A Court in Flames

Chapter 18

Rowan's POV

"Why did you do that!" Aedion shouted at me and I put my head in my hands. This was the fourth fight between us this week and it was only Monday.

"Are you kidding me! Why do you think I did it! We're trying to maintain peace because without a certain Fire-breathing bitch Queen we are weak!" I shouted back at him.

"You can't let them walk all over us!" Aedion shouted back.

"And I won't! But this was a stupid argument, to begin with!" I told him while walking out. Aelin had always been diplomatic. She got exactly what her kingdom needed and if I was being honest with myself, Aedion was right. I had let them walk all over us.

"What do you want Fenrys?" I asked wearily.

"He's right. You did let them walk all over us. I mean you gave Terrasen almost nothing in return. Melisande is going to be back and they're going to push harder than last time and you're going to have to be stronger or put someone like Aedion in charge of it." I nodded in agreement.

"I just don't get it. Why did she have to leave?" I asked him.

"Do you seriously think that she was enjoying her life for eight months? She probably lost all hope, Rowan. I mean at least with Maeve you found her quickly enough, but this time no-one found her. We had entire kingdoms searching. Maybe she just gave up." He said with a sad smile and a shrug.

"I just wish I had gotten to see her one last time," I told him and he nodded.

"She probably wished the same thing. But right now you need to be strong our the court is going to collapse and when the court collapses-"

"So does the kingdom," I finished his sentence. I smiled grimly. And that was exactly what was beginning to happen. The court was going up in flames. The very flames that had once fueled it for so long.

---------------------------------------------------

"Aedion. We need to talk," I told him as I matched his stride.

"What do you want?" He grumbled.

"I want to put you in charge of the diplomatic meetings between other countries. You know what's best for Terrasen and I know you'll get through to Melisande better than I would," I said and put a hand on his shoulder.

He looked at me then. "You sure?"

"I wouldn't be asking you if I wasn't," I told him.

"Look, Rowan..."

"You want the job? Because I'm still trying to adjust to life without Aelin," Gods just saying her name almost brought tears to my eyes. "And I need someone with Terrasen's best interests at heart. And we need to keep this court from burning down," I explained. Almost an apology. But Aelin had once told me for being myself so I wouldn't. I had my hand outstretched because I wanted him to do this with me.

He grasped my hand, "I think that's the closest thing to an apology you've ever given me. Together we'll keep this court standing." He said with a small smile.

"Finally! You two realize that your bickering is pointless. Now. Will someone please get me some cake. I'm starving!" Lysandra said while rubbing her, rather large, stomach. 

"If Aelin was still alive I'd warn you about how annoying females are while they are pregnant," Aedion said and Lysandra let loose a ruthless growl. Aedion raised his hands, "I'm going! I'm going!"

"So. Aedion's your new negotiator?" I nodded. "Will, that bring him away from home more?"

"It might. But, I've been doing a horrible job so it was necessary."