She laughed. "Where have you been my entire life? I'm taking you with me back to Orytnh so you can put off the fires I create." and seeing the joy on her face besides the sorrow, it really made him want to go back with her.

"See, now there's two people who aren't scared of you."

She just wrapped her hands around his neck and whispered, "Thank you."

He squeezed her gently in return.

When they reached her mother, Rowan set Aelin down and she ran to her mother and hugged her. Her mother lifted hey eyes to him. Realization was there.

"Prince Rowan." she looked shocked.

He bowed at his waist.

"A word with you please." she asked.

"Of course."

She took him to the side of the pavement where no one could hear. "Thank you for bringing her back. I am very grateful." a pause. "I know you're from Maeve's army. Can you please promise me something?" she swallowed, "Don't tell her about Aelin. Please."

"Can I know I why?"

"Actually, its complicated. She has always wanted Aelin to come to Doranelle. I dont want that to happen. So please."

The thought of Aelin in front of Maeve sent a shiver down his own spine.

"I wont tell her anything. Its my word."

She released a heavy breath. "Thank you."

He bowed again and Evalin bidded her farewell before joining her husband and Aelin who was telling her father what had happneed.

A tug at his tunic had him looking down. A boy of perhaps ten stood there. Same golden hair. Same Ashryver eyes.

"Listen, Prince, if you hurt Aelin or even look at her in the wrong way I will find you and I will skin you alive."

Rowan bit back his roaring laughter.

"Are you Aedion?"

"Yes." Confusion in those eyes.

"Aelin loves you very much. Do not ever be afraid of her. That is what she wants from you the most."

He shrugged. "Why would I be afraid of her?" As if Aelin didnt have a very powerful magic. Aedion glared once at him, these cousins really were magnanimously brave, and made his way to her queen. The future Queen's general.

Rowan smiled as he made his way to the sea. He realized he still wished he could go back to Orynth.