Nascha grabbed her usual training clothes and hastily braided her hair. She and Fenrys would be leaving for Orynth soon. Already, it was late in the afternoon. The air was still warm, but large clouds were forming in the distance. It was possible that their training session would be interrupted by a storm.

Nascha almost shivered with excitement. It had been a long time since she witnessed a Terrasen rain. She could already see the raindrops sliding down glass and trickling onto plants. She could hear the crack of thunder and feel the reverberation that would follow. She could smell the fresh scents of dirt, oak, heather, mist...

Fenrys rested his hands on her bare waist and Nascha's breath caught. "Remember what I said about looking good while fighting?" He murmured in her ear.

"Yes?"

"These might help you with that." He turned her towards the bed, where a new outfit was waiting. Nascha approached and lifted the thin leggings and tank top that went beneath the leather apparel.

"I thought you weren't going to spoil me," Nascha said, even as she tugged the clothes on.

Fenrys grabbed the leather pants before she could. Nascha stepped into them and he pulled them up to her hips, fastening the laces with nimble fingers. "They're from Lysandra, although I picked them out."

"So they're more for your enjoyment than mine?"

"They are mutually beneficial."

He drew the leather tunic over her shoulders and began fastening the numerous buckles that secured it. When that was finished, Fenrys grabbed her duel bladed swords and sheathed them at her hips, then slid her boots onto her feet. Fenrys drew back and Nascha faced the full length mirror hanging on the closet door.

The clothes were well suited to her. The tunic had a high collar that separated into two panels of material at her throat, before they were buckled together below her collarbone and down her center. It was sleeveless, flaunting her toned sunkissed arms, proof of the long hours she'd spent training in the Bane's camp. The leather pants hugged the shape of her legs, but weren't tight enough to be uncomfortable.

Nascha grinned at Fenrys over her shoulder. "I love them."

"So do I." He let his eyes roam over her appreciatively.

Nascha didn't miss the weary look that hovered deeper within his onyx gaze. He'd had another nightmare last night. She heard him jump awake and had waited to see what he would do. Fenrys lay there for several long moments, struggling to regain his breath, before he rolled out of bed. Nascha had fought the urge to follow him. It wasn't long before she heard the bathroom door close and muffled retching soon after.

After he returned, she gave him a few minutes to get settled before pressing close to him. She'd pretended to be asleep all the while. To her relief, Fenrys hadn't pushed her away. He'd wrapped his arms around her, buried his face in her hair, and fell asleep once more. They were still tangled together when they woke that morning, but neither of them said a word about it.

Fenrys blinked suddenly and ushered her out the door. "We're late. We should get going." He took her by the hand and teleported as soon as they left the cabin.

When they arrived at the training rings behind the palace of Orynth, several people were already waiting. Nascha spotted Rowan, Aelin, Aedion, Lysandra, and Vaughan. There was no sign of Elide or Lorcan.

"I like your leathers," Lysandra said with a wink when Nascha joined her.

Nascha smiled. "Me too. Where is Evangeline? I haven't seen her in a while."

"She's been in Arran with Darrow," the shifter replied. "But she came home the day before yesterday. She's in the palace with Elide and Lorcan right now." Nascha felt Fenrys' frown before she saw it. "Don't worry," Lysandra added, noticing his expression. "Aelin told him to stay out of your line of sight until dinner this evening."

"There's a dinner?" Nascha flashed Fenrys an irritated look. "You didn't tell me about that."

"I didn't know about it," he mumbled.

"It's a good thing we're having one," Aelin snickered. "It sounds like someone is already getting grumpy. Show us what you've got and we can go eat." Her gaze darted to Nascha.

Nascha gave a resigned sigh and hopped into one of the rings. Fenrys cracked his neck as he joined her. "I'm sparring with you?" She asked.

"It'll be safer for everyone else," Fenrys answered. She didn't question his meaning. "Hand to hand first. Throw in a little magic whenever you like."

Nascha curled her hands into fists. Fenrys fell into his own stance. She barely had a moment's warning before he lunged at her. Nascha ducked low and rolled between his legs. She landed a solid kick to his back as she came out behind him. Fenrys stumbled, but managed to right himself in time to catch her next blow. He jabbed at her side, then whipped his hand up to block her punch. Fenrys locked his arm around hers and jerked her closer.

Nascha spread her stance wider, planting herself firmly. She slid her foot into Fenrys', knocking him backwards. He dragged her down with him, but she managed to pry herself free from his grasp and flipped onto her heels. Fenrys rolled onto his stomach and grabbed her ankle. Nascha hit the ground with a dull thud.

Fenrys was already on top of her. She wedged her knee in between them and shoved it into his chest. When her other leg was free, Nascha used both to toss him over her head. She sent a wave of darkness barreling into him as he attempted to rise, knocking him down once more.

"How do you like my magic now?" Nascha teased as she circled him.

Fenrys picked himself up with a faint groan. "Oh, suck my dick," he grunted

Nascha drew her blades with a laugh. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?" His answer was a smirk that sent those fluttery feelings skittering through her stomach. Fenrys drew a sword and a long dagger into his grasp. They moved in unison and their blades clanged together. Nascha lowered her voice. "Let's see you put me on my back first, Moonbeam," she chuckled.

"If you'll recall..." He twisted behind her, but Nascha caught the attack. She reversed one blade in her hand and caught his dagger between the forks. "I've already done that," Fenrys finished. "In Arcelia. You were on the floor. On your back. With my tongue insi..." She skipped out of his reach.

Starlight danced across her skin, thriving on the excitement that coursed through her body. Nascha tried to ignore the heat that flooded her veins. She hoped it wasn't noticeable to anyone else. They looked more interested in her technique than in what she and Fenrys were saying to one another.

Fenrys swung his sword in a lazy circle as he waited for her next move. Nascha rushed him again. He caught her blades and they began to trade swift blows, steel ringing at every turn. Nascha's starlight grew brighter, illuminating the shadows that swirled around Fenrys. His dark eyes fell to her lips.

"I recall," Nascha breathed. "Do it again."

"As you wish, your Ladyship." Her body went molten at the soft growl in his voice.

Their blades met once more. Faster and faster came the blows. Nascha managed to keep up with Fenrys, focusing on the flash of his blades. Quick as a whip, his leg shot behind hers. Nascha hit the ground, her weapons falling from her grasp. Fenrys angled his dagger at her throat, pinning her legs down with his own.

Nascha's heart beat rapidly as she held Fenrys' gaze. There was a mixture of emotions shining in his eyes. Admiration and desire were the most prominent. If it weren't for their onlookers, Nascha would have pulled him down and kissed him. She wanted to kiss him anyway. Somehow, she managed to restrain herself.

Fenrys let her up and she swiftly reclaimed her swords. "You have improved," Rowan said. "I'm almost impressed."

"Almost?" Nascha arched an eyebrow.

"That's as close to a compliment as you'll get from Rowan," Aelin laughed. "He's right though. You have improved a lot."

"Thanks to Elgan and Vaughan," Aedion added. Vaughan said nothing, even as the others glanced at him.

"They're both good mentors, although one is a little moody in his old age," Nascha replied.

"If you're referring to Elgan, I'll make sure he finds out," Vaughan answered. "If you're referring to me..." He tilted his head. "I'll still tell Elgan. Your next few lessons won't be fun."

"They were never fun to begin with," she retorted with a grin. Vaughan rolled his eyes, but Nascha saw a smile flicker across his lips.

"Come on. We should all get cleaned up before dinner tonight," Lysandra urged. "Darrow and Ren will be here soon. I'm sure they don't expect to be greeted by a Queen who smells like sweat." She smirked at Aelin.

"It's time to go in anyway," Rowan said, pointing to the sky.

The dark clouds that had been forming earlier were now hovering overhead. Already, drops of rain sprinkled from them. Rowan and Aelin laced their hands together and hurried towards the palace, a shield of wind surrounding them. Aedion and Lysandra soon followed. Fenrys and Vaughan fell in step with Nascha.

"Has Aelin given you a room in the palace yet?" Fenrys asked the male.

Vaughan nodded. "She let me stay here for a few weeks when my cabin was being built. The room is still mine whenever I need it."

"All right." Vaughan walked ahead of them and Fenrys turned to Nascha. "I suppose we'll go to my room then."

"Do all of you have your own rooms in the palace?" Nascha asked.

"We do. Aelin can be generous when she wants to be."

They entered the palace just as the sky opened up and rain began to pour. Nascha followed Fenrys through the pristine corridors. They mounted several flights of stairs and passed a few of the others as they were entering their rooms. At last, they reached Fenrys'. He pushed the door open, revealing a well furnished chamber.

The bed was even bigger than the one back at the cabin. It sat on an ebony frame, complete with an intricately carved headboard. There were several sheets and pillows resting upon the mattress. Thick rugs covered the wooden floor. Cushioned chairs and a sofa sat before the unlit marble fireplace.

There was a set of glass doors leading out onto a balcony. The walls on either side of the balcony doors were covered in windows. Rain trickled down the panes in thin streams. "The bathroom is in here," Fenrys said, opening another door.

Nascha entered and he closed the door behind them while she looked around. The toilet was hidden in a far corner. Shelves were mounted above it, containing fresh towels and different bottles of soap. A large mirror rested behind the vanity, which had two sinks instead of one. There was a small tub in one area, and the shower took up the rest of the room. Fenrys was already switching the water on.

He unbound his hair and shucked off his shirt. Nascha let herself take in the scars on his back. His shoulders. His stomach. His arms. She examined his hard muscles, proof of his many years of training and work. She studied the planes of his golden brown face. The scars that ran from his brow to his jaw. The curve of his perfectly bowed lips.

He dropped his pants, and she knew he was aware of her gaze. Nascha didn't care. She'd lived with him for two months. Slept in the same bed as him for two months. And yet, she'd never truly let herself look at him. She'd never let herself admire him. She wanted to.

Nascha crossed the room, tossing aside her own dusty clothes. She didn't give herself a chance to second guess her decision. Fenrys turned and Nascha pressed her lips to his. She kissed him as he lifted her legs to his hips. She kissed him while he carried her into the shower. She threaded her fingers through his hair, dropping kisses along his jaw. His neck. His throat. Her canines scraped over his skin.

"Do it again," he said. She complied. "Rutting hell."

"You won," Nascha murmured, unwrapping her legs from his hips. "You put me on my back." She trailed kisses down his chest and stomach while she lowered herself to her knees.

"You don't..." Fenrys' breath caught as she dragged her tongue over the length of him in a light stroke. "You don't have to. You don't need to." His aroused scent sparked hot instincts in the pit of her stomach.

Nascha wrapped her hand around him and made a firm pass. Fenrys' throat bobbed. "I know," she replied. She kissed his tip. A strangled sound passed from Fenrys' lips. "But I want to." She drew her canines across his skin. "Do you want me to?"

"Yes." There was a raw edge to his voice. "I've wanted you to do this for..." He broke off as she licked him once more. "Yes," Fenrys groaned. "Yes, I want you to. I want you."

Nascha gave him a wicked smirk. "You made me say your name before you gave me what I wanted. I'm going to enjoy wringing my name from you." Fenrys tipped his head back and dug his hands into her hair as she took him in her mouth.