Kingdom of Stars and Fire

Chapter 34

Aelin

Aelin went to sleep that night holding Rowan. She was reunited with her mate once more. And this time she wasn't broken. Aelin knew the entire time that something was off. With Fenrys not being there, and Maeve allowing her to keep the scars, Aelin knew that something wasn't right. So she never believed a thing Maeve told her--at least not fully. Ever since she killed Maeve, Aelin swore to herself that she would never break again. Not for anyone--least of all for Maeve.

And perhaps Maeve knew that Aelin didn't believe every lie that she told her. Maybe that's why Maeve went so much harder on her. Maeve continued to spin her illusions, and false realties. But Aelin never fell for them, or at least she figured out that they were not real rather quick. It infuriated Maeve that Aelin wasn't breaking. And she even had a shape shifter look like Cairn, and torture her. The fake Cairn breathed, walked, and talked the same as the real one. But something was different about him. He didn't enjoy watching her scream, as much as the real one. The real Cairn was a true sadist through and through. But "fake Cairn" seemed like he was putting up an act. As if he was forced to do things that he did to Aelin. But even if he was enslaved to Maeve, Aelin did not pity him. He whipped, burned, froze, and broke her bones too many times to count. And this time Aelin didn't stay sedated for long. Aelin would barely manage to get a few hours of sleep before she was either screaming again, or whisked away into another illusion.

But Aelin had survived. She had made it out. And Aelin would come back stronger than ever before to kill Maeve. For the pain that she caused to Rowan, Fenrys, herself, and more. Aelin would make sure that Maeve died, and stayed dead. There was no way in hell, that Aelin would let Maeve walk away from this alive. 

And just the mere thought that she was hugging Rowan once more broke Aelin's heart. This time she would talk about what Maeve had done to her. Aelin was done with secrets. Not that she could hide it anyway. Her body was littered with scars. Her tattoo on her back was practically gone, replaced by healed, scarred skin. But for whatever reason, Maeve had left Aelin's face alone. Her face was completely unscathed. Yes Aelin did have that iron mask over her the entire time, but Aelin suspected there was more to it than a simple piece of metal being in the way.

At least she didn't have to deal with her magic wanting to destroy her. Last time, two months without using her magic had nearly killed her. But Aelin was only a prisoner for little over two weeks, and her magic didn't demand as much as it used to. But Aelin was perfectly fine with giving up her magic, if it meant she would continue sleeping beside the warm body next to her.

They had returned to Terrasen that day, despite Nesryn's protests. Aelin didn't want to waste any time in finding Maeve. While she was a prisoner, Maeve had mentioned Hybern several times. So that's where they would start their search for her. With Sartaq and Nesyrn promising to make sure that Maeve wasn't still hiding out in the southern continent.

Aelin missed the hulking, warm body next to her. Missed his pine green eyes, and missed the comfortable bed that she was sleeping in. Aelin nuzzled in closer to the sleeping Rowan. She knew very well how fortunate she was to still be alive. Aelin has had so many close calls with death, she couldn't keep count. And just two years ago, Aelin had decided her fate was to die and close the Wyrdgates if it meant that Rowan and the others would live. She would do it again if it meant that her family would live.

Aelin often pondered what it would be like to see her friends grow old, as she remained young. Lorcan had given up his immortality for Elide, but Aelin, Rowan, Fenrys, and Manon would forever remain young. It was undetermined if Aedion would settle, or if he would age like a human. But Aelin didn't doubt that he would give up his immortality to be with Lysandra. There would come a day when her family would die, and Aelin would still remain young. Aelin hated thinking about the dark truth.

And it wasn't like Aelin planned on staying queen forever. No, she and Rowan both decided once they had kids, and they became of age, they would take the throne. Whenever that might be. Fae pregnancies were notoriously difficult. And two years later, Aelin still didn't have a child. But it wasn't like there was a rush either. Not with her and Rowan's immortality.

Tomorrow they will travel back to Velaris. They would have a meeting with all of the High Lords and Ladies, and prepare for battle. It was hard not to think about the army of spiders that sat, only a week away from where Aelin was sleeping. Why they were waiting, Aelin had no idea. But Aelin thanked what ever--if there was any--higher force for not having them not attacking her home. Aelin ordered Aedion, despite his protests, to stay in Terrasen and to be ready incase Maeve made a move. He reluctantly agreed, as he too would want to fight with his men for Terrasen. Him and Elide would stay in Terrasen and would prepare The Bane for war. Whether battle came or not. 

Chaol and Yrene were in Ardalan, preparing their own forces. But Dorian insisted on staying with Aelin to help take down Maeve, saying that he trusted Chaol with his kingdom. After the High Lord meeting, Manon would return to the witch kingdom, and ask for any witch willing to aid. The witch populations were small after the final battle, where thousands of witches on both sides lost their lives. The Thirteen being among them. Aelin didn't know them well, but she saw how deeply Manon was affected by their loss. Especially the loss of Asterin. Aelin couldn't imagine losing that many close, loyal friends. Elide was also deeply hurt by their loss, as they saved her life countless times, and claimed her as a witch.

Everyone else was sleeping inside the palace, including their new allies. Aelin still didn't trust them fully, but then again she never trusted people easily. But they had the same enemy, and Feyre was also captured. Which led Aelin to believe that they would not back stab them, at least not right away. If Amren wasn't their friend, Aelin probably would have told them a lot less about their world. But Aelin would rather be in the one to control what was being told, rather than the ex goddess. She still wanted to kill Deanna. And probably will after this whole Maeve thing is behind them. And if Aelin didn't try to assassinate Amren, then she was sure that Aedion, Rowan, or maybe even Fenrys would. Territorial Fae bastards. 

Aelin was extremely happy that Connall wasn't dead. Not just because he saved them, but also because Fenrys got his brother again. Personality wise Connall was the exact opposite of Fenrys. While Fenrys often had no filter, Connall usually stays quiet and is more thoughtful. However, since Maeve, Fenrys has been extremely loyal to Aelin, and has learned to keep his mouth shut. Connall would also get to see Velaris again. Aelin wondered how he would react to seeing his home. If he would want to stay in Velaris or go wherever his brother went.

And then there was the matter of Azriel. Aelin didn't know who Fenrys was trying to fool, but the two were mates. Perhaps only Aelin realized it, but as soon as she was in the same room as Fenrys and Azriel, Aelin felt the mating bond. It was of course their choice if they wanted to act on it. And Aelin would understand if Fenrys wanted to stay in Velaris with Azriel, or if Azriel came to Terrasen. But Azriel could be in another relationship, or not want one with Fenrys. Aelin wondered how it would all play out, once Maeve was dead. And what would happen with their relationship with their newfound allies. 

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This was a filler chapter. I needed to clear some things up