The Queen of Flame and Shadow

Preparation

Azriel 

They quickly finished their dinner and went to do their respective jobs. That just left Azriel with Celaena and the intent to plan for the upcoming meeting. To say that they accomplished their task was an overstatement.

It was currently three in the morning and both were very drunk. Earlier in the evening, Azriel proposed to Rhys that he take her for a walk around Velaris, to which he got the okay. They did not believe that she would spread the secret that was Velaris. Promptly Azriel winnowed them over, and the joy that was reflected in Celaena's eyes was maginificent. 

Even though his intention was just to get her integrated with the Fae, they ended up at Rita's, much to Celaena's delight. Next thing he knew was that he had drunk way too many shots alongside Celaena, leading to some 'dancing' and 'singing'. Many strangers had come up to her to talk with her and satiate her curiosity. Some had even offered to take her home. But now, he was caught in a drunken conversation with her. 

Her slurred accent made it a little hard to understand what she was trying to say. "Heyy, do you know if there are any sweet shops around here? I would die for some chocolate. Ooooh, I love chocolate and hazelnut together, you think there is a cake like that somewhere? I would seriously kill someone for a slice." 

He was so drunk that he could barely comprehend. 

"I love cake! Wait, you want to kill someone?" Dude, his head was spinning. 

"I always want to kill someone, isn't that common amongst everyone. You know, hasn't everybody been raised as a killer from a young age?"

Wait, just wait a damn moment. He was trying so hard to sober up, but nothing was getting into his head. All he heard was "killer". Who's the killer? It was so hard to focus!

"Killer, where?" 

All he got was a bunch of drunken giggling. Was he being funny right now? He could not tell, so he just joined in. 

"For someone so stoic, you're kind of fun. Care to go for a little stroll along the town?"

The fact that they could not walk in a straight path did not deter them, and everybody bore witness to two drunk fiends walking along the Sidra. Some people chose to laugh, but most others did not in fear that he would attack them. However, the ones that got too close lost some item without their knowledge. It seemed like Celaena was quite the little pick pocket. He steered them towards home and took them to where he felt safe. The rest was a blur.

Cassian 

Cassian was still a little pissy from his visit to the war camps the night before. He decided to come back early this morning, not wanting to spend any unnecessary time away from home. The blatant sexism and disrespect for being a bastard always got on his nerves. Like it was his fault that he was a bastard! It would not be a shock to him if there was actual smoke coming out of his ears. Thus why he was stomping over to Azriel's room to see if he wanted to spar. 

He forwent knocking on the door and quickly stopped in his tracks. The scene in front of him was definitely unexpected. On the bed was a very shirtless Azriel, and tucked into his arms was Celaena wearing said shirt. Just the shirt. When Rhys told Az to get the she demon integrated into the court, he was not sure that Rhys meant like this. He was just too stunned to think of some funny prank to pull, so instead he put all of his energy into sneaking out the door. It also seemed like he had no such skills because the moment his foot hit the ground, Celaena shot upright, jostling a very groggy Az. 

Celaena look as confused as he did. "The fuc..." She just continued to blink, taking the situation in. 

Azriel was doing the exact same thing, although a little more tiredly. He was always so adorable in the morning. "Uhhh..." at that exact moment he looked straight at Cassian, causing a blush to work its way onto his cheeks. "I swear, it's not what it looks like."

Cassian would now commence the teasing. "No, it's not? Then why is a naked Celaena wearing your shirt in your bed? Come on Az, people can't really undress someone with their eyes, they have to use their hands as well." Az was so flustered, it was amazing. The weight that the camps left on him was slowly easing off. 

Surprisingly, it was Celaena who jumped into the conversation to defend Az. "If you must know Cassian, Azriel just offered me a place to sleep, something that no one else did. And have you ever worn a breast band before? Those things are killer, so of course I took Azriel's shirt when he offered it to me like a gentleman."

Darn, the whole story was starting to make sense. But one piece of the puzzle was missing. Why had they thought that Az's bed was the only option. Like come on, they live in a mansion for crying out loud. Only when he got an answer did he realize he spoke aloud. 

"If you must know little bat it is because we might have had a few too much to drink, and I for one did not want to be placed someone unknown away from some of the only people I know."

Dammit, now everything made sense. Man, he wanted to tease some more, but since everything was so rational, he just could not find the words. The urge to spar came over him with a renewed effort. 

"Hey Az, care to spar with me, I know you could use it." He knew Az would see right through him and know that in fact it was Cass that needed to burn off some emotion, but Az declined to comment in the presence of Celaena. Yet, he did not fail to notice the excitement that went through Celaena's eyes with the word spar, neither did Az. Since Az always wanted people to feel included, he was the first to capitalize on the situation. 

"Care to join us? We can teach you some self defense if you would like." 

She gave a little smile. "That would be wonderful, but if we are to do that, could I be given some proper clothes. This shirt is mighty comfy, but I worry that it would be improper to wear it in the ring." What a smart ass. But ever the gentleman, Azriel untangled himself and got up in the search for something to wear. It was only then when Cassian saw the pile of female clothes in the corner topped with jewels, coins, and watch pieces. How Celaena managed to snag them was beyond him. 

"Fun night?"

Cassian saw her turn her gaze to the jewels as well. "Indeed." 

Aelin

Last night did take off the edge, and the fact that Azriel was a great cuddler was an added bonus. Cassian waking them up, not so much. But when she heard spar, oh was she pleased. it was easy to let they think that she was defenseless, but that gave her the advantage of learning their technique. She let Azriel rummage around for something that she could wear and was pleasantly surprised  when he procured  some fighting leathers. They were not like her assassin's suit, but they would do. 

With that she shoed the boys out so that she could change, and told they to wait outside the door till she was done. It was a little hard to pull they up, but once on, they seemed to fit her like a glove. One cursory check in the mirror told her that it made her ass look magnificent. Now that that was complete, she opened the door and went about to following Az and Cass, but not before she saw something close to lust shine in both of their eyes. 

When they finally made it to the training area, she felt elated. There were rows of swords, daggers, throwing daggers, punching bags, fighting rings, and so much more. They did not know the threat that they just let onto the roof.  

Now this was a place she could call home.

Sorry this chapter is shorter than usual. Exam season is upon me and is brutal. So that is also why I am sorry for posting a little infrequently and such. But as always, comments, questions, concerns, and criticisms are greatly appreciated!

With love, 

UnaDisgrace123