The Princess

Delaying an Attack

I notice that Mauve and Erawan halt. The army behind them doing the same.

My hands start shaking and I almost drop my weapons, but I manage to keep my grip on them.

I will not allow these monsters to take one more step toward my home.

"You've traveled a very long time, Aelin," Mauve says.

I angle Glodryn as I meet Erawans golden stare.

I realize that he recognizes the sword as his eyes flare.

I bare my teeth as the flame on my sword glows brighter.

"Shall we, then?" Mauve asks turning towards Erawan.

Erawan continues looking at me and hesitates.

'Good let him hesitate and think that I still have all of my power' I think to myself.

I only hope that the people I love know what I'm doing and take the opportunity to run and live.

I give Erawan a sketched bow.

"We've met a few times but never as we truly are," I say.

I wink at him.

"Pretty as this form is, Erawan, I think I miss Perrigton, just a little bit," I say.

I notice Mauve's nostrils flare.

I also notice slight amusement in Erawan's eyes.

"Was it fate, that we encountered each other in Rifthold without realizing it?" He asks.

I shrug.

"Fate or luck?" I gesture to the battlefield as I continue.

"This is a far grander setting for our final confrontation, don't you think? Far more worthy of us," I say.

"Enough of this!" Mauve hissed.

I raise an eyebrow.

"I've spent the past year of my life—ten years, if you consider it that way—building to this moment," I say.

I click my tongue.

"Forgive me if I want to savor it. Getting to talk to my greatest enemy for longer than a moment," I say.

Erawan chuckled.

"One might think that you are trying to delay us, Aelin Galathynius," Erawan says.

I gesture to the city walls behind me.

"From what? The keys are gone, the gods with them. You did know that, didn't you?" I ask giving them a smile.

Erawans face looses the amusement.

"I did you a favor, you know," I tell them with a shrug.

"Don't let her talk! We end this now!" Mauve mutters.

I laugh.

"One would think that you are afraid of delay, Mauve," I say.

Timeskip
"I hope you have enjoyed yourself these past few moments," Mauve says as she steps forward.

"Eternally so," I say a give her a mocking bow.

"I suppose I'll be more entertained when I wipe you from the face of the earth," I tell her.

"Gods above, that will be a sight to see," I continue.

Mauve extended a hand; darkness swirling around her palm.

"There are no gods left to help you, Aelin Galathynius," Mauve says.

I smile as Goldryn burns brighter.

"I am a god!" I say as I unleash myself on them.