All rights, including characters go to Sarah J Maas (except for anything I create) this is just my attempt at doing a fanfic where she doesn't go immediately.
I will be taking some parts directly from HOF for this, but they will be altered to better suit the fanfic.

Just to clarify it for you guys, instead of Celaena having to head on the boat to Wendlyn immediately, the King instead gives her a month to study everything she needs to know about Wendlyn. And coincidentally, Aedion arrives in Rifthold two weeks before she will leave. And now, let the story begin!
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Celaena was eating with Dorian and Chaol, trying hard to study before she went off to Wendlyn in two weeks. There was a crash of saluting swords and then the doors banged open and her eyes snapped up, along with everyone else's.

Then Aedion strolled in, a bag in his gloved hand. Her eyes widened and she quickly lowered them. Chaol was up in a flash and near the dais at the king's table as he perceived how Aedion prowled through the room. She saw Chaol's face whiten almost imperceptibly and she turned her head a tiny bit more to see what he was looking at. When she saw Aedion's eyes she understood, and she had to stifle her cursing.

Then, frowningly, the king said "I expected you a month ago."

Aedion shrugged and replied "Apologies. The Staghorns were slammed with a final winter storm. I left when I could." Every single person in the hall inhaled sharply and held their breath. Everyone know of Aedion's temper and insolence, it was near-legendary. It was also one of the reasons he was stationed in the North.

The king picked up his goblet and swirled the wine inside as he said " I didn't receive word that your legion was here."

Then came the arrogant reply, "They're not." Celaena looked at Chaol and saw him brace himself, probably waiting for an execution order.

With a hint of tempered anger in his voice, the king said "I told you to bring them, General."

Smirking, Aedion said "Here I was, thinking you wanted the pleasure of my company." The king growled, and Aedion continued. "They'll be here within a week or so. I didn't want to miss all the fun." Aedion shrugged, and said "At least I didn't come empty-handed." He snapped his fingers and a page ran in, bearing a large satchel. "Gifts from the North, courtesy of the last rebel camp we sacked. You'll enjoy them."

The king rolled his eyes and waved a hand at the page. "Send them to my chambers. Your gifts, Aedion, tend to offend polite company." A low chuckle came from Aedion and some of the men at the king's table. Oh, Aedion was dancing a dangerous line. At least I have the good sense to keep my mouth shut around the king; Celaena thought.

"I have a council meeting tomorrow; I want you there, General." The king said.

Aedion put a hand on his chest and said "Your will is mine, Majesty." Celaena had to clamp down on her terror as she beheld what glinted on Aedion's finger. A black ring—the same that the king, Duke Perrington, and most under their control wore. That explained why the king allowed the insolence; when it came down to it, the king's will truly was Aedion's.

Celaena looked towards the king and saw him nod his head to Chaol, dismissing him. Chaol practically ran back to them. 

Frowning, Dorian muttered "Gifts indeed. Gods, he's insufferable."

Grinning, Aedion slid into the bench across from Dorian, Chaol, and Celaena. Speaking to the prince and the captain, he said "You two were sitting at this same table the last time I saw you. Good to know some things haven't changed."

Dorian rested his forearms on the table and gave a lazy smile. "Hello Aedion."

Aedion looked at Celaena and said "are you the king's champion?" She nodded her head. Then, with a faint glimmer of suprise, he said. "Are you from Terrassen as well?" She was about to nod her head again but he cut her off. "Actually say something this time, you don't need to be intimidated by me."

Smiling now, Celaena said, "Yes Aedion, I am from Terrassen." His eyes snapped back to her, and she silently cursed, knowing her mistake was the way she said his name. He opened his mouth to ask her something but she cut him off, speaking to Dorian and Chaol. "Do you two mind if I borrow him for a moment?" They nodded their heads and she got up from the table. When Aedion didn't follow immediately, she stalked back, grabbed his arm, and pulled him out the doors into the hall.

Before he could speak, she said "If you're curious, meet me here when you finish eating. Then I'll explain everything." With that, she walked back to the table. Later, she looked at Aedion through the corner of her eye and saw him slightly jerk his head towards the door while he was looking at her. She nodded, and he walked out of the Great Hall. After a few minutes, she followed.

Once she was outside the hall, he said "You said you would explain, so explain it to me."

"Not here, I don't want someone to overhear," she said. "Follow me." Then, she led him to her rooms. Once he walked in, she shut the door behind him.
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What did you guys think? Did you like it? What do you think she is going to say? How do you think he will react?

Here are some pictures of Aedion for you 😊⬇️

~ Goddess of Fate, signing out.