Only You

Distances

As much as Aelin had wanted Rowan to come back to her rooms with her and stay the night like he usually did, they both agreed that maybe it was for the best that they return to their own separate rooms.

It felt strange when she finally nestled under the covers and there was no one next to her. She had gotten too used to him being beside her and now the bed felt cold and empty without him there. She rolled to her side and stared at Rowan's spot. She cursed herself for being like this— in one week they would be able to spend every night together. She should count herself lucky.

She tossed and turned for a while longer. Long enough for the fire in her room to reduce to embers. The air became chill and she flicked her hand and reignited the flames, flooding the room with heat once again.

She turned over and caught sight of the box on her nightstand, it was flicked open to reveal the engagement ring Rowan had given her only hours earlier. The gold band shone in the light, almost glowing. She smiled to herself. How had it only been a couple of months since she had known him? Since her life had been turned upside down— in the best way possible. It seemed like only yesterday she had been leaving Sam's apartment after a tumble in the sheets; completely unaware that the next day she would meet her mate. The words still felt unfamiliar.

And so much had happened since then too. Orlon's imminent retirement and her subsequent taking of the throne, her wedding, Lysandra having a child. Her life had always been a bit of a whirlwind, but it seemed the last few months had intensified even further.

Aelin finally dimmed the flames and snuggled further into the bed.

It seemed like the first time in forever where the future actually excited her.

She tried to ignore the voice in the back of her head that was telling her it was all too easy. Finding Rowan at such an important time in her life. Sam accepting their fate... the general contentedness in Terrasen.

That voice told her it was all going to end, that it had been peaceful for too long— that things had been too good.

She took in a deep breath and released it slowly. The worries of tomorrow are for tomorrow. She did not need to ruin what had been a beautiful day with any of the what ifs.

~

Aelin woke in the morning to bright sunshine streaming through the window.

She stretched out, turning to the side where Fleetfoot was curled in a ball. Aelin smiled at the sight. The dog was fickle and liked to go from person to person— despite being Aelin's dog officially.

It was quiet as she stepped from her bed, the stone cold on her feet. There were no footsteps in the hallway, no crackling fire, no birdsong outside. Just silence.

Despite the frigid temperature, she opened up the patio door and loitered just inside, but close enough that she was able to let the cold winter air caress her. The breeze was soft and light as it danced around her. She closed her eyes and let herself enjoy the moment of silence— for soon enough that silence would be broken.

Her fae hearing picked up on the flutter of wings, and then the sound of footsteps crunching in the snow. She smiled as she scented who it was and opened her eyes to Rowan.

He watched her for a moment and returned a smile as he took her in. Aelin remained in her nightgown, her arms and legs bare against the chilly winter morning. Her skin covered in goosebumps as the cold finally found its grip. She shivered and in a flash Rowan was there. He shook off his jacket, resting it over her shoulders as he spun her around and led her back into the warmth of the bedroom.

"You'll catch a cold standing out there in nothing but a nightgown." He chided.

Rowan directed her to the armchair near the fire and let her settle down into it.