The Coronation Ball: A Night of Sentiments & Surprises (Kingdom of Ash Fanfic)

Untitled Part 1

"You tricky buzzard," Aelin whispered with a disbelieving shake of her head. "You've been holding out on me, husband. Whenever did you learn to dance so beautifully?"

With a knowing smirk, Rowan answered, "For once it was nice to be the one with the surprises." Content to have put that stunned glow on his wife's face he continued more seriously "you deserved a dance that would be talked about throughout the times." Peeking above his wife's head he added "and it seems we did just that."

Remembering they were in the grand room surrounded by their companions and allies, Aelin slowly lifted her gaze from her ever-surprising husband. Everywhere she looked, she met eyes filled with awe and shared happiness.

Standing together, as they would for the years to come, Dorian and Chaol dipped their heads in silent, proud support. Aelin couldn't help but smile broadly for them – the two men who helped start this journey and were here to see her down this new path. Chaol, of course, had one hand wrapped around Yrene's (soon to be growing) waist. Yrene's smile radiated warmth towards her, conveying unspoken words of gratitude to that tapestry that wove them all together. Aelin glowed it back. Nearby, Hasar caught the Queen's eye, silently mouthing "show off." Faking offense in response, Hasar's wink was all she needed to decide they were going to be friends. Aelin chuckled to herself as she continued her scan and was stopped by the fresh tears that rolled down Elide's face. This dance, representing loss and joy to her friend, grounded them both. Aelin acknowledged her friend, looking quickly to the stoic face of Lorcan before her own tears began. Lorcan, with care in his eyes, placed his hand firmly on Elide's back for support. Lysandra's delighted laughter next stole her attention. Her friend delighted as she watched Evangeline twirl in place, trying to replicate what she could only assume was her dance with Rowan. And nearby, even Darrow, the old man she knew would take years to warm up to, showed his appreciation; with a slight smile, he bowed his head to his Queen.

Before shock could take root, Aelin felt Rowan's warmth step away, and in his former place, stood a new partner. "My Queen," Aedion bowed with palm turned up in request. "May I have this dance?" 

Aelin met his stare and was transported back 12 years. To a time when he was but a prince and she a princess. He her protector and closest friend. She closed her eyes and opened them. And in front of her was a man. One who never stopped believing in her, never stopped protecting. With appreciation flooding her eyes, her answer was simple, "yes."

As the music began, other couples joined the dance. Through the twirls and steps, Aedion's smile never left his face. "I've waited a long time to see this happen," he paused in reflection. 

"I remember dreaming of it as a child – how I would dance with you at your coronation, as your blood sworn. How I would honor all that Rhoe and Orlon taught me, to be a worthy protector for you. I am so grateful I got this chance, my cousin." 

Tears filled Aelin's eyes as she acknowledged what this meant to the two of them. How much their road has twisted and turned. The gaping holes those beloved people left in their lives, now refilled with their growing court and new family. 

"Aedion" Aelin whispered, "thank you. Thank you for being my friend all those young years. For protecting Terrasen when it seemed hopeless. For being a part of it all. It is my honor to be your Queen, but even more so, to call you cousin." 

As the dance came to an end, both had a few escaped tears rolling down their cheeks. In the final note of music, Aedion gently wiped away one. Aelin bowed her head in thanks, and Aedion bowed low to his Queen. Squeezing her hand, he said in way of goodbye, "thank you for the dance, my Queen."