The rest of the day Aein lounged around and finally had the opportunity to use that glorious library. She had previously thought that she'd have no time to do so but was thankful that she could. Books after books she read, having made a pile of books to read, and those which she had just finished. Immersed in her stories, Aelin did not see the time go, and soon it was already dark out. She did not move from her throne of books until Mor came up to her.

"I've been looking for you everywhere,"

Aelin doubted that knowing full well that they were able to track her scent, but she let it slip. With a heavy heart, the princess closed the book. "You're one to talk, where have you guys been all day?"

"Meetings," Mor's cheery demeanor did not hide the stress and anxiety in her voice. Wars did that to you, she supposed.

"Without me?" Aelin feigned insult as she followed the female out of the library. "Did he send you to fetch me?"

"I came to get you for dinner,"

"A personal butler?" Together they made their way to the dining room, where the rest of them were waiting. "I'm honored."

"What have you been doing all day?" Threw Cassian, eyeing her as she took her seat across from Amren.

Aelin fluttered her eyes at him, "If you continue with that lustful gaze you'll make me blush,"

"Have you no humility?"

The princess snorted, "When you look like me, you don't need it,"

Cassian had no answer and Aelin blew him a kiss. Food appeared and its delicious smell wafted the room.

She served herself a big portion before turning her attention to the host. "No hello for me?"

Rhysand looked at her blankly. "Hello…"

"How dull," Aelin stared at him in disapproval and tsked. "Where's the male that was all over me in Hewn City?"

The mention of that specific event seemed to make the room go still. No one said anything and the atmosphere was unusually tense. "I was playing a role, wearing a mask-"

"That's unfortunate, I remember you being quite tasty," She said the last part as she took a sensual bit of her food. Aelin was having fun, especially when everyone around her looked at her in shock.

Rhysand seemed to be at a loss for words.

Again, Aelin was left unimpressed by the group's reaction. "How have you kept yourselves entertained all these centuries when you are all so dull?"

"I'm surprised no one has killed you yet for your arrogance,"

The assassin beamed at Cassian, "Many have tried,"

"How was your day," Azriel asked, his beautiful eyes boring into hers.

"Relaxing, but I did miss your smothering, mysterious presence," She could not help herself but wink at him.

"Do you ever get tired of flirting?"

"I do hope that it's a rhetorical question." She continued before Cassian had a chance to respond. "Anyway, I had the most interesting conversation with the cutest creature ever,"

True to her nature, Aelin paused for dramatic effect and made sure that everyone was listening. "I believe it's called a Suriel,"

And when she looked at the group, there was a mixture of confusion, surprise, and suspicion.

"You captured Suriel?" Asked Rhysand, disbelieving in his voice.

"Capture? Gods no. Why would I have to do that?"

Even Azriel, who was usually expressionless, had his eyes narrowed. "You spoke to it without capturing it?"

"Yes…" From their reaction, the princess knew that it was a strange concept. "It appears as if not many can have a conversation with one without holding it against its will…"

"None have ever been able to," Amren spoke, her eyes boring into Aelin's, her suspicion. "Until now…"

Aelin simply flipped her hair over her shoulder. "And here is your daily reminder of how absolutely and unbelievably amazing I am,"

Unsurprising Cassian was the one to snort. Aelin was starting to believe that the male was half pig. It would make much sense now that she thought about it.

"What did you trade for information?"

"Cake,"

This time, Cassian choked on the wine that he was gulping.

Rhysand looked at her in confusion. "What did you say?"

"I gave it a half-eaten cake in exchange for information."

"Cake?"

"Cake," The assassin was getting tired of this dance already. "It's shocking that the lot of you are continuously amazed by my sheer talents and skills."

"Your modest is astounding," Mor looked at her, but with a lot more amusement than the general.

"As is everything about me," Taking a sip from her chalice, Aelin looked around the room before dropping another bombshell. "I think it's time we talk about Jurian."