Aelin slipped back into consciousness for the fifth time that morning- or at least she thought it was morning, she hadn't dared opened her eyes, not willing to face whatever consequences awaited her, there always were consequences. It seemed like every twitch she made had a ripple effect, and ended getting someone brutally murdered, Aelin thought bitterly.
She laid there, watching the backs of her eyes, trying to reemerge herself in her dreamless sleep. Aelin begrudgingly realised that though her body was still sore, she wasn't on the edge of screaming. She also noted the soft mattress beneath her and the silky blanket that had been thrown over her, and the pleasant scent of flowers. So different to the cell where she had been kept- no. She would not think of that place. Not now, not here, where she had to keep her wits about her. So she shoved those thoughts in the iron chest in her mind, and locked them away along with all the other thoughts she could not consider if she wished to function.
Without the pain that clouded her senses, she could not dismiss the gaping hole in her chest, in her mind she smiled grimly, Rowan. As she laid there, the hole began to swallow her. Questions of if they would ever see each other again, and if so how long would she have with him. How much more time could she borrow. She locked those questions away too. Coward, they whispered as she did so.
The time had come for her to be Aelin Ashryver Galathynius again, to continue down the road that would rattle the stars. So she took in a deep breath, and reluctantly opened her eyes.
Sun rays lit up the lavish room where she slept, Aelin sat up and took a moment to stare out the window. So green and lively, she had never seen anything like it, so ideal... it was sickening. Sickening that there could be places like this when there places where the walls were painted in blood and screams echoed through the streets. She grimaced at the lacey sheets and pastel blue silk nightgown she had been put in. Aelin surveyed the room around her, scowling at the gold accented furniture.
She grinned when her eyes fell on the decorative swords mounted above the dresser, "idiots" she sneered under her breath.
Aelin slid out of the bed, rubbing her limbs that were covered in bandages. Actually, she thought, quickly padding herself down, she was completely covered in bandages- from her ankles to the top of her neck. Well, Aelin supposed that was necessary, he had made sure to mark every inch of her. Aelin sighed slamming the lid shut on those thoughts.
Aelin nearly jumped when the door was opened, she should've heard the footsteps. Infact she realised her hearing was rather muted, after a moment of panic Aelin realised that it was because she was in her human form. Aelin regained herself and faced the intruder, a woman in an exquisite gown and thick golden curls stood in the door frame. Her pink lips stretched into a smile before she stepped into the room. Her face was in the shadow of a large blue hood, that almost concealed the sharp points of her ears.
"Hello, darling. Good rest?" She said, her pleasant smile remaining. Her voice was soft and sweet, and utter bullshit. It was the same voice the whores in Adarlan used to seem innocent and lovely.
When Aelin showed no reaction, she delicately walked past her and straightened the sheets on the bed. That was peculiar, sense Aelin was positive this female was not a servant, probably just part of the act then.
While the blond was smoothing out the sheets, she said, "We tried the best we could to patch you up. But unfortunately you'll still have all those horrid scars." The Female pouted at this, and Aelin had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. "And nothing could be done about those on your face.", she finished scowling at the jagged lines that now adorned her cheekbones, courtesy of Maeve. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, they looked like the ones that Evangeline had. A smile ghosted Aelin's lips at the thought of the small girl.
The female straightened and faced Aelin, "My name is Ianthe by the way, lunch is in a hour, you'll be expected to join us. Servants should be in shortly, they'll dress you." She said her eyes sweeping over Aelin's body. Ianthe seemed to hesitate, probably biting back comments of how crappy she looked, skin and bone. "The high lord will be there. He'll have some questions." Ianthe said this like this was suppose to be impressive and threatening.
Ianthe took a few steps towards the door before turning and adding, her smile getting bigger and a little kinder, "I don't know what you've heard of the fae, but I can assure you, those at the spring court are very kind. Far from the savages you mortals think us to be." Aelin's eyebrows scrunched together at "you mortals", it seemed these fae were not aware of her fae heritage. That ignorance could be used to her advantage, Aelin decided not to correct Ianthe.