Crossing Paths

19

Celaena's POV
Heels. I hate heels. They make this whole experience that much more unbearable. Whoever invented these damned things should be skinned then stabbed in the throat. I sighed through my nose, in some attempt to calm myself. Hurrying my walk, my heels clacked against the glass floor. I wiped at my eyes as noble blood walked past me, offering concerned looks and beginning to come to me.
"Miss Lillian, is anything the matter?" The two men stopped in front of me. I took a deep breath, preparing to answer to the best of my abilities.
"Yes, no need to worry." I nodded, holding my stomach in nervousness. I must leave.
Offering their arm,"Here, let us take you back to His Highness. This way." The other man put his hand on my shoulder.
"No!" I spoke louder. "I need to get to my rooms is all." I begged, tugging my arm away from him, almost forcing myself backward to evade their hold.
"You do not look-"
"Please!" I gasped, my tears finally falling. That just made them come closer.
"Come on, lady. Let us help you." They tried again to guide.
"Let me go!" I screamed, throwing them off of me. Their bewildered stare sent my feet moving.

I ran.

Grabbing the folds of my dress, my heart beat raced as I put one foot in front of the other and moved forward.
"Miss!" One of the men, the man with the red vest shouted after me. I ignored him, shaking my head.
Then they grabbed my arms from behind and flung me backwards. Falling to the ground, my face scraped against the glass and left a scathe. I hissed, if not for the pain that shot through me than for the sound. Blood dribbled, my bangs now in my face with the force of the impact.

Third Person POV
Their boots tapped against the floor, and the smile on their face led her to believe they couldn't see her own feral grin. A foot away now, her hand gripped the only thing she needed. In one quick motion, she struck.

And her vision swam.

Their shouts echoed in the hall, and she scrambled backward. She has been outed now, there was no way she could explain her way out of this.

She is going back to Endovier.

Her heart clenched and tears stung her vision, reminding her that she is not free even if she is here.
She got up and turned, but a hold stopped her from moving anymore, braced at her upper arms.
"Lillian." His voice filled her thoughts. Staring into his chest, she shook.
And she knew why. Hell awaits her.
He bent down to her, "Celaena look at me." He whispered. She looked up, parts of her hair slightly tangled and left in strands in her face.
"Chaol." She breathed, and then wrapped herself around him.

Chaol's POV
The assassin in front of me was trembling, and then she buried herself into me. I returned the embrace, concerned for her safety. My attention immediately went to the men kneeling just behind her.
"Care to explain what is going on? Why is His Highnesses'-,"a strangled, choked sob escaped her, "lady in distress?" I swallowed, looking at the men who were responsible for Celaena's state. They staggered up, clutching their ankles. With a raised eyebrow, I examined them. Not a very serious injury, the cut not very deep.
"We were just trying to guide her back to His Highness, Captain. We meant no harm."
I motioned to Celaena, keeping her where she was and not showing them her wavering body. I would never embarrass her like that.
"She looks quite harmed to me." I stared at them.
"Captain-"
Holding up a hand. "Gentlemen, forgive me but The Lady needs to be attended to." I turned and guided her as far away from those men as possible.
And she hadn't left my hold for the whole journey to her rooms.

Celaena's POV
"Celaena." I closed my eyes and moved back, out of his arms.
"What happened?" He breathed.
I rubbed my red eyes. "Nothing." My voice became firm instantly. Like a robot. It made me sick.
"That didn't look like nothing." I looked away.
He placed a hand on my shoulder, and I denied the sense of warmth, that sense of safety that plunged into me.
"I was playing the part, okay?" His eyes were still caring. "I needed to look helpless."
He crossed his arms, his muscles flexing. I bit my lip, instead staring at his face.
"By their injured ankles I'm quite sure they no longer think of you as such." His voice was firm, but there was a tinge of a smile. I grumbled.
"Where'd you get the weapon?" He prodded.
"That is none of your concern." I reminded, making to move past him. He closed the gap between us to stare directly into my eyes. And my back brushed against the wall.
And then there was his gaze. Brown with flecks of gold around the irises, it was hard to look anywhere else. I wouldn't let myself.
He leaned against the wall, leaving a foot gap between us.
My hand rested by his head, and without me thinking, my body swayed forward. His eyes gleamed. Crap, I think he noticed.
"Celaena, you are strong." My head tilted at the compliment, and he looked toward my hands, gently grabbing my right.
His thumb brushed along the back of it, and my heart rate increased.
"But you aren't able to handle all the pain that is thrown at you." His gaze flickered back to mine, and I held it.
My throat became dry with his stare. It was as if he saw right through the wall I built so hard to keep up.
He broke it down without me even realizing it.
His hand went to my cheek, caressing the new edition to my scars.

Thanks assholes.

"Chaol." I murmured. He looked guilty and dropped his hand, like he didn't realize what he was doing. And that safety was gone.
"I must get back. Your servant will help you with the scar." He offered me a brisk smile and attempted to walk off. As if he'd get away that easy.

"Actually, I'd much prefer your help." He stopped and turned around, and I grinned.
His face reddened and he straightened.
"Alright then." Was his brief response before passing me and entering my rooms.
My smirk followed him despite the ache that overtook my face.

      --------------15 min later----------------

"You're doing it wrong!" I screamed.
"Stay still and it will be right!" I huffed and let him put the bandage over the cut.
This is humiliating.
"There." He breathed. I hopped off the chair and went to the mirror in my bedroom.
I turned my face, looking at my reflection repeatedly. I saw him through the mirror, he had his arms braced at his knees as he sat and was looking at me like he was irritated.
"Well?" He questioned, awaiting my approval.
I pouted, thinking of a comeback. He did do a pretty damn good job.
I looked down at my nails, picking at them as to buy me some time.
My gaze returned to the mirror, and I flinched. He was standing behind me.
I faced him.
"I could've done a better job." I remarked. He chuckled, and nodded.

I went into my closet, picking out one of my floral night gowns. I expected him to be gone when I arrived back but he was still standing there.
"Chaol, I am a lady. And a lady needs her privacy when she needs to change." I reminded.
His gaze drifted to the floor, his hands wringing.
"I don't think it would be wise to leave you alone."
This should be interesting. I threw my nightgown on the bed and faced him. My hands on my hips, "Care to explain?"
"You could be harmed."
I laughed, and he looked confused.
"And why do you care as to what happens to His Highness' betrothed?"
Without a moment's hesitation he walked up to me. I would have laughed except the intensity in his gaze had me unable to.
"Even if you are His Highness' betrothed, that does not mean you are incapable of being hurt. We wouldn't want to tarnish that pretty face, now would we?" As he said this, his thumb grazed my upper cheek with featherlike precision.
"I don't think Dorian would be too happy about that." I tried to tease, to ignore the thrill that ran through my body at his touch.
He bent toward me and kissed my cheek. My body ignited.
"I plan on it." He murmured into my ear. He pulled away, and I became confused.

"A challenge is always more fun."