The lost shapeshifter

Chapter 4

Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius was sitting on her chair behind the massive desk, looking at her mate and her cousin. Gavriel was here as well, but she couldn't bare to look at him.

He had spent his whole 600 years old life as a Fae, as a powerful and strong and fast male. Now he was just a man. A mortal.

The Queen finally looked at him. "I'm sorry," she said. She couldn't imagine what was it like to lose something she had had her entire life. "I truly am, Gavriel, and if there is anything I can do to help you, I would love to do it."

He didn't answer.

"Dad," Aedion started. "It's not that bad. I mean a 15 year old girl beat you but..."

The Lion growled at his son. "Erica is very skilfull assassin. You should write to the new East Queen."

"Aedion," Aelin started, "can you to go and check if everything is ready for tonight's ball? Please. I need to... Speak with my mate."

She deliberately lingered before saying 'speak' so that Aedion could grasp the non-existent hint.

Her cousin and his father left her study before she could even blink. Aelin turned to Rowan. "Any news?"

"As we already know, it's not just one queen. There are three of them. In Doranelle there are only two. The bigger ones. Can you guess their names?"

"Alina and Bellatrix," Aelin breathed out.

"We have to tell Aedion."

"What a great idea, Buzzard. And while we are on the topic what should we tell Aedion why don't we skip the following weeks and tell him that Erica, his daughter, is now training with Lyria?"

Rowan took a deep breath.

It was hard being the husband to the most stubborn woman of all. But she was right. Rowan knew it. Alina and Bellatrix were dead. They had drowned long before Erica and Gavriel were born and yet now they were the East Queens.

Claiming that Erica would stand with them as the third Fae Queen of the East. Claiming that their sister, the third daughter of Lysandra and Aedion Ashryver would stand. Always and forever.

Rowan took a deep breath. "Gavriel knows about Erica."

"I know. I told him. I promised her I wouldn't tell Aedion. I haven't said anything about uncle Kitty Cat. Do you think we should write to Alina and Bellatrix?"

Rowan nodded. "If they see that they are still part of our family they will reconsider their actions."

"You think?"

Her mate nodded once again. He kissed the top of her head. Lately she had been stressed with all those coming backs.

Rowan knew about the fight between her and Sam nearly a month ago, when he appeared in the woods while they were.... It wasn't a pleasant surprise. He knew that Aelin had been crying in their room the next hours while he was trying to tell the children that everything was fine.

His Sam was ready to beat the shit out of his mother's former lover. Lyria had to be held down, because she wasn't ready. She was starting to beat the shit out of him. Evalin and Rhoe had tried to jump on their horses and go to Adarlan to search for Erica. Fenrys and Lorcan had found them three miles south of the castle. Celaena for once had been helpful. She had been sitting on her ass in one of the living rooms, looking at the young assassin. "Who are you again?" she had asked. Sam had tried to talk, but Laena had raised her hand. "Don't dare answering me. Are you aware who I am? Of course, you aren't," she had laughed. "Let me get this straight for you, darling. I am Celaena Whitethorn Galathynius, princess of both Terrasen and Doranelle. Say another disrespectful word to my mother and I will make sure that your suffering before your first death seems like a best thing you have ever experienced."