In The Mist of Shadows

Chpt. 31

Roen woke still exhausted and very much in deep pain, even his bones screamed at him as he rose from bed. Once Elain left he tried to sleep but in this new realm, in a stranger's home, surrounded by strangers... It wasn't on the table, so he delved into every book he could until two hours ago. Two hours, that's all he got and every part of him was feeling it.

It took him way too long to change into the clothes given to him by said strangers, lace up his boots and walk out to the dining area. Rhysand was the only one at the large table, another full array of foods before him. "Rough night?" The High Lord asked before turning his attention back to the book in front of him. Maybe that's where Adela got her love for books.

"It was fine. May I grab something for breakfast?"

The High Lord looked at him with utter confusion as to why he was asking permission but merely nodded and waved to the whole table. Roen sat down with a muffled groan that made a bottle of 'Pain Medicine' appear in front of him. Roen blinked at it. "You look like you could use it."

"I'm fine, just need to stretch." He scooped some eggs and meats on his plate before nearly devouring them.

Rhysand pretended not to watch but silently waited for Roen to be done before speaking. "I'm going to visit Adela, would you like to come?"

"Is she awake?"

"No. But some say they can still hear you." Rhysand went back to his book on the dead and the after realm.

"You believe it?"

"After recent events, I'm starting to question if I was wrong not to."

Roen thought for a moment. "I don't think Azriel would like me joining you."

"They're newly mated and you are a male whom he doesn't know... Give him time."

"Fine, only because I need a healer to help me with my dressings... They're particularly gross this morning." And indeed they were, they were particularly wet and goopy. Roen nearly gagged at the sight.

"You could have asked anyone around here to help." Rhysand looked to him with a knowing glance.

"I didn't see her yet." Roen knew he was talking about Elain.

"I could have helped as well, but Madja would probably like to see how it's doing so we leave in an hour." Rhysand got up and began walking but found himself pausing at the archway. "Elain is mated." He spoke softly.

"I wasn't-"

"Even if you were, please be respectful. She has gone through enough, so if she finds comfort in you-" He sounded like he was choking on his words. "Please just be respectful."

"I will."

~

When the males walked into the healers' chambers- more their own manor- they walked along to the back where Adela was still asleep, and Azriel. His tear-stained face looked pale and his eyes had dark rings under them suggesting he had just now fallen asleep. Rhysand asked Madja if he had eaten to which the healer shook her head with a frown.

"I'm not hungry." Azriel muttered as he stirred awake from the sudden noise.

"Go find something to eat, I would like to have a moment anyways." Rhysand ordered as he pulled up a stool.

Azriel was hesitant, even disobeyed for the longest he ever had. But eventually he gave in and walked to the kitchens. Roen was led with Madja to another cot with a sad expression on his face, the male must have expected her to be awake by now. Even Rhysand was hoping she would be as well.