#fenghan

Had her fair golden hair and signature Ashryver eyes not given away her identity, her demeanor surely would have. Clad in a plain tunic and breeches, one hip cocked with her hand resting upon it, Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius stared at him with a raised brow. A regal queen indeed. She seemed to radiate light and warmth.

“You’d think I’d be notified it when yet another Fae bastard steps foot in my city.” She threw a mocking glare at Fenrys to which he responded with a smile. Then she inclined her head to Rowan, and the pair seemed to communicate silently. The look on Whitethorn’s face while he looked at her... carranam, mated, and married.

Something quite like envy rushed through him at that look, something he squashed down with all his might.

Aelin clicked her tongue and Vaughan took that as a message to lift his head just a bit. “My name is Vaughan Emani. It would seem I owe you my gratitude for keeping my friends alive while I could not.”

The queen just raised her brows, a smirk on her face, “Well they certainly didn't make it easy.” A scoff came from one of the other males, then the queen spoke to them. “I like this one, he can stay.” Vaughan rose to his feet.

The queen was shorter than him, slight yet muscular. Despite her small frame, it was clear who owned the room.

She quickly embraced Fenrys. That gesture alone… It was apparent that Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius was not Maeve. She was not a vicious ruler who would use her blood sworn to commit atrocities. Beneath any swagger and arrogance, she was kind. Vaughan found himself feeling hopeful for the world she would construct. He looked to Fenrys as if to ask, This is the queen you are bound to?

Fenrys held back a grin. She is all that and more, feather brain.

Dog breath. Vaughan threw back. Aelin looked between the two males--assessing them--and smiled. Her knowing gaze bore into him and Vaughan felt his cheeks heat.

“As pleasant as staring at you Fae males all day would be, I’d like to talk to the newest cranky old bastard in my house,” Aelin said as she put her hands in her pockets. “Alone, so find somewhere else to be.”

Vaughan followed the pair with his eyes as they made for the door. Ignoring his silent plea for company, Fenrys and Whitethorn quickly made their exit. Aelin closed the door behind them with a click of the wood. The fireplace cracked, the flames seeming to grow a bit larger as he stared at them.

“Tell me, Vaughan. Why are you here?” The queen did not dance around the subject.

“Maeve is dead, I merely wanted to meet the only individual strong enough to finally end her.” He wondered if she could see it as the lie it truly was.

As she strolled to a tufted chair and sat heavily, the queen observed, “You had plenty of opportunity to do so after Lorcan's blood oath was severed. Your cadre hasn't seen nor heard from you for years. So, let's try this again.” Her gold-rimmed eyes met his. “Why are you here?”

Vaughan exhaled shallowly. He was here for his mate. He hadn't thought much farther than that. What would he do if Fenrys wanted to give him a chance? What would he do if he didn't? It made his hands shake and his heart clench to think about.

Fenrys did not owe Vaughan anything. If... if he told him to never see him again, Vaughan would take off through the sky without hesitation. But, despite all the dark thought in his head, Vaughan held that one warm kernel of hope in himself that Fenrys would possibly open his heart.

The Soldier of the Sea stood beside the bright fireplace. He rubbed hands together and met those burning eyes. “I came to see what sort of kingdom Terrasen would become, the future of our destroyed world.” He paused. “And to meet the woman who saved my mate’s life. Thank you.”

Neither of them had to clarify who Vaughan spoke of. Aelin’s face was passive, her posture at ease. She smiled grimly, hopefully. “I was returning the favor. Fenrys stayed by my side when I was alone. And he has sacrificed much for doing so.” She took a breath in. “He is a good male.”

“Indeed.”

“Finally, one of you males that speaks honestly.”

Vaughan laughed in quick burst of air, and took the seat across from her.

“Ultimately, I shall leave the choice to the two of you, but as far as I am concerned, you are welcome to join this court, Vaughan.”

A choice, something neither he nor Fenrys had had in a long time. This woman truly was nothing like any ruler he had known before. A queen who cared for those in her company, who left none behind. “I understand. Thank you, your Majesty.”

She chuckled. “Don’t start with the titles now, call me Aelin.” The pair both rose from their seats and made for the door. The young queen was stone-faced, a flicker of fire falling from her fingertips, “And Vaughan,”

“Yes?”

“Do not hurt him. It will be the last thing you do.” She turned on her heel with a smirk. “Good luck. And congratulations.”

With that threat, she left him in the doorway. His hands were shaking, his breathing fast, and he could hear his own heartbeat in his ears. Vaughan swept his tongue over his lips, steeling himself, and began following his mate’s scent through the halls.

:Previous Part: :Next Part: