HERE WE GO! The Rowaelin Month Prompt List for 2026
Every day for the entire month of September, we’ll celebrate everyone’s favorite Fireheart and Buzzard!
As usual, we’ve included a handy calendar image for you all, but if for any reason the image isn’t working or is hard to read, the full list is written out below the cut.
Our Usual Set of Rules:
Participation every day is not a requirement! You can create submissions for as few or as many of the listed prompts as you like!
Please remember to tag your creations with #rowaelinmonth so people following the tag can find your works and give us a mention @rowaelinscourt so we can reblog it!
Please remember that all works MUST have appropriate tags/or content warnings. NSFW content is required to be tagged clearly and hidden below a ‘Read More’ cut. We want everyone to have a fun and safe time engaging with content!
All genres of work are welcome, but please note any major warnings at the top of the work so that readers or viewers can have some idea of what to expect.
Canon week is to fill that canon shaped hole in everyone’s hearts! While we kindly request Canon Week prompts remain specifically for canon scenarios, remember that any and all prompts are welcome to be interpreted as a canon/canon inspired setting as well. With creativity and imagination, the possibilities are limitless!
Any kind of fanwork can be submitted for this event so long as it can be applied to the prompt. Fanfiction, fanart, headcanons, playlists or anything else you can think of! There are no requirements and you can submit multiple works for the same prompt if you so wish!
HERE WE GO! The Rowaelin Month Prompt List for 2026
Every day for the entire month of September, we’ll celebrate everyone’s favorite Fireheart and Buzzard!
As usual, we’ve included a handy calendar image for you all, but if for any reason the image isn’t working or is hard to read, the full list is written out below the cut.
Our Usual Set of Rules:
Participation every day is not a requirement! You can create submissions for as few or as many of the listed prompts as you like!
Please remember to tag your creations with #rowaelinmonth so people following the tag can find your works and give us a mention @rowaelinscourt so we can reblog it!
Please remember that all works MUST have appropriate tags/or content warnings. NSFW content is required to be tagged clearly and hidden below a ‘Read More’ cut. We want everyone to have a fun and safe time engaging with content!
All genres of work are welcome, but please note any major warnings at the top of the work so that readers or viewers can have some idea of what to expect.
Canon week is to fill that canon shaped hole in everyone’s hearts! While we kindly request Canon Week prompts remain specifically for canon scenarios, remember that any and all prompts are welcome to be interpreted as a canon/canon inspired setting as well. With creativity and imagination, the possibilities are limitless!
Any kind of fanwork can be submitted for this event so long as it can be applied to the prompt. Fanfiction, fanart, headcanons, playlists or anything else you can think of! There are no requirements and you can submit multiple works for the same prompt if you so wish!
Rowaelin Month 2025, Day 21: "What If...?" @rowaelinscourt
Word count: 2.1k
Warnings: swearing, references to violence, Maeve
*pokes head up from the trenches* once upon a time, for a Rowaelin Month long ago, I wrote a What-If piece based on "What if Aelin and Rowan's ages were flipped?" and it was SO MUCH FUN that I've been meaning to write more for....a while. and (finally lmao) here's more! enjoy!!! ok anyway i've got midterms next week so i'll disappear again
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Aelin had stood in plenty of audience halls during almost four hundred years of her immortal life, and yet she'd never stepped foot in one so tangibly unwelcoming as the hall of Maeve, the Fae Queen of the East and her far-removed aunt. The columns of ivory marble and the ebony-and-ivory tiled floor looked normal at first, and the high, arched windows running down both long sides of the hall let in broad beams of sunlight, but Aelin felt chills dance down her spine as she stood at the entrance of the hall, looking across the yawning space to the jet-black throne at its head.
The Whitethorn prince was all but prostrate on the cold marble floor in front of his Queen. When they entered Doranelle, Aelin had cut the ropes off his wrists and then tied a length of spare rope from her wrist to his, allowing him to put up the illusion that he had captured her and brought her to Maeve. In reality, she had bested him back in that alley in Varese, and the brooding young male knew it. She could hardly fault him for stewing in silence on the ride to Doranelle---after all, she had once been a Fae fresh into adulthood whose carefully laid plans for her first solo mission had gone completely off the rails.
Movement from Maeve's throne snapped Aelin's attention back to the front of the hall. Although the figures were somewhat hazy due to both the immense length of the hall and the limits of her human eyes, she made out the shapes of at least four more males standing around the Fae Queen's throne like good little dogs. That must be the little cadre Rowan had grumbled about during their ride.
Approach. Maeve's voice, silky-smooth and serpentine, slipped into Aelin's mind.
Aelin pulled her spine straight, tossed back the hood of her cloak, and strode forwards, her boots echoing off the tiles, the sound louder than it should have been due to the utter lack of people in the grand hall. That was the unsettling part---every other throne room she'd been in had been stuffed full of courtiers, servants, nobility, and any other person who could manage to sneak in through a side door.
This hall was eerily silent.
"I have waited near twenty years to finally meet you, my dear niece," Maeve said when Aelin stopped a few paces away from the raised dais upon which the throne sat. "Evalin was clever enough to keep your family away from Doranelle all that time."
Aelin smirked. "Twenty years should seem little more than a few minutes to an immortal like you." It was a thinly veiled insinuation at Maeve's legendary lifespan. Even the most powerful full-blooded Fae rarely lived longer than a thousand years; Maeve was nearly twice that.
Ire flickered briefly across the Fae Queen's moonstone face. "I have been very patient, Aelin. I have waited ages for the line of Brannon Fireheart to re-emerge. I see now that my waiting was not in vain."
Aelin let her gaze sweep lazily over the other males gathered around the ebony throne. Two were mirror images---one golden-haired and grinning, the other dark-haired and solemn, both no more than a century old, if that. Twins. The one behind Rowan was more mature, faint lines of age radiating out from his eyes, and the tattoos coiling around his throat gave him away. Gavriel, the Lion. Six hundred years old and one of the few Fae who had come to Brannon's aid in the Great War. And then there was the one towering behind the twins, thick arms folded across his chest, a permanent scowl etched into the otherwise handsome planes of his face.
Aelin grinned at the hulking, dark-haired male. "Salvaterre. It seems the centuries still haven't taught you how to smile."
"What...the fucking hell?" If Rowan's jaw dropped any lower, it would fall clean off his face.
"Pull yourself together, little prince," Aelin said. "Salvaterre and I met a few times---what was it, a hundred years ago? Two hundred?" She exhaled a tight breath and shifted into her Fae form, and the unsettling silence of Maeve's throne room bore down even harder on her pointed ears. "You remember Sollemere, don't you, Salvaterre?"
"Not much to fucking remember after you trashed the place," Lorcan Salvaterre grunted. The naked shock that had washed across his face when Aelin first spoke to him was gone, wrestled back behind his scowling mask.
Aelin chuckled. "'Trashed' is a rather strong word." She raised a brow. "I don't recall being the one who cracked open the earth to swallow the place."
"Orders." Lorcan flicked a sideways glance at his Queen, whose violet eyes had first widened with shock and then narrowed in wrath.
"I cannot seem to believe that a twenty-year-old mortal princess has any memory of a city that was razed over one hundred years ago," Maeve said softly, venom lurking beneath the satin of her tone.
Aelin shrugged off her cloak and rolled her shoulders, shooting a sharp-fanged grin at the ancient Fae Queen. "You have the honor of being the first ruler to know that I am not mortal, then." She sketched a graceful, mocking bow. "Terrasen has been my dwelling for the last few decades; it was time that I finally returned home."
"I see." Maeve tapped her fingers against the polished armrests of her throne. "It was my intent to send you to Mistward to train with Prince Rowan until you learned mastery of your gifts. However, it seems that such training is not necessary."
"Perhaps I might be of service in another capacity," Aelin offered, flicking a dispassionate look at Rowan.
"My thoughts exactly." Maeve smiled, and Aelin felt the Fae Queen's oily power reaching into her mind, prying at the layers of shields she kept anchored around her innermost self. A hint of irritation wrinkled Maeve's smooth face for an instant when she failed to bore through Aelin's shields. "Mistward sits near the shore. Recently, there have been reports of soldiers in Adarlan's colors sneaking into my lands in the caves by Mistward." Her fingers stilled. "What do you know of such a scheme, King's Champion?"
"Nothing." Aelin allowed Maeve to see that she was telling the truth. "The King of Adarlan only trusts his Champion with information regarding her targets."
"Very well." Maeve folded her hands in her lap. "You and Prince Rowan will go to Mistward to investigate Adarlan's presence. You will inform me of whatever you discover. Once you have discovered adequate useful information, you will remove that human king's weak attempt at an invasion." Her crimson lips curled upwards, a snake's smile. "If you prove yourself useful, I may consider offering you the blood oath."
Aelin chuckled without mirth. "There is no world in which I will be blood-sworn to a self-proclaimed higher ruler. If you want Terrasen, Maeve, you'll need to try harder."
"Take caution, little princess." Tendrils of shadow curled from Maeve's fingers, and at the jerk of her chin, the five warriors of her cadre surrounded Aelin. "One misstep, and your usefulness will expire."
"One thought from me, and your city will burn," Aelin returned, holding herself perfectly still.
"It is stone," Maeve snapped.
Aelin's smirk broke free in the same instant that she coiled slender, white-hot bands of living flame around each of the five Fae warriors. "Your people aren't."
The ancient queen stared down the burning queen, both aware of the wildfire that blazed behind a paper-thin screen of control.
"Very well." Maeve broke first. "I give you my vow that I shall not attempt, in any fashion, to force the blood oath upon you, Aelin Galathynius."
"Nor will you coerce me to accept it," Aelin added.
"Nor will I coerce you to accept it," Maeve repeated.
"Then we are agreed." Aelin closed her open hand into a fist, and the ropes of fire vanished. The crimson flames burning a circlet around her head remained, a blazing crown to rival the Fae Queen's dark one.
"Begone," Maeve commanded. "Prince Rowan will take you to Mistward."
"As Your Majesty wills it," Aelin purred, dropping into a curtsy. In her assassin's leathers, with the wildfire crown on her head, it was less a gesture of respect and more a show of defiance.
~
"You're godsdamned lucky to be walking out of this palace alive," Rowan muttered under his breath. He was two steps in front of Aelin, and she could practically feel the irritation rippling off his broad body.
"Your Queen is too wise to kill me," Aelin replied coolly.
Rowan huffed. "You could do well to imitate some of her wisdom."
"A bit infatuated with the one who holds the leash, are we?" They had arrived at the courtyard that opened to the stables, and Aelin swept past Rowan as he spluttered for words.
"I---I am---my Queen---I am not a dog on a leash!"
"And yet you ran off to Varese to play fetch." Aelin reached for the stable door, but the handle froze over, ice encasing her outstretched hand as the air around her went frigid.
"Recall which of us is the stranger in a foreign land," Rowan hissed, the anger in his gaze as hot as his power was cold. "You could simply disappear in the forest before we ever reach Mistward."
Aelin tipped her head back and howled with laughter.
Smothering what sounded like a screech, Rowan pushed the ice farther up her arm. "I don't take kindly to being mocked, Princess."
Blue flame melted Rowan's ice into hissing steam. "Nor do I take kindly to tantrums," Aelin said quietly, an assassin's deadly sincerity in her words. "Recall which of us knows over a thousand ways to kill, some of which have long since been forgotten by this world." She pulled open the stable door and turned to face Rowan head-on. "You may know Doranelle's roads now, but I knew this land before Wendlyn and Doranelle were names in the language."
"Then I suppose you can lead the way." Rowan brushed past her, stalking into the stables.
"Certainly not." Aelin strolled down the row of stalls, stopping in front of a beautiful bay stallion and settling her palm against the horse's snout. "You know the fortress and its lands, and Queen Maeve named you as my guide."
So now she cares about my Queen. Rowan's mouth didn't move, but Aelin heard his cranky thoughts all the same.
"There's no need to get your feathers ruffled," she crooned.
Rowan jerked around to face her so fast she thought his head might fly off his shoulders. "You heard that?!"
"Even the strongest shields wouldn't block out that sort of shrieking," Aelin said, deadpan. "Look here, little prince. I'll offer you a deal. I will let you lead the way to Mistward and I will match your pace, so long as you swear that you will not report every little detail of this mission back to your Queen."
"I am bloodsworn to follow my Queen's orders." Rowan scowled. "I cannot willfully act in defiance of her command."
"No, but you can interpret the language of her order," Aelin returned. "All I ask is that you let me keep some semblance of privacy." For a brief moment, her gaze went foggy, pulled back to a distant memory of her every move being watched. When she snapped herself back into the present, Rowan was looking at her with a gaze too deep for his youth---a gaze that saw too deep, that understood too much.
"Fine."
She cocked her head to the side. "You'll need to be more specific than that. I know how Fae promises work."
He huffed, but she caught the flash of a grin behind it. "I accept your bargain precisely as proposed. Your privacy will be honored."
"Thank you." Aelin turned back to the horse to finish securing the saddle and the simple cloth pack of supplies. As they led the horses out of the courtyard, she noticed that Rowan kept glancing over his shoulder at her, pressing his lips together like there were words straining at the tip of his tongue. Just past the outer gate, she stopped and raised her brows at him. "Something to say?"
"If you ever need to let go of it, you can trust me to listen." His words jumbled together in a breathless rush. "I will listen." Something like compassion echoed beneath his words.
An eternity ago, someone else had whispered those same words. And he'd been lying.
Aelin's face hardened to granite. "I don't need your pity." She swung herself up onto the horse and fixed her gaze forwards, willing her callous mask not to crack as betrayal bled across Rowan's face and he spun stiffly around in his saddle, away from her.
And silence yawned between them as they began the trek to Mistward.
This fic is a gift and an old promise to @arialovesyou, and my initial idea came from me wondering how were Aelin's periods for Rowan if he got so crazy thinking about her blood's taste so here's him eating her out lmao
Also, Chica (that family dog I told y'all about) is doing a lot better and slowly recovering at home, so it's time to get back to those wips I missed hahah
Warnings: NSFW
Words: 2,4k
Aelin’s wave of nausea subsides when Rowan finds the spot he wants them to rest at.
“No hand-to-hand combat today,” he says when they reach a lake, before he sits on the grass with his back to a tree and gestures for her to do the same.
Not by his side against the same tree, like they sometimes do. He gestured to another one a couple of meters away from him.
Something tells her he’s avoiding her, but there’s no reason to. Maybe she stinks, but she didn’t get sweaty or dirty today. Unless he can smell blood, but even if that’s the case, three hundred years of living and being a soldier surely taught him to tolerate blood or its smell on a woman or female.
She shook off the thought. There was nothing to read into his hard swallows and refusal to look her in the eye. She’s unwell, and he’s just letting her be.
The reflection of trees and clouds gently swayed on the lake, and the gentle whisper of the wind against her forehead, sweaty from pain rather than exhaustion, was the most she could rely on nature to make her feel better.
Nature was the reason she was in this situation, for starters.
It was a trial, resisting the urge to curl up under the shade and stay there for the rest of the afternoon—especially when once again the cramping drove her body forward and made her wince.
“We can come back if you’d like,” Rowan offered.
She shook her head. He’d never extended such sympathy towards her before, she wouldn’t need it now. As this thought crossed her mind, a soothing current of the wind relaxed her body against the tree trunk, those cramps leaving her body in a wave, the way it came.
Oh, good. This was much better.
Despite the improvement of her coexistence with Rowan—cohabitation even, now that they shared a room—she hadn’t forgotten that, had this happened weeks prior, he’d be calling her a wimpy little brat. He had expectations as a mentor, and Aelin wanted to live up to them; not because of him, but because she grew to care about this training.
“Can’t you just make me better with your magic so we can train?”
“Only partially. I can’t fix what isn’t broken.”
Of course. Because Aelin isn’t ill—in fact, she’s so healthy her body is playing pranks on her once a month.
But she wouldn’t dare complain. After Endovier, she vowed to never again wish her cycles would cease.
“So, what are we doing now?” She asked despite not wanting to get up.
It took him a moment to think before he, without notice, took off his tunic.
Holy rutting Mala. Now it was her time to avert her gaze.
Rowan shirtless looked exactly like a book illustration of an ancient god, she was distrustful of its existence before she saw it in the flesh. Which explained her curiosity—an emotion that differed widely from attraction.
“Heat it slowly. Don’t burn it.” He offered his folded tunic to her. “You want to keep the temperature steady for a long time to ease the pain, but you’ll have to balance that with your exhaustion as a magic wielder.”
“So I don’t burn out?”
“You did not burn out that other time.”
Aelin sighed, now fully laying down so she could place the tunic over her lower stomach. Focusing her sight on the crooked lines where the sky met tree leaves was better than being caught counting Rowan’s abs.
“So, why are you so careful about my not burning this tunic?”
“Because it’s my tunic,” he replied in a flat tone, “and as you can see, I still use it.”
As he said it, a tiny yellow bird flew by and stopped atop a branch.
“Was it a gift?”
“From my cousin.”
Aelin pointed at the chirping bird above them. “That one?”
The look Rowan aimed at her was hard to read, but it made her giggle. It was hard to tell if he found her bird jokes annoying or amusing, as opposite as those two emotions were.
“Apparently,” he continued, “it looks bad on the family if I’m seen wearing a worn-out tunic.”
Aelin laughed at the mental image of Rowan being chastised by his family for overlooking his clothing. “Oh no, was it sheer from use or with frayed seams? Did they threaten to hang you for treason over it?”
“I told you, they like to meddle.” Now, he reserved for his family a tone similar to the one he used with her, though this one leaned closer to amusement. “Besides, I’m immortal. If a piece of clothing can’t last at least two decades of extensive use, it’s as good as disposable for me.”
Rowan took his shoes off and got up, stopping only when he dipped his toes in the water. His hands reached the top of his pants to undo them, an odd source of warmth and electricity flooded her body.
“What’re you doing?” she blurted.
He stopped short, before his pants here off. “Diving in.” He pointed at the lake behind him, then at the makeshift heater she made out of his tunic. “This is gonna take you a while, and I need to cool off.”
Aelin opened her mouth to speak, but closed it shut when she felt the wind shift. Way too abruptly, it went from hitting the back of her head to her side.
He’s directing her scent away from him.
Oh, shit. Rowan had never done this before, not that she was aware of—maybe on their first journey from Varese to Mistward and she didn’t realize it, but her hygiene was much better at the fortress.
Aelin discreetly leaned her jaw on her shoulder to smell herself, and what she smelled was just… herself. Nothing filthy or enticing about it. She didn’t stink. If it was something only Rowan could pick up on, was it really that bad?
“What?” he asked.
“What what?”
“You’re staring.”
Was it heat rushing up her cheeks? Feeling better from the cramps, Aelin put away his tunic and, still lying, leaned on her elbows.
“Maybe I’ll dip into the water too.”
“No, you won’t.”
Aelin raised her brows. Defiant, she sat to unlace her training boots. Wouldn’t a bath help with whatever smell she had? It was hard to follow his logic.
He pointed to his discarded tunic on the grass. “You’re supposed to be exercising how to regulate your fire. The training never stopped, I just adapted it to your condition.”
“My condition?”
“Exactly.”
“You mean my monthly cycle, or whatever made you avoid me all day?”
“Excuse me?” His accusatory tone didn’t make her back down.
“Rowan, I’ve killed highly skilled men while bleeding; and yet, you’ve canceled our sparring today. I doubt you give your female soldiers the same treatment, and I don’t want it for myself. I’m feeling better now—you can just tell me what it is about me that disgusts you so much you’re even shifting the wind, then we can move forward.”
“Disgust?”
“Precisely.” She lifted her chin, the nature of the conversation never waning her pride. “You have never acted like this before, so I’m curious to know what’s so repelling about me today.”
“You think I’m disgusted, Princess?”
Her words got caught in her throat when Rowan used all his Fae speed and, in a flash, nearly hovered her, his legs straddling hers in her half-lying position as their faces stood a breath away from each other. Aelin’s knees weakened, her elbows being the only thing keeping her upright.
“You got it right the first time: I was avoiding you.”
His pine-green eyes burned a path over her face, stopping at her parted lips. He licked his. The flare of his nostrils led him to the same point he bit not that long ago, and it unraveled him.
“My avoidance had nothing to do with disgust, though.”
The way he undid the top lace of her tunic—she barely felt it, but it was also all her senses could register. His thumb was lighter than a feather as he tugged one shoulder bare, as was his nose on the sensitive skin of her neck when he nuzzled it, stopping at her collarbone. Goosebumps erupted along her need to do the same to him, and her reactiveness tore a groan out of him.
“Today,” he rasped in a lewd tone, “your blood is mixed with arousal.” Rowan scraped his fangs over her collarbone. “I’m avoiding this smell for reasons that are opposite to repulsion, Princess.”
Her blood? Enticing? That sounded like some weird Fae kink. Oddly enough, she was into it.
Aelin wrapped her leg around his body. He squeezed her waist.
“Aelin,” Rowan warned, “your smell alone is driving me mad. That’s a dangerous combination for a male like me.”
Her tone was a tad too breathless as she said, “Tell me, do you always accost helplessly horny maidens during their cycles?”
His chuckle was dark. “You’ll never believe me if I tell you.”
Aelin grabbed him by the jaw, her movements rough as she brought his face from her neck and shoulders to her face. He was undoubtedly stronger, so it must mean something that he allowed her to manhandle him like this. Maybe it was part of the kink.
“Tell me,” she whispered with her mouth a breath away from his.
He got out of her grasp and kissed her.
His hunger left them no space for preambles, and the ravenous strokes of his tongue against hers took her breath away more than any training exercise could. Fingers under her tunic, the path he traced on her body was a torch to her lust.
Rowan knew what he was doing; he really gods-damned did.
“We shouldn’t”, he said when they parted, sounding as ragged as she felt.
“We really shouldn’t,” she echoed, half paying attention to his words, but mostly transfixed by the exploration of her hands on his abdomen, even with his tunic still on—time to take it off, and he seemed to agree.
He captured her lips again, bruising because it was not enough. Not close enough. Not undressed enough. Most of all, his vicious tongue was not enough of him inside of her.
After all this time in Mistward with Rowan, Aelin had never imagined it’d feel like this. Commanding, intense and rough—she’d never realized those same traits she’d known and hated about him would be so enjoyable in a different context.
“Aelin.”
She moaned, shoving her hips against his.
“Aelin.” A curse. A prayer.
With a tilt of her hips, the bulge of his pants ground on a spot of hers that sent shockwaves all the way to her most sensitive nerves. “Please.”
The loss of his body heat was quick, given his urgency to tear off her pants and undergarments at once. Neither of them seemed to mind the sound of ripping fabric.
Rowan pried her legs wide open and licked her blood and juices, ending with a flick of his tongue against her clit.
Aelin burst into flames.
Wildfire engulfed them, but he barely noticed it. In fact, it urged him on. Eating someone out like this was supposed to be a selfless act, but Rowan lapped on her as if he was the one taking advantage. The ferocity in which he kissed her sex and hugged her hips with a bruising grip drove her fire inside and out, the flames growing higher as she shouted her pleasure.
He substituted his mouth with his fingers to grunt, “On my face, now.”
She blinked, trying to listen through that haze. “What?”
“I’m telling you to sit on my face.”
Aelin complied, refusing to show her inexperience with that position. However, it didn’t take her much, because as soon as both knees were on the side of his face, he directed her hips himself, commanding her to give him her weight.
If Rowan felt half as good as she did in this position, it was easy to tell why he was so adamant about it.
“Oh, gods—Rowan!”
Without warning, his calloused palm branded the soft flesh of her ass.
Holy rutting Mala, did he just spank her?
Most importantly—was she into it? Because this one might be the best beating she’d taken from Rowan yet.
“You like it when I say your name?”
A squeeze of her bottom was all answer she needed.
“You eat me out so good, Rowan.” She moaned again. And to think that she once thought he hated it when she was loud.
She rode his face without worrying about her weight or his breathing, and the way he seized her body instructed her to continue.
The tension in Aelin’s body grew, and it was soon when she reached its peak. She went still, pleasure blurring her vision as she cried out. Her fire grew taller as she reached the climax and dimmed when she went limp, seeking support on the grass before her as she doubled over herself.
She hopped off Rowan’s face to sit by his side, and the sight took her off.
Despite his nakedness from the waist up, Aelin’s attention narrowed on how his chin glistened, soaked from her blood and wetness. He licked his lips to clean them, but it wasn’t enough to fix the mess she made.
She snorted. “A handkerchief would come in handy now.”
Rowan swiped two fingers across his chin and licked them clean.
Training is not the only context in which Rowan makes it impossible for her to regain her breath.
They should talk, shouldn’t they? She didn’t expect vows of loyalty or declarations of his undying love under the stars, but they should at least make sure this wouldn’t affect their routine.
Besides, she was about to come back to the fortress smelling like Prince Rowan and sex. Oh, gods.
Things weren’t awkward yet because a sexy fog still clouded them, but Aelin feared her next words might change it.
“That just happened, huh?”
Still looking wrecked, Rowan kneeled before her and leaned in closer. With one hand on the fastenings of his trousers, he used the other to spread her knee wide and said, “It’s about to happen a lot more.”
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Ending the month on a prompt classic. I have been working on this for a very long time and I went to do a quick edit/post turn around but it turns out it's like 8500 words long and too much to do all at once. So I made the executive decision to split it up into sections. I thought about condensing the fic but there's far too many good bits, so we can just have something to look forward to once Rowaelin Month is over. Based on the song Cornelia Street by Taylor Swift.
@rowaelinscourt
~~~~~
Aelin could feel his eyes on her—had felt them all night. It wasn’t an unpleasant feeling. In fact the thought of it had a smile appearing on her lips and she risked a glance over her shoulder. And there he was, the low lights catching in his eyes as he caught hers over the rim of his drink. It pulled at something in her gut, she wanted to go over to him, if only to be near him if that was all she could manage. It was a scary thing to admit to herself that she was in love with him.
Her and Rowan were friends, just friends. Aelin had to remind herself of that when those pine green eyes watched her from across the room, or the way his lips tilted into a smile when he was trying not to laugh at one of her jokes. Or when his hands brushed over her shoulder as he swept her hair from her face so it didn’t land in her food. They were all simple and friendly gestures that Aelin found so, so endearing. It was hard not to fall in love with the man when he was as perfect as that.
At first his handsomeness had been enough to win her attention, but then his personality had cooled any of those sparks. Honestly they had pitched themselves as enemies until their walls came down and she realised he wasn't just a moody bastard with an attitude problem and he realised she wasn’t an entitled brat who thought too much of herself. When they had seen each other for who they really were they had easily fallen into a friendship built on mutual respect and petty insults that were meant to get a laugh instead of offend. Then Aelin had looked at Rowan one day and seen the entirety of everything. He was it and her heart had fluttered in her chest. She knew that she was in love with him. What a stupid thing for her to do.
It was stupid, and ridiculous, and straight up godsdamned idiotic, because Rowan didn’t feel the same. She’d heard him brag about loving his bachelor lifestyle, had seen the way he looked at other girls and not her. It almost hurt to see him flirt then play the dutiful wingwoman when he asked. He didn’t love her, not the way she loved him.
Aelin sighed and looked into the pink swirl of her cocktail. She’d be fine, Aelin would get over it. If she could rein it into just a crush it would all work out. A crush was certainly nothing to ruin a perfectly good friendship over. Aelin would play the game, keep her cards close to her chest like she had always had. Any pointless flirtations would only hurt her and no one else.
“What’s up, buttercup,” Elide asked, punctuating her question with a poke to Aelin’s arm.
“Nothing,” Aelin replied as she shook off those lingering morose thoughts.
“Oh, ‘nothing’”, her cousin echoed from across the table, mimicking her forlorn tone just to mock her.
Lysandra lent on the table. “I think she’s just sad Rowan is currently more than two metres away.”
“What?” Aelin was slightly startled by the statement.
“Hmm, yeah that sounds about right,” Aedion agreed. “She’s stopped glowing.”
“What the hell are you on about?” Aelin demanded. She looked at each occupied chair; at Aedion, Lysandra, Elide and Fenrys. The other two members of their party were getting another round of drinks.
“Sweet Aelin,” the tone of Fenrys’ voice was both condescending and consoling and it made her want to throw something at him. “We’ve all seen it. I would say he’s, in the very least, besotted, and so are you.”
It happened so suddenly Aelin wasn’t sure if she paled or flushed at the comment. “He doesn’t… I don’t.” The little hysterical laugh she did at the end really sealed the deal.
“Aw, look at her floundering. So sweet,” Aedion teased.
“You’re wrong,” Aelin managed to get out with a scathing look at her cousin. “Rowan doesn’t like me like that.”
A collective look was shared around the table and Aelin wanted to drag maybe Lysandra or Elide away to ask for more details and their thoughts. But before she could even move Rowan arrived back at the table, setting the tray of drinks down, Lorcan doing the same on the opposite side. Aelin tried not to notice the way the only drink that Rowan handed out was her’s, before her threw his arm over to rest on the back of her chair. Feeling that fraction of warmth was enough to make Aelin settle a little further back into it, and pointedly ignored the not so subtle look Lysandra shot her. She couldn’t help it, she was drawn to him in a way that was getting harder for her to deny.
Chatter around the table started up again, nothing of real consequence—just friends catching up. Rowan didn’t move his arm and as her drinks gave her a slight buzz Aelin found herself leaning into him just a bit. Rowan didn’t seem to mind, she could feel him twirling a strand of her loose hair around his finger. As the night wore on the music got louder and it was hard for them to ignore. In the end Aelin ended up being pulled willingly from her seat by Elide, and with Lysandra in tow the three of them ended up out on the dance floor.
Aelin laughed as she danced with her friends, letting the beat and rhythm take her where it would. She loved dancing, loved the freedom and thrill it gave her. When she felt a hand land on her lower back she was politely ready to decline the invitation. Aelin spun, just another fluid step in her movements and came face to face with Rowan. There was a question in his eyes as he offered her his hand. All it took was a single nod and they were moving together.
She had never danced with Rowan before, he started by spinning her out and back into his arms and within a few movements she regretted they hadn’t done this earlier. Rowan could dance, really dance, and from the arrogant smile she knew that he was enjoying the look of shock on her face. It made Aelin laugh, the sound lost in the music. She lent in after that, on her tiptoes slightly so that she could reach his ear.
“I didn't know you could dance,” Aelin managed to say over the music.
Rowan was grinning when Aelin found her feet again, this time he was leaning into her. “There’s a few things you don’t know about me.”
The breath against her skin made Aelin shiver and she hid the fluttering of her eyes by turning away in time with the music. Without even knowing what he was doing, Rowan was unravelling her. Aelin would be a mess by the end of the night.
They kept dancing and never once without some part of them touching. Hand in hand, her hand on his shoulder, his hand on her hip. There were times Aelin could have sworn Rowan’s hand tightened where it held her or he pulled her just a little closer. It started to play on her mind along with what her friends had told her. Could Rowan feel the same? True or not, she would enjoy this moment. She would smile, laugh and hold him close. She’d wreck herself and sort it out in the morning.
Aelin didn’t know how long they’d danced, but it was long enough that her feet had started to ache and then Aedion was interrupting to let them know they were leaving. There was an instant flash of regret in her gut as Rowan stepped away and let her go. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and Aelin saw the time. It was getting late, they should all be getting home.
But then Rowan glanced at her, a wry smile on his face. Once again he held out his hand to her. “One last dance?”
Aelin’s own smile was unrestrained as she took it, guiding that hand to her waist. Her hands laced behind his neck as they began to sway. Their movements didn’t exactly fit the song but that didn’t matter, they were existing in their own little world. She felt Rowan’s hand slide up her back and over her shoulder blade, and like before it urged her closer to him. This time though, he brought them closer than ever and Rowan rested his forehead on hers.
The sweet gesture made Aelin’s stomach flip and she closed her eyes just to lose herself in the moment a little more. They dance like that through the words and choruses that were so discordant with the sweet dance they danced like they were the only two people in the bar. When that song melded into the next they stopped moving and they let go of each other. Well, nearly. Rowan kept hold of her hand and they weaved through the dwindling crowd.
Lysandra was still there, waiting with their things as she texted on her phone. Aelin felt guilty making her wait.
“Finally,” she sighed dramatically. “Thought you guys were stuck out there. I love you and goodbye. Aedion is waiting for me.” Lysandra kissed Aelin’s cheek and whispered, “You got this, shoot your shot.”
Lysandra was gone too quickly to react other than a sharp look after her friend. They’d be having words later, especially at the audacity Lysandra had to tease her when there was whatever there was going on between her and Aedion. He’d driven her home far too many times for it not to be suspicious in Aelin’s opinion. Not a bad thing, just a pot calling the kettle black thing. Aelin’s bag and jacket still on their chairs, tucked nearly out of sight. She hadn’t driven, she was planning to get a cab home. She was nowhere near drunk, it had just been a precaution. All her usual drinking time had been taken up by dancing with Rowan, and in her humblest opinion it was time better spent.
“Did you drive?” Aelin asked Rowan, he shook his head. “Me either, I’m calling a cab. Want to share?”
“Yeah, that sounds good,” Rowan said and helped her on with her jacket.
This time she led the way outside, pulling up the taxi app she used and requested a pick up. By the time they stepped out onto the street she was done. The cold night air assaulted her, cutting through the layers of clothing. The jacket she’d chosen for this evening went with her outfit but was not made to keep out the cold autumn winds sweeping down off the Staghorn Mountains that surrounded the city. Aelin shivered, she couldn’t help it. The bar had been warm enough and dancing had helped keep her blood pumping. Now she was concerned she might freeze before the car arrived. Rowan noticed, of course, like he always did.
“You’re cold.” It wasn’t a question, but Aelin nodded anyway. “Come here.”
His arms were open and so was his jacket, Aelin wasted no time before tucking her arms beneath the fabric and sighing into the warmth that started to seep from his body to her’s. Rowan tugged his jacket around them a little more to keep the heat in. If Aelin wasn’t so cold she would be embarrassed by the way she clung to him. He didn’t seem to mind at all though, in fact he found it amusing if the low chuckle that rumbled in his chest was any indication. Aelin couldn’t hide in his coat forever, she had to keep an eye out for the cab.
With a deep breath Aelin prepared herself to look up. She got a lungful of Rowan’s scent, it was pine-y and fresh and Aelin had never been able to work out if it was his cologne or body wash or something else, but she loved it. Resting her chin on Rowan’s chest she couldn’t help and look at his handsome face and not at the road. Just as she did, one of those bitter winds howled through the long corridors made by the high rises and the other city buildings. All it did was bring them closer and it wasn’t by Aelin’s doing. Rowan brought them flush together. One hand was on the small of her back, the other tucked a strand of hair behind her ear that had gotten caught in the wind. But it was the look on Rowan’s face that wrecked her.
He looked at her like she meant something, something more than just a friend. The hand that had been given the task of controlling her hair lingered by Aelin’s cheek, his eyes were fixed on hers as a finger dragged down her jaw. Aein sucked in a breath unable to break free of the spell she felt like she was under. That finger rested on her chin, the knuckle tilting it just ever so slightly upwards. On instinct Aelin leaned in further and didn’t once break away from his gaze because one revelation stuck her like a knife through the heart. Rowan was looking at her like she looked at him.
“Aelin,” he whispered.
There was no chance to answer. A honking horn broke the magic of the moment and Aelin took a step back and looked for the source of the noise. There was a cab there, mostly likely the one she had ordered so she went to investigate. Regrettably she left the safety and warmth of Rowan’s arms and walked over as the driver rolled down his window.
“Aelin, is it?” The man asked.
“That’s the one,” Aelin said. She turned to call Rowan over but he was right behind her already, reaching for the door.
Aelin allowed him to play the gentleman and gave him a smile and she slid into the backseat. Rowan was right behind her, the middle seat feeling like an expanse between them after how close they had been outside. If they had been given a few moments more Aelin was sure that Rowan would have kissed her. It sent a thrill through her, and when Rowan placed his hands between them and palm up it was too deliberate to be anything other than an offer. So, she took it. They grinned at each other, both drunk on something stronger than the drinks at the bar. They were on the same page here, all they needed was the time to talk.
“Where to?” The driver asked, sounding exasperated and Aelin felt a little bit embarrassed when she released he’d probably asked more than once. But the two of them had been too caught up in their shy smiles to notice.
“I have a place on Oakwald Street,” Aelin answered casually, looking at Rowan. It was a subtle offer to the man beside her, an invitation to come home with her.
Rowan just nodded, the taxi taking off through the city streets. It was a Friday night so the ride was slow. Their fingers remained laced, Rowan’s thumb rubbing against her skin. Aelin held on, not wanting to let go like that would make him disappear. Like he would vanish like smoke on the wind and this night would all be a dream. Neither of them said a word, but there were smiles and glances given and stolen in the dark.
Aelin nearly jumped out of her skin as the driver spoke. “Which number?”
“Just up by the tree with the lights through it,” Aelin said, a new wave of adrenaline coursing through her at how soon they would be alone.
The tree was easy enough to spot, it was the only one with fairy lights strewn throughout it all year round. Aelin had forgotten the reason why but right now it was like a beacon leading home. When the cab stopped Rowan finally let her go as he eagerly opened the door, once again holding it open. Aelin paid the fee with a tap of her card and slid over the seat to where Rowan waited, hand out to help her out of the car. She took it, not at all embarrassed to accept the unnecessary help.
Aelin stood there, the soft yellow glow illuminating Rowan’s face. He was devastatingly handsome, the sharp lines caught in the relief of the dim light. His eyes were bright and his crooked smile was enough that one of his dimples was showing. The scene was picturesque, something from a movie where they were moments away from throwing their arms around each other and kissing. But this wasn’t a movie, they were rational adults who would talk things out before things went too far. No matter how tempting anything else might be.
Something short and sweet to get the creative writing juices flowing because I am determined to get all the other drafts I have done even if they're late.
Quote taken from Empire of Storms by SJM
Aelin was going to miss these quiet moments. The slow Sundays that she and Rowan had been spending together for the last four weeks while it was school holidays and their five children were staying at her parents place.
It was originally meant to be two weeks but barely one week in Aelin had called her mother sobbing, asking for her and her father to look after the kids for a little longer.
The reason?
All she and Rowan had talked about those first few days were the kids and the boring chores that had to be done.
Aelin hadn't realised that her marriage had become so...stale for lack of a better word. That while she had been excited that her children were keen to spend time with their grandparents, she and Rowan would be sitting in silence at the dinner table.
It was as if they had become an old couple overnight, even though they were only in their early thirties. Passing through the house, bored out of their minds.
Hence the call, which afterwards Aelin had a heart to heart conversation with her husband, her best friend.
Telling him that she missed the passion, the fun, and adventures that they used to have.
Yes, they were parents but that didn't mean that life had to be dull all the time. That they didn't have to always be in parent mode.
So ever since that night, with Rowan claiming that he didn't want their marriage to be boring either, they had done something different every day.
Pottery, ceramic making, ballets, festivals, rock climbing, dinners and movies, paintballing, board games (both ordinary and sexual), antique shopping--anything that piqued their interest they did it.
It had rekindled the spark that they had become unaware dimmed. Romance grew again and their sex life had been revitalised (Aelin had forgotten how fun sex could be--with the door open, in the daytime, being loud and having fun).
Even grocery shopping had become a nice trip out and not just a boring task. Which they had just come back from (after spending a whopping $402.77) and when they wound down for the night, Rowan took her outside for a picnic dinner, her favourite foods making her stomach growl.
What she had not been expecting was Rowan getting down on one knee.
Her heart in her throat, she watched as her husband of over a decade opened up the red velvet box.
The stars overhead made the emerald ring sparkle, the gold band glistening.
Her dream ring.
"When I first proposed, I had so badly wanted to get you the ring you dreamed of. But being a poor college student I could barely afford my rent and I scraped up all I could to get you your engagement ring. And I know you love that ring, but it was always one of my goals to see you wearing an emerald. These last few weeks have been the best time of my life with you, and I'm sorry that things had become so bad, but I promise you that will never happen again. That I will never take our love for granted, that the very fact I meet my soulmate for granted. I love you and I want to show you that I love you for every day of our lives. That even when this world is a forgotten whisper of dust between the stars, I will love you. Will you marry me again, Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius?"
Tears clouded Aelin's eyes and all she could do was nod and muster a very hoarse 'yes' as Rowan slipped off her old ring and placed the new one in its place. Her diamond ring he put on her right hand.
Aelin could barely focus on the new ring, her eyes wide as she smiled and kissed her husband with everything she had.
How drastic things had been a month ago, but she was very much looking towards the future and Rowan fulfilling his promise because she knew that he would.
........ I hurt some feelings here. In my defence it was basically a requirement of the prompt.
@rowaelinscourt
~~~~~
Aelin sat on the kitchen counter, dressed in a loose pair of sleep shorts and her boyfriend’s t-shirt. Her Boyfriend. Just thinking the word made her kick her legs in a fit of giddiness. It was a very recent development. It had only been three days since they’d made things official. She and Rowan had spent months dancing around each other until they both hadn’t been able to take it any longer. After a stupid argument about the right way to cook mac and cheese, Rowan had simply cupped her cheeks and kissed her. It had been an unplanned tactic born out of pure frustration to shut her up, but it had done the job. They had barely left her apartment since, happy to be stuck in their honeymoon bubble.
Music played through Rowan’s phone, he was humming along as he stirred the scrambled eggs cooking on the stove. Aelin was content to watch, she had a pretty good view from here. Broad, tan shoulders, defined back muscles shifting as he moved, those godsdamned grey sweat pants framing a toned ass. Yes, she was very happy right where she was.
When Rowan turned Aelin was immediately busted with her head tilted and gaze fixed on him. Rowan only shook his head, moving the pan off the heat before bracing his hand either side of her hips. Not admitting to anything even though Rowan gave her a very expectant look, Aelin just booped him on the nose playfully, making him chuckle.
“Enjoying the view, I see,” Rowan said.
Aelin shrugged, “The opportunity was there so I thought ‘might as well’.”
“Ever the opportunist.”
“Don’t ever wear a shirt again, I’m begging you,” Aelin added, her hands sweeping over his shoulders for emphasis.
“I’m so sorry, Aelin,” Rowan said, his voice solemn, “but outside the apartment I will have to wear a shirt.”
“Because you’ll start a riot,” Aelin quipped back.
Rowan’s head tipped back with a laugh. “If you say so.”
“Oh, I know so,” Aelin insisted.
Their little banter session was interrupted but the music being cut out and the phone buzzing on the bench next to Aelin’s thigh. They both looked down simultaneously, the screen lit with the name Sellene Whitethorn.
“What does my cousin want now?” Rowan murmured to himself, picking up the phone and tipping the green phone. “Hey, Sellene.”
“Hey, Rowan.” Aelin was close enough that she could hear the conversation clearly. “How are you?”
“Fine, good even. You?” Rowan replied.
“Good, good.”
Rowan gave Aelin a perplexed look, and she was feeling much the same. Even not hearing her voice directly, there was definitely something off about Sellene’s tone.
“Sellene, what is it?” Rowan asked, ever one for directness.
There was a heavy sigh on the other end of the phone. “Have you talked to Lyria lately?”
“Lyria? No,” Rowan replied, his confusion deepening.
Lyria was Rowan’s ex-girlfriend. They had broken up about four months ago under fairly mutual circumstances according to Rowan. It had been hell to see Rowan with someone else while Aelin pined after him with all her heart. She tried not to be gleeful when they broke up, but Aelin was only human. She managed to hide it well outside of one episode of excessive happy dancing around her apartment. Then they proceeded to stuff around for the next few months anyway, not knowing how to take the next steps. It was wasted time in retrospect and now Aelin was determined to make up for every moment they had lost.
“I think you should give her a call,” Sellene said.
“Why?” Rowan asked simply.
“She came into work yesterday,” Sellene explained cryptically. “And I think you should call her. Or better, go see her.”
That had Rowan straightening, his features darkening. “You sure it was her?”
“Absolutely, attended to her myself,” Sellen answered back. “Please call her, at least.”
“Yeah, okay, I will,” Rowan said, rubbing his hand over his face. “Thanks for letting me know.”
“Sure thing. See you, Rowan,” Sellene said.
“Bye, give my love to everyone.”
There was a heavy silence as Rowan put the phone back down on the counter, he even went as far as pausing the music as it started up again. He didn’t offer any explanation, just worried at his bottom lip.
“What is it?” Aelin asked when she couldn’t handle the silence any longer.
Rowan sighed heavily. “You heard that, right?” Aelin nodded. “Sellene works at the hospital, and…”
When Rowan trailed off Aelin picked the sentence right back up. “And you’re worried something has happened to Lyria?”
Rowan hesitated a second before answering. “Yeah.”
“Hey,” Aelin reached out and turned Rowan's face so that he was looking at her. “It's perfectly natural for you to still care about her. You were together for ages, I’m not bothered.”
Hearing that, Rowan nodded. “I, ah… I'm gonna go call her. The eggs are ready, eat as much as you want.”
Taking his phone with him, Rowan headed to the bedroom to make his call. Aelin hopped off the counter and pulled a fork from the drawer, spearing some scrambled egg straight from the pan. No need to needlessly dirty a plate. She was starting to dip into Rowan’s half by the time he came out. To her surprise he was dressed, tapping his phone mindlessly against his palm. What was most alarming was the way his handsome features were clouded with worry.
“Is everything okay?” Aelin asked tentatively.
Rowan cleared his throat. “I got hold of Lyria. Turns out, she’s not okay and…”
“And?” Aelin pressed, fearing the worst.
“I need to go see her, I’m so sorry Aelin,” Rowan rushed out, his face looking pained.
“What is it? Is she okay?”
Rowan shook his head. “I’m not entirely sure but I’ll figure it out when I get there.”
“When do you leave?” Aelin asked, her gut sinking.
“I’m going to go home and pack and then see what flight to Doranelle I can get,” Rowan said. “I’m sorry.”
Aelin approached her boyfriend, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Stop apologising. I understand, just let me know if there’s anything I can do.”
Rowan returned her hug, his chin resting on her head. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” Aelin said, squeezing him tighter.
It only took Rowan a few minutes to gather what he needed to leave, then he was kissing Aelin goodbye at the door. The kiss was passionate, enough to set Aelin’s heart racing in her chest. It felt more significant than a see you in a few days kind of kiss. Rowan’s touches seem to linger even though he was clearly distracted.
“I’ll see you soon, let me know how you go travelling,” Aelin said.
“I will,” Rowan promised with another kiss and then he was gone. Honeymoon bubble officially popped.
A few days turned into a week and replies from Rowan became sporadic. By the time she received Rowan’s text that he was boarding a plane back to Terrasen, Aelin was nearly frantic. Rowan hadn’t given her any indication that something was amiss, but she could feel it. There was something going on here, she just couldn’t figure out what. After a flight delay on both ends, Rowan’s plane wasn’t getting in until late. Aelin was determined to stay awake because she insisted that he come straight to her. Try as she might, in the end she couldn’t keep her eyes open. She fell asleep on the couch watching a sitcom and by the time she was waking up to the sound of her door opening she was at least three episodes past where she could remember.
“Hey,” Rowan said quietly.
“Hey,” Aelin croaked back as she sat up. “Come to bed?”
Rowan shook his head. “I can’t stay.”
Those three words had Aelin wide awake instantly. “What?”
He stepped into the living area, but he didn’t sit down, he just stood there.
“Rowan, what’s going on?” Aelin tried to swallow again the panic that was building but it just clogged in her throat.
“I need you to let me get all this out,” Rowan said and when he saw the look Aelin gave him he added, “please.”
“Okay,” Aelin said, she would try her best not to interrupt. For him.
“Lyria was in the hospital, like Sellene said. By the time I got there she had been discharged and I went to see her at home. On the phone she had said she wanted to talk to me about something, I wasn't sure what. Well, I had my suspicions but they didn’t seem likely. But it turned out I was right.” He laughed humourlessly. “Sellene works in obstetrics.”
Aelin’s hand went to her mouth, a physical barrier against the words that threatened to escape.
“Lyria was in hospital because she was having some complications with her pregnancy, something to do with her blood pressure and her heart. She’s four months along, the baby is mine.”
“Rowan,” Aelin whispered. “What—”
Rowan raised a trembling hand, a silent request to wait. “She’s sure, and I believe her. Due to her complications, she needs help. More than that, I know what it’s like to grow up without a father and I won’t let my child go through that.”
“What are you saying?” Aelin said, her gut sinking. Rowan had lost his parents when he was very young, he grew up in the houses of his cousins, but never quite fitting in. In his teenage years he'd been lost and without guidance had fallen into his fair share of trouble. Aelin knew how deeply the loss of his parents had affected him and how he wanted a different life for his children whenever he had them. Which seemed to be sooner than later.
Now Rowan sat, reaching out to take one of Aelin’s hands. It shook in his grasp, more so when his thumb swept over it in what was meant as a comforting gesture.
“I’m going back to Doranelle to be with Lyria, we’re going to give it another chance.”
Aelin’s heart shattered.
“No,” she all but pleaded. “No, you can’t.”
Rowan couldn’t meet her eye. “I’m so sorry, Aelin.”
“But we just got our chance,” Aelin, her voice raw with devastation. “We just started.”
Rowan’s next words were quiet, yet they rang in Aelin’s ears. “That’s why it will be so easy to let go.”
Aelin yanked her hand away like his touch burned her. Not with heat, but an icy coldness. How could he do this to them? After waiting for him, the pining and the yearning, and the overwhelming relief once she could finally call him hers—it was all for nothing.
“No, we can work this out,” Aelin insisted. “There has to be another way.”
“How? Are you going to move to Doranelle with me? Are we going to do long distance for the next 18 years? Once the baby is born I won’t be able to see you for weeks, maybe months,” Rowan said, not angry, just pragmatic. “I still love you, Aelin. But I can’t be here with you.”
A sob broke out of her, tears gathering in her eyes. “I can’t—”
Rowan moved closer, probably to comfort her, but Aelin couldn’t handle that right now. “Aelin, please—”
“No, I need you to go,” she said, pushing off the couch and backing away.
“Aelin,” her name was a pained sound.
“Go, Rowan. Let me deal with my breaking heart by myself. I’ll have to do that anyway, so might as well start now.” Anger was beginning to mix with her grief. She wanted him gone.
There were tears shining on Rowan’s own cheeks. “I’m so sorry, Aelin. Please believe me. I wanted so much more for us, it just wasn’t meant to be.”
Aelin couldn’t bear to watch him leave so she fled to her bedroom, the door slamming in time with the front door as Rowan walked out of her life. She managed to make it to the bed before she broke apart completely. Her body shook from the force of her sobs, her lungs aching with every sound. A week ago she had everything she could have wanted, happily sitting in her kitchen waiting for her boyfriend to cook her breakfast. In a matter of moments that had all been torn away from her in the most devastating way. Rowan was gone, he wouldn’t be coming back, all because of his loyalty and decency—all things Aelin had loved him for. Still she couldn’t pretend that she understood, she and Rowan had finally taken their chance and lost. That little baby would have the best father in the world and all Aelin would have were the shattered remnants of her broken heart. As she lay there, crying herself into exhaustion and just waiting for sleep to claim her so that she would not exist in the world for a little, Aelin wondered if she would ever be able to piece it back together.
Last day of my Heir of Fire kick. This one fought me a little, maybe I don't like making certain people Fenrys sad. Still, I hope I did this scene justice.
@rowaelinscourt
~~~~~
“Behold my power, Maeve. Behold what I grapple with in the deep dark, what prowls under my skin.”
Fenrys felt it, the pull of that power. The tether that bound him to Maeve was strong, but even then the primal part of him recognised what Aelin was and what she could offer. Holy gods, seeing what Aelin was capable of, the bitch might have met her match. There was not a single flame left in Doranelle, Aelin Galathynius had extinguished them all. If Fenrys had not been commanded to stand locked in place, he would have balked. In the darkness the Princess stalked over to the pathetic group of males that they were. This wasn’t the first time they had been commanded to inflict punishments on each other, but this time it carried more weight, more meaning. Fenrys had taken no joy in the part he played in Rowan’s whipping. This time it wasn’t a punishment for their own mistakes, it was used as a way for Maeve to gain leverage over her newest opponent whose power rivalled her own. Aelin gave a feral flash of her teeth and with that silent command both Fenrys and his brother released the wounded male. All Rowan could do was sag against the Princess, murmuring her name, over and over. Like a prayer. And with that, the flames rekindled.
The Princess was insane. Powerful and insane. It was a dangerous combination. They all knew of Aelin’s past as an assassin, that time had no doubt forged her into the formidable weapon that stood before them, smiling like she hadn’t just held an entire city hostage. Fenrys had to admit that he was impressed, he could not recall an individual who had gone up against Maeve and lived on to tell the tale. That filled him with delight, it was not often he witnessed the queen suffering in any capacity.
“Rowan, come here,” Maeve commanded.
Despite his injuries the blood oath held. Rowan staggered to the dias, a wounded dog returning to its master.
“Give me that sword and get out,” Maeve commanded Aelin, hand held out expectantly.
But Aelin, insane as she was, wasn’t finished yet. “I don’t think so. Brannon left it in that cave for anyone but you to find. And so it is mine, through blood and fire and darkness. Not pleasant when someone doesn’t give you what you want, is it?”
For a moment the throne room stilled as the threat settled. Maeve was never one to be outplayed, she would call Aelin’s bluff, threats in exchange for threats.
“You’ll pay for this.”
Fenrys reeled at those words. He wanted to shift and howl his pleasure at the defeat those words from Maeve indicated. Right now, Aelin held the advantage, they all knew it. To his surprise Aelin walked forward to the dais and took Maeve’s hand.
“Oh, I don’t think I will.”
Those words were full of astounding swaggering confidence. Fenrys was impressed, even more so when Aelin pulled back after a few moments, leaving Maeve pale. Whatever had passed between them had shaken the Queen to her foundation. She stared at Aelin, full of hatred and what he could have sworn was an element of fear.
“I suggest that you think very, very carefully before threatening me or my own,” Aelin said, then she looked at the wounded male who still bled from his wounds. Maeve must have commanded him not to heal it. “Or hurting Rowan again.”
That statement held a claiming, one that twisted something in Fenrys’ chest. What had happened at Mistward? What had happened between them? There was the carranum, yes, but this was something more, something that was intrinsic to the both of them.
“Rowan belongs to me,” Maeve hissed. “I can do what I wish with him.”
Revulsion pulsed in Fenrys’ body. How many times had she whispered those words in his ear, had said them as a taunt and a promise as she used him as she wished?
Aelin didn’t even acknowledge that she had heard the words Maeve had spoken. She only reached into her pocket, retrieving something small. “I think you’ve been looking for this for a long time.”
Anger filled Maeve’s face, flushing her pale cheeks with colour again. “That does not belong to you.”
“Doesn’t it? I found it, after all. In Goldryn’s scabbard—”
Do not hear this, a voice inside Fenrys’ mind told him, Do not hear the lies the Princess speaks.
The wolf inside him growled, rebelling against the command. He hated this, hated her. If Maeve didn’t want Fenrys and the others to hear this information it was important. Fenrys stared ahead of him as the world faded out. All he could hear was muffled sounds as the Queen and Princess faced each other, Rowan standing motionless by Maeve’s side. Something had changed in the male, his obedience waned and Rowan held onto slivers of defiance. It was why Fenrys had gone to Mistward. Not only to protect those who needed protecting, but because if Rowan could fight against the oath even in the slightest it meant there was hope. And that hope was Aelin.
Fenrys had been a fool for swearing himself to Maeve. He might have done it to protect his brother, which had ultimately turned out to be a fruitless endeavor, but now he knew he should have held out for more. For something better. The world as they knew it was shifting right before his eyes.
“— for Rowan’s freedom from his blood oath.” Clarity returned to Fenrys’ hearing, the fact it was those words that he heard showed the slip of control from Maeve.
“A blood oath is eternal.” Maeve’s voice was tight, tense, and unyielding.
The world stopped. Fenrys stopped, his whole body waiting for what happened next. He didn’t move, he didn’t breathe. A blood oath could not be undone, not without killing the oath taker. At least that was what Fenrys had been led to believe.
“I don’t care. Free him,” Aelin commanded, holding out her palm where a gold ring shone in the light. “Your choice. Free him, or I melt this right here.”
Aelin was playing a dangerous game, but Maeve only kept her gaze on the ring offered to her. Never before had Fenrys seen the Fae Queen yield to any request that left her lacking. Maeve straightened, her features tight as she said, “Very well. I’ve grown rather bored of his company these past few decades, anyway.”
Fenrys recoiled a step, not believing what he was witnessing. This was not happening. It couldn’t happen. Rowan was in disbelief as well, turning slowly not to Maeve, but to Aelin. The one who had challenged Maeve and claimed the victory.
“Through no dishonour, through no act of treachery, I hereby free you, Rowan Whitethorn, of your blood oath to me.”
Maeve spoke the next command the Old Language and Fenrys could only watch in astonishment as Rowan took out one of his many blades and sliced his arm. Fenrys tracked each drop of blood as it dripped onto the stones, the sound of every impact echoing through him. His chest heaved with his heavy breaths as he tried to master himself before Maeve noticed his distress and punished him for it later. Bitter jealousy writhed through Fenrys’ veins. He hated Maeve and every moment he had spent being bound to her. He hated Rowan for this, because he was free—he had his escape. He would walk away with his new Queen and be free while Fenrys would remain caged.
Rowan did as commanded. Maeve had said something but Fenrys hadn’t heard it in his shock. All he saw was Aelin throwing the ring in Maeve’s direction and Rowan was rushing towards her. When he reached the Princess his hands went to her cheeks and he rested his brow against hers. Rowan murmured her name then kissed her where his forehead had been before dropping to his knees, taking hold of her wrist.
That action seemed to stun everyone, including Aelin. “You’re free. You’re free now.”
Maeve too watched with her brows high, like the rest of them, waiting to see what was unfolding.
“Together, Fireheart,” Rowan said, pushing up the sleeve of Aelin’s tunic. “We’ll find a way together. A court to change the world.” Aelin smiled and nodded, then he offered her a dagger he pulled from his boot. “Say it, Aelin.”
Realisation hit Fenrys in the gut. This was unbelievable. Rowan, the pigheaded bastard, was offering himself to the Princess. He’d freed himself from one blood oath and immediately binding himself in another. The implications of what he was doing was astounding. Not only did it give Aelin protection, but protection for himself. Maeve wouldn’t dare touch either of them now and risk the wrath of the other.
Remarkably, Aelin’s voice was strong as she said the words, not showing any weakness. It was impressive. “Do you promise to serve in my court, Rowan Whitethorn, from now until the day you die?”
“I do. Until my last breath, and the world beyond. To whatever end.”
Those words were more than an oath, they were a confession. At Mistward Fenrys had had his suspicions about the relationship between them. Over the century Fenrys had known Rowan he had always been a hard, unfeeling bastard. The male had been forged by the tragedy of losing his mate, a coldness only amplified during his service to Maeve. Now there was a warmth to him, no doubt a fire kindled by the fire-wielder herself. It had taken mere months for Rowan’s loyalty to irrevocably shift from centuries of unwavering obedience to Maeve and her cruelties. Aelin might not be Rowan’s mate, but it was clear the male was on her way to being in love with her—if he wasn’t already halfway there. Fenrys tried not to relish in the turmoil it would cause the stubborn male and his noble conscience
Aelin grinned as Rowan drew the dagger across her wrist and then his mouth was on her skin. There was blood on his lips when he drew away a few moments later. With that, the blood oath was complete.
“Now that you have insulted me further, get out. All of you.” Maeve’s voice filled with a cold fury as she commanded them all.
The blood oath had Fenrys turning immediately, noting the way Aelin helped the Prince to his feet and how the wounds on his back were finally healing. That jealousy rose again, drowning him as Fenrys walked into the shadows. He knew that those left bound to Maeve would suffer gravely for this, that they would be the focus of her wrath. He and his companions would be punished for Rowan gaining his freedom. Freedom Fenrys was rabid for.
What would haunt him is that, if the fates had been kinder, Fenrys might be the one who followed Aelin as she fled from Doranelle. He had wanted to train the Princess, and as soon as Maeve voiced her plans for Aelin’s training he had offered himself for the task. The Queen had been toying with him, dangling fleeting freedom from his cage to tempt and disappoint him. It was clear that Rowan had always been her choice. Fenrys had to wonder if Rowan abandoning her court for another was part of her plan as well.
A court to change the world, Rowan had said. An almost Queen with world-reckoning power and a fae male with nearly unbound power. They would be a force to be reckoned with, just the two of them. There was one hope Fenrys could hold to. It would be Maeve's sins being unforgiven and that Aelin would come for her again, bringing destruction in her wake—and he would be there to witness it.
~~~~~
I'd like to say this is the last time I'll hurt feelings for the month, but I can't make any promises.
Rowaelin Month 2025, Day 28: Second Chance @rowaelinscourt
Word count: 2.4k
Warnings: angst but it gets better i swear um, none ;)
✨happy birthday to me✨ enjoy!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After a sweltering summer that had broken nearly every temperature record in Orynth's last century of weather history, the first truly crisp breeze of autumn curled through the air, and Aelin inhaled deeply as she pushed open the door to her favorite coffee shop. They'd been serving their fall menu for a good three weeks, but it was the first day she could really appreciate the cozy warmth of the cinnamon and maple scents that wafted into her nose from the counter.
There was a line at the register and a good number of people sitting at the tables that lined two walls of the cafe, and Aelin had to throw an apologetic smile at several people as she maneuvered the stroller carrying her fifteen-month-old daughter up towards the front. Lana was mercifully quiet, just staring wide-eyed at the few people who threw sideways glances at the young mom who was doing the perfectly normal act of getting a coffee.
When Aelin finally got to the counter, the barista who was running the register winked at her. "How are my favorite girls this morning?"
For the first time that day, Lana clapped and squealed, and Aelin smiled fondly at her daughter. "We're in a good mood, I think."
Lysandra, the barista who'd worked at the cafe for as long as Aelin had been going there, chuckled. "Yeah, it's so nice to finally not sweat my butt off when I open the door. Want your usual?"
"As always," Aelin said with a laugh. "But throw in an extra cinnamon bun, would you? My mom is watching Lana today, and I want to get her a little something."
"Of course!" Lys tapped in Aelin's usual order---in the autumn, it was an iced maple latte with a splash of pumpkin spice syrup and an apple-cinnamon muffin. Aelin usually gave Lana little bite-sized pieces of the muffin; her daughter had inherited her sweet tooth.
Aelin paid and moved off to the side, rocking the stroller back and forth while she waited for her coffee. "Ready for your muffin, honey?" she asked her daughter, smiling when Lana slapped her little hands on the stroller's tray. "I know, it smells soooo good!"
"Here you go, Ae!" Lys called, and Aelin picked up her coffee and muffin and called her thanks to the barista. There was an open table over by the far wall, and she wove through the line of waiting customers, breathing a sigh of relief when she finally got to the table.
She set the muffin down on the table and unbuckled Lana from the stroller. "I know, little love, you don't like being cooped up." She sat down, settling her daughter in her lap, and broke off a piece of the muffin for Lana. "Is it yummy?"
Lana munched on the bite and clapped, wiggling in Aelin's arms like she was trying to break free. "Ya!" she squealed. She knew a few words---ya, no, mama, ba-ba, and ga-ma, her word for her grandma. No was her favorite.
Aelin chuckled and gave her daughter another little piece of muffin. "I know. Everything they make here is amazing." She managed to take a few sips of her coffee while helping Lana eat the muffin, and she was brushing the crumbs off her daughter's chubby little cherub cheeks when a male throat cleared behind them.
"Excuse me, I was using that table."
"We were just..." Aelin's words failed as she stood up and turned around and came face to face with a man she never thought she'd see again. "Rowan?"
~
Five Years Ago
With only a few months to go until her college graduation, Aelin felt overwhelmed with the sheer amount of decisions she kept hearing that she absolutely had to make. Where was she going to work? Was she going to work? Did she want to to grad school? Would she move back home? Would she move out? What was her five-year plan? Was her boyfriend going to propose?
That last question unsettled her more than she wanted to admit. Because lately, Aelin had felt like she and Rowan were on two completely different tracks, headed in two different directions.
They had met their freshman year, at the west campus gym of all places. Aelin had been looking for a quiet space to work out, and Rowan had been working out in the studio to get away from the puck bunnies who chased the breakout star freshman hockey player all over campus. They'd struck up sparks almost immediately, and it only took Rowan a few days to ask Aelin out. That first date was damn near perfection, and after her high school boyfriend broke her teenage heart, Aelin thought she'd met someone who wouldn't do the same thing to her.
For almost four years, she'd been right.
Somehow, though, senior year was taking a toll on both of them. Aelin wondered if it was the pressure on them both---Rowan was one of the top prospects for the NHL draft and there were at least four teams bargaining for his signature, and Aelin was buried in the more typical load of job applications, interviews, and possible offers from jobs she really didn't want to work, on top of her last semester of classes and the final projects she had to submit. She knew Rowan felt weighed down with the pressure; she'd asked him about it a few days ago and he'd admitted that his coaches were trying to convince him to sign with a team he didn't want to play for.
The front door of their apartment swung open, yanking Aelin from her thoughts. She was at the kitchen table, trying to finish a paper for her literature class. Rowan dumped his backpack by the front door and slumped through the kitchen.
"Hey," he mumbled, mustering up an exhausted smile. He went into the living room and flopped onto the couch with a muffled groan.
Aelin shut her laptop and followed her boyfriend into the living room. "Hey," she whispered, stopping in front of him. "Can I?" He nodded, laying one arm on the top of the couch, and she settled down beside him, propping her back against the armrest. "C'mere."
Rowan dropped his head onto her shoulder, his body melting against hers. "I'm so fucking tired," he said into her shirt.
She slipped her fingers through his hair, knowing how much that little gesture comforted him. "I'm sorry, babe. Can I do anything to help?"
"Only if you buy the NHL and tell them and Coach to fuck off."
"I don't know about that, Ro." She kissed his forehead. "But I did make lasagna for dinner."
"Hell yeah," Rowan mumbled.
Aelin moved her hands to his back, embracing him. The silence between them stretched, and she tried to fill it. "How's your shoulder doing?"
"Fine." He sat up abruptly, but before she could ask him why, his stomach let out a loud rumble. "Guess that's a sign," he said, that tired smile curling up his lips for an instant.
"I can get the lasagna for you," she offered.
"I'll do it, baby." He leaned over and kissed her cheek, just shy of her lips.
He hadn't kissed her properly since the day before.
"Okay." What did I do wrong? Aelin asked herself, her mind spinning through everything they'd done over the last few weeks. Did I piss him off? Why hasn't he asked me anything? She shook her head. Be reasonable, Galathynius. He's probably just stressed from his dumbass coach.
Rowan brought his bowl of lasagna to the kitchen table, and Aelin went back to her laptop, opening up her email in case any new notifications had come in. There was nothing.
"Oh." Rowan set his fork down. "You okay, Ae?"
She looked up. "Fine. Just busy, I guess. Nothing like you probably have to deal with."
He sighed. "Hey, don't do that."
"Do what?" She tried to tamp down her defensiveness.
"You're minimizing your stress because you don't want to make me feel bad," he said. "Don't do that to yourself, baby. It's okay for you to say that there's something going on."
"You know me too well," she said wryly. "It's really nothing---literally. I haven't heard from Random House at all, and it's been almost two weeks since I had that interview." She closed her laptop again. "I just don't want to be another college kid who gets ghosted by a job."
"I know." Rowan reached over and squeezed her hand. "You aren't gonna get left behind, Ae. You're the smartest person I know. You'll get a good offer, and anyone who turns you away is an idiot."
"Thanks, babe," she said softly. "I need to go to sleep, or I'll stay up away too late overthinking. Don't worry about waking me up; you know I sleep like a rock."
"Okay. Love you." He blew her a kiss as she went down the hall, and she fell asleep that night with a little more certainty in her heart.
That certainty didn't survive the week.
A few days later, Rowan signed with the Wendlyn Warriors, the team his coaches wanted him to play for. The hockey team did a short ceremony for him, and by the time Rowan came home, he was worn out from shaking so many hands and smiling for so many staged photos.
"I just needed it all to stop," he told Aelin that night, slumped in one corner of the couch with a pillow clutched to his chest. "Wendlyn is a good team, and Terrasen wasn't going to sign me anyway." His dream was to play for the Terrasen Staghorns, the local and very dearly beloved team that had been his favorite since he was a kid.
"You're going to do amazing in Wendlyn, Ro," Aelin told him, wishing she could just wrap him in her arms and make all of his messy emotions disappear.
"But it's so far away," he whispered. He looked at her, and his eyes were far too sad for a twenty-two-year-old. "What about that?"
"I love you, Rowan Whitethorn." Aelin met his sorrow head-on with every bit of wavering hope she could cobble together. "A bit of distance isn't ever going to change that."
"I love you too, Aelin." His voice wobbled, and she knew his next words before he spoke them. "I can't ask you to abandon your dreams just to be close to me." Tears glittered in the corners of his eyes. "And I don't know if I can survive the distance."
"What are you saying, Ro?" Her throat went tight.
He held the pillow tighter to his chest. "Let me go, Ae." A single tear broke free and trickled down his cheek. "I can't live with knowing that I took you away from your best life. Just...just let me go."
"You want this---you want us---to end because you're going to move to Wendlyn?"
"I don't want to trap you," he croaked.
"You could never do that!" she burst out. "What if I want to go with you? What if I want to support your dreams?"
"You deserve to have your own dreams come first!" Rowan threw the pillow aside and pushed himself across the couch, catching Aelin's face in his hands. "Please, Ae." His thumb brushed across her cheek, sweeping away the tears that poured down her face. "Please."
"I won't ever stop loving you, Rowan." Aelin looked into his shattered eyes, feeling her heart crack right down the middle. "Know that."
"I could never forget."
When he kissed her that night, it felt like goodbye.
~
Present
Aelin snapped her loose jaw shut and turned her attention back to the squirming toddler in her arms. "What are you doing here, Rowan?" she asked, untangling Lana's fingers from her hair.
"Got traded to Terrasen last month." His voice was deeper than she remembered. "One of the guys told me this was the best place to get a coffee, so I figured I'd try it out." When she snuck a glance at him, he was staring at Lana, and he flushed a bit when she caught him. "I...I wasn't expecting...um. You. Or her." His flush deepened as he stumbled through the words.
She clamped down on a smile at how godsdamned adorable he was when he was spluttering like that. It reminded her of their first date, how nervous he'd been because he was trying so hard to impress her. "This is my daughter, Lana. She's fifteen months." Aelin kissed Lana's rosy cheeks. "And, ah...her dad passed."
"I'm so sorry, Aelin." Rowan instinctively reached towards her with the hand not holding his coffee, then yanked his hand back.
"It's okay." Aelin shifted her stance so Lana could look up at Rowan. "Lana, honey, this is Rowan. Can you say Rowan?"
Lana's big turquoise eyes, just like Aelin's, stared up at Rowan. She patted her mother's arm, pointed at Rowan, and said clear as day, "Dada."
Aelin's face burned crimson. "I---I'm sorry," she breathed, mentally yelling at her traitorous, leaping heart to shut the fuck up. "She's never done that before."
"I'm sure it was just a fluke," Rowan said. "She's still learning to talk, right?"
"Yeah." Aelin looked at Lana, who gave her a big, wide, innocent grin. "You're so smart, my beautiful girl. Look at you learning new words!"
Lana squealed. "Mama!" She grabbed a fistful of Aelin's sleeve and flailed her other hand towards Rowan. "Mama, Dada!"
"No, sweet girl," Aelin said with a laugh. "Not quite." She gave Rowan an apologetic look. "I..."
"I never forgot," Rowan rushed out. "I never forgot, Ae."
"What?" She blinked, trying to remember their last broken conversation. "You...oh."
"Will you let me try again?" He looked at her with five years of hope in his face. "I'll be better this time."
She swallowed thickly, rocking her daughter in her arms. "I want to," she whispered. "I never stopped."
He set his coffee down on the table and stuck out his hand. "My name is Rowan, and you're the most stunning woman I've ever seen. Can I take you and your daughter to dinner?"
A whole herd of butterflies leapt in her stomach at how flawlessly he brought Lana into his plans. "I'd love that. My name is Aelin." She settled Lana on her hip, reached out, and took his hand.
Um, okay. I'm super excited about this one. Guess who's back? It my most second chance-iest of my second chance fics. That's right, It Takes Two. Get ready for all the smiles in this one, it's been a long time coming.
~ It Takes Two Masterlist ~
@rowaelinscourt
~~~~~
Rowan was sitting at the desk in his hotel room, going over the finer details of his vows yet again. He knew they were fine, good even—Lorcan had even said they were perfect and he wasn’t one for exaggeration. Rowan didn’t know why he had chosen Lorcan of all people to show his vows to, it might have been because he could count on his oldest friend to be brutally honest. If Lorcan had thought they were bad he would have said so without reservations. When Rowan had handed over the crumpled piece of paper he’d watched for any kind of reaction. Lorcan’s stoic demeanour hadn’t changed, his eyes darted across the page, then he had nodded and passed the paper back with a simple ‘don’t change them’.
And Rowan hadn’t. He tweaked and edited a few times but the foundational words hadn’t changed. Even now there wasn’t anything to alter, he nearly had them memorised by now. But going over them gave him something to do while he waited.
The ceremony wasn’t for another few hours and all Rowan had to do was change his shirt, put his tie and do a final sweep of his hair. All things he wouldn’t be able to get done with his current companion. Elspeth sat on his knee chewing on a hard breadstick type baby snack as one hand reached for the pen in his hand. When he moved it out of her reach again she slammed her hand down on the table with a squawk of frustration to emphasise her annoyance at him. Rowan chuckled and looked down at her, and sensing her father’s gaze she looked up.
“Sorry, Elsie. You can’t have it,” he told her and when her eyes narrowed Rowan laughed again and kissed her head.
The toddler didn’t look pleased by that answer, but she didn’t push it further. Instead she just turned around and started climbing her father by clamping a grimy hand into his t-shirt. That was exactly why Rowan hadn’t bothered to change yet.
Almost subconsciously Rowan helped Elsie up enough that she could stand on his leg. She was a week shy of 18 months old, not walking yet but loved to stand and both parents were making sure she got all the practice standing she could to work on the right muscles. Her not walking by this age was fairly late but not late enough that they should be too concerned by it, according to their pediatrician. Didn’t stop them from encouraging her the best they could.
Rowan’s phone buzzed where it lay face down, he ignored it momentarily while he read the end of the sentence he’d been focusing on and then it went off again. He swapped the pen for his phone and picked it up, unable to stop his smile when he saw who the messages were from. Fireheart.
The last time he had seen Aelin was outside her hotel room door down the hallway from his. They’d put Elsie to bed together and then to keep with tradition he’d kissed her goodnight and left for his own room. And then they’d put the same movie on and texted throughout the entire thing. He had made sure to wish her one last goodnight before he’d fallen asleep with a smile on his face because in the morning Rowan would be marrying the woman he loved.
Aelin: Did you know about this?
That text was followed up with a picture message. A felt jewellery box was flipped open with a set of floral earrings—delicate blue irises.
“Come here, Elsie-girl,” Lorcan said and didn’t wait or ask for permission before lifting the little girl into his arms. “Your dad isn’t even paying attention to you. How cruel.”
Another text came through and distracted Rowan from his cutting reply.
Aelin: Sellene just dropped them off. She told me where they’re from.
Rowan was grinning as he looked down at his phone. He had known, he had been the one to ask Sellene for them. When he had moved to Terrasen he had left most of his sentimental pieces behind, including some of the things he had inherited from his parents. His cousin had been assigned the task of finding these particular earrings amongst the storage boxes. The earrings that had belonged to his mother.
Rowan: They are your something old and something blue.
Aelin: I’m trying not to cry my make-up off right now.
Rowan laughed, even as emotion started to clog his throat.
Rowan: That doesn’t sound promising to me.
Aelin: Because I love them, you bastard.
Rowan: She would have wanted you to have them.
It was true, Iris Whitethorn would have loved Aelin and she would have adored Elspeth. Her absence of all their parents was a bitter sting to the day but the soon to be newlyweds were working hard not to focus on that. Instead they chose to focus on the life ahead of them. For all three of them.
Aelin: By the way Elide is on her way to get our darling daughter.
Rowan couldn’t help the slightest appearance of a frown on his face.
Rowan: You had her last night. This isn’t fair. Let her stay with me.
Aelin: You don’t have the right kind of boobs.
A laugh burst out of Rowan, his fiancé was nothing if not direct. He turned to see what his darling daughter was up to. She was currently sitting in the middle of three of her uncles as they rolled a ball between them and vied for her attention. Fenrys rolled the ball her way and when she caught it they all cheered for her. Elsie grinned at the attention and when she clapped they cheered her on even more. Still dressed in her zippy onesie pyjamas and wispy blonde curls untidily stuck with dried food, she was the least ready of all of them.
“Every one better be decent or I swear,” Elide declared as she stepped through the door without much more warning than that.
“Lorcan doesn’t have any pants on!” Fenrys said immediately.
Elide snorted. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“Not for you, obviously,” Fenrys continued with the banter.
When Elide came fully into the room any hint of playfulness disappeared off her face and she took in the various states of undress each man was in. She put her hands on her hips, surveying them all.
“What,” her voice was lethal, “do you call all this?”
Like she could protect her favourite uncle from the impending wrath, Elsie crawled over to Lorcan, using the mostly open shirt to pull herself up so she could stand in front of him. The way his face immediately softened had some of Elide’s ire lessening until her eyes zeroed in on the stain near the collar of Lorcan’s shirt.
She pointed right at him. “What is that?”
Lorcan looked down and Rowan swore he saw him blanch a little. “I didn’t put it there.”
“Well you’re sure as hell not doing anything about it now.” There was a damning pause. “Which is a problem.”
That subtle threat seemed to kick them all into gear. Connall was up immediately, heading into the bathroom, Vaughan started on his buttons, Fenrys reached behind him to grab his suit pants because—like Elsie—he was still in his pyjamas. Lorcan stood up, taking the toddler with him and handed her over to Elide. There were a few murmured words between the couple and a chaste kiss.
“Say bye to Dada,” Elide waved Elsie’s hand for her and Rowan returned the gesture.
“Da!” Elsie nearly squealed. “Da! Da!”
“See you soon, little love,” Rowan told her.
Luckily Elide kept Elsie distracted enough that she didn’t have a crisis over being taken away, just a frown and one last forlorn look at her playmates. Rowan also didn’t miss the certain kind of look that was written across Lorcan’s face as he watched his girlfriend walk away.
Lorcan must have sensed that he was being watched and once Elide was out of sight he snapped, “What?”
The smile on Rowan’s face was nothing more than a taunt, probably inherited from living with Aelin for so long. “Nothing.”
Lorcan didn’t look convinced but wasn’t about to pick a fight with him on his wedding day. With the major distraction gone the boys got ready quickly and efficiently. It wasn’t long before the groom and the groomsmen were loading themselves in the car and driving the short distance to the reception. They were in a little town about an hour from the city. The hotel they had chosen to stay in was quaint but nothing too fancy. It had just been easier to stay closer to the venue with Elsie with them. They could relax and take their time without the hassle of driving so far out of the city. They’d chosen a little community hall out in the hills, it had pretty grounds and the hall itself was full of character. He and Aelin hadn’t wanted anything too fancy, but they wanted a place to celebrate with their family and friends.
Lorcan parked the car and Rowan pulled himself out of the passenger seat. Vaughan and the twins had crammed themselves into the backseat and even in the spaciousness of the SUV it was a tight squeeze. It was approaching early afternoon and Rowan could hear the bustle of the guests who had already arrived. He pulled at his jacket, straightening it out, and looking far less ruffled than his companions. There was a commotion behind him and he turned around just in time to see Connall shove Fenrys who was wearing a shit-eating grin. Rowan was about to tell them off because Aelin would not be a happy woman if they ruined their suits before the photos, but he didn’t need to.
It was Lorcan who pointed a finger and growled, “Cut it out.”
Rowan grinned but he didn’t stick around. Instead he ducked around the side of the hall to get a peek of where he would be getting married. On the top of a level hill there was a big oak tree, a giant ancient thing. A long length of gauzy fabric was draped on the lower branches, the ends framing where they would say their vows. Simple chairs were set up with the aisle down the middle and guests stood or sat around in little groups.
His family was easy enough to spot with the heads of silver hair dotted through the crowd. But it was one cousin he was looking for in particular and when Rowan spotted Sellene a little of his anxiety was quelled. She would be the one officiating the ceremony and seeing her here was one thing checked off the list.
“Just a couple of photos before your friends take their places,” the secondary photographer said, appearing out of nowhere, the other photographer was with Aelin
Rowan and his friends posed for a few photos, a few wandering towards the silly end of things just because of the endorphin high they were running on. When those were done with, his friends turned to him.
“Well, good luck,” Fenrys said.
“See you out there, huh?” Lorcan added.
Rowan nodded, “Can’t wait.”
He really couldn’t, his excitement was thrumming through him. They’d waited so long for this day and now that it was here it was a little surreal. Rowan had wanted to make Aelin his wife since before Elsie was born but with everything that had happened it wasn’t the right time. After the accident they had been so focused on Elsie and keeping her happy and healthy that a wedding hadn’t seemed so important. Rowan was glad they had waited, it had given them something to look forward to when those days got hard. It was a day they could celebrate their family and everything they had been through and accomplished.
“If you’ll take your seats to be ready for the bride and groom,” Sellene’s voice called over the chatter.
Rowan gave himself one more once over, pulling at his tie, fixing his cuff links, and fully stepping out from behind the building. He waited for a path to clear before walking towards the crowd. People offered their greetings but Rowan didn’t offer anything besides hello and nods because he had somewhere else to be. He walked up the aisle and stood in front of the trunk of that old tree to wait
After a few minutes nerves started to kick in again and Rowan stood there with his hands clasped in front of him as he stared at a patch of grass at his feet. He had no reason to be nervous, he had no doubt in his mind that Aelin would meet him here. It put it down to the fact that he was about to be emotionally vulnerable in front of this many people. Rowan wasn’t known to be open with his feelings besides with those he held closest to his heart, and it was for them that he was doing this.
“Guess who just arrived,” Sellene said in an almost sing-song voice and she took her place too.
Rowan looked out over the crowd and saw Elide walking between the rows of chairs, Elsie in her arms. The sight of his daughter dressed in her little white dress with the green sash around the waist had him beaming. Lysandra, Aedion and Rue weren’t far behind, they were the rest of the party that had gotten ready with Aelin this morning. Which meant Aelin was here too.
Elide took her seat next to Lorcan, Elsie immediately reaching out for her favourite uncle. He lifted her above his head, making her giggle, much to the joy of the crowd behind them. Lorcan brought her back down and turned her around so that Elsie sat on his knee, her little fists bunched in her dress. Rowan watched as she was happy to observe the people around her, charming anyone and everyone within sight. And then her eyes landed on him and her face lit up.
“Da!” She squealed.
Laughter rippled through the crowd when she called out for her dad again and Rowan gave her a little wave. Elsie squealed something that wasn’t known to the English language and then her legs were kicking out like she couldn’t control the reaction.
“Da, da, da,” she said over and over, getting more excitable by the second.
Rowan shook his head, not at her antics, but at how adorable she was right now. That’s what was unbelievable. When those cute noises turned into what Rowan could only describe as a frustrated growl he sent an apologetic shrug to his guests. Looking back at Elsie he saw that she was reaching for him, one hand opening and closing. Never, ever able to deny his daughter anything Rowan held out his arms and beckoned to her. Lorcan took the hint and lifted Elsie up so that she was easier for Rowan to take.
“Hey there, little love,” Rowan said, sitting her on the crook of his arm and kissing her cheek.
Elsie held onto the lapels of his jacket and rested her head on his shoulder. There were audible ‘awws’ from their audience. She was far more content with this new arrangement and Rowan pressed another kiss to her head. Then the music started and Rowan’s stomach flipped. This was it, this was the moment and he waited like Aelin had told him to. He counted to fifteen, slowly, and then he looked up to see Aelin walking down the aisle towards him. The sight of her stole the breath right out of him.
Aelin looked… She looked beautiful, stunning, radiant. Emotion rose up and Rowan could feel tears gathering the eyes he couldn’t take off her. Her wedding gown was long sleeved but it dipped down to a low V at the front, the top half was lace but the skirt was made of another material that he didn’t know the name of but it draped softly from her waist. The bouquet she carried was elegant and small and made up of kingsflame blooms. Eyes drifting up to her face he spotted the earrings shown by the soft bun her hair had been swept into. She was smiling at him, and Rowan could see the tears shining in her eyes. It felt an eternity watching her walk to him—to them. Elsie had noticed her mother by now, one hand waving and the other still held tight onto Rowan’s jacket.
Rowan was ready.
~~~~~
Aelin thought she had composed herself, ready to look serene and regal as she walked down the aisle. And then she had seen Rowan up there with Elsie in his arms and any hope of that cracked. There he was, looking so godsdamned handsome and then he had to top it all off by holding their daughter. She clung to him with a little fist gripping his dark grey jacket, so pleased with herself. They hadn’t planned on Elsie being at the altar with them but now that Aelin saw it, it was perfect. Aelin’s smile was unrestrained and she put her focus on putting one foot in front of the other and willing those tears in her eyes not to fall. The walking was easy, she was eager to get there, to be with her family. But when Elsie saw her and she smiled and waved, Aelin had to use her sleeve to catch the tear before it fell. Waterproof makeup was a gift from the gods.
There were no groomsmen or bridesmaids lining either side of the altar. It was just Rowan and Elsie, and Sellene by necessity. This was the way they wanted it, just them. Aelin hadn’t expected Elsie to be there but in retrospect it made everything just that little more perfect. The aisle ended and Aelin stepped to the side to face the greatest loves of her life.
“If you’ll take your seats we’ll begin,” Sellene said.
Aelin heard the movement but that was all she noticed, because she could not take her eyes off what was in front of her. Rowan and Elsie looked like a vision, matching green eyes bright with adoration and love. Ever the Daddy’s girl, Elsie was more than content to stay where she was and Rowan looked more than happy with the arrangement.
“I’m usually behind the camera, but today Aelin and Rowan asked if I would officiate their ceremony for them. I’m honoured to do so. As Rowan’s cousin he’s known me my whole life. I haven’t known Aelin nearly as long but I am so excited to welcome her to the family, officially. This is a wonderful day for them and one we’ve been waiting a very long time for.” Sellene grinned at the flittering of laughter through the crowd. Rowan shot his cousin a warning look, but Aelin knew she was just getting started. Sellene ignored him and went on with her speech. “I remember the first time I met Aelin. She was seven months pregnant at the time and Rowan had only just told our side of the family.”
There was more laughter and Rowan shook his head.
“He deserves just a little ridicule for his cowardice in not telling us immediately, but let's not dwell on that,” Sellene said, doing a fantastic job of not laughing.
Aelin wasn’t having as much success and Rowan shot her a look that asked if she had known about this. Her mouth split into a wider grin and Aelin gave an almost undetectable shrug.
“What’s important is,” Sellene's voice brought them back to the ceremony, “ is that on that day I knew we’d end up here.”
The teasing tone Sellene had set up dissipated as she took a moment to look at the three of them standing in front of her.
“It was a long and hard road for this family to be where they are today. Every trial they have been through has made them stronger, made their love stronger. And I think I can speak for everyone in attendance when I say how infinitely proud I am of these two, well we could say three, and all they have accomplished. I also think they shouldn’t have to wait any longer. Rowan, if you would like to say your vows.”
As rehearsed, Aelin passed her bouquet to Sellene and Rowan took her hand. It was meant to be both hands but one was still occupied by holding Elsie up. He took a moment, his thumb brushing over her skin as he took in a shuddering breath. At first Aelin thought it was nerves but then he looked up at her with tears shining in his eyes, and Aelin realised other emotions were running high.
“Aelin, I don’t want to start at the beginning because we know what it was, we know what we were, what matters is how far we’ve come. I will say that if you had asked me, or anyone for that matter, if I ever saw us getting to this point when you came into that apartment like a whirlwind of fire I wouldn’t have been able to imagine it. But how lucky I was when things took an unexpected turn.”
Aelin smiled, and then Rowan looked away from her to look at Elsie. She was the unexpected turn he had referred to, the most precious surprise they had shared.
“Elspeth, well she…” Rowan had to stop because he had to swallow and steady himself. “She has made me the man I always wanted to be and I could not have done that without you. You made me wake up Aelin, and realise I wanted to live. I don't know what my life would have become without you in it, but chances are it wouldn’t be as worthwhile or as beautiful as this. You are my heart, Aelin. We promised that we would be together, to whatever end. Today I hold to that promise, as I will for every day we have. What else can I say now except that I love you.”
Finished with his vows and suddenly aware of everything he had declared in front of their family and friends Rowan’s checks flushed pink. This was a rare show of vulnerability for him, Aelin was usually the only one to witness him like this. He refused to let go of her hand, so his tears fell onto his cheeks. Elsie didn’t miss it though and she used her hand to wipe them away. That was the final straw for Aelin, she laughed through tightness in her throat, her own tears falling. Aelin still had a free hand so she wiped them away quickly
“Aelin, if you will,” Sellene encouraged gently.
“I feel like I should have gone first,” Aelin said, earning some laughs. “I don’t know how to follow that.” She took a second to gather her thoughts and remember what she wanted to say. “This is not where I saw us going. I thought I would move out and we would just snark at each other over the table at group gatherings. Even as I say that and the way things started, we might have been inevitable anyway. But I am so grateful to you, Rowan. You showed me once again what it was like to love unconditionally again, everyday I’m reminded of that when I watch with our daughter. It took Elspeth to save us, and I want to thank you for finding the way out of the dark with me.”
As Aelin looked at Rowan the rest of the world fell away. It took everything she had not to kiss him right now. Another tear fell from his eye and she knew that he had believed every word that she had said, just like she had for his vows. Gods, she could not wait to call this man her husband and it was that thought that brought her back to the present.
“Now, I ask you. Rowan, will you take Aelin to be your lawfully wedded wife,” Sellene said.
Rowan nodded before he answered, “I do.”
“Aelin, now I ask you. Do you take Rowan to be your lawfully wedded husband.”
“I do.” At those two simple words a rush of excitement went through her. They were so close.
“There is nothing left for me to do except pronounce you husband and wife!”
Sellene didn’t need to tell them what to do next. Rowan’s arm looped around Aelin’s waist and he pulled her to him. She went willingly, their lips meeting in a sweet kiss. Rowan wasn’t done yet though, he tipped her, and Aelin’s hands went to his face. Elsie squealed at the action, then she clapped excitedly along with the rest of the crowd. He kept them all steady and smoothly brought Aelin back up with him.
Aelin didn’t stray far, and Rowan wasn’t willing to let her go either. Sellene discreetly handed Aelin her bouquet back, and Aelin looked out at everyone who was celebrating this moment with them. Friends and family beamed back at her. She took Rowan's hand and led the way down the aisle, cheers and whistles sounding either side of them. There were papers to sign and that’s where they go to do that now before they headed out for the photos.
Set up on a table inside the hall was everything they needed to sign. Sellene wasn’t far behind, chatting to the photographer. Rowan took that opportunity to kiss Aelin again. She had a feeling he’d be taking that liberty a lot today. They were really just biding their time until their signee witnesses to follow them through. It didn’t take long for Lorcan and Aedion to come in. Rowan had chosen Lorcan as his best man, and Aelin had decided that Aedion would be her man of honour. The latter was a tad untraditional but Aelin couldn’t imagine choosing anyone else. He was still her best friend and he had been with her through everything. It was a natural choice.
“Alright, shall we make this official?” Sellene asked, wiggling her finger as she reached for Elsie. “Come to Aunty Sellene while your parents make things legal.”
Elsie was won over by Sellene’s eager smile and enthusiasm and changed hands. Aelin and Rowan turned their focus to the paperwork, there were just a few spots for both of them to sign their names and then Lorcan and Aedion signed it as witnesses. The photographer snapped a few tasteful photos without getting in their way. And just like that Aelin and Rowan were married.
Rowan grinned, unadulterated joy on his face as he held her in his arms. “Wife.”
“Husband,” Aelin said back.
Rowan’s smile got impossibly wider. “I can’t wait to get used to that.”
Aelin might have kissed him again if a sweet little voice hadn’t called for her attention.
“Mama!”
Rowan let her go and Aelin found her daughter leaning out of Sellene’s arm. She wasn’t distressed, she just wanted her Mama and Aelin couldn’t deny Elsie that.
“Come on,” Aelin said, taking Elsie into her arms. “Let’s get these photos down before you mess up this gorgeous little dress.”
~~~~~
Rowan was glad they had this quiet moment to themselves. After signing the official papers and officially becoming husband and wife, they had gone out to take photos on the property. The photographer was fantastic and did a marvellous job wrangling the group's general unruliness. It had made for a good energy and Rowan couldn’t wait to see how they turned out. The ones that he was the most excited to see though were the family portraits.
When the group shots were done, most of the bridal party had departed for the drinks and light food being served to keep the guests happy until the actual reception started. Lorcan had stayed with them as a minder for Elsie when she wasn’t in the photos. The photos during that session had been playful and sweet, and there were a few tender moments between the family of three. Rowan had already made a plan to get those framed and displayed in their home.
Right now he, Aelin and Elsie were in a little room somewhere at the back of the hall. All it had in it were a few armchairs, one of which Aelin was in while she nursed Elsie. Aelin rocked gently, watching their daughter and brushing a hand over her head. They both looked content and happy. And so was he.
“You’re staring, husband,” Aelin said. She had been calling him that every chance she got.
“I can’t help it, wife.”
Aelin laughed and looked up at him, she went to say something but she was interrupted by a gurgling coo. “Oh, are you done now?”
There was another coo and then Elsie was wriggling around. Rowan swooped in and picked Elsie up. By the time Rowan looked back at Aelin she was almost done righting her dress, but he did manage to catch a glimpse of pale gold lace. Aelin caught him staring and she gave him a wink.
“A little something to look forward to later,” she patted the front of her dress for emphasis, then she was on her feet fluffing out her skirts. “Come on, I’m starving.”
The three of them went back to the lawn area and cheers broke out when they were spotted. This would be the time for mingling and receiving congratulations. Fenrys dutifully provided them both with a drink. He was wearing many hats this evening, he was MC and DJ, and Aelin suspected a babysitter as well. They started to make the rounds, dutifully thanking everyone for coming. There was no insincerity to it, most of her friends from Rifthold had come, except Yrene and Chaol—Yrene being too pregnant to travel. Dorian had brought his now girlfriend who Aelin had first met at her baby shower. She still looked as terrifying as ever, but even Manon wasn’t impervious to Elsie’s sweet smiles and Dorian looked visibly shocked by the transformation when she was all but melted by Elsie’s charms.
What had been nerve wracking for Aelin, and she tried her hardest not to show it, was meeting Rowan’s family. More than just Sellene had come. There were more cousins and a few aunts and uncles. Of course Rowan noticed, he held her hand tighter, gave her an extra few kisses to her temple. They had all been lovely and were very happy to meet her and Elsie. The little girl had endeared them all with shy smiles and waves. Uncle Ellys had been the most imposing with his severe expression and harsh Whitethorn green eyes. But seemingly with all the Whitethorns Aelin had encountered his bark was worse than his bite. Ellys kissed her cheek and gave her a kind smile, then said with sincerity, “welcome to the family.”
When the sun started to lose its warmth Fenrys had found his microphone and ushered them all inside. The large double doors were open and Aelin was excited to see the hall in all its glory. Long, rustic tables were decorated with small sprigs of evergreens, warm yellow lights gave the room a cozy glow. They hadn’t wanted to do anything too formal so there were no place cards, people could sit where they pleased.
The bridal table was set apart from the others, it gave Rowan a little bit of quiet time that he very much appreciated. Aelin was sure that his social battery was depleted and he had done very well thus far. She stayed with Elsie at the table while Rowan went to get the three of them food. Right now the toddler was transfixed on the bracelets on Aelin’s wrist. The two Aelin had worn today were the one from her mother and the other was the one Rowan had gifted to her the first birthday they had been together. Elsie went to bite them, pulling Aelin’s arm towards her mouth.
“Uh, uh. Dada is about to bring you something to eat, just hold on,” Aelin told her daughter as put the temptation out of sight.
Elsie wasn’t too pleased with that, and voiced her displeasure accordingly. Rowan appeared just in time and handed the toddler a bread roll to hopefully delay anything more. It worked. Elsie tore into it with her little teeth and was content.
“Thank you,” Aelin said, looking down at her very full plate. “I’m so excited to eat.”
Rowan smiled, proud of himself for a job well done. Because she was still nursing Aelin was hungry all the damn time and Rowan liked to make sure she was well fed. A habit he’d really held onto for years now.
“Here, let me take her so you can eat,” Rowan offered, which Aelin quickly accepted.
After eating what she wanted to, Elsie soon got restless and Rowan put her down so that she could crawl around. For a little while she aimlessly did laps of the table, at one point stopping to play peek-a-boo with her father. But then she got more adventurous and wandered further. When she got near the middle of the dance floor another Whitethorn baby toddled out to meet her. Sellene’s daughter Claudia was about two now and she carried an armful of toys over to her baby cousin. They sat together, babbling away in snatches of actual words. It wasn’t long before Rue decided to join them too. He walked out, a little unsteadily but he was determined. He was on his way to acing the whole walking thing by 10 months old. Not that Aelin was taking notice or comparing progresses. Most of the time.
The three toddlers became the main entertainment for dinner, their loud bouts of laughter and excited babbles had everyone enchanted. Rowan reached over and pulled Aelin’s chair that much closer so that tuck her into his side as they watched their daughter socialise.
After dinner they broke with tradition once again and chose to forgo speeches. They had discussed it but in the end Rowan wasn’t keen to have all that very directed attention on them again. They’d done their vows, what else needed to be said? Aelin couldn’t argue with that reasoning and there was also no telling what their friends might embarrass them with given the chance. All in good fun, but still. So instead Fenrys announced that they would be having their first dance.
The song started and Rowan pulled Aelin in close. They had practised a little, just some basic steps that gave their dance some flair and to make it look like they knew what they were doing. In Aelin’s opinion Rowan could have led her through the dance with his eyes closed. But instead, those lovely green eyes were focused on her. They’d heard this song a hundred times, probably more. Aelin might have sung along if she weren’t so content at listening Rowan hum to it. She was close enough to him that she could feel the deep rumble in his chest. When the chorus started Rowan began to sing, just quiet enough for her to hear.
All my love is yours
All my time is ours
All my reckless dreams
All my restless hours
All, my my, all my my love
All, my my, all my my love
Rowan spun Aelin out and then right back into his waiting arms. She gave up on the traditional dancing stance and draped her arms loosely around Rowan’s neck, his hands were steady on her hips. Aelin couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face, this moment was all she could have wished for. Telling Rowan such was right on the tip of her tongue when another, infinitely sweeter voice caught her attention.
“Mama!”
Both parents turned at the sound of their daughter’s call. Fenrys had her at the moment, sitting in a chair on the very edge of the dance floor, Elsie bouncing in his lap.
“Dada,” she squealed, now waving at them both.
Her enthusiasm brought on a chorus of laughter. The little girl was wriggling so much that keeping her contained was a bit much so Fenrys eased her to the floor. The newly married couple stopped dancing to watch their daughter dance instead. Fenrys held her little hands and she bounced and swayed, somehow both on and off beat.
Elise wasn’t content to stay there though, she turned her attention back to her parents, a toothy smile stretching her chubby cheeks. She held onto Fenrys’ hand as long as she could while taking wobbling steps towards her parents. When Elsie couldn’t hold on any longer she stumbled over onto her knees. Aelin felt Rowan flinch at the impact, but Elsie was fine, she just crawled on. The song kept playing but the dancing didn’t resume, the parents waiting for their daughter to reach them. Much to Elsie’s frustration her dress kept getting tangled under her knees and then to everyone’s surprise she stood up.
“Rowan,” Aelin whispered, her hand bracing against his chest. In response his hand wrapped around hers and they watched… and waited.
Arms out to help with her balance, Elsie focused on her goal. Then one foot wobbled out, then the other.
“She’s doing it,” Rowan breathed with a squeeze of his hand.
Indeed she was. Step after shaky step she was walking over to them. A few times she stumbled, but she was determined not to crawl, she just pushed herself up and kept going. Elsie didn’t have far to go and when she was almost within reach Rowan crouched down, his arms outstretched. Elsie gave him a toothy little grin, and Aelin watched in amazement with her hand over her pounding heart.
“Dada,” she squealed, rushing those last few steps.
She would have fallen if not for the strong hands that caught her. Rowan hugged Elsie tight to his chest, kissing her cheek. “Look at you brave girl, you did it.”
Aelin was there in an instant, pressing her own kiss to Elsie’s other cheek. “Look at you go. I’m so proud of you.”
Applause broke out around them, everyone joining in the joy of the moment. The song was still playing, almost at the end of it, so the couple’s dance became a family dance. Aelin couldn’t be happier about it. Rowan held the tree of them together, an arm around her waist and the other holding Elsie between them. It was more swaying than dancing, Aelin didn’t care. Her cheeks were aching from smiling so hard. This moment was perfect, more than perfect if that was even possible.
It's been tipping down lately
That you don't need to worry about it
I'll be there
All my love is yours
All my time is ours
All my reckless dreams
All my restless hours
All, my my, all my my love
The outro was the last line repeated and the wonderful dancer that he was, Rowan managed to spin Aelin out again, twirling her a few times for the finale. Elsie thought it was hilarious and she broke into a fit of giggles. When Aelin was brought back in, Rowan kissed her just as the song ended. There was an invitation for others to join the dance floor but for Aelin knew the only ones in the world were her and her little family.
“She walked,” Aelin said a little breathlessly. “She did it.”
Rowan’s smile was unrestrained, radiant. It was hypnotising. “Yeah, she did. Right to us.”
“I love so much,” was all Aelin could think to say. “I love you so much. Both of you.”
Rowan started swaying them gently again along to the new song that was playing. “We love you too, Fireheart.”
The rest of the night was just as perfect. Aelin danced with her husband until her feet were sore and then she kicked off her shoes so she could keep going. Rowan indulged her dance after dance. As the night wore on Elsie, even though she tried to fight it the best that she could, she grew more and more tired. She finally fell asleep cradled in Rowan’s arms as they danced at the edges of the dancefloor. Catching his eye, Rowan tilted his head, beckoning her over. Lifting the skirts of her dress Aelin made her way over to him.
“Is she asleep?” he asked when she was close enough.
“Out cold,” Aelin confirmed once she was close enough.
“Perfect,” Rowan said, kissing Elsie’s head. “Actually, tonight has been perfect, and I think we have our precious girl to thank for it.”
“Yeah, I think we do,” Aelin agreed.
“But, as perfect as tonight was, I think I’m ready to call it.” Then he quickly added, “Too much of a good thing and all that.”
Aelin laughed lightly. “Shall we get this wrapped up, husband?”
“That is a fantastic idea, wife,” Rowan agreed.
“Gods, I love hearing you call me that,” Aelin said, tucking herself into Rowan’s side.
They walked to their table to gather their things. Their drinks were still there, Rowan picked up his and held it towards her to cheers. “Here’s to second chances and the wonderful woman who was gracious enough to give me one.”
“I can’t take all the credit for that,” Aelin said, clinking their classes together. “It takes two, remember?”
~~~~~
Hope you enjoyed that! Song is All My Love by George Ezra, lots of Rowan vibes.
This was just something I had rattling around in my WIPs and thought I could pull it off as 'First Meeting'. It just fluffy and cute and and infused with a whole bunch of personal experience. Please enjoy.
@rowaelinscourt
~~~~~
“Please welcome the Whitethorn family!”
At least six people stood along the colourful carpet of the atrium, waving and smiling, a few of them applauding. On the winding staircase that looked much too ornate to be on a cruise ship stood someone costumed as a humanoid dog, waving and blowing kisses. Rowan looked down at his daughter, her wide eyes trying to take everything in, and failing as her head frantically turned every which way. Being on this Disney Cruise was overwhelming for him, he could only imagine what it was doing to the mind of a 4 year old. Finishing their welcome party walk they reached the large window on the opposite side of the ship. At least five other families had been welcomed aboard behind them and Goofy had turned his attention to other guests. Ivy was still looking around with wonder, now peering out the window at the harbour they were docked in.
It was barely noticeable but Rowan could already feel the gentle swaying of the ship that would be their home for the next 4 days. Rowan took his own perusal of the place, the attention to every decadent detail even had him impressed and he was sure as they became immersed in what was offered on board he would only become even more so.
“What shall we do now, Ivy?” Rowan asked, swinging his daughter’s hand.
“It’s so big, Da,” she responded, not answering the question at all.
Rowan chuckled softly, and pulled out his phone to check the app all the blogs had told him to download and check immediately upon boarding. There it was, the entire schedule. Character meet and greets, trivia, a dance party on the main deck, times and locations that he would have to figure out. There was nothing too notable until they set sail, so he guessed it was time for lunch and a little bit of exploration.
The decision to fork out a small fortune for this cruise hadn’t been an easy one. Rowan had kept the idea to himself for a very long time, in fact not even telling his daughter about it once he finally took the plunge and paid the deposit. Being a single dad wasn’t easy and he had never really put in the effort for a big budget holiday. The excuse had been that Ivy was too young to remember anything, but now she was making lasting memories and he thought it might be time to blow a portion of their savings and do something crazy—like going on a Disney Cruise.
“Can we go up the elevator?” Ivy asked, pointing to the ornate, glass boxes moving up and down between floors.
“Of course, then should we get some lunch?” Because that was another thing the blogs had told him to do soon after getting on the ship. Rowan has spent hours researching the do’s and don’t’s.
Ivy nodded and then dragged her father in the direction of the elevators. “Which number, Da?”
“Whichever one you like, let’s go exploring.”
Ivy chose the next level up so it was a very quick ride. From there they were headed to the rear of the ship where one of the restaurants was open. Rowan thought it would be a better choice, less hectic than the buffet and less overwhelming for his daughter. He was glancing around, checking signage that they were going the right way, and didn’t realise Ivy had stopped until there was the tug on his arm.
“What is it, love?” Rowan asked, his glance sweeping down to her.
“Da, look,” she said quietly, stepping closer and holding tighter.
Coming towards them was a princess, the long, golden, flower bedecked braid giving away who she was. Rapunzel was Ivy’s favourite princess and she was utterly starstruck. He didn’t blame her, the woman was stunning, bright eyes and a wide smile, she practically skipped along whatever path she had decided she was taking. Rowan didn’t exactly know how this went, he knew the characters interacted with guests, never breaking out of the part they were playing, but could they approach one not in a scheduled meet and greet? He guessed they started by just saying hello?
Thankfully Rowan didn’t have to, Rapunzel must have seen the look of sheer wonder on Ivy’s face and took the initiative. “Well, hi!”
If possible Ivy’s eyes got wider. She didn’t respond, she just stared. For a brief moment the princess gave Rowan a knowing look that told him she saw this kind of reaction all the time.
“Did you just get on the ship? It’s so big, isn’t it?” Rapunzel asked, trying again.
This time Ivy nodded—that was a start. She was completely wonderstruck.
Rowan crouched so he could talk to his daughter. “Would you like to get a photo with Rapunzel, love?”
Ivy nodded then whispered a very soft, “Yes.”
“Can we get a photo?” Rowan asked the performer, or was it Cast Member? There was something specific Disney called their workers, he’d read it somewhere. Maybe he’d do a little bit more research before they dropped out of cell range. It didn't hurt to be prepared.
“Of course you can!” Rapunzel replied enthusiastically, beckoning Ivy over a few steps away so that Rowan could get a decent photo. “Come over here.”
Ivy followed, slowly and her hands clutching tight to her stuffed bunny, but she was smiling from ear to ear. Rapunzel stopped and held out her hand for Ivy to take as they turned to face Rowan. He pulled his phone out and flicked to the camera. “Ready?”
Rapunzel struck a pose while she smiled, one hand on her hip and holding Ivy’s hand in the other. Ivy beamed, sending a glance between Rowan and the performer next to her. Tapping a few times, Rowan felt himself smiling too, nodding his thanks as he slipped his phone back into his pocket. He expected Rapunzel to dash off, but she didn’t. Once the photo obligation was done she crouched down, having a quiet chat with Ivy. The conversation wasn’t loud enough to carry over to him. He was happy to watch how Ivy’s face lit up with each response she gave, and then Rapunzel opened her arms. There was a slight hesitation from his daughter and Rowan wondered if Ivy would refuse. But she didn’t, keeping one arm tight around her toy, she lent in and welcomed the hug. Over Ivy’s shoulder Rapunzel gave Rowan a knowing smile and a quick wink. She had a gift… or extensive training in how to deal with shy children.
When Ivy pulled back her cheeks were pink and her smile hidden behind the stuffed bunny that was her lifeline. There was, what Rowan assumed to be, a goodbye because Ivy walked over, immediately slipping her hand back into his.
“This is my dad,” Ivy said, surprising Rowan. His daughter was as shy as they came and the fact she was brave enough to start a conversation was amazing.
“A family holiday, then?” Rapunzel asked. “Dad and M—”
Before the woman could finish the sentence Rowan shook his head. It was just him. Had been since Ivy was six months old. Rapunzel’s bright turquoise eyes sent him an apologetic look.
“Dad and Ivy, that sounds like so much fun,” Rapunzel covered her near slipup flawlessly.
Ivy nodded. “Yep.”
“Well, I’ll see you around, I always love making new friends,” Rapunzel said, sounding incredibly genuine.
“Thank you,” Rowan replied, knowing Ivy might not be out of her starstruck state just yet to offer her own thanks.
“Oh, my pleasure. Remember Ivy, keep an eye out for Pascal for me.”
With that and a wave goodbye, Rapunzel was off to charm other guests. For a moment Ivy just watched her go, no doubt processing the entire interaction.
“That was quite an exciting start to our cruise, wasn’t it?” Rowan said, swinging Ivy’s hand.
“She was so pretty, Da,” Ivy replied, evidently still in awe. “Did you see?”
Rowan chuckled to himself. Honestly, she was very pretty, beautiful even. Her gentle demeanor made her all that more endearing and she had played the part of a princess so well. The thought of characters wandering around the boat had made him nervous, the painfully anti-social person that he was. He had expected the interactions to be rigid and awkward, but walking away from that Rapunzel he was halfway convinced she was the real deal.
“Come on, let’s get some lunch and then we’ll find our room,” Rowan suggested, and Ivy was more than happy to comply, a little skip in her step as she followed.
The first ten minutes of their cruise had been amazing so far, if the rest of their time here followed the same pattern they were in for the time of their lives. Well, at least it would be for Ivy. Honestly, Rowan was just here to cater to her every whim.
“I hope we see Rapunzel again,” Ivy said.
Rowan made a note to check for Rapunzel specific meet and greets on the app, there would have to be at least one at some point. It had been wonderful to see Ivy being gently coaxed out of her shell like that. He was sure the other characters would be just as good, but Rapunzel being the first Princess they met was special, something he hoped Ivy would remember for a long time. Rowan gave Ivy’s hands a reassuring squeeze, “I’m sure we will.”
~~~~~
Rapunzel from the Disney Wonder, if you're reading this you absolutely made our cruise a couple of years ago you absolute legend.
Here's a Rowaelin Month classic. Reminder these are not posted in chronological order, but they appear chronologically on the masterlist with the number telling when it happens. Thanks for reading!
@rowaelinscourt
How's One To Know? Masterlist
~~~~~
-- Back at Work Day 8 --
Aelin had to learn to share. As an only child, she never really had to share before. She was the darling of her parent’s lives, as she grew up their entire world revolved around her, everything was hers. In hindsight, it hadn’t been great for Aelin’s ego and probably helped exemplify her character flaws. But at least her cousin had continuously teased her enough to keep her relatively humble. Aelin pretended that was the case, anyway. But sharing… she wasn’t all that good at it.
The current dilemma was that she had to share her job with a veritable stranger who knew more about it than she did. Aelin had only been back at work for a week and was still floundering a little while she got back into the swing of things. She would never admit that Rowan Whitethorn was better at her job than she was, because he wasn’t. She had been out of the loop for two years so he just had a better grasp on the situation of things. It threw Aelin’s confidence off-kilter. The ‘bosses’ said she needn’t worry about her job, and obviously her parents wouldn’t fire her due to underperformance. Not just because of the familial relations, but because she was good at what she did when she did it. Aelin just needed to settle into it again.
The one thing that she had to hand to Rowan was that he hadn’t been unkind in the way he had split the list of authors on their books. He had given her most of the long standing clients who Aelin had worked with before she took her leave. There were a few newbies, but nothing Aelin couldn’t handle. Since then it became a race of who could get more manuscripts, who could push publishing dates a little closer, who could sign new talent. And all that had developed over one week, and she was convinced it wasn’t one sided. Aelin had been told another one of her fatal flaws was that she was highly competitive. That was one she begged to differ on—competitiveness wasn’t a flaw, it was an asset.
What it most commonly showed itself as was teasing. Just casual jibes here and there, a joke that was for Aelin’s amusement more than anything, and Rowan had been enough of a grumpy bastard to rise to the occasion. It gave Aelin a lot of joy and satisfaction to see his feathers ruffled as he scowled at her. It was a small victory in her sea of overwhelm.
Right now she was skimming over a manuscript that she was about to flick on to an editor. If she could hype this author up enough to shorten the publication date it might be another win on the tally. Her job done, Aelin did just that, smiling as she attached the file to an email and sent it to her cousin. That wasn’t the usual practice, being head editor Aedion probably had better things to do than read a new romantic fantasy. But he owed her a favour or two that would see this jump to the top of the pile. It may be playing dirty but Aedion did owe her a favour. Or ten.
Ready to do some gloating and a little reconnaissance on Rowan’s current situation, Aelin left her office and headed for his. Obviously, hers was closer to the big shot offices her parents occupied so it took Aelin a minute or so to get to Rowan’s office. This little interaction would be under the guise of checking later publication dates so they wouldn’t clash with any of her clients, but really she wanted to double check his list to sneak in something sooner. When she got to Rowan’s door it was cracked open, invitation enough that she didn’t wait for confirmation to enter after a brief knock.
“Rowan, can I—”
As Aelin entered Rowan turned, revealing an expanse of solid chest under a barely done up shirt. She froze, staring long enough to count the two buttons that we buttoned at the bottom of the crisp white shirt. This guy… Aelin couldn’t pull her brain cells together quick enough to form a metaphor that would do him justice. Tan skin over hard muscles, she could see swirls of his tattoo telling her that his sleeve must extend over his chest. Those brain cells were fried enough that they forgot to tell her she was staring longer than was polite.
“If you’re finished gawking, did you need something?” Rowan’s voice was what had her blinking and shaking her head.
“Uh, sorry,” she stuttered out. Rowan on the other hand was cool as anything, his fingers just moved upwards, looping the buttons into the holes as he went. “You know what, it was nothing.”
“All right then,” Rowan said, looking mildly annoyed at being disturbed as he got to the top button and slung a tie around his neck.
Aelin just nodded, backed out the few steps she had taken into his office and shut the door. On her way back to her office she tried to figure out who came away more embarrassed from that interaction. She had a feeling it was her with how badly her brain short-circuited at the sight of Rowan’s bare chest. She’d just stood there, gawking just like he had said. He went about his task like Aelin wasn’t even there, not a blush or a fumble or anything. Meanwhile she had to remind herself that wanting to climb him like a tree was a bad idea. A very bad idea. And there was not even the tiniest space to entertain such a notion. Dating had not been on Aelin’s list of priorities and the lack thereof was showing up in the worst way.
Wallowing in her embarrassment, Aelin shut herself in her office to let it pass. She kept herself busy until her stomach grumbled and a quick glance at the clock showed it was time for lunch. Putting her computer to sleep, Aelin grabbed her wallet and went to see if her mother wanted to join her. Smiling at her colleagues that she passed she made for the office behind the big fancy doors not too far from her own. Out of formality Aelin knocked, but there was barely a yes before she was pushing in.
What she expected to find was her mother staring at her computer screen, squinting slightly through her glasses. What she didn’t expect to find was Evalin pacing the length of her office with a small child in her arms. It stopped Aelin in the doorway and she felt her face twist in confusion. The little girl was dressed in a rainbow coloured tutu, the soft looking tulle puffing around her waist. Her brown hair was up in two untidy pigtails. She was out cold.
Aelin cleared her throat and her mother stopped her pacing. “So this is who you’ve replaced me with.”
“Shush you,” Evalin said quietly. “I mean quite literally, she’s just fallen asleep.”
Aelin stepped a little further into the office so that she could shut the door and black out some of the office noise. “I was coming to see if you wanted to get some lunch with me, but I can see that you’re busy.” She paused for effect. “With my replacement.”
“Once again, I’ll remind you that I do not have my own grandchildren and until I have I will make do wherever I can,” Evalin said, making her way towards the far side of her desk then sat down slowly in her cushy office chair.
“Ha, ha, that joke is hilarious. You should definitely keep making it,” Aelin teased. “She’s cute though.”
“She’s a darling,” Evalin cooed. “And she’s sick.”
Aelin physically took a step back. “Like, contagious? I think I’ll happily get my lunch alone.”
There was no way she was risking getting sick and losing any traction she was gaining in her first few weeks back.
“Take your father, he’s been shut up in his office all day,” Evalin suggested.
“Will do.” Aelin gave her mother a wave. “Have fun.”
“Bring me something back, please,” Evalin called out in a loud whisper.
“Of course,” Aelin said with another wave a shut yet another office door for the day.
After a delicious lunch graciously paid for by her father Aelin was ready to get back into the thick of it. Before she did she had the unfortunate need to see her co-worker. Somewhere along the line an email address she had for one of her authors had been recorded wrong and the email she sent had bounced back. This had been one of the clients Rowan had given her so she assumed he would have the correct version. When she got to his office she noticed that his door was once again ajar. Although there was very little chance of catching him shirtless twice in one day, this time Aelin waited for an answer after she knocked.
“Come in,” Rowan said.
Just as Aelin pushed the door open a notification on her phone caught her attention. That kept her focus so she didn’t look up. At least that was her excuse. It had nothing to do with how awkward she was feeling over their last interaction. Now that she considered it, this visit could have been an email too. Why had she come in here? Choosing to be brave and not acknowledge anything that might have happened a few hours ago, Aelin got to the point and made eye contact like the professional that she was.
“Can I get you to check an email for me?” Aelin asked.
“Da.”
At the sound of a small voice Aelin spun, finding a small child kneeling on the floor, papers and toys scattered over the coffee table by the couch. It was the child. The one her mother had been holding in when Aelin came to ask about lunch. The replacement.
Aelin turned back to Rowan. “Wait, she’s yours?”
Once again, Rowan just acted like he wasn’t phased at all while Aelin’s mind felt like it was doing back flips. He sat at his desk, even going as far as to lean back in his chair. “Yes.”
“Biologically?”
“That’s a strange thing to ask,” Rowan stated. “I thought it was pretty obvious.”
“Okay, fair point,” Aelin said, even though she hadn’t connected any dots before now. Luckily she was working in fantasy not mystery. “This is just a lot of information to take in.”
Rowan didn’t seem like the dad type, he was more the stay at home alone and hate the world type in her opinion. But here he was, his office probably getting covered in glitter and sticky stuff, and he didn’t seem to care in the least. There was a small smile on his face as his daughter walked over to him. Rowan didn’t hesitate to pick her up, letting her hide her face in his shoulder.
“If you need to spew again, tell me. I don’t have another shirt,” he said softly.
That explained the earlier mishap with the need for a shirt change. That at least she could figure out on her own. There were a few beats of silence where Aelin didn’t know what to say and Rowan seemed too absorbed with his daughter to follow up on why his office had been intruded on.
“She’s a bit shy and not feeling very well, so she might not say hello even if I ask her,” Rowan explained. Not what Aelin expected him to say.
“Oh no, that’s okay,” Aelin rushed out, a hand waving in front of her. “She can do her thing, I’ll get out of your hair. I just needed clarification on an email address actually, but I’ll send who through to you.”
“I’ll get that to you once I get it,” Rowan said, and the girl on his chest wiggled enough her green eyes peered over at Aelin. It was clear who she inherited those from. “You wanna say hi, Ivy?”
That was an adorable name, Aelin thought to herself. Rowan and Ivy, what a pair.
“No,” Ivy murmured, hiding her face away again.
Aelin tried hard not to laugh, but she did, and Rowan gave her a slightly offended look, she took that as her cue to leave. “Ah, thanks. I’ll get that email to you so you can email me.”
“No problem,” Rowan said.
Not wanting to intrude any longer, Aelin left it at that. Today was not her day. Ogling a man in his office… wait. Was Rowan married? Was Aelin ogling a married man? Surely not, there was no ring, but it took two to make a baby so where was Ivy’s mother? It was just embarrassment after embarrassment at this point. When she got to her office she was so caught up at over analysing the situations from today that she forgot to email Rowan. It took him emailing her asking what address she needed to remind her. Berating herself, Aelin replied.
Then she headed for her mother’s office again. The door was fully open this time and Evalin was packing up for the day.
“Thanks for grabbing me some lunch,” Evalin said, dropping a folder of papers into her bag. “Much appreciated.”
“Well, you were busy,” Aelin replied. “Why didn’t you tell me the kid you’ve practically adopted was Rowan’s?”
Evalin stopped what she was doing to give Aelin a curious glance. “I didn’t know I had to.”
“You didn’t have to, it would have just been nice to have some warning,” Aelin went on.
Now Evalin completely abandoned what she was doing. “You’re not making any sense, Fireheart.”
Aelin sighed, suddenly feeling petty and like a petulant child. To add to the effect she threw herself down onto the brown leather couch. “I have to share my job with him, and now you in a way. And I don’t know…”
“You’ve never been good at sharing,” her mother finished off for her.
“Exactly,” Aelin reluctantly admitted.
Evalin laughed softly, but then turned a little more serious. “Aelin, we kept Rowan on because he is good at his job and business wise, it would be criminal to let him go. When he moved out here he was going through some things and we offered our support, like we do for all of our employees.” You included, was heavily implied with a direct look. “Part of that included helping out with Ivy and she endeared herself to us so we’re still doing what we can. So if that means holding her while Rowan cleans himself up after being vomited on right as he went to drop her off at the daycare downstairs, so be it. No need to be jealous.”
“I’m not jealous,” Aelin insisted, crossing her arms.
“Anything you say, dear,” Evalin teased. “But maybe…”
Aelin sighed again, this time seeing the humour in the situation. “Yes fine,” she said, getting up and waving her hands dramatically in sign of defeat. “Maybe I can learn to share.”
Celaena woke up in a warm, soft bed, something she hadn’t done in months. She was safe and rested and if it wasn’t for the way her entire body ached she would be comfortable. The tiniest movements caused excruciating pain. She withheld the need to stretch her body out, not wanting to feel the cramps in every muscle. Even opening her eyes hurt, sharp pains shooting behind her eyelids. Reflexively, Celaena went to try and uselessly cover her eyes like that would prevent the pain, but her hand was stuck.
Blinking to clear the haziness of the world, Celaena looked across the bed for the reason why her hand wasn’t hers to control. Nothing prepared her for what she saw. Rowan lay on his back, his harsh features softened by sleep, with Celaena’s hand clasped in his, right over his heart. In her exhaustion last night she vaguely remembered reaching for him to quiet his shame over finding out she had been a slave in Endovier and how he had treated her in his ignorance. Then he had held on all night. That comfort had Celaena smiling as darkness pulled her under again.
The next time she awoke light was now streaming through the small window in the room. It wasn’t the light that had her stirring from her deep restorative sleep, there were voices outside the door, and the sound of child’s laughter. She didn’t recall seeing any children at Mistward in her weeks here. Celaena still faced Rowan, her hand still in his, and he seemed to be moments behind her in waking up. She went to whisper no doubt a weak morning greeting when the door to his room opened, forcing Rowan awake and from the bed.
“Rowan,” a feminine voice called from the doorway.
Confusion and surprise had Celaena rolling over, not able to stop the gasp at the pain that it caused her. A pretty fae female stood in the doorway, her long chestnut waves loose around her shoulders and her dark eyes wide. There was a small child on her hip, hair dark like her mother’s but those were pine green eyes taking in her surroundings. Celeana knew instantly who they were. Rowan’s family.
Nothing was said as Rowan ushered them from sight and closed the door behind him. Voices started up immediately, but they were too distant and muffled for Celaena to hear even with her fae ears. All except one word. Princess. Her stomach sank at the implications of what Lyria had just witnessed. Rowan had told her about his mate and their tragedy. After they had mated Rowan had left his responsibilities in Doranelle and taken them to live in a cottage in the mountains. They faced disdain and disappointment from Maeve and young and foolish as he was, it had grated on him. So when his queen had offered him a chance to redeem himself, he took it. Despite Lyria’s protests he had gone to war to earn back favour. While out on his campaign word reached him about a contingent of soldiers coming through the mountains seeking a covert way to enter Doranelle. Rowan had flown as fast as his wings and winds could carry him, but he’d still been too late. He found his home decimated, and although his mate had fought and survived, the child she had been carrying did not.
The grief and shame had driven him mad. Fae children were sacred and he blamed his arrogance and irresponsibility for the loss of his child. He had left Lyria in the care of his family and then taken his hawk form and disappeared. What had brought him back was Maeve’s offer of the blood oath to redeem him of his sins. Rowan would never let himself forget, the ink on his skin told his story, a constant reminder of his shame.
But evidently they had been blessed with another child. She looked no older than three years old, unless far children aged differently than humans ones. Rowan had a daughter—and he hadn’t told Celaena.
She tried not to let that sting, not when there were plenty of things she hadn’t told him either. She was not entitled to the intricacies of his personal life, the urge to kill each other had only recently dissipated. But he had been honest enough to admit to his greatest mistakes, why not tell her this?
Luckily, her overwhelming exhaustion was deep enough that her troubled mind did not keep her from sleep. Celaena didn’t know how long she slept this time, but the door creaking open woke her up this time. She didn’t see anyone enter, no one peering in from the doorway. Her body went on alert but she was defenceless, the best she could do was curl her body in tighter, ready to face the possible threat physically or even touch the tiniest bit of her magic. That was a bad idea, but without Rowan here she didn’t know what else to do.
Then Celaena heard soft footfalls, walking around the edge of the bed. Her first thought was that maybe one of the Little Folk had come to visit her. They were always silent in a way that could lead to one questioning the truthfulness of their existence, so whomever this might be wasn’t one of them. Celaena rolled over, the pain of it making her nauseous as she did, and saw small hands reaching up onto the bed, then a small body scrambled after.
Rowan’s child sat crosslegged on the bed, hands in her lap as she looked Celaena over with curiosity. Not wanting to startle the girl, or even knowing what to say or do, Celaena just lay there, waiting.
“Are you a princess?” The girl asked at last.
“Some say I am,” Celaena replied.
“Da says you are,” she answered, leaning a bit closer. “You don’t look like a princess.”
The surprised laugh that shook her body had Celaena holding back a groan of pain. She supposed she didn’t look like a princess at the moment, clammy with sweat but shivering under the blankets. This girl was most likely considered a princess herself with Rowan’s status.
“I don’t feel like a princess,” Celaena said miserably and decided she didn’t want to talk about that topic anymore. “What’s your name?”
“Ivy,” the child replied proudly.
“And how old are you?”
Ivy held up three fingers. “This many. That’s three.”
Celaena nodded. She’d been right. “That’s a fine age.”
“Do you have magic?” Ivy asked. “Da has lots of magic. He’s so strong.”
“He is and I do,” Celaena admitted.
“What is it?” Ivy asked, shuffling a little closer.
“Fire magic,” Celaena said quietly, like even saying it might bring it roaring to the surface.
With hands over her mouth, Ivy gasped, looking awestruck. She didn’t get a chance to ask whatever question was next on her undoubtedly long list because another presence entered the room. Celaena knew who it was without rolling over, she knew it was Rowan.
“Ivy, what are you doing in here?” He asked, his voice gentle in a way Celaena had never heard before.
“Luca had to do chores, so I went exploring,” she explained.
Celaena could feel his exasperation as he said, “That boy.”
“I found your princess, Da,” Ivy added, probably wanting to divert the conversation away from her possibly wrongdoing. “She looks sick.”
Rowan didn’t answer, he just sighed and came to sit on the bed next to Ivy and pulled her into his arms. He seemed to breathe her in for a moment, then pressed a kiss to her hair. “Can you go find Mama, please? She’s in the kitchens.”
“Bye, Da!” Ivy said, sliding off the bed and running out the door.
A soft gust of wind closed the door behind her.
For a few heavy moments there was silence. Rowan looked troubled, conflicted, and all Celaena felt was guilt.
“I’m sorry,” she said quietly.
Rowan’s dark green eyes glanced her way. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I brought you here to keep you protected. There was nothing wrong about it.”
“Did your mate see it that way?”
At first Rowan didn’t answer. Instead he reached over and pulled the blanket up so it covered Celaena’s shoulder. “With the condition that you’re in, drained of your magic, that makes you vulnerable. And that makes people—usually males—somewhat edgy. Others have been known to kill without thought any perceived threat, real or otherwise.”
Sickly cold dread pooled in Celaena’s already nauseated stomach. “Is that what happened when your family walked in?”
“No, Aelin,” Rowan said, his voice harsh—but not directed at her. More at that the thought of hurting his family was abhorrent. “I would never—not them. Still, you can’t reason against it. Even if it wasn’t in our culture, there would still be an instinct to protect the defenceless, regardless of whether they’re female or male, young or old.”
“And that is what you explained to Lyria?” Celaena asked.
“I shouldn’t have had to,” Rowan said simply.
Swallowing against the tightness building in her throat Celaena tried to reason out the situation. “I mean, you were in bed with me, crippled by pain or not. To your mate it must have looked questionable.”
She didn’t mention the way he had been holding her hand over his heart. Didn’t give any indication of what that had meant to her.
“You’ll stay in here,” Rowan went on, not acknowledging what she’d said. “I’ve found another room for myself and my family to stay in. They had journeyed to spend Beltane with me but they didn’t quite make it in time. While you’re recovering I’ll spend time with them and once you’re feeling better training will resume. I know you're impatient to return home.”
Home. To Rifthold and Terrasen, to hold to the promises to those she had left behind. And there was an implication there that was all too easy to read. There was no place for her here, there was no one here for her. All this was a means to an end. Nothing more.
For one devastating, heartbreaking moment Celaena realised she had wanted more. Only if just the understanding of someone who knew what it was like to face the dark and find some semblance of light after. She’s had that with Rowan, but now she knew he would pull back from the intimacy that had been building between them. Celaena knew she shouldn’t perceive his actions as a betrayal, but that was what it felt like. Once again she was alone in the world.
Rowan stood and headed for the door. Celaena counted his footsteps like that would keep her from falling apart. They stopped, not enough to have left the room.
“I’ll make sure you’re looked after,” Rowan said.
Celaena stayed as she was, facing the side of the bed Rowan had occupied a few hours earlier. She gave a small nod, not having the energy for anything else. That was a satisfactory enough response for Rowan, because he walked out the door then, shutting it behind him. He missed the tears that soaked the pillow before Celaena could stop them, before she could clamp down on the emotions that were seconds away from overwhelming her. Thankfully she could succumb to her body’s exhaustion instead of facing the world that was once again appearing so unbearably bleak.
~~~~~
Sometimes I just like to play around with the idea of Lyria being alive you know? Just because it hurts
~ Rowaelin Month Day 20: After Happily Ever After ~
I am not even going to count how long this WIP has been haunting me. Funny thing is I have had the majority of this final part written for years. I just never got brave enough to finish it. Well today I did, and i can give this fic a little wave goodbye.
Show Me Masterlist
~~~~~
That night Aelin took Dorian to the theatre.
He sat beside Aelin in the royal box, very much enraptured with the performance. Manon was seated on his other side their, fingers interlaced. Aelin lent into Rowan as she listened to the music, breathing in his scent, letting it settle her.
What Dorian had said ran through her mind. She knew she was not alone, had not been alone for a very long time. But Aelin also knew that she had the tendency to revert to what she had done before, thinking she had to deal with her problems on her own. Not in every way, but this hollowness that she felt… she had put it on herself to heal it. No, not even that. She had ignored it entirely because it was easier than facing it. For too long.
Movement had Aelin glancing to her side and she saw Dorian lean forward as the music built. Aelin closed her eyes and let that music wash over her like a wave, drowning her with its beauty and life that only music held. As the music ended Aelin held onto that feeling, holding it to her heart.
On the way back to the palace in the carriage Dorian raved about the theatre. The building, the music, Rowan’s handiwork. He had loved all of it. Rowan just gave a small nod to Dorian’s praises and answered the stream of questions that Dorian had. Aelin barely heard the answer. Her mind had turned introspective, the music she had heard this evening still playing inside her head and it seemed to twine with what Dorian had spoken to her about earlier. It created a kernel of bright hope inside her and she held onto it tightly.
Aelin bid Dorian and Manon good night as they made their way to their rooms. Officially, they had been given separate suites. She was utterly certain that one of those beds would be cold and unused tonight.
Hand in hand, her and Rowan went to their own chambers, their soft footfalls the only sound. Once shut in their private world he made for the bedroom but Aelin lingered in the sitting area, looking intently at the pianoforte. Stopping before their hands disconnected, Rowan turned to his mate to see why she didn’t follow. Aelin smiled at him and tugged him towards the instrument, Rowan followed his face unreadable.
They sat at the bench and Aelin lifted the lid over the keys, there was a moment of heavy silence before she spoke.
“Do you remember,” Aelin said, her voice unwavering, “when we broke into the theatre in Rifthold?”
“Of course,” Rowan answered as he brought Aelin’s hand that was still clasped in his to his lips for a gentle kiss.
Aelin smiled as she remembered it too. How it had sounded, how tears gathered in Rowan’s eyes as he witnessed everything Aelin had given to that song, and how she had felt playing for her mate. She hadn’t known then that they were mates, but he had been much more than a simple friend.
Untwining their fingers Aelin placed Rowan’s hand on the keys of the pianoforte right along hers.
“I played for you. Do you remember what you asked me after?”
Rowan looked Aelin in the eyes, unwavering and strong but so full of compassion.
“Show me,” he all but whispered. “I asked you to show me.”
Aelin ran through a basic scale, and with a look of encouragement Rowan’s hand followed as it had done all that time ago in Rifthold.
“That girl, she’s gone. Lost when I… along with my mortal soul,” Aelin swallowed against the growing tightness in her throat. “I don’t think I’ve properly mourned that loss, Rowan. Or even mourned the loss of everything that made me who I was. Those scars, they were terrible, but they forged me into something—”
Aelin searched for a word but it was Rowan who answered.
“Indestructible.”
She laughed at that even as tears had gathered in her eyes, “You charmer.”
Rowan lightly flicked her nose, little more than a gentle brush, but Aelin didn’t miss the tears that were gathering in his own eyes.
“I’m not indestructible. The war well and truly proved that. And I’ve realised that I can’t rebuild or piece back together those parts of myself alone. I need you to help me, Rowan.”
Rowan took her face in his hands, thumbs brushing the tears from her cheeks, then he kissed her.
“Show me,” Rowan said. “Show me how, Fireheart.”
Aelin obliged.
Again, Aelin ran Rowan through that basics. He remembered everything he had taught her. Then she taught him the silly child’s song Dorian had played earlier. Each stroke of the keys was like a droplet of gold in her soul. Filling that hollow expanse. Rowan was a steadying force by her side, drinking in every word and action of her guidance, brows furrowed as he concentrated. One hour passed, then two, and still they played, the music ringing through their rooms.
Then Aelin felt it. She felt the creativity bubbling to the surface. Her fingers slowly played the notes that her soul compelled her to. It wasn’t a spectacularly grand piece that she had played for Rowan, or a sorrowful mourning piece that Dorian had overheard. This was far simpler, the start of something new.
When Aelin had started to play Rowan had taken his hands off the keys and watched as she fumbled through the emerging piece music coming from within her. She would play melodies over and over until she knew it by heart and then she would move onto the next part. Then it was there, complete and unrefined, but perfect all the same.
Aelin was breathing deep when she finished and she was crying. The song she had created, it was so many things. It was sad, but hopeful. It was acceptance, and letting go. That well inside her soul had filled. She turned to Rowan and took his face in her hands and kissed him. Then she said, “I need paper.”
~~~~~
Neither Rowan or Aelin slept that night. The sun was beginning to rise when they had finally finished writing down each of those precious notes that had come from Aelin’s soul. There were two sets of sheet music, one for Aelin, the other for Rowan. If any professional musician found the sheet music it would be near unreadable, but Aelin knew what each note was and she understood what each dark mark on that paper meant.
Once the pencil had scratched the last note they both sat there in silence for a while, there weren’t any words for what they had spent the late night and early morning hours doing. Eventually it was Rowan who broke the silence, his hands finding hers.
“What now, Fireheart?”
Aelin’s response was a soft, gentle smile. “I have an idea. Will you help me?”
Three days later Aelin was once again at the theatre, but this time she wasn’t seated in the royal box or even amongst the hundreds of seats. She was behind the curtain, hidden behind the heavy, draping green velvet. Rowan sat beside her, a grand pianoforte in front of them. There were a handful of voices drifting up from the front row seats just beyond the stage.
Aelin had invited her court and Dorian and Manon, her family, for a special performance. None of the usual workers were here tonight, so Aelin had enlisted the help of Evangeline for a very special task. When her nerves had calmed enough Aelin nodded at the girl and she pulled a rope, hand over hand, until the curtain was drawn back revealing the stage.
A hush fell and Aelin smoothed her hands over the skirts of her dress as she stood. “Thank you for coming tonight. This is a special performance that you have the utmost privilege to witness.” There were a few kind laughs at the overwhelming confidence Aelin managed to infuse in those words. “This piece… it is nothing grand or professional. This piece has come from a place of healing and hope and we wanted to share that with you.”
Aelin didn’t know what else to say, so she left it at that and returned to the bench beside Rowan. Her breath came out with a shudder as her hands hovered over the keys. Rowan's hands were braced in a similar position, waiting for Aelin to begin.
“I love you, Aelin,” he whispered. And that was the final bit of encouragement she needed.
The first few notes didn’t come out as clear as she wanted, but Aelin ignored that, accepting the piece for what it was. As she kept playing her playing became more confident and the world began to fall away. When Rowan played his part, he joined her there, accompanying her with a simple supporting melody. He would always be with her. Right by her side, like he would always be.
Aelin played the last notes as a solo, they were slow and melodic, the very last reverberating in the silence of the theatre. That silence only lasted for a moment before applause erupted. Aelin wiped away a tear from her cheek as she grinned at her mate, he cupped her face, his thumb brushing away the next tear that fell.
“I’m so proud of you, Fireheart,” Rowan said.
“Only one mistake, I’m impressed,” Aelin teased.
Rowan let out an unrestrained laugh and kissed her.
“We did this together, like we’ll face everything,” Aelin said, conveying in all seriousness what him playing with her had truly meant. “To whatever end.”
“To whatever end,” Rowan echoed.
Then he took her by the hand, leading Aelin to the very centre front of the stage. Aedion was the first to stand, then Dorian and Manon. Elide was next, and she didn’t even need to pull Lorcan up to participate in the standing ovation. The other joined, Aelin’s vision becoming blurred as he took a humble bow. Rowan moved closer, his hand splaying on her back. Aelin threw her arms around him, filled with indescribable joy. He held her until the applause finished and conversation started amongst the audience, giving them some semblance of privacy.
“Thank you, Rowan. For that, and for this theatre,” Aelin said. “It gave me what I needed to start this next part of our journey, together.”
Her mate smiled, the kind that showed the softness that was reserved just for her. Then again, Rowan asked her that simple question. “What do we do now?”
Aelin allowed that kernel of hope to burn, to consume her, and the flames in the theatre burned brighter. She kissed her mate again, resting their foreheads together as she said the next words as a promise.
“We live, Rowan. We live.”
~~~~~
Thanks for reading x
Also, to me the song Aelin and Rowan play is a instrumental piano version of Everglow by Coldplay, if you were interested.
More Fluff and Cuteness because they us deserve it
@rowaelinscourt
~~~~~
Sunlight dappled the ground through the thick branches of the trees of the Oakwald. Aelin rode along a well-traveled path, the underbrush tramped by use to guide them to a small glade not too far from the edges of the forest. It was an easy distance from Orynth, walkable but faster on horseback especially with two very small members amongst the party.
Aelin’s two year old daughter sat in front of her, her little hands holding onto the saddle while secured with an arm banded round her waist. Rowan was ahead, reining one-handed while he no doubt kept the other free to comfort their son who was tucked into a sling across his chest. They were taking some time to themselves, a hefty picnic was packed in their saddlebags that would last them for hours. If they wanted they could spend the whole day out here if they wished.
“Mama, see!” Elspeth said, pointing to a squirrel bounding over a tree branch. “Running, Mama!”
“He’s so fast,” Aelin agreed.
“Yes, I catch him,” Elspeth mused.
She reached out, opening and closing her fingers like if she reached out just far enough she could indeed catch the scurrying creature. The enthusiasm her daughter exhibited made Aelin laugh. It was such a simple joy being out here, and she was going to enjoy every second of it.
The trees opened up, revealing the glade. Lush grass and patches of clover were everywhere, wildflowers growing sporadically in amongst it all. Rowan dismounted, taking care to cradle the babe strapped to him as he did. His head dipped down, murmuring words Aelin couldn’t hear before kissing their son’s head. Finnian was only a few months old and had turned out to be a very contented baby, only as long as he was in contact with one of his parents. Aelin liked to tease that particular trait had been inherited from his father, obsessive and possessive had Rowan written all over it. And no doubt over-protectiveness would be something Finnian would grow into.
That was why Aelin sat on her horse, waiting. She was perfectly capable of getting herself and Elspeth off the horse safely, but Rowan loved to fuss. He was striding over, eyes doing a quick assessment on if anything had gone awry on the short ride. He was so confident in it that it made his over-protectiveness endearing. Aelin just shook her head at him, smiling at his predictable antics. She hoped he never changed.
“Come on, Elsie,” Rowan said, hands tucking under Elspeth’s arms. “Move away from the horses once I put you down, all right?”
“Yes, Papa.” Elspeth nodded along with her words.
Once her feet were on the ground Elspeth did as her father had told her, running to the middle of the glade. Then Rowan turned his attention to Aelin, noting the look on her face.
“What is it?” He asked, reaching up to grip her waist.
“I can get down myself,” Aelin replied, even as she braced her hands on Rowan’s shoulders as he lifted her out of the saddle.
“I know,” Rowan said, once her feet were on the ground. Then he kissed her forehead. “I just like to fuss.”
Aelin grinned, rising up to kiss her mate quickly. “And I love that you do.”
Rowan had one of his small smiles on his face, the ones that conveyed how honoured he was to be living this life with them. “Here, take Finnian and I’ll unpack.”
Rowan manoeuvred Finnian out of the sling and the baby was excited to be released from his confines, or maybe it was just excitement over seeing his mother. His fists waved and he gave Aelin a wide toothless smile. She peppered his chubby cheeks with kisses making him coo. Then Elspeth called for attention, and while Rowan set up their picnic Aelin wandered through the glade with their children, gasping at the wonders her daughter showed her and basking in the affection her son bestowed.
Once the food was laid out the four of them sat on the rug and ate. Elspeth flittered about, never one to stay still when there were so many things to be curious about. Aelin thoroughly enjoyed the meal the palace cooks had prepared for them, especially the chocolates that she managed to keep all to herself thanks to well timed distractions from Rowan. Soon Elspeth became completely bored with eating and wandered over to the horses.
They were haltered and grazing happily, Rowan’s large grey was entirely unfazed when Elspeth patted him on the cheek. Aelin could see the tension in Rowan’s shoulders as he watched, analysing every ear twitch and tail shake.
“You’re going to make yourself sick with worry,” Aelin told her mate.
Rowan shrugged but didn’t turn away. “If I can survive you, I can survive anything.”
“Your father has a point,” Aelin said, her voice over animated as she tapped Finnian’s nose. He tried to grab her hand as she did.
“Papa, up!” Elspeth demanded, pointing to the horse’s back. “Up!”
“How about Mama’s horse?” Rowan tried to persuade as he strode across the clearing.
“No, this one,” Elspeth said, patting the chosen horse’s neck.
“The other one is a better size,” Rowan explained.
Knowing what her father was up to, she stood there hands on her hips, stubborn as anything. “I want this one.”
Aelin watched the face off, knowing full well who would win. Rowan had a very hard time saying no to his daughter’s wishes, no matter how small or ridiculous. It only took a few more moments to relent. He tightened the horse’s girth before lifting Elspeth up onto the saddle. The little princess was no doubt being showered in gentle requests of be careful and hold on here. Elspeth didn’t seem to mind, she was grinning like this was the best moment of her life.
“Do you want to go for a ride?” Rowan asked.
“Yes, please,” Elspeth said with a nod.
Rowan used his fae grace to mount up behind Elspeth, careful not to jostle her as he did. Even with just the halter on the horse was compliant enough to walk the perimeter of the glade, even trotting when encouraged. The bouncing made Elspeth break out into giggles, her arms gripping onto her father for safety. Rowan would never let her fall.
As Aelin watched, Finnian began to doze. She cradled him in her arms as she hummed softly to lull him to sleep. Rowan was a far better singer but as he was otherwise occupied, Finnian would just have to make do. He did, soon his eyes closed, his weight becoming heavier in Aelin’s arms. The one thing he kept hold of was Aelin’s hand as he hugged it to his chest. Letting the horse ease into a stop, went to dismount and Elspeth with him. But she clung onto the saddle, shaking her head.
“I do it, Papa. Only me,” Elspeth instructed.
Aelin watched as Rowan debated with himself to figure out the best way to deal with this impending situation.
“Little love, it’s not very safe up there without me,” Rowan reasoned.
Elspeth was hearing none of it. “I can do it.”
If she wasn’t trying to keep Finnian asleep, Aelin might have laughed out loud at the sight of Rowan losing his mind over their daughter wanting to ride a giant horse by herself. There was no argument though, he was all fae focus and determination as he slipped off the horse’s back, keeping one hand on Elspeth at all times. It reminded Aelin of their time in Mistward the days after her burnout when Rowan’s whole focus had been on keeping her safe. Now, Aelin had to share out that lovable fussiness, and she didn’t mind one bit.
“Hold on tight now, Elsie,” Rowan said.
“You keep me safe, Papa,” Elspeth said with all her confidence. “I’m safe.”
Witnessing that moment of absolute trust had emotion clogging Aelin’s throat. Rowan seemed to sense it, turning for just a moment to offer a soft look of understanding. Elspeth was content to ride for a while, each loop Rowan became more willing to let her hold on by herself. It was a surprise he hadn’t shifted into his hawk to hold her steady with his talons in her collar. Aelin wondered if he would be strong enough to hold a two year old steady… she would have to ask him later.
“Papa, all finished,” Elspeth announced after a while. Rowan looked openly relieved.
After helping Elspeth dismount, Rowan secured the horse and rejoined Aelin on the rug. He laid down, staring up at the patches of sky above them.
“I don’t know why you worry so much,” Aelin teased. “You’d catch her in half a heartbeat.”
Rowan chuckled. “I can’t help it. I’m sure when she’s older it won’t be as bad.”
“Oh, I’m sure. Or maybe you’ll just find other things to worry about,” Aelin teased.
Rowan’s only answer was another short laugh and then, “We need to get her a pony, something more appropriately sized.”
Aelin nodded. “I’ll talk to the stable master when we get back.”
“Mama! Papa! Look!” Elspeth came running over her arms full of gifts.
Fashioned out of bark, twigs and leaves were little figures. There was a stag and a hawk, and even a little horse. There was also a circlet made of malleable branches, just the right size for a little princess. Rowan placed it on Elspeth’s head as she sat down to play with her new toys–gifts from the Little Folk.
“Thank you,” Aelin called into the forest, knowing that her old friends watched from their hiding spots.
“We’ll have to add them to the collection,” Rowan said, helping himself to some grapes.
Over all these years since she had returned to Terrasen the Little Folk had left her gifts, and now her children had the honour of receiving them as well. It was a reminder of how blessed Aelin had been to live this life and share it with the male who she was honoured to call her mate, and now they were sharing it with their children too. They held a promise of the many years to come.
Aelin smiled. “Yes, yes we will.”
~~~~~
The editing was not strong with this one, forgive me
Rowaelin Month 2025, Day 15: Flipped POV @rowaelinscourt
little bit late but enjoy this little Rowan POV of *that* rooftop scene in Queen of Shadows 😉
Word count: 1.4k
Warnings: lots of emotions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That dress would be the end of him.
Over three centuries, and Rowan Whitethorn's near-legendary willpower had never drawn so close to its breaking point as it had in the opulent dining room of Arobynn Hamel's mansion as he watched the red-haired human male who reeked of old blood and arrogance trace his steel-gray gaze down Aelin's body. Hell, he'd nearly toppled the damn table when she'd made that remark about her undergarments---or rather, her lack thereof. The only thing keeping Rowan from recreating the table leg legend was the discomfort he sensed simmering under Aelin's lazy smile. For Aelin, for the queen he was now blood-sworn to protect, he would leash his temper.
He knew his rage had been thick enough to touch when they left, when he couldn't tear his gaze away from the black ring on Aelin's finger. He knew his relief had been equally palpable, and he'd cursed the king of Adarlan for keeping him from shifting into his hawk form so he could fly out of that carriage and expend his anger in flight. None of the others, least of all his queen, deserved to see him stewing in his own immortal turmoil.
Aelin had been uncharacteristically silent the whole drive back to her apartment, and when the carriage stopped, she was the first one out, not stopping to let Aedion prop open the door. The weight of her discomfort still lingered; Rowan sensed its heaviness dragging behind her like an iron chain. But when he quietly entered her bedroom, it was empty. The window was propped open, and a breeze curled across the room, bearing the metallic tang of an impending rainstorm.
"I'd wager she's on the rooftop." Rowan whirled around, finding the shifter standing in the doorway. Lysandra. "She often sits up there if she needs to think."
Rowan nodded. "Where are the stairs?"
Lysandra chuckled. "Aelin lived here just after she got out of the Assassins' Guild. She'd never choose a building with such an obvious escape."
"I should have guessed." Rowan turned back to the window and pushed the glass all the way open. About an arm's reach away, a set of metal ladder rungs were bolted to the brick exterior.
"Rowan." Lysandra's voice held an undercurrent of worry. "Aelin is..." She folded her arms across her chest. "Arobynn broke her mind, too." A whistle sounded from street level, and Lysandra stepped back. "I need to go. Let her think." She hurried back down to the waiting carriage.
Let her think. The shifter's words echoed in Rowan's head. He would---but he needed to see Aelin, too. He needed to see that she was safe.
He pushed himself up, perching on the window ledge, and he reached out and grasped the closest rung of the ladder built into the outer wall of the building. He swung himself out and across and found a foothold a few rungs below, and he scaled the steps up to a metal grate walkway that ran along the side of the warehouse's roof. The downpour from earlier had softened to a steady drizzle, and the grate was slick beneath his feet. The walkway stopped where the roof flattened out, and as Lysandra had said, that was where he found Aelin. She stood alone on the wide, rough tiles of the rooftop, silhouetted against the night sky. The streetlamps from below cast a faint glow onto the serpentine golden curves of the dragon roaring up her spine, and for a moment, he just stared, fixated on the queen with fire in her veins and sorrow on her shoulders.
"I can hear you brooding," Aelin said, breaking the silence.
Rowan huffed and crossed the rooftop, closing the distance between them. "You'll ruin that dress standing out here in the rain."
She turned to face him, a skeptical look on her face. "You males are all the same, you know. Aedion had that look on his face, the one that means he's going to scream at me, when we were in the carriage."
"Aedion is protective of you."
"Territorial Fae brutes," she grumbled. Her gaze shifted back out over the city, back towards the manor house, and Rowan slid his arms around her, lending her his warmth. She was like ice, her dress soaked through and clinging to her figure, the cosmetics all but washed off her face.
She was breathtaking.
She was silent for a long while, leaning ever so slightly into him, her frigid hands gradually warming in his larger, rougher ones. He could almost feel the heaviness of her thoughts, the guilt of her past and the worry for the plans she'd laid in place for the future. She was barely two decades old---a blink of an eye to an immortal Fae---but the weight she bore was impossibly heavy.
Perhaps in some kind of effort to ease her burden, Rowan turned to look at her. "Tell me what you're thinking." It might have been a plea.
A smirk flickered across her lips. "I'm thinking that the next time I want to unsettle you, all I need to do is tell you how rarely I wear undergarments."
Damn his mind to the deepest hells for the images it conjured. "Is there a reason you do that, princess?"
"Is there any reason not to?" Her ability to make snarky comments in the heaviest of moments must have kept her alive years ago.
He couldn't help but admire how she'd never lost that spark. His hand flattened against her waist, his fingers brushing against the golden thread of the dragon and swiftly retreating lest he do something stupid like flick open the hooks that held the dragon in place. "I pity the foreign ambassadors who will have to deal with you."
She grinned up at him, bright like wildfire. "No, you don't."
He really didn't. In fact, he rather wished he could be in the receiving room when Aelin's quick wit and sharp tongue left snooty foreign ambassadors in spluttering shambles. She'll be a wonderful queen.
He wanted to be there when she realized it.
As if his thoughts had blared out a signal, Aelin's hand cupped his face, and he froze, his gaze crashing into hers. Hope---a fragile thread of hope peeked through her worry, mirroring the faint hint of hope that he hid beneath his gruffness. Her thumb brushed across his cheekbone, and the want that he'd stifled since she first shared his room at Mistward broke through the frayed scraps of his control and came roaring into his gaze.
Aelin sucked in a shuddering breath as the force of his wanting hit her, and he saw it reflected in her face. The desire. The need. Her other hand drifted up to touch his face, the pads of her rain-soaked fingers achingly gentle against the tattoos that trailed down his skin, and his eyes fell closed. It had been so long since someone had taken that kind of care, had touched him that gently, had been allowed to see past the barriers he kept up at all times.
"Rowan," she breathed, a plea and a prayer.
Fireheart, his heart pled in response. He opened his eyes, found her still staring at him, waiting for his reaction before she went any further. It had been so long since he'd been given that space.
For that---for seeing him---she deserved infinitely better, infinitely more, than a centuries-hardened warrior could ever give her.
Her touch slipped down the side of his face, and his control threatened to shatter. Before the roaring in his veins could take over, he caught her wrists, pulled himself away from her touch, holding her a pace away, protecting her from the primal hunger raging in his immortal veins. "Don't," he choked out. "Don't...touch me like that." Because you are too good, because you deserve far more than what I can give you.
Those beautiful turquoise eyes shuttered and went hollow.
"I'm sorry," she rasped. She slipped her hands from his shell-shocked grasp and backed away. "I didn't mean---" Another step. "It was nothing."
It was everything. His hands fell to his sides, and his fingers flexed, trying to bypass his restraint and reach for her, like his body rebelled against the thought of letting Aelin walk away with that hollowness on her face.
But before he could muster up the words, before he could try to tell her that she deserved infinitely more than a stolen, rain-drenched moment of abandon, she picked up her sodden skirts and fled down the walkway, the dragon on her spine vanishing into the dark.
~~~
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