Aelin slept for two days. When finally she woke up, rowan was at his work table, studying the casualty list. They were very less. Mostly the demi fae who had betrayed them, including Bas. She woke up and Rowan found him immediately next to her bed, kneeling.
"Do you need anything?" he asked. A bit too fussily.
"Water." Her voice was like sandpaper. Hoarse.
Rowan moved faster than he ever had in his life.
He was fussing just because she is a princess and a future queen of a realm. Not because of anything else. He reminded himself.
"Thanks." She muttered. When she had downed the whole pitcher, she asked, "How long was I out?"
"Two days." Her eyes widened at that. He gave her a wry smile.
"Well, I'm going to bathe." She looked down at herself. Rowan had removed her jacket and shoes, his breathing so ragged during that time, but he hadn't dared to touch her tunic and pants. They were still dirty. "I assume I will have to clean your bed."
"Obviously." She smiled and it stuck him stupid.
She made to get up but Rowan was already there, a hand around her shoulder, letting her lean against him until she found her footing.
When they went to the kitchen for her to eat something, Luca and Emrys were immediately there.
"Are you alright, Aelin?" there was indeed concern in the old man's eyes when he looked at the bandages.
"The bandages are just to elicit sympathy. Don't worry." At least her good spirits weren't down.
"Is there any food? She needs to eat." Rowan asked.
Emrys nodded and Luca guided Aelin to one of the tables. There were four seats. Rowan went to sit beside Aelin but Luca was already there. So he sat in the one across her. Soon Emrys brought the food. Aelin downed it like a wild dog. A hungry wild dog. Her table manners were atrocious. And she didn't care. So unlike the nobility he knew. Sometimes Rowan could only look at her and marvel. Sometimes like now.
He wished he had waited longer to be blood sworn with anyone. This girl- woman- she had fought with the last bit of life and magic in her for demi fae who she didn't even know much. Maeve would have let them die, just out of spite. But Aelin, she would never have done that. Never let the demi fae in this fortress who weren't trained for battles suffer.
Then they began talking. Well, Luca did most of the talking while the rest listened. Sometimes Aelin would make some witty comments and come backs, as always, and no one would be able to control their laughter. Rowan included.
When Luca said something, Rowan wasn't listening; he was looking at Aelin, it made her laugh. Rowan stored the sound of her laugh to his memories. So sweet. The best music he had ever heard. That's when Emrys brought her a dessert. Multiple truffles. She took a bite, moaned and said to him, "You two are so coming to my place to cook for me. No objections."
"If you reclaim your throne." The old man added with a soft smile.
"You will always have a place in Orynth. You two, Malakai," she turned her eyes to Rowan and was there sorrow there? "And you too, Rowan, should you ever come to Terrasen." She gave him a sad smile before indulging into one more truffle.
I want to come to Terrasen. I want to be with you.
He wanted to scream this at her but to what use. He was blood sworn to Maeve. He was worse than her slave.
Luca stole a few truffles from Aelin's dish when he thought she wasn't noticing because Luca knew the wrath he would have to face if he asked for a bite of a sugar confection from Aelin, but Rowan was sure she knew.