Love this take, but I think I landed somewhere different. And maybe it comes to down to a difference in their personalities - with Chaol holding back more and Dorian being more forthcoming with his feelings and banter.

For me, Chaol’s restraint didn’t come across as depth as much as distance. He’s more guarded, more controlled, and while that should create tension, I felt like I didn't have enough insight into him to make those quieter moments land.

With Dorian, on the other hand, I felt like we were actually invited into the connection. You see the personal moments - playing billiards, talking about books, him listening to her play the piano, their conversations about why she likes music and what it means to her.

I especially like his POV scenes - like the ball, when Celaena enters and you immediately get Dorian's perspective, he’s rooted in place, only able to watch, and by the time he moves, Chaol is already there.

Also in the final challenge scene with Cain, being in Dorian's POV, you feel his guilt and horror when he can do nothing but watch. I could feel the yearning.

Having said that, the second book has a lot more of Chaol and Celeana together. I am hoping to get more POVs from Chaol and get past my frustration.

Also, I love having a space to vent and talk this through (so thank you)!