Reign of Embers

Chapter 8 - "Of course I love the dog more than you"

Aelin

After a long day of running my kingdom, catching up with my friends, recovering from being unconscious, shopping in the town, buying treats, and being pregnant, I am exhausted. The past few days have been great but I still can't get over the fact that I'm having twins. The 'morning' sickness is the worst as it lasts all day. Yrene has been great to have around as she's been lecturing me and Rowan on fae pregnancies, and what I can and can't do. As well as that, she's been prescribing herbal remedies and concoctions to help me to have an easier pregnancy.

I enter mine and Rowan's chambers and collapse on the bed. Pillows fly into the air all around me but I'm so tired that I don't care. I'm just debating whether to have a nap or not when the carved oak door swings open. My senses become overwhelmed when I smell the pine and snow of my mate. I dismiss his return when I remember who he should have with him. I leap out of bed.

"Fleetfoot!" I cry.

"Nice to see you too Aelin." Rowan mutters, but I can tell he's just as happy as I am to see her.

I ignore him as I bury my face in fleetfoot's fluffy, golden fur. After greeting my beloved pet, I pick her up and move back over to the soft bed, where she stays snuggled on my lap. I stroke her for a while, muttering how much I love her, before Rowan clears his throat. Naturally, I ignore him.

He sighs dramatically, "Sometimes I swear you love that dog more than me. "

"Rowan." I begin, "Of course I love the dog more than you. I mean look at her, she's gorgeous. "

As I say this fleetfoot slants her head, and looks very confused but no less adorable, further proving my point as to how gorgeous she is, even in her old age.

"See!"

"Not as gorgeous as you though." Rowan murmurs as he prowls towards me, a smirk on his face.

"Anyone else, I'd agree with you because I am absolutely stunning, but fleetfoot is superior."

Rowan chuckles as he reached the bed, and places his hands either side of my hip. I start to complain that he's squishing the dog, when he kisses me, light and gentle at first, then deeper. Before anything else can happen however, fleetfoot squeezes herself from between us and starts rolling around on the bed, messing up the covers, and making strange growling noises. I laugh, more at Rowan's annoyed face than the dog.

I twist out of Rowan's arms, quickly kiss him on the cheek, then run towards the seating area and mini library across the hall from our bedchamber. Three big, squishy armchairs sit nestled around a low, polished oak wood table facing a roaring fire place. On the table sits the book I'm currently reading, stolen from Dorian's royal library; A court of frost and starlight. The series titled a court of thorns and roses has kept me occupied for the past few weeks, I'm loving it so far. It's been a complete rollercoaster of a book, and I feel like I really connect with these characters. I'm hoping that there is another book in the series because I'd love to see what happens next.

I reach the seating area, aiming to grab my book and sit in one of the super comfy chairs, when I'm lifted out of the air by Rowan's huge hands. I scream at him to put me down, while laughing my head off, and Fleetfoot goes mental, barking and running around the room like a crazy person.

That dog is insane

Ummm have you met our court?

True

Exactly. You know, sometimes I wonder why I keep you around, I mean I've got everything I need. Fleetfoot..... Oh and Lysandra

Rude. You love me really.

Do I though?

I remember you practically announcing your love to me to the entire castle last night.

My toes curl at the memory. Shut up buzzard.

Again, you love me really.

Ugh fine.

Rowan draws his arms around me, hands resting on my belly, and I sink into the hug.

How are out little heirs doing today?

They're doing great. But I have a feeling that I'll hate not being able to drink for 9 months. Especially when all our friends are here.

You didn't drink whenever Lysandra was over when she was pregnant.

Yeah but that was only a few days a month.

You'll be fine Fireheart, you always are.

You could always do it as well?

Do what?

Not drink. Pleaseeeee! It would be nice to not be alone.

Ok deal. Only to make it easier for you.

Woop 9 months of no alcohol!

A knock then sounds at the door.

"Come in." I shout.

The oak doors open, and in walks yrisv, one of our messangers. He bows, and then delivers his message.

" Your majesties, King Dorian and company have arrived. They are currently pulling into the courtyard."

I shoot a message down the bond.

That's odd, they aren't supposed to be arriving until tomorrow

Maybe they were ahead of schedule

I shrug, and turn back to the servant.

"Thank you, please ensure that the others are informed. "

With that he leaves with a bow. I turn to Rowan, and smirk, "It's time to shine."