AU! where the valg wars never happened, but Rowan and Aelin still stumble upon each other anyway
This was the worst possible thing that could have happened.
Rowan stood beside the king and queen, completely taken aback by the sight of the princess. When Rowan had gotten roaring drunk the night before and decided to sleep with a seemingly perfect stranger, he could never have imagined that the woman he’d bedded would be the one standing before him now. She was exquisite, and even through the haze of his hangover he knew her to be beautiful.
And to be a colossal mistake.
He was just glad Lorcan wasn’t here to witness this embarrassment; he would never live it down.
“Princess Aelin, might I please introduce Prince Rowan Whitethorn of Doranelle, your new mentor.”
Either she didn’t recognise him, or she hid her expression perfectly. She had the snake smile of any royal plastered on her face, a unique expression in a humble court. The slight tilt of her lips was acknowledging, but nothing else.
“He comes to highly recommended my dear,” her father, King Rhoe, said, beaming at his daughter. “Your Uncle Gavriel was the one who told us he would be perfect.”
Rowan considered fleeing so that he didn’t have to face the wrath of Gavriel if he ever discovered Rowan bedded his niece. Rowan had been saddened that he wouldn’t see the male until Gavriel returned from assignment, now he was grateful. He had the chance to wash the scent of the princess off before anyone could notice he was slathered with her.
“He has been a teacher for Doranelle for over a century; he trains their army and is a leading commander.”
Aelin’s smile tightened, although Rowan didn’t think anyone would be able to notice.
“And why would such a high ranking commander come to Orynth to help train me?” Her voice was melodic, and oh so incredibly fake. Did no one else see it?
Rowan looked over the courtiers gathered. He knew Terrasen was a prosperous kingdom, and it showed in their nobility. It was always obvious when wealth and health had been faked, but Orynth really was a dream for its inhabitants. Inhabitants who looked at their princess with concern - not for her, but for themselves. They were afraid.
“Aelin, please,” Queen Evalin’s voice was taught. “This could help you, don’t you understand? We’re running out of options, and after-”
“What your mother means to say, my dear, is that Prince Rowan is the best of the best, and we’re thrilled to have him here with you. We believe that you could grow so much from this.” King Rhoe turned to Rowan, a friendly smile on his face. “You have my full trust with my daughter.”
Rowan tried to smile back, as if he hadn’t already devoured the woman he’d sworn to help. How he was going to fix this mess, he didn’t know, but one thing was for sure. He could not, under any circumstances, be involved with the princess.
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