Only You

Distractions

Aelin tried to busy herself in the coming days. She would wake just as the sun bathed the palace in its soft glow; when the world was still and all was quiet. She would leave her rooms, and would run for miles, until her lungs were burning and her legs sore. She would bathe and eat breakfast in her room, usually on her own, but sometimes with Aedion or Lysandra. No one mentioned Rowan or their curiosity to what had happened.

Aelin had not gone back to training with her magic, something always feeling off, like she was missing a piece of herself— it wasn't hard to figure out what that could be— nonetheless she avoided using it.

The days meandered on, passing by with little excitement. Her afternoons were spent looking after the other Whitethorn family members or joining Orlon in meetings. Aelin found the monotony of meetings kept her mind from wandering too far into itself— they kept her from thinking of the gaping hole that was left in the absence of Rowan.

It had been nine days since his departure and she couldn't deny the ache in her chest. She still did not know the real reason for his leaving. Endymion had said it was urgent business, but wouldn't state what business, and Sellene wouldn't even see Aelin alone, only acknowledging her existence at dinners or to deliver glum looks in passing. So Aelin tried to forget, giving herself no time or opportunity to sulk over Rowan or Sam.

The weekend proved difficult when she couldn't busy herself with court dealings, but she found solace in Lysandra and their rides through the mountains. Which is where she found herself, bundled up in fur and leathers, teeth trembling at the bitterly cold wind that was blowing against the two of them as they made their way up the steep mountain path.

"Tell me again why this was a good idea?" Lysandra said. Her voice muffled by the maroon scarf she had wrapped up to her nose.

"It's good to get fresh air. Plus the sunsets are beautiful from up here at this time of year." Aelin could feel her toes going numb, she'd already lost the feeling in the tips of her fingers.

Lysandra let out a huff, her sandy horse doing the same. "I could've been curled up by the fire devouring the almond tart that Aedion got me."

Aelin rolled her eyes. She would never admit it to Lysandra, but she too, wanted to be bundled by the crackling fire with a good book and a hot cup of tea. She would never admit it though.

"It's only a few minutes longer, Lys." She could already see the final curve in the road that led to a ruined temple; abandoned hundreds of years ago, but still in good enough condition to go in and watch the sun as it would flood the inside with a golden glow. She imagined the temple was built there for that specific reason.

"Is there a reason you're not heating us both up with your fire? I could really do with that right about now."

Lysandra was right of course, but Aelin hadn't touched her magic, and every time she went to use it, she froze, her magic nowhere to be seen. "We're building character. It's good for us."

"I have plenty of character already." Lysandra pulled the scarf up higher, her emerald eyes squinting. "Please tell me that's the top."

The temple was in front of them now, the grey stone crumbling in places, ivy and plants swallowing the walls in their green claws; winding their way into the cracks and crevices.

"This place is so creepy." Lysandra hopped of her horse, inspecting their surroundings. "I hate it."

"Stop being such a baby. There's literally nothing here Lys." Aelin followed suit, jumping from her own horse and following Lysandra inside.

The ceilings were high, a huge dome rose above them as they entered the central part of the temple. The floors were once white marble, the walls covered in markings that had become indistinguishable. Tall pillars of stone circled the outer edge of the room, plants curling around them. Aelin could almost imagine the beauty that this once would have been. Towards the other side of the room a tall window stood, the view looking over the meadows and forests that eventually turned into the sparkling waters of the sea. The sun had started sinking into the horizon and Aelin lent on the ledge of the window, basking in the last rays, watching as the sky changed colours.