Reign of Embers

Chapter 39 - The nursery

Aelin

I open my eyes to find myself surrounded my mate's warmth and scent, the dark sky full of stars outside the window, my body aching all over.

"Ow." I groan, and I feel Rowan stiffen.

"Hey Fireheart, how are you feeling?" He says quietly, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Like shit." I mutter, and he forces a small laugh. "What happened?"

"You had a magic flare up. The healers say it was probably caused by the twins."

"Did I hurt anyone?" I whisper, dreading the answer.

"Nothing serious." He replies, voice strained, and pulls me tighter.

"Elide?" I ask, vaguely recalling her presence before my memory fades.

"She'll be fine. Lorcan was pissed at first, but he'll get over it. He's been forcing Elide to rest, otherwise she would be here right now."

I curse under my breath before breaking down into tears. "I really hurt her didn't I?" I gasp out.

He sighs, "she doesn't blame you Aelin," and holds me tight as I sob.

I try to tell him everything I can remember, but my memory is foggy.

"When was it?" I ask, "Who won the competition?"

"Three days ago." He croaks out, "You've been unconscious for three days."

"I've woken up before this haven't I? That's why you sound so upset. I've asked this all before."

He doesn't answer, but I know it's true.

"You still haven't answered me. Who won?"

"A demi-fae girl called Lucia won the under 18s, a fae boy called Alyx won the under 15s but Josie and Gavriel came close despite being in the wrong age group. A human called Amber won the under 10s, Asterin and Aislinn put up a good fight. Orion won the under 5s, but Zephyr got hurt early on." Chaol and Dorian's kids returned to Terassen a few days ago for the tournament; they went home to Ardalan after we all agreed that if nearly all the royal children are in the same place, then that puts Hollin in a good position to take over the continent.

"Elide must be so proud." I whisper, smiling at the thought.

"She is, Lorcan too." He smiles back.

We sit in silence as the twins kick, Rowan's hand pressed to my abdomen.

I sigh, eyes stinging.

What is it? Rowan seems to say.

"I couldn't find you." I whisper, and I feel his muscles tense.

"I know, and I'm sorry. I was in the forest helping a kid that had been attacked by the Zraleski. I felt you through the bond and... I'm sorry I wasn't there sooner."

I sit up and turn to face him, "Hang on, what?"

"The Zraleski tried to take advantage of us having so many powerful children around. Luckily no one was taken, but we are back preparing for war."

"Any sign of Lysandra?"

"No, but the scouts have leads on where Hollin is hiding. There is a castle deep in the Staghorns. We are going to try and get a spy inside."

"How did we not know there is a castle there?" I ask, trying not to let it hurt that I've yet again managed to miss important events and information.

"The Lords said that all maps including it were destroyed, and it is further than most scouts tavel, so it isn't common knowledge."