After Empire of Storms

Chapter 21

Lysandra's head slowly rounded the corner, her hand firmly gripping the knife clenched against the wall. Her view of the dais was blocked by a large, hooded figure. A soft banging echoed throughout the room, coming from the large castle doors.

Lysandra breathed in quietly, her lips brushing against the elongated canines that she had yet to get used to. She readjusted the knife before assuming Aelin's prowling walk and strolling into the room.

The large figure turned immediately, shifting slightly to reveal two sobbing figures clutching each other on the ground behind him, but Lysandra's gaze would not stray from the man in front of her. Lysandra stepped closer, eyeing her opponent with curiosity.

Canines, twin to her own, peeked out from below the shadowed portion of the man's face, set in a scowl. Fae. Lysandra cursed under her breath. Of course a gods-damned fae had to break into the castle. Maeve's tricks again no doubt. 

Lysandra pointed at him with her knife. Peering down the blade, she tilted her head and smirked. "Who the f—" She stopped as he reached up gripping his hood and pulling it from his head. 

Lysandra first saw the tattoos scrawled across his temple and cheek. The twirling ends spiraled down the male's neck, blending with the shadows of his cloak.

"Rowan." Lysandra's eyes darted around the room again, stopping to examine the huddled duo on the ground, but not after noting Rowan's pained grimace upon seeing her form as Aelin.

The two held each other as if their lives depended on it. Blond hairs intermingled until it was impossible to distinguish one head from the other. The larger figure was wearing a green Terrasen uniform, the smaller with their back to Lysandra in a black cloak. 

"Is that—" 

"Yes." Lysandra glanced at Rowan as he turned his head to view Aelin. "She's home."

Lysandra shed Aelin's skin, so focused on reaching her queen that she wasn't sure what form her body decided to take next. Lysandra brushed by Rowan, the warrior barely shifting as she neared Aelin. 

Aedion looked up first, his tear-filled eyes connecting with Lysandra's for a moment of confusion before leaning his mouth to Aelin's pointed ear. 

The queen's short hair barely shifted as she spun and launched herself into Lysandra's arms, both sobbing harder. 

Through the sobs, Lysandra could only make out two words muttered by Aelin. 

"Thank you."

* * * * *

Aelin pulled away from Lysandra to see the two males staring at each other, almost apprehensively. Aedion opened his mouth as if to say something to the fae warrior, but immediately shut it after glancing towards Aelin. 

Fireheart.

Yes? Rowan's eyes narrowed as Aelin tilted her head. 

"Oh for the gods' sake," Aelin smirked. "Just hug." Rowan turned to Aelin and snarled, to which Aelin smiled sweetly. 

Rowan and Aedion eyed each other before reaching out and clasping forearms. 

Lysandra sighed. "Men." Aelin let out a soft chuckle and nodded. Rowan smirked as he looked to Aelin, only for her to growl at him in return. 

Cross me, Prince. I dare you. 

Rowan only glared at Aelin before turning to her cousin. "What of the others?" Aedion straightened before glancing around the throne room.