101206a9a81""They are here and settled," Aelin said, walking to the wardrobe. "They're probably going to sleep for a few hours, and then Aedion is going to wake up famished and wish he hadn't slept." /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f22e8bbb50db20f326f4088e3e0271cd"Rowan nodded and went back to drawing. Aelin removed her gown and hung it in the closet. She then riffled through her selection of other clothes and chose a light pink nightdress. She placed her shoes on the floor of the wardrobe, and then padded up the stairs to their bed. She placed her crown on the deep red cushion resting atop her bedside table and ran her fingers through her hair. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="597191ac6aa3c074246986c8175432a1"Before falling onto the mattress, she went down the steps again and kissed Rowan's silver hair. He looked up at her, his green eyes shimmering. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f37f74abf0545dbf171613f9df5ba24e""You're going to mess up my practices, fireheart," he whispered. Aelin smirked. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="299cba26b0aabd4ff7042dd65d8966df"She loved Rowan with all her heart, and when Rowan called her 'fireheart'... she knew he loved her too. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7c639fe2db7d9b6b5301f47205f5030e"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0572d6af9bfda3ba248484ab595d6055"Hours later, after they had all eaten, washed and dressed, Rowan, Aedion, Lysandra and Aelin walked through the maze of plants outside the castle. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e5153e205cf47b970f511958ccb72dfe""I can finally relax for a while," Aedion said, plucking an orange daisy and placing it behind Lysandra's ear. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b0cd7b67b89e0b98b786cb6e8520fe8c""Things are no quieter here than in Cerravere," Aelin intoned. It was true, but she knew how Aedion felt. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e52194059252428b995bf50672139737""But I still get to relax," Aedion drawled, and Rowan chuckled. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b29873e5d7b7593154034b40704a1de3""I have a meeting I need to head to," Rowan said suddenly, hearing the stone clock tower chime 2 o'clock. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7e702f3a2a391d58ec02dec56e5f392d""May I accompany you?" Aedion asked, glancing at Lysandra for verification. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="564a83edd3b18e2868505e3831ab85f4""As long as your shifter allows it," Rowan said with a grin. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bda6318b7c5a3c17061380a8b3e01418""Oh shut your trap," Lysandra snapped. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e8f2c317949b3024a9eec521df438e32"Aelin remembered that day so clearly. They had been sitting in her old apartment in Rifthold when Lysandra had mentioned Rowan's fangs. Rowan had revealed her true identity as a shifter, and for a while, Aelin had been shocked. She had hated Lysandra for so long, but realised she had actually known nothing about her at all. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4f45d93d2b4ba18b812cc8c378d019d1"Rowan and Aedion turned and headed back towards the doors, but Aelin and Lysandra continued on their way. They wore matching dresses. A pale green gown with flowing sleeves and a low cut neck. She liked the way it looked as they stepped in sync and their dresses flowed identically in the breeze. Lysandra's long, brown, wavy hair was half up in a bun, half hanging down her back in long ripples. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="04bb960fb12b730d7a755e5583f55b0d""So, my friend," Lysandra said finally. "What keeps you locked up in this castle, unable to venture anywhere else in the world?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="26db01dc909f5f8a27b88e70dee38c57"Aelin thought for a moment. Then said with a laugh, "Rowan. Rowan keeps me home." Lysandra chuckled./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d0041f7ae058eb0fffc868f251a5df68""I couldn't help but notice..." Aelin trailed off. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9e275f01ed0534159bf3c33679edb410""What?" Lysandra asked, but she knew what Aelin was going to say. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d90e9503b11f17b7ca84da3826eeaa78""Your going to have a baby aren't you," she said. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5e8a3e8d9c194d0d7f3df0f6cce43295"Lysandra's cheeks reddened, but she smiled and said, "I am. In a few months." /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="769ce66dbe0eba81b4567fb6f3ee92d9"Aelin grinned and then twirled, her dress flying around her. "What are you going to name them?" she asked. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a4cc255e4add08be69f1f38f6eb10386""I'm thinking Sasha. It goes for any gender," Lysandra said. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1edd4acdcb0da5952fdefb42def71b6a"For a while they talked about Lysandra's case until she asked, "And what about you, Aelin?" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2ea17c5b8e6604986e3beb8f056f330d""I don't know, honestly. We both want to, and we've tried, but nothing yet. We'll see."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="568868f8daffc8bd76bd64882bb56294""Someday," Lysandra murmured. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ee9cafb152e94866c3493af6d51d6709""Someday," Aelin repeated. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f15955af03f61b94ed7fc993d7650c65"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1c9515e3dad1d41402d67eaacf7e2bb3"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"And that's it for this story! Sorry, it wasn't quite interesting. I hope you enjoyed. Feel free to comment—no pressure. I'm not sure when I'll get the next story out, but eventually I will. If you have any ideas, you can drop them in the comments, and I will write them. I'm planning to do Manon next, so stay tuned. /em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d8b349e10292b7ffa027eaef9567ca3b"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Thanks for reading, it means a lot. /em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4c843bd5e890558b89583052fe61a44c"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Bye!/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e" /p