[On Hold] The Assassin's New Beginning

19

***Hey guys,

No promises, but I might write a bit every now and then. I'm still going to keep the book on hold. The chapters will probably be shorter, so it'll be easier for me to commit as well

As always, sorry for any mistakes and thank you for reading!***

Ben had given up on chastising her on her habit of throwing knives at furniture. He just shook his head and left the room. Celaena was drowsy and her hand was aching. Yesterday was too strenuous. Maybe she should rest a bit today. But she couldn't. After Sam had accused her of being arrogant, she couldn't reinforce his opinion.

Though, she really didn't want to train today......

She sighed and pushed herself out of bed and got ready for the morning. She checked her parcel bag. The contents were tucked safely in there. She had to find a place put the quartz. It was taking up half the space of her bag.

After contemplating, she got out into the hall. As she came to the intersection, she was joined by Geoffrey. He looked like he got out of bed, pulled on some clothes and came running out. His dark hair was sticking in all directions. When he noticed her staring, he ran a hand through his hair. Immediately, he stifled a yawn and squeezed his eyes shut.

Celaena side glanced at him. "Had a night, I assume?"

Geoffrey rolled back his shoulders. "You could say that."

They went to the hall and sat. Despite all the chatter and clinks of cutlery, they remained silent. Celaena had other things in mind, like last night. She continued to rerun the whole night until she no longer had anything to add.

She furrowed her brows. What kind of request was that? To follow a messenger around town? Couldn't anyone do that?

She didn't notice until later that Geoffrey had taken her scones.

"Hey!" She laughed halfheartedly. "What was that for?" To that, she picked off a tart from his plate.

Geoffrey scrunched his nose. "I never was fond of that."

Celaena rolled her eyes.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you." Geoffrey added, before they departed . "We're sharing the role of training with Archer."

"Why?" Without intending to, she rose from her seat and frowned.

"Hey, Arobynn told me." He said, throwing his hand up. "Don't shoot the messenger."

A chill ran down Celaena's spine. The messenger, right. She decided to press on.

"Did he tell you why he so much relieved me of half my job."

Geoffrey paused and thought for a moment.

"I don't think he did, now that you've mentioned it."

"Are you sure he didn't make any remark that included, oh I don't know, incompetent, inadequate or a lous-" Sam had joined their table.

"You're calling me incompetent?" Celaena scoffed, trying to put off his remark. Though, that obviously enraged her more. "Listen to yourself talk, you incompetent son of a -"

"This is quite a progressive morning, wouldn't you say?" Archer smoothly slid next to Celaena. Celaena huffed, but was cut off when she saw her last scone taken by Archer.

"You, unbearable little-"

"Yep, definitely a progressive morning." Archer had cut her off. Again. He nudged her head with his palm. "What? Did you have a bad night. You do know that my bed is always available at your -"

Sam choked up his croissant, cheeks red. Celaena smirked and decided not to punch Archer in the crotch, just for that one.

----

Obviously, Arobynn had let Archer and Geoffrey know ahead of time, because they left her without another word. Celaena fumed, just a bit.

She returned to her room and went for a change of clothes. Pants, black. Shirt, black. Cloak, no question, black. She simply hooked up a few daggers, really hoping that there might just be some action. She grabbed another sheet, one that Ben had dropped off in the morning, with Arobynn's instructions on it. She took the time to read it.

It was a schedule.

Arobynn had given her the messenger's schedule.

Just great.

Well, it was slightly helpful. The messenger was due here already. She set out to the hallway. She quickened the pace until she reached the main entrance where she saw a large burly figure; Damian. She scowled, almost completely forgetting their small encounter yesterday.

"Well, how is the princess?" he said, feigning a bow.

Celaena stared at him but didn't reply.

"You know, the correct thing to do would be to reply."

"Were you at the front entrance?"

Damian raised his eyebrows. "Yes. Why?"

"Everyone else is at training." She glared.

"I could say the same for you."

Then Celaena broke off the stare. The messenger. She brusquely, stepped away from Damian and made it to the door.

----

It was only when she exited when she realised that she had been holding her breath. It wasn't easy dealing with Damian. But he's been getting harder to avoid these past few days.

She shook her head, hoping to shake her thought out as well.

It was time to find him..