Fireheart: A "Throne of Glass" Fanfiction

Chapter 15

Aelin held Braxon Whitethorn Galathynius, Prince of Terrasen and Heir to Gavriel in her lap. The boy was now eight.

It had been ten years, and Nehemia sat beside Aelin in a small throne. Aelin sent Braxon to his seat by his sister's side as her court filtered in. It still hit her hard to see her mortal friends sprouting grey hairs. Even Aedion had more wrinkles now.

"Court is in session. Reports." Aelin said. Aedion began, but was interupted by Evangeline.

"Aelin!" She cried out, running in. The guards moved, and Aelin waved them off. Aelin rushed to Evangeline.

"What is it, girl? Spit it out!" She commanded.

"Northern forts sent for help a day ago, the northern coast beyond the Staghorns is being invaded by an army flying unknown colors. They just landed on the coast and began slaughtering everything they came across." Evangeline said quickly.

"Send word to all allies. Call for aid. Aedion, get the Bane and intercept our new friends. Rowan, take the Guard and move with him. Sort out who is in charge between yourselves. Lysandra, Ren, Elide, evacuate your cities to Orynth and Perranth. Fenrys, get to Suria, Lorcan to Ilium. I want Rolfe in action and Suria to evacuate into Ilium. I will remain in Orynth and rally our allied forces from Adaralan and the Witches, as well as Gavriel and Samia. Maybe Wendlyn and the Khaganate will answer. Once we are rallied, I'll march north."

"End it quick?" Rowan asked.

"Is there a reason not to?"

"No." He answered. They kissed.

"Go, fight my war." She commanded.

"It would be my genuine pleasure." He turned into a bird and fluttered away. Lysandra shifted and flew after him.

"Did they have to exit so dramatically?" Elide said, walking through the front doors. Aelin looked to Ren, who gave a nod before leaving for Allsbrook. Aedion raced behind him. Lorcan and Fenrys were gone when Aelin turned around.

"You have no intention of staying to rally, do you?" Nehemia asked. Braxon looked between them, silent but aware.

"No. I am leaving that job to you. When they arrive, grant them the barracks and the palace. We have many empty rooms. Have the storerooms filled with bunks and bedrolls. Evangeline will say which nations will answer the call. Wait for them all to send a force. A day after they all arrive, send them marching and send Evangeline to me. She is a Lady of the Court and 10 years your elder, but make no mistake: you command her."

"What if I mess up?" Nehemia asked.

"You need to have faith in yourself. You will make mistakes. Thats okay. So did I. And don't worry. Once Manon gets here, and she will, she can take over. Maybe even teach you a thing or two." Aelin said. Nehemia nodded.

"I wouldn't give you more than you can bear. Trust that. Trust me. Trust yourself." Aelin looked at Braxon. "As for you, my young prince, you must behave. Your sister has a great responsibility. You will not cause her any more trouble or grief. That is an order." Aelin said. Braxon nodded. "Good. I will leave midday tomorrow. Get some sleep." She commanded.

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Aelin crumbled down onto him, laying on his bare chest.

"How do you get better every time?" Aelin asked.

"Familiarity." Rowan said.

"How well do you know my body by now? You probably know my insides better than I do." Aelin said. Rowan bit at her ear, and she breathed a laugh.