"I owe you." Rowan said as soon as they entered their inn room. He hadn't stopped to get his belongings from his quarters. Frankly speaking, he didn't care. He did want to say goodbye to his cadre though. But Maeve wouldn't allow it. So he just ran- ran from Doranelle, with Aelin- and bought a room in an inn.
"I don't owe you anything." She said as she sat on the edge of the bed.
He went and kneeled before her. "Yes, you do." he was smiling. He couldn't stop smiling.
"First thing, stop kneeling. You're my friend. Sit beside me." she patted the bed. He went and sat there. "Second, I don't rule or own you, so you don't have to pretend like that."
"You do own me."
"No, I don't. The only person who owns you is yourself, Prince." She said softly.
So unlike Maeve.
"Thanks." He said and linked his fingers with hers.
"But still I want to do something for you." he pressed.
"How about you stop wanting to kick my ass." She smirked.
He snorted. "It's been a long time since I wanted to do that."
She raised an eyebrow. He nudged her with his elbow.
"Okay, how about you tattoo me."
"That's it?"
She shrugged.
"Where?"
"On my scars. About my story of love and loss. The names of my beloved dead. All over the scars on my back."
"Are you sure?" he asked softly. It might hurt more on scars. She squeezed his fingers once.
"Yes. Can you do that?"
"Of course. Tomorrow?"
Her face lit up. "You can do that?"
"Obviously."
"Thanks. Yes."
Rowan got up and said, "I'll start drawing."
"Hmm. I'm sleeping." And by that, she laid down on her back.
"Thank you." Rowan said once again and kissed her brow.
"Ach." Though silver lined her own eyes.