Cole & Aeronwen
1. How long have they been a couple?
It's difficult to pinpoint when exactly Aeronwen and Cole became an official couple. At the start of our story they have yet to meet each other, but toward the end it's pretty obvious to everyone that they love each other.
Cole and Aeronwen are mature adults. Even once they establish that they love each other, they don't act on their feelings immediately but rather keep their relationship on hold for a long time in order to focus on the task at hand, i.e. saving the Silver Kingdom, defeating the Enchantress Almandine and restoring the kingdom of Alkyor.
2. How did they first meet?
They met in the court of King Glendower when Cole and Maggie first arrive at the castle with Nuala (Royal Seamstress) and Elaine.
3. What were their first thoughts of each other? (Love at first sight or "you're freakishly annoying"?)
Their first meeting is a very formal one. Cole doesn't take much notice of Aeronwen at the time because everything is still new to him and he's trying to take it all in. Aeronwen, on the other hand, is naturally fascinated with Cole and Maggie. Her first impression of Cole is that he is rather blundering and awkward but genuinely good at heart.
Even after they meet outside of the cermonious context of court, Cole keeps a respectful distance from Aeronwen, intimidated by her royal status and the protective presence of her father and older brother. Aeronwen makes the first move and Cole quickly realizes that she's not as formidable as her title would suggest. Rather, she is open and makes everyone around her at ease.
Cole becomes gradually more and more impressed with Aeronwen as he discovers she is not simply a wallflower in the court but possesses a highly competitive spirit. Aeronwen also quickly grows to like Cole, though she finds him somewhat irritating and blundering at first.
4. What do they do that most annoys each other?
Cole is not shy when sharing his opinion, especially if he thinks something or someone is wrong. His intelligence often comes across as arrogance and this annoys Aeronwen. She often accuses him of lacking empathy for others' feelings. Peoples' emotions are not Cole's forte. He is pragmatic by nature and would rather not beat around the bush.
Aeronwen, on the other hand, is a relentless optimist and romantic. She sees the world through rose tinted lenses. She can be optimistic to a fault and Cole, being the sensible realist that he is, is not afraid to burst her idealistic bubble of reality.
5. Are their personalities opposite or similar?
Cole and Aeronwen have inherently opposite personalities. Cole is a pragmatic realist. Aeronwen is an optimistic romantic. As different as they are, Cole and Aeronwen both make inspiring leaders in their own right and utilize their varying strengths and weaknesses to make a powerful team.
6. How would their lives be different without each other?
I think the answer to this question is kind of obvious...
7. Are they ever embarrassed of each other?
I don't think they are ever embarrassed as much as they're simply disapproving or ashamed of the other person's actions and choices every now and then.
8. Does anyone disapprove of their relationship?
Not really. Cole and Aeronwen are kind of a match made in Heaven, especially once Cole discovers who he really is. Toward the beginning, both of them keep their distance simply because if not for Cole's heritage (which neither of them know about at that point), their relationship wouldn't be suitable.
Nobody disapproves in the end, though Prince Raymond might be a little overprotective for a while.
9. Do they see their relationship as long-term/leading to marriage?
They both definitely see their relationship as long-term and (spoiler alert!) they get married in the end, so, yeah.
10. If they could plan the "perfect outing" together, where would they go?
Cole and Aeronwe's perfect outing would be a horse-back ride at dawn followed by a picnic breakfast while they watch the sunrise.
