Sam, Celaena and Nehemia walked back to their chambers in silence. It was just before sunset, and Celaena was supposed to meet with Chaol in just a few minutes.
Sam faced Celaena when they went their separate ways, Sam to the hall and Celaena to her room. "See you around, Lady Lillian."
You lucky bastard, she thought to herself, annoyed that Sam had escaped her interrogation early.
She gave him a look so signal that that conversation was not over, to which Sam chuckled at. He inclined his head to Nehemia. "Your Highness," he said, and went on his way.
Celaena sighed and looked at the figure walking away from her. She could see Nehemia looking at her curiously.
"You can ask about it, if you'd like."
Nehemia laughed and smiled lightly. "You should talk to him. Whatever it is between you two, just remember that nothing lasts forever. Some dispute humanity's ephemerality, they deny that their time will one day come to an end." She put a hand on Celaena's shoulder. "Make the most of your time here, Lillian. For me." ~A/N: life coach nehemia at your service~
Celaena was once again deserted by another one of her companions, left alone to mull over the princesses words.
****
"You wanted to see me, Captain?" Celaena asked, desperately wanting the day to be over so she can finally collapse into bed and let slumber embrace her.
Chaol looked over at her, the corners of his mouth quirking up a little at her exasperated expression and weary stance.
"Woah," he said, laughing a little. "What's with you? It's Samhuinn, cheer up!"
Celaena glared at him. "Says the very man who got insulted when I said I didn't care for his dragging presentation on the life cycle of shrubbery."
Chaol's expression turned stony in a seconds. "Mention that again," he said, voice guttural and pride clearly injured, "and I'll tell cain about how Celaena Sardothien, Arobynn Hamel's assassin, had a bubble bath not but a day ago."
Celaena's head whipped around. One moment she was standing there, the next an embroidered pillow was flying at Chaol, smashing into his face.
"How the hell do you know about that?"
Chaol chuckled, reaching down to grab the pillow that had fallen onto the floor and to place it on a nearby couch. "I am not Captain of the Guard for no reason, Sardothien."
Celaena raised an eyebrow, the distaste and criticism on her face adamant. "Philippa told you?"
He nodded sheepishly. "She could hardly stop laughing." He straightened. "Anyway, as amusing as it is, I didn't just come here to mock you."
Celaena snorted.
"There is a ball for Samhuinn tonight-"
Celaena jerked upright. "Really? Why didn't you tell me earlier? Who else is coming-"
"But you are not invited."
Celaena stilled and slowly turned around. "So you're telling me," she began, "that you came all this way to my chambers, just to tell me that there is a ball that I can't attend."
Chaol looked taken back, not expecting this reaction. "I . . ."
Celaena smiled sweetly and advanced on him, hand instinctively reaching out to her trusting weapon, the pillow. "I'm sorry," she said, not sorry at all, "did I stutter?"
"Celaena, stop being a child. I'm sure-"
"Are the other competitors allowed to go?"
Chaol hesitated, then shook his head. "No, it's for the guards and visitor of the castle."
YOU ARE READING
After Everything
Fantasy"it was like a dance. a dance of silver and blades and speed. they danced around one another, moving in time, as if it had been rehearsed a hundred times before. they fought like old lovers, as if they knew the others next moves like it was written...
