Only You

Battering the Soul

Dorian and his cohorts arrived at lunchtime the next day. Aelin had woken early and spent a long time in the bath enjoying the warmth of the water. Rowan had joined her at some point and although they didn't have endless amounts of time at their disposal they had managed to spend time making love in the water.

They had finally broken away from each other when Elspeth had knocked on their door exclaiming breakfast was being served. Rowan had climbed out of the tub first, allowing Aelin to appreciate his toned body. She followed shortly after, dressing quickly and going down to breakfast.

Lysandra had finally got her appetite back and she was certainly making up for it. Every morning for the last couple of days her plate had been piled high and she was eating enough to feed Aedion and Rowan. If anyone tried to slow her down, she would snap at them and exclaim she was eating for two and that people should refrain from commenting on what she was putting into her body. Aelin had learnt very quickly that it was best not to say anything and instead just sneak her friend a couple of her own pastries onto her plate with a wink.

After breakfast she had parted ways with her family and spent a couple of hours with Orlon going over reports from the last year. She became more and more restless as her excitement to see her friends grew. It had been too long since she had seen Dorian and Chaol. Two years ago she had been invited to Dorian's coronation but had been on a diplomatic trip to the Southern Continent that became delayed and much to her disappointment wasn't able to make it in time. She had sent Dorian a mountain of books as an apology.

When a guard tapped on the door only five minutes later and informed them they had arrived, Aelin had to refrain from jumping from her seat and running to the front doors of the palace.

Orlon took one her look at her and sighed. "Go on. I'll be there soon."

She thanked him and bowed before rushing past the guard and down the hallways. She tried to refrain from running, instead settling on a fast walk that earned her some curious glances from people she passed.

When she spotted Chaol by the doors she couldn't stop herself. She sprinted toward him, a grin on her face as she practically launched herself into his arms, letting him spin her around slightly. The two of them laughing.

"I can't believe you're here!" She cried.

"I can't believe you're getting married!" He matched with the same enthusiasm.

She laughed again and hugged him tight. "Thank you for being here."

"Of course."

Someone cleared their throat behind her and she swivelled round to take in a grinning Dorian.

"Dorian!" She ran into his open arms and squeezed. "I've missed you." She murmured into his neck.

"Likewise." He chuckled.

She pulled away. "How was your trip? Where's Manon?" She looked to Chaol, "and Yrene?"

Chaol pulled his cloak off. "Yrene is outside helping put the horses away. I told her you had people to do that... but she insisted."

Aelin nodded in understanding. "I have a favour to ask her, if it's not too bothersome."

"I'm sure it'll be no problem."

Aelin turned back to Dorian who was instructing one of his guards. She waited for him to finish before speaking. "So... Manon?"

Dorian shrugged. "Weddings aren't really her thing."

Aelin smiled softly. "I get it." She approached Dorian and linked her arm through his own, extending her other to Chaol. "Come on. You need to meet Rowan."