Kingdom of Ash

ever wished to face.
With an answering nod, Aelin trotted to
Rowan’s side, the ruby in Goldryn’s hilt like a
small sun. Fenrys followed, guarding the
queen’s back even amongst allies. Yet Gavriel
remained, guiding his horse beside Farasha.
The black mare eyed the warrior’s roan
gelding, but made no move to bite him. Thank
the gods.
The Lion gave him a slight smile. “I did
not have the chance to congratulate you on
your happy news.”
An odd thing for the warrior to say, given
that they’d barely spoken beyond councils, but
Chaol bowed his head. “Thank you.”
Gavriel stared toward the snow and
mountains—toward the distant north. “I was
not granted the opportunity you have, to be
present from the start. To see my son grow
into a man.”