Aelin hated crowds if she had to be totally honest. Yes, crowds provided amazing cover. You could go from place to place under the guise of an interested customer just window-shopping at the various stalls or eavesdrop on a very important side deal or conversation just by being near them. No one would be the wiser.

But she wasn't here to eavesdrop or make a quick getaway. No, she was here to buy some rare trinkets only found at the very corners of the world-places that she could only dream of visiting, much less actually see it for herself. She had originally come with Rowan, her lifelong companion and carranam. But he soon grew tired of looking at things he had already seen a century ago and told her that he will be in the shadows, close and ever watching. She hadn't paid in mind to where he was and quickly lost herself to her shopping. It was only hours later that she became a bit panicked.

She never liked being too far away from Rowan for too long. There was always a sense of nagging in her brain and she would find herself anxious for him to be at her side once more. Aelin thought she was just being too clingy these days. But, oh gods and goddesses, whatever she used to feel before was amplified ten. Where the hell was he?

Aelin considered yelling out for him, but she wasn't exactly in the best position. There were still wary guards out with that weird black insignia. Though she and her group were able to fight against any soldiers sent at her, it was still impossible to fight and get rid of every single one. A Queen needed her beauty rest after all.

After she exhausted all of the practical options, she decided to depend on his Fae abilities- particularly his hearing. It was a long shot, but it was the fastest and least-energy inducing plan of action.

"Rowan."

A breeze flew past her face and she had to close her eyes against the slight wind. She smiled and turned around, relief flooding through her body as she instantly relaxed.

"I didn't think that would work." Aelin smiled teasingly and took a step towards Rowan. He closed the gap between them in a single stride. He frowned as he brought a hand to her face. Though Aelin couldn't see his eyes due to his hood covering half of his face, she knew that he was worried. He didn't need to be, but their bond made them share their feelings and insecurities and nothing was withheld. Ever since he sensed her sense of loneliness, he had been on edge, ready to come when she needed him.

"What's wrong?"

Aelin dropped her smiled and pressed her face to his chest. She murmured into his chest, "I don't like being apart from you for too long."

Rowan smiled and led her to where he was standing previously. It was a good distance away from where they were standing.

Boy, was she curious. She knew Fae hearing was good, but not that good.

"How'd you hear me from all the way here?" And from the way it sounded, the crowd was pretty loud too. She called his name slightly above whispering level.

He brought her against him.

"If it's you, I can hear you across continents."

She felt as if emotions would burst out of her heart at that point. There was no point in worrying about Rowan being away from her. He would always be near, and if he weren't, then she would give him a good kick in the ass for worrying her.

As if sensing her thoughts, Rowan chuckled and buried his face into her hair.

I promise, Fireheart.

You better damn keep it for the rest of your life.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Idiot, you know how I feel about that.

Okay, Aelin.