#Rowaelin moments
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â"You taught Aelin." Again, silence. Then, "Aelin is my heart. I taught her what I knew, and it worked because our magics understood each other deep downâ Just as our souls did."
Dorian nodded his thanks. "The first time you met Aelin, did you know ...?"
A snort. "No. Gods, no. We wanted to kill each other." The amusement flickered. "She was ... in a very dark place. We both were. But we led each other out of it. Found a way together."â
credit: @ALICEMARIAPOWER
#reposted with credit#@ALICEMARIAPOWER#fan art#rowaelin#Throne of Glass#TOG#Maasverse#Rowaelin fan art#Aelin Galathynius#Rowan Whitethorn#Queen of Shadows#SJM#Sarah J. Maas#Rowaelin quotes#Rowaelin moments#TOG series#Aelin Galathynius fan art#Rowan Whitethorn fan art#the piano forte scene exploring Rifthold#the Rowan Dorian conversation and hindsight Rowan Aelin quote#Fireheart#his Fireheart#the way he watches her#fan art perfection *chefs kiss*#beloved#piano forte#Royal Theatre#Rifthold#book quote imagery#Queen of Shadows fan art
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top 5 of rowaelin moment?
"Aelin is my heart." Such a small and easily overlooked line that just absolutely melted me
"Thank you for the oil. My skin was a little dry." WE! LOVE! SASSY! ROWAN! No further comment.
"I claim you, Rowan Whitethorn." // "I claim you too, Aelin Galathynius." heart eyes. literal heart eyes. also crying. also screaming. all the emotions with this one.
Rowan's dream in Kingdom of Ash. I'm a sucker for families and babies and ughhhhh it was so painful but so perfect.
The beach in Empire of Storms. I'm looking respectfully. đđđđđđđđđđđđđđ
thank you for the ask love <3
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âAelin took a step forward.
One step, as if in a daze.
She loosened a shuddering breath, and a small, whimpering noise came out of herâa sob.
And then she was sprinting down the alley, flying as though the winds themselves pushed at her heels.
She flung herself on the male, crashing into him hard enough that anyone else might have gone rocking back into the stone wall. But the male grabbed her to him, his massive arms wrapping around her tightly and lifting her up.
Nesryn made to approach, but Aedion stopped her with a hand on her arm.
Aelin was laughing as she cried, and the male was just holding her, his hood buried in her neck. As if he were breathing her in.
"Who is that?" Nesryn asked. Aedion smiled, "Rowan."â
credit: @charliebowater (go check out their work it is absolutely beautiful & full of many of my favorites)
Very early colour progress! THIS. SCENE.
On a side note it kind of kills me giving Aelin red hair rather than her natural blonde but I am a stickler for the details!
WIP.
#reblogged from source#Charlie Bowater#reblogged with credit#Maasverse#fan art#Sarah J. Maas#Rowan Whitethorn#Aelin Galathynius#rowaelin#Queen of Shadows#TOG#Throne of Glass#Throne of Glass series#QoS#book imagery#SJM#Queen of Shadows quotes#Queen of Shadows fan art#Rowaelin fan art#Rowaelin quotes#rowaelin moments#Rifthold#fav scenes#Charlie Bowater art#artists I love#fav fan art artists#one of my favorites#otp#reblog#Queen of Shadows scene spoilers
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tell me I'm wrong
#look me in the eyes. look at me in the marrow of my bones and in the depths of my cobwebs and ashen soul. tell me i'm wrong#I'M NOT#âmotherfucker i wish i could say you'd die aloneâ I WAS ALREADY HEARING ROWAN IN THAT MOMENT#and if ryan or another writer/producer in the film considered heir of fire? READ heir of fire?#what's going to happen to me? i'll be inconsolable.#none of you will be able to talk to me for months#i'll talk to myself. i'm a yapper. we know this#deadpool and wolverine#deadpool 3#deadpool 2024#deadpool#wolverine#logan howlett#wade wilson#rowan and aelin#prince rowan whitethorn#princess aelin galathynius#celaena sardothien#throne of glass series#heir of fire#queen of shadows#books by sarah j maas#never you mind that i had to reach up to my shelf to open this book#mind you this is only in heir of fire. i'm lowkey scared of qos or eos rowaelin#how much more poolverine am i gonna find there#even though Cavill made a cameo and he was our go to fancast for Rowan#I HATE THAT WADE FLINCHES đâ¤ď¸#JAIL FOR YOU FOR THAT LOGAN
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Stolen Moment
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Just wrote this in an hour lol, donât know what to say, but I like the vibes đ it reminds me of Ivy
~ 1k words
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The Terrasenian Countryside, 1839
The orchard was quiet, like it always was. The silence was only punctuated by the lilting sounds of the outdoors: the birds singing in the flowering blooms, the insects buzzing around and floating in the summery breeze, that same breeze flitting through the branches of the trees, and of course the sounds of his paintbrush darting across the canvas.
There were no words that passed between him and his muse, though her blue eyes were trained on him with the whisper of a thousand hidden secrets.
Rowan Whitethorn knew they were playing with fire, but the risk made the moment that much more charged. If anyone were to discover them⌠for multiple reasons it would lead to either his banishment or his death.
There was no other possible consequence should anyone happen upon them. Not that there should be; they were out at his small house in the countryside, tucked back in the corner of his sprawling acreage, the hidden garden behind the fields of farmland. It was not harvest season, thereâd been no need for field hands in the recent days, no one had any reason for being in the vicinity of them.
He did most of the labor himself, saving his art for the few spare moments he could manage to wrangle for himself. It was a secret he didnât share often; only a few people knew of it. His friend and main field hand, Lorcan, who heâd served in the war with, and Lorcanâs wife Elide both knew.
The painting had started as a way of processing after the war, and Lorcan was the only one who could really understand the horrors that had driven him to this outlet. Elide worked on the farm as well, and had stumbled across his collection of paintings when delivering some of the milk from the cows one morning.
They lived together in a cabin not far from him, and Rowan considered the farm theirs too; they felt more like the true owners than him, though heâd been the one to inherit the land from his father. He didnât want it, it wasnât his dream, though he preferred the solitary life it provided.
He didnât need the pains of social interaction, nor the struggle of trying to constantly pretend. He was fine being alone⌠or he had been. Until he met her.
Rowanâs eyes lifted from the canvas, landing on the feminine form sprawled on her side on the chaise heâd dragged out here for this purpose. Her head rested on her arms, one leg curled over the other to showcase the delicate curves clothed in a satin chemise, the neckline slipping down her shoulder to show miles of creamy skin. Her golden hair was smoothed in gentle waves, flowing down her back, and those blue eyes of hers remained trained on him.
Aelin Galathynius - Miss Aelin Galathynius - was forbidden to him. It was an idea he couldnât even dare to foster, and yet here she was, half dressed and alone with him as he studied her form closer than likely anyone ever had.
The Galathynius family was one of the most esteemed families in all of Terrasen, not quite nobility but close to it. They were wealthy, and high ranking, and untouchable for someone like him.
But when it came to their only daughter, Rowan simply couldnât stay away.
Their country estate wasnât far from his land, a few miles or so, but it remained unoccupied most of the time. Heâd known it belonged to them, but it wasnât until a few seasons ago that heâd laid eyes on a member of the family. And it just so happened to be the most beautiful woman heâd ever seen.
Miss Galathynius - Aelin - had been out for a ride on her Asterion mare nearby when an unexpected storm had struck. Her horse had spooked at the crack of thunder, throwing her rider off onto the muddy ground. Rowan had been out assessing damage to the crops when heâd come across her sprawled form.
After helping her up and checking to make sure she was okay, a conversation had struck. Sheâd been charming, and witty, with the widest smile heâd ever seen, and heâd fallen head over heels practically immediately.
He hadnât realized who she was.
He learned soon enough, but that didnât stop her from continuing to reach out to him, and he didnât have enough self control to stop himself from reaching back out to her, so here they were. Heâd confessed his love of painting not long into their acquaintance, and sheâd finally convinced him to let her pose for him. He couldnât say no, no matter the consequences.
If anyone caught them right now, sheâd be ruined. If anyone ever found this painting, then heâd be dead.
Because she was to be married soon. Sheâd told him, though she hadnât needed to. Heâd seen the ring on her finger.
He couldnât expect anything different. She was eighteen years of age, from a distinguished family. She was sure to have offers by the plenty. Her family had just seemingly finally found the perfect one.
At twenty one, Rowan knew he was likely closer in age to her than several of those offers, but he knew he would never have even been considered. A few decades ago, heâd be beheaded for even daring to put forward his proposal.
His heart ached as he dragged his paintbrush along the canvas, smoothing out the perfect curve of her hip, and the dip of her waist where his hand so perfectly fit. They hadnât done anything, had never even kissed.
If Aelin were to be discovered as anything but a virgin on her wedding night, then Hellas would rain down on them both.
So Rowan ignored the aching in his chest and the urges of his hands and just enjoyed the stolen moment the best he could. This was leading to ruin, and they both knew it.
But he would savor whatever little piece of her he could get.
ââ-
Taglist:
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#rowaelin#throne of glass fanfiction#rowaelin fanfiction#rowaelin au#throne of glass#throne of glass au#rowan x aelin#stolen moment
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Want to talk about
â¨The Pattern?â¨
Here we go (SJM spoilers all):
Isaac -> Tamlin -> Rhys
Reid -> Connor -> Hunt
Dorian -> Chaol -> Rowan
... see what I'm getting at here?
Thomas -> random dude -> Cassian
Celaena -> Sorscha -> Manon
Celaena -> Nesryn -> Yrene
Get my drift?!?!
Mor -> Elain -> Gwyn (or Eris đ)
Jesminda -> Vassa(?) -> Elain
Cassian -> Andromache -> Emerie
#acotar#acomaf#acowar#acofas#acosf#crescentcity#house of earth and blood#house of sky and breath#throne of glass#sjmaas#SJM#gwynriel#elucien#emorie#feysand#rowaelin#quinlar#i really had a galaxy brain moment and I need to share#please dont come at me with ship war nonsense idc
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"What did she show you?" A breathless question.
Aelin had to swallow before she could answer. "She showed me what might have beenâif there had been no Erawan, if Elena had dealt with him properly and banished him. If there had been no Lyria, none of that pain or despair you endured. She showed me Terrasen as it would have been today, with my father as king, and my childhood happy, and..." Her lips wobbled. "When I turned twenty, you came with a delegation of Fae to Terrasen, to make amends for the rift between my mother and Maeve. And you and I took one look at each other in my father's throne room, and we knew." She didn't fight the stinging in her eyes. "I wanted to believe that was the true world. That this was the nightmare from which I'd awaken. I wanted to believe that there was a place where you and I had never known this suffering and loss, where we'd take one look at each other and know we were mates. Maeve told me she could make it so. If I gave her the keys, she'd make it all possible." She wiped at her cheek, at the tear that escaped down it. "She spun me realities where you were dead, where you'd been killed by Erawan and only in handing over the keys to her would I be able to avenge you. But those realities made me ... I stopped being useful to her when she told me you were gone. She couldn't get me to talk, to think. Yet in the ones where you and I met, where things were as they should have been ... that was when I came the closest."
His swallow was audible. "What stopped you?"
She wiped at her face again. "The male I fell in love with was you. It was you, who knew pain as I did, and who walked with me through it, back to the light. Maeve didn't understand that. That even if she could create that perfect world, it wouldn't be you with me. And I'd never trade that, trade this. Not for anything."
He extended his hand. An offer and invitation. Aelin laid hers atop his, and his callused fingers squeezed gently. "I wanted it to be you," he breathed, closing his eyes. "For months and months, even in Wendlyn, I wondered why you weren't my mate instead. It tore me up, wondering it, but I still did." He opened his eyes, and they burned like green fire. "All this time, I wanted it to be you." She lowered her gaze, but he hooked a thumb and forefinger around her chin and lifted her face. "Even if I had my choice of any dream-realities, any perfect illusions, I would still choose you, too."
#Rowaelin#Rowaelin quotes#Rowaelin moments#rowan x aelin#aelin x rowan#aelin x rowan quoes#rowan x aelin quotes#Rowaelin conversations#Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius#Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius#Rowan Whitethorn#Aelin Galathynius#Kingdom of Ash#Sarah J. Maas#Aelin Ashryver Galathynius#Iâd choose you#Iâd pick you#any world#queen who walked between worlds#soulmate
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Not Again- Part Three
Azriel x Rowaelin daughter reader
Summary: The inner court has many questions about Y/n and her world. Missing home even more, all she wants is to fly and clear her head, luckily, her babysitter indulges her
Series Masterlist
-Part Three-
Azriel knew this was going to be a long day from the moment he woke up. Surrounded by his shadows who would not shut up for three gods damned seconds. Sheâs awake, awake, awake, upset, wonât eat, upset. The little busybodies had snuck off while he slept, and apparently they were very concerned about the state of the female next door for whatever reason.
He found himself dressed and in the hallway waiting for any sign of her, when he didnât receive one in the ten minutes heâd stood there heâd finally crossed the hall and knocked three times on the door.
She was still in there, he knew that from the way his shadows kept trying to slip through the cracks towards her. And he could feel the shield of air sheâd placed around the room, hiding the sounds of her approaching footsteps.
The door swung open and Azriel couldnât explain why his breath caught in his chest. The house had gifted her new clothes, the traditional night court style that Amren preferred to wear, in the deepest darkest night court black. The silk cropped shirt hugged her curves, and the flowing high waisted pants left a small sliver of skin on display. Beautiful, pretty, black suits her. His shadows whispered again and again and again, he was about ready to lock them away for a moment of peace.
âHere to take me to the dungeons yet?â She asks, lifting her arms towards him as if expecting cuffs, amusement glittering in her eyes as she watches his eyes lift from her waist, âwhatâs on the table today? Just some light interrogation? Maybe a bit of torture?â
âBreakfast actually,â he replies dryly, âthe others will be here shortly.â
âWell thatâs no fun,â she pouts, dropping her arms to her sides, âlead the way then, shadowsinger.â
The title rolls off her tongue, that accent swirling and dripping with charm. A small smirk on her lips as she notices his hesitation, turning his back on her still felt like a bad idea, even though he didnât glimpse a single dagger on her, heâs sure she wouldnât need it.
She seems fine, less tense than the night before, a mask of cool amusement and charm, yet his shadows seem concerned, upset, theyâd whispered all morning. As they walk he keeps one eye on her, taking in the way she examines every surface, every turn, every nook and cranny. She was mapping out the halls in her head, memorizing the ways out, smart. If she wanted to she could shift into that magnificent hawk form and fly through the halls and off the balcony before he could even try to catch her.
They turn into the dining room, Rhys and Feyre already sat at the table. The table set for several people, Azriel assumed the rest of the court would be here soon, Cassian flying them up from the River House. Elain would stay back with little Nyx, her mate there to protect them both.
âGood morning,â Feyre says, voice reserved yet kind, âIâm Feyre.â
Y/n grants her a small smile, bowing her head slightly in greeting. She doesnât say anything, opting to examine the room around them like sheâd done in the halls, nervous. She didnât let it show on her face, but Azriel could tell, could see the tension in her shoulders.
âPlease, sit,â Rhys says, gesturing to the seats across from them, âthe rest will be here shortly.â
âShould I be worried about that?â Y/n asks, her tone is light, that cool amusement hiding the faint look of panic that flashes through her eyes.
Azrielâs shadows writhe at his sides when he sees that look, something about it settles wrongly. She had nothing to fear from them, but how would she know that? Strangers who had found her vulnerable, who had tried to look into her mind, who she knew next to nothing about.
Feyre laughs lightly, âno, no, of being talked to death perhaps, but I swear, no harm will come to you.â
That seems just good enough to Y/n to coax her to sit across from Feyre, her eyes glance warily at the foods laid out between them and instead of filling her plate like the High Lord and Lady across from her she simply leans back in her seat and watches. Azriel takes the seat beside her, pointedly filling his plate with mounds of eggs and bacon and bread with jams.
She wonât eat, eat, eat, eat, she needs to eat. Shadows angrily whisper in Azrielâs ears but he forces them away as he hears the sounds of his family grow closer down the hall, Cassianâs booming laugh echoing into the room. He can see the moment Y/n tenses, her body readying for a fight that would not come.
âA rambunctious lot youâve got here,â she says coolly, that mask of indifference slid into place.
âYou donât even know the half of it,â Rhys sighs.
Cassian is the first to come through the door, followed by Nesta who rolls her eyes at her mates back.
âIs this the female who handed Azrielâs ass to him?â
The tension in Y/nâs shoulders slip every so slightly and Azriel feels himself relax too. He was prepared to leap inbetween his family and her, to protect which one he wasnât sure.
âYou say that like itâs such an impossibility,â Mor says as she and Amren step through the doorway, âIâve seen plenty of females hand you your ass, Cassian.â
âBut itâs Az,â Cass laughs, âMister dark and broody spymaster caught off guard by the second female falling on his lap.â
âShe did not fall into my lap,â Azriel sighs, âshe was in the-â
âWhatever,â Cassian interrupts, waving his hand, âclose enough.â
Azriel rolls his eyes at his brotherâs antics, recognizing them for what they were, a way to break any tension, to make this seem like a simple breakfast instead of the interrogation it was sure to become. One glance at Y/n told him she wasnât buying it for one second.
Her eyes travel over them all, stopping briefly on Nesta as their eyes lock. Both females had that cold stare that could freeze oceans. Though sheâd given back a majority of the cauldrons power, it still lurked behind Nestaâs steely eyes, that silver fire rolling in warning. Y/n looked just as lethal, those cold eyes almost glowing with the power lurking below her skin, wether it was ice or fire, Azriel wasnât sure he wanted to find out which sheâd use first.
Nesta seemed satisfied with whatever she saw in Y/nâs eyes, grabbing her mates hand to drag him to their seats beside Feyre. Mor slipped into the seat beside Azriel, Amren taking the seat beside her.
âWell,â Rhys says with that charming grin, ânow that everyone is here Iâd like to introduce our lovely guest, Crown Princess of Terrasen, Y/n Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius.â
âNow thatâs a mouth full.â Mor whistles as she piles her plate full of sweet pastries and fruits, âlovely to meet you, Princess.â
âY/n will do.â
âWow, you werenât kidding about the fangs,â Cassian says when her sharp canines peak through her lips.
Azriel keeps one eye on the female next to him as he pretended to be interested in the food on his plate. Her arms were crossed over her stomach, her mask not slipping despite the eyes weighing her down.
âWhat is this place?â
Rhys raises a brow at her, âwould you like to eat first before we get to the nitty gritty?â
Y/n nods towards the food, âIâd like to know exactly who and what Iâm dealing with before I accept food from fae I donât know. Didnât anyone ever teach you stranger danger?â
Eat, eat, tell her to eat. Azriel tries to quiet the shadows, getting annoyed with how insistent they were. As if she heard them, Y/n glances at him, frowning at the little wisps that stray to close to her.
Rhys looks ready to give her a sarcastic response but Feyre rolls her eyes and butts in, âyou are in Velaris, the heart and soul of our territory, the Night Court.â
âYouâre the leaders of this place,â Y/n states more than asks.
âHigh Lord and Lady, few of many on this continent,â Feyre nods, âhowâd you know.â
âIâve dealt with plenty of royals,â Y/n shrugs, âQueens and Kings, Lords and Ladies, Emperors and Empresses.â
That peaks everyoneâs interest, Azriel can feel the curiosity in the air. When Quinlann had arrived, sheâd been at war with the Asteri, the ruling power of her world, despite having kings and queens, they all answered to the immortal, intergalactic parasites, as Quinlann had put it. She and her mate had succeeded in ridding their planet of the monsters, but who knew where else these creatures lived.
âWhat is your home like?â Mor asks, the question seemingly harmless, but depending on the answer could bring a whole world of consequences.
Y/n examines her, not missing the hidden question beneath is your world a threat to our own, âmuch like your own it would seem. Weâve been at peace for the last 25 years. Until a gate opened up and ripped me away from my family.â
Thereâs the briefest change in her then, that mask slipping just enough that Azriel recognizes it, grief. Sheâs upset, homesick, wonât eat. It made sense now, sheâd said sheâd been with her father when the gate had taken her, when sheâd been dumped onto a foreign land surrounded by strangers she couldnât understand. She must have been terrified.
âBefore you ask, I have no idea how or why the gate opened, or why it took me,â she continues, âit shouldnât have been possible. None have been opened since the lock was forged during the war.â
âWar?â Cassianâs brow raises in question, âwhat lock?â
It seems to set her back into a memory, her eyes not entirely focused on the male whoâd asked, âthe war against the Valg. Demons from another world who liked the taste of ours. The fight against them spanned over centuries, over multiple wars, my ancestor was able to lock the King away with a stolen object not meant for her to use, but for that there was a price demanded from the gods whoâd made the lock in the first place, an heir of her blood to forge a new lock, to open a gate and send them to their true home, my mother. Queen Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius, she almost died paying their price, and in the end they betrayed her anyway.â
Anger simmered in her eyes, Azriel could feel heat radiating off of her, that fire under her skin wanting to come out.
âWhat became of them?â Rhys asks.
She takes a moment to rein that fire in and then she meets the High Lordâs eyes, âshe killed them all.â
A silence ripples through the room, her mother had killed her worldâs gods. Were they like Midgardâs asteri, Prythianâs daglan, or maybe their own kind of nightmare.
âShe locked the gates, fell through time and space, through hundreds of worlds, guided back by my father who would not let that mating bond slip through his fingers. When sheâd come back, she had a fraction of her power left, the power that could end the valg Queen and King and save them all.â
âHow did they win?â Nesta asks in the quiet that follows.
A smile, not a smirk finds Y/nâs lips and Azrielâs shadows dance towards her. He barely keeps them in check, one resting on the edge of her chair before it was reined back in. He catches the curious look sent his way by Rhys. Heâd surely hear more of that later.
âMy Aunt Yrene,â she says, âa healer, the valg were vulnerable to their touch, she took the evil shriveled soul of the valg King and turned him to nothing but a black stain on the floor. We put a rug over it.â
A surprised laugh slips out of Mor, âplease tell me itâs hideous.â
âThe tackiest thing Iâve ever seen, they let me paint on it as a child. Itâs covered in bad stick figures of my uncles.â
Theyâd asked her questions until it was nearing lunch time. Cassian had about fallen out of his chair when sheâd told them of the witches and their wyverns. From the look in Amrenâs eye, Y/n knew that if sheâd ever met Manon, the world would tremble in fear.
Rhys had been particularly interested in her motherâs journey through worlds, he had an uncanny feeling about it that he couldnât quite explain. Feyre and Nesta had been shocked to learn that her mother was half human. Mor had asked her millions of questions that she could barely keep up with.
During it all, Azriel had been silent at her side. No questions on his lips but she could see the wheels turning in his head, could almost hear the whispering shadows that danced closer and closer to her every chance they got. Sheâd felt one drifting over her elbow for a moment before Azriel had glared right at the curious little shadow and it flew back to his side.
Theyâd slowly stopped their questioning and then they left one by one, Amren had left to look into this worlds knowledge on Wyrd markings and gates, Cassian and Nesta had said something about a training session, Rhys and Feyre needed to go relieve the third Acheron sister from babysitting duty and Mor had desperately wanted to see her nephew.
And just like that, it was down to Y/n and Azriel. She assumed he was still on babysitting duty, despite their apparent trust in her. She didnât blame them for being cautious, Wyrd knows sheâd not let a single one of them out of her sight if the roles were reversed.
Y/n stood stretching out her sore muscles, an involuntary groan slipping past her lips as she lifted her arms above her head. Theyâd been sitting there for hours and her body still aches from the events of yesterday.
âYou didnât eat anything,â his cool voice startles her, deep and slightly gravely.
She glances down at him, noting the way his eyes drag up from that small sliver of skin at her waist. The clothes weâre comfortable, yet much more revealing than anything sheâd been used to. She canât help the smirk that rests on her lips as she looks down at the handsome male, she could get used to clothes like this.
âIâm not hungry,â she shrugs, moving through the room, glancing towards the huge windows that showed the vast city far beneath them.
âYou havenât eaten since youâve been here,â he says, eyes tracking each of her movements.
âOh? And how would you know that,â she looks pointedly at the shadows, âI thought I told you to keep wandering eyes to yourself.â
He simply shrugs, âthey do what they want.â
âClearly.â She turns towards the door, âare you to play babysitter all day? Donât you have anything better to do?â
Sheâs out the door before heâs has the chance to reply. The place was massive, sheâd memorized the walk from her room to the dining hall, but the amount of halls that laid around told her sheâd only seen a small portion of what the place had to offer.
âWould you care for a tour?â Azrielâs suddenly standing to her side.
âBabysitter and tour guide,â she snarks, exploring down the hall, âA double threat.â
âIâve been told to keep any eye on you.â He looks down at her, âand thatâs what I plan to do.â
âOh I have no doubt about that.â She turns into a large living space littered with comfortable looking couches and chairs, a doorway leading to a balcony against the far wall. âIâm sure youâre a male who takes his duties very seriously.â
She moves towards that door, towards the open air beyond, Azriel following close behind. She could feel the wind beyond, begging to caress her wings, sheâd shift and fly for hours and hours, maybe she could fly home.
âYou could make this easy for both of us,â he says, letting a shadow block her path, âand quit trying to run away from me.â
âNow who said I was trying to run away,â she flashes an overly sweet smile over her shoulder, one that she can tell gets under his skin.
âYouâre not a prisoner,â he almost growls, âbut if you choose to make this harder than necessary, I have no problem tying you to a chair.â
She snorts, âKinky, but no thank you, Iâm not interested.â
He doesnât respond, that carefully crafted expression not shifting an inch, though his shadows give him away. They writhe around him, reaching for her and pulling back over and over, like he was trying not to strangle her.
âTell you what,â she says, âIâll stick around you like glue if you let me go for a quick flight.â
She doesnât hide the longing glance she gives the balcony, whenever she was stressed or upset her and her father would go flying, they would fly until she was ready to talk about what was eating at her, or until she tired herself out and he would take her home and tuck her into bed just to go fly the next morning. Y/n couldnât think of a time sheâd been more stressed than now, stuck in a foreign world with no way home, surrounded by powerful fae who she didnât trust not to bury a dagger between her shoulders the second she turned around, depsite how kind they had been.
âFine.â
Her eyes meet with warm hazel, surprise not hidden on her face. She wouldâve thought heâd fight back harder, keeping her here, where she couldnât fly away was safer, easier. But heâd agreed, and she gives him the first genuine smile sheâd had since sheâd arrived and says, âThank you.â
He nods once, âafter you.â
Sheâs out the door in seconds, shifting with a flash of white light, and diving over the edge of the balcony towards the city far far below.
Azriel was regretting his choice to let her fly, simply due to the fact that she was so damn fast. Despite the chill in the air, she flew over Velaris with such speed, the air biting his wings as he tried to keep up. She zigzaged over the city, following streets up and down, from the cliffs of the house all the way to the open mouth of the Sidra. They flew over the bridge into the Rainbow, the artists quarter and almost like an invisible string tugged her towards it, they ended up at one of the many amphitheaters.
Music of practicing artists flowed out, preparing for a concert later that evening, there was no single melody, a mesh of different tunes that somehow melded together into a new song of its own.
Y/n landed on a high wall of the amphitheater, that flash of light, and then she was sitting precariously on the edge, as if there wasnât a steep drop directly behind her to the streets below. Azriel landed next to her, carefully sitting down with a comfortable distance between them. It felt wonderful to rest for a few seconds, letting the sun warm his wind chilled wings.
He watches her, the way she leans towards that music as if she couldnât help but be drawn to it. Thereâs a longing look in her eyes, a sadness that cracks that carefully constructed mask to pieces. Azriel wants to comfort her, heâs overcome by the sudden need to fix whatever is wrong, but he was never good at that, so he just sits beside her, mouth firmly shut.
âOne of the first things my mother did after the war was rebuild the theaters,â she says quietly after several minutes, âmy earliest memory is sitting in the Queenâs box, theyâd written a symphony about the final battle, it was the most beautiful thing Iâve ever heard. I can still hear the horn that signaled my mothers arrival.â
Azriel listened carefully, âYour mother seems to be a brave warrior.â
âShe didnât have a choice but to be,â Y/n whispers, âMost of my family didnât.â
âYou seem to be a warrior yourself,â he says, âwere you given a choice.â
Her eyes donât stray from the players below, âYes and no, my parents insisted I train, they wanted me to be prepared for anything, I wanted to anyway, mostly because I wanted to grow up to be just like them. My father is one of the strongest fae warriors in the world, Rowan Whitethorn, soldiers talk about him around camp fires like heâs a myth. He and my uncles, his cadre, oversaw my training. My mother too, sheâd once been a renowned assassin, Iâd begged and fought with her to teach me everything she knew until she got sick of me and relented.â
He could see that, the way she struck fast and quietly during their first encounter, she moved with the grace of a dancer, struck with the strength of a warrior.
âQuite the family,â he says, searching for anything to lighten the mood, something Rhys or Cassian would say, âIâm sure bringing home boys was interesting.â
She laughs, and he canât help but enjoy the sound, âyou have no idea, not only do you have to impress my parents, but also the kings and queens of several nations. I made the mistake of bringing a boy home when Manon was visiting from the witch lands. She tried to introduce him to Abraxos, I donât think I ever saw him again.â
From what theyâd heard of the witch Queen, Azriel hoped the boy had just fled the kingdom, instead of becoming dinner.
She goes silent, and a shadow whispers in Azrielâs ear, she wants to go home, sad, very sad.
âWould you care to eat now?â Azriel asks, raising to his feet, âI know flying works up my appetite.â
She flashes him a saccharine smile, one that does its best to hide the pain but it canât hide her eyes, âare you asking for a date? I thought I told you Iâm not interested.â
He rolls his eyes, but he canât help the slight twitch of his lips, âTrust me, Princess, youâre not my type either.â
She climbs to her feet, and Azriel finds that stretch of exposed skin at her waist as she turns to him, the scent of pine, snow, and embers drifting towards him on the wind.
âIâm everybodyâs type.â Her tone lowers, dripping with charm, the kind that could make men and women crawl on their hands and knees. âThink you can keep up this time?â
Without warning she jumps off the back of the tall amphitheater. Azriel has a brief moment of panic, shadows whipping out to try and catch her, wings flaring as he goes to dive after her. Then, brilliant white light blinds him for a second, and that red tinged hawk shoots past him, letting out a cry that sounds suspiciously like laughter.
He swears, jumping off that ledge and shoots into the sky behind her.
#the shadows are my favorite characters by far#I like the term busybody to much#Azriel doesnât know how to deal with feelings properly#I need them to banter more because it gives me life#acotar x reader#acotar#azriel x reader#azriel#rowaelin daughter#rowaelin
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have your little girlfriend, part seven
poly!Rowaelin x f!Reader
Summary: Catching Aelin's eye, you quickly end up entangled between her and Rowan, forced to navigate their darker sides in your new relationship.
Warnings: included on series masterlist to avoid spoilers!
Word Count: ~4.4k
A/N: we've reached the penultimate chapter!! thank you to both @whisperingmidnights and @moonlightttfae for your support <3 (and all of you who kept motivating me and reminding me about this little story)
series masterlist
Settling next to her on the bed, Aelin ran a hand down her thigh, âRowan and I are thinking about trying for a child.âÂ
The happiness she felt in that moment wasnât faked. It was true, bright, and genuine.Â
âThatâs wonderful,â she breathed, reaching out and clutching Aelinâs hand gently. âAre you?â She glanced down towards her stomach
Aelinâs bright laugh tinkled through the room. âThinking about trying, petal. You should listen more,â she chided âjokingly,â but she caught the small down curve at the last syllable.Â
Her mouth curled up at the corners anyway. This was something that had been hovering in the back of everyoneâs minds for so long it only felt right. Now, her mind drifted to how sheâd celebrate with Aelin. She glanced at the small bottle of oil on the side table. A massage would help her mate relax. Running her hands over her shoulders, she realized just how tense she was, and noticed the light bags underneath her eyes.Â
Aelin read the question in her eyes.Â
âThereâs been a lot to ⌠catch up on,â she said delicately.Â
âBecause of you, your settling, your burden,â her mind whirled, the voice not her own.Â
âNo,â Aelin said firmly, aloud. âWhat youâre thinking - itâs not true.âÂ
âYou donât know what Iâm thinking,â she countered automatically. Aelin frowned and she winced, sending a silent apology. It seemed to appease her mate, especially as she reached for the oil, motioning for Aelin to turn around, eagerly complying. First, she undid the ties on the back of her tunic, letting her skin expose inch by inch, fingers running delicately over the relatively smooth skin, tracing the lines and swirls of her tattoos.Â
Aelin laid down, head turned sideways to rest her cheek on the pillow. Straddling her waist, she let the oil drip directly on her back.Â
Not having any training or particularly good technique, she just went for whatever drew the best reactions out of her mate. Thumbs dug into sore spots, nails scratched down lightly, gentle kisses left on shoulders, teeth nipping, dodging when Aelinâs fingers shot out to pinch in playful reprimand.Â
The breaths grew longer, more ragged, less controlled. Bodies shifted to release tension, thighs rubbed together subconsciously, hands jolted, movements less smooth and controlled.Â
The game reached its expiration point as Aelin flipped over, throwing her underneath and straddling her hips to pin her in place.Â
Leaning down, brushing lips against her ear, âmy turn,â she breathed.Â
Strands of fire wrapped around her wrist, not burning but pinning them above her head. She lifted her chest, arching her back, giving her mate her favorite view.Â
Aelinâs thumbs brushed over her breasts in appreciation. The touches grew firmer, a mark of exactly who was in charge.Â
âSo beautiful, petal,â she murmured. âIâm so lucky.âÂ
âWeâre so lucky,â an amused voice interrupted from the back. Aelin waved him off - a half hearted dismissal, countered with a laugh and slow but purposeful steps across the room. Â
Her mates locked eyes, a silent conversation she wasnât privy to passing through. Her legs shifted, subconsciously reaching for their attention. The smiles appearing on their faces set her on edge.Â
Before she could think further, or ask more questions, Aelin had turned, slid up the bed, and hovered above her. She faced away, toward Rowan, who was currently lining up between her thighs.Â
âSnap if you need to stop,â he said roughly. She didnât get to see him enter her as Aelin lowered herself over her face. She didnât care.Â
-
Later that night, curled up next to them in bed, she realized sheâd probably never fall pregnant. Biologically, it didnât matter to her who birthed the child, sheâd help raise and love them all the same. But was pregnancy something she wanted? It would interfere with the royal succession and all of that. Things her mates had probably thought of and discarded for a later time. Well, now was the later time. Right now ⌠she was a royal concubine, wasnât she?
Still, they already had little time to spare, and a child would ⌠she shook her head. How gods-damned selfish could she be? The time she took up in their lives would be better spent on a child. A child would be more worthy of the time than her. All sheâd done is drag her mates down since they met, causing problems and bringing chaos in her wake. She was, at the very least, a basket case.Â
She should be happy for her mates, for how long theyâd wanted this baby - held back by her. She was the one holding them back from their dreams and everything they wanted.
It was bullshit, she knew. The child would be more than happy with three parents. She wasnât happy, and the time was coming where she picked for herself for once, but she had to be careful about it.Â
Right now, she didnât know what she wanted. Of course, these concerns couldnât be raised because at the first hint of suspicion she might leave them sheâd be placed firmly on lockdown - not given the slightest chance. Their love always came hand in hand with obsession, and with that a heavy weight she couldnât quite kick. Several days, all she wanted was for the heaviness to leave her chest.Â
Besides, they were Fae and it could take years for any of them to fall pregnant. When that time came, she knew what sheâd have to do, and knew it would hurt like hell in so many ways.Â
âWhatâs on your mind?â Rowan murmured from her right. To her left, Aelin was sound asleep. She hadnât realized he was awake.Â
âLife,â she whispered.Â
He wrapped an arm around her waist, tugging her closer. Aelin had spread out to take over most of the bed, and seemed perfectly content wrapped in all of the pillows and blankets but she knew her mate would reach for her soon. Until then, she let herself melt into Rowan, his warmth and the steady circles he traced on her back.Â
This, this feeling, warmth, and content. She wanted desperately to be selfless and stay, but eventually sheâd need to be selfish and go. The clock was ticking down.Â
-
A year later, she knew something was different. Firstly, she could barely stand to have others near Aelin. At first she thought it was because they hadnât gotten to spend much time together, but then her mateâs scent changed.Â
Rowanâs behavior confirmed her suspicion. She thanked the gods that their instincts didn't apply to each other.Â
Pregnancy suited Aelin, it seemed like a gold dust or shimmer always coated her, bathing her in some sort of ethereal light.Â
It took one week for her to remember the original plan.Â
With her mates distracted with preparations for the babe, it was all too easy for her to get things together to leave.Â
There was one thing standing in her way. Her bargain with Fenrys. Her own conscience died as soon as she began considering this. She wasnât able to go to the Staghorns with him accompanying her, and he couldnât run with her. Would he try to stop her if she he knew she was preparing to leave? She considered him a brother, but undeniably his loyalty went to Aelin first and not just because of the blood oath. It hurt that she couldnât truly trust him, and she knew it was unfair but in her mind it was Aelin and Rowan stealing another thing from her. Besides, heâd pulled away from her recently. Like the rest of them, he was preoccupied with Aelinâs pregnancy.Â
A blessing, but a blessing so precious it put everyone on edge.Â
The only other option was to go somewhere else. She decided to post a few letters.Â
Rushing over to the table, grabbing a quill and ink while they were still busy, the sound of pen scratching paper filled their rooms.Â
What were those vacation spots we used to go to? Iâve been reminiscing about our childhood.Â
Only brief phrases flooded into her mind as she wrote, the rest flowing straight from her mind to paper, the only filter the code she created with her cousins years ago as children. Hopefully the gods were looking out for her, and her cousins remembered. With a little luck, whoever undoubtedly read the letter wouldnât find anything suspicious or worth reporting back to home for. Even if they did, sheâd gained their trust well enough and they were so preoccupied she doubted they would pay much attention to it. After all, they hadnât paid much attention to her.Â
She glanced at the clock. Two hours til they were finished with the meeting. Leaving the castle alone wouldnât raise suspicion anymore, now with her settling a year in the past. Black cloak pulled over her head, silver clasp fastened at the collarbone, rain pouring outside, she slipped through a servants passage, and out the front gate. Sometimes the best place to hide was in plain sight.
Sticking to main streets, smiling at the few who dared venture outside during inclement weather, she headed right for the post stand. Not unusual of her before her settling - the citizens of Orynth had long memories after all, even the mortals. Her primary form of communication couldnât be in person after all, and she had piles and piles of letters from her cousins. Still, the code was necessary because she couldnât risk anyone reading her mail. Everyone was nosy. Finding someone she trusted, someone loyal to the crown, knowing an extra coin would make no difference in their behavior, she made the exchange.Â
Instead of a breath of fresh air, her chest tightened. This was the first step to the ultimate betrayal.Â
Anxiety and panic filled her, all of her will and energy went to keeping it from the mating bond. Despite her current plans, she still cared deeply about Aelin, her health, and the health of the babe. But ⌠how much of herself did she need to sacrifice? How much could she, before it broke her completely?Â
âIs everything alright miss?â A guard asked at the gate. Miss.Â
When did she start crying?Â
âJust good news,â she put on her best cheery voice. He looked skeptical. âReally,â she insisted.Â
âAlright,â he gave her a polite nod and she fled - well, walked as fast as she could get away with. He would undoubtedly go to someone. With Aedion gone for a few days, it would be Fenrys - the guard knew better than to approach Rowan at a time like this. Fenrys might be testy as well, she realized, but a safer option for them - and her.Â
Fleeing for her safe space, she eyed the clock, counting the time until a white wolf appeared.Â
Seven minutes.Â
âYouâre slow today,â she mumbled, wiping an errant tear with the back of her hand.Â
Flash of light, a Fae male.Â
âWhatâs wrong?â He said, voice deep and lined with a touch of exasperation. He cut to the chase, a touch of impatience in his tone. A tone heâd never taken with her before.Â
âI should ask you that,â she bit back.Â
His shoulders loosened. âI donât like being away from her right now,â he admitted.Â
She sent him a commiserating smile. âNeither do I.âÂ
He raised a brow. Why arenât you there, you could read the words in his eyes.Â
âRowan is touchy,â she added.Â
âIâm aware,â he drawled and sat on the couch opposite her, leaning forward, forearms against his thighs. âBut Iâm surprised he is even with you, his other mateâÂ
Other mate. Fenrys realized his poor choice of words immediately, she saw it in the look on his face. She waved it off, âI know you donât mean it like that.â She wondered if heâd acknowledge the lie or brush it under the rug, and wouldâve bet money on the second.Â
âI donât,â Fenrys said, âit doesnât mean it's not wrong I said it like that.âÂ
Maybe she underestimated him. âIâm f-â
âDonât say that, I know you donât mean it,â he cut her off, âhow are you handling this?âÂ
She pressed her lips into a tight line, going for as close to the truth as she can get. âIâm thrilled, nervous, and uncertain.âÂ
He huffed âyou sound like the rest of us.âÂ
âI suppose I do,â she forced a smile. Concern flashed in those dark eyes, but he didnât push, enough of that had been done today.Â
-
She didnât go to the healers with them, she never did anymore. The first time had been so much that they insisted only one mate could come with, and that went to Rowan. Personally, both she and Aelin thought she wouldâve been the safer choice, less likely to murder someone, but even that couldnât be completely guaranteed so it might as well be the king. It only reinforced her thoughts, without her it would be easier around. She thought it was probably better that way, each visit felt like the ticking of a clock, and at least here she could separate herself more with less worry that they would notice it.Â
It felt like hours this time, and Fenrys kept her company today in her workshop. Good, better than being alone with her thoughts. Aelin was seven months pregnant, and weekly check ups quite obviously frustrated her but the rest of them didnât care. Each check up was one week closer to her departure.Â
Shaking her head clear of thoughts, her hand hovered over the material, flooding back and forth. It was frustrating, trying to get her magic to work as it used to. Half of the time she could make beautiful creations, even better than before, but the other half they were ⌠not ugly but more angry is the best way she could describe it. They said magic spoke to her soul and she wondered what that meant about her. Nothing good.Â
âI like this one,â Fenrys pointed towards a piece that pissed her off. Angry ripples of wood, different colors streaked between, âitâs ⌠original.âÂ
âIt should go in the trash,â she muttered.Â
âNo more breaking things,â he snorted, but she could hear a hint of worry. She rarely threw anything away - if anything she took them and tried to remake them over and over again. There was no point in throwing out old creations if they could tell a story of her life and work, or if they could be re-used. After the âbroken glass episode,â as she called it in her mind, she hated the sounds of anything breaking.Â
Once, Aelin almost took the head off a poor courtier whoâd accidentally broken a glass in her presence. At least her magic cooperated enough for her to make it nearly impossible for any glassware in this castle to break, unless someone intentionally threw it. The way it worked, her magic wouldnât stop someone from breaking it if they wanted to, it only stopped accidents.Â
Maybe if - when she reinvented herself somewhere else she could sell magically reinforced glassware. Although that might be too obvious and could get her caught.Â
The southern continent might take her. She abandoned the glass, settling for tapping her fingers on her table instead. Fenrys was pacing by the door. This appointment had been an emergency and she was thinking of how sheâd be leaving soon.Â
More than ever before, she believed she was a truly terrible person. Someone, she had to tell someone about this - get them to convince her to quit this insanity.Â
âFen-â She started, his head turning towards her, just as they heard footsteps down the hall. Later on when the wolf asked what she wished to speak about earlier, she didnât remember, mentioning offhand it must not have been very important.Â
âEverything is well,â Aelin said as she entered, Rowan quick on her heels. Theyâd taken to coming here after - probably because she always had chocolate ready for Aelin.Â
Sure enough, she slid a box of hazelnut chocolates across the table to her pregnant mate. She was absolutely insatiable. Nothing could curb her appetite, but she gladly fed the addiction. Anything to make her happy while she was still here.Â
âI wish you could go to the appointments with me,â Aelin mumbled in between bites after Rowan stepped out of the room. âHeâs such a bear.âÂ
âHeâs always seemed more bird-like to me,â she countered automatically, teeth digging into her bottom lip as she focused on one piece of material.Â
A palm slapped against the table, stifled breathing - panic - eyes shot up. Laughter.Â
âThat. Was. Horrible,â Aelin wheezed, but her cheeks were lifted, eyes light, and the giggles left her were contagious.Â
âIf Iâm a bear,â Rowan grumbled, stalking through the door. Aelin shot you a hopeful look. Had she spoken in his hearing range on purpose? âThen let petal go next time instead.âÂ
Rowan turned, looking at her like he had a mental list of instructions ready. She gulped. What had she signed up for? A tiny glint in his eye told him she wasnât too sureÂ
-
Her hands shook as they floated over the material. It took what felt like ages for her to work with glass again, and even now it still felt too raw but this was something she needed to do. And with the glass collected from her ⌠melt down. A complete waste, that was. So many hours of work smashed into pieces, thrown into a bucket for her to try and fix her mistakes. She vowed to herself this wouldnât be a mistake, that she was doing the ârightâ thing.Â
But ⌠was it the right thing for her or for them? Could it be both?Â
Too. Much. Thinking.Â
She refocused on the object in front of her, passing her hands over it again, trying to let her magic flow from inside of her. Ever since her settling it had been a tad more difficult to access, but when she did manage to access it ⌠well her workshop is now reinforced. Heavily.Â
After the fifth attempt, she sighed and slid it to the side. This one had to be perfect, and if it wasnât working now she might as well try again on a later date. If it wasnât perfect ⌠well, for who it was going to sheâd accept nothing less from herself. Would it sting more if they knew the effort she put into it? When the time comes?Â
Generally, that thought wouldâve kept her mind swirling for hours but she was so damn tired that as soon as she laid her head down on her bench to ârestâ for a moment, she was out.Â
âBeautiful,â a lovely voice whispered into her ear, a warm hand running down her arm, warmth spreading behind her. She jerked up, nearly falling out of her chair.Â
âShit,â she muttered, glancing at the clock, dings and tears on the outside. Worn down from where years ago it was shiny and new. It only started breaking down more after she moved to the castle.Â
Aelin laughed, the sound beautiful and carrying. She glanced at her pregnant mate, Radiant as always. âYou should get some more sleep,â she tutted.Â
âYouâre pregnant you should be,â she yawned, hand covering her mouth.Â
âHush,â Aelin murmured, reaching a hand to her. In her tired state, the hand seemed like a lifeline, a symbol. She took the land, but used her other to push herself out of her seat, refusing to let Aelin do any lifting.Â
âIâm not incapable,â Aelin said, an edge to her tone.Â
âYouâd do the same to me,â she countered, pulling her hand away to cross her arms in mock stern-ness.Â
Aelin frowned and snatched her hand back. âThis is mine,â she flipped it off and placed a kiss on her palm, before tugging her towards the door, âand Iâm hungry.â
Not for the first time that day, she wondered if she was doing the right thing.
-
It felt like years, when in reality it was months, but eventually it was ready.Â
âI need to go grab something,â she murmured one night, perhaps an hour or so before theyâd turn down for bed. Rowan and Aelin didnât particularly like when she went wandering around alone after dark, but this was when she wanted to give it to them. âFrom my workshop,â she clarified.Â
âNobodyâs stopping you,â Rowan sounded a little snippy.Â
Throat tightening, she nodded and turned, blinking back tears at the slight embarrassment. Has nobody really been stopping her? Had this all actually been inside of her head?Â
âWait,â Rowanâs voice floated through the open doorway. She turned to see the male standing there, filling the space completely, the corners of his mouth softened slightly. âLet me come with you.âÂ
âYou canât,â she backed away, but a natural smile started playing on her lips. âItâs a surprise.âÂ
âIâll close my eyes,â he took one step into the hall.Â
âNo,â she insisted. Sheâd worked too hard on it to have the surprise ruined for one of them. It had to be both or nothing.Â
âFine,â he rolled his eyes lightly, but she couldâve sworn she detected some fondness in his tone. âBe quick,â he added.Â
She shifted, senses sharpening, a white fox sprinting down the hall. A fae female carried back the gift, perfectly wrapped in a small gold box, a neat bow sealing it.Â
-
The cautious way she held it caught Aelinâs attention first, as if it was the most precious thing sheâd encountered in so very long. She knew instinctively it was one of her creations.Â
Do you know what this is? She looked at Rowan.Â
No, he answered her silently, and she caught the curiosity in his eyes, probably reflected in her own.Â
She motioned for Rowan to sit, and he did - amusing her. Her mateâs thigh pressed against her own, a strong and comforting weight. She stood before them, and held it out almost like someone presenting a gift at court, her hands shaking slightly. Her hands rarely shook. Aelin frowned, but working in-sync she and Rowan took the box together.Â
Carefully, the bow was slid open, the lid tilted back - an involuntary gasp left her. She nearly dropped it. Thanks the fucking Gods Rowan was holding it or she mightâve spiraled if sheâd somehow broken it.Â
A beautiful glass sphere, painstakingly decorated with the Lord of the North, trees, rivers, mountains, kingsflame, and several other tiny decorations that mustâve taken her hours. How long had she been working on this?
More than that, as far as Aelin knew it was the first glass decoration sheâd created since the episode, as she called it in her mind.Â
Shattered glass. Blood. Screaming. She pushed it out of her mind, refocusing herself on the present.Â
Rowan was already standing and embracing her. Carefully and slowly rising, she joined.Â
For as long as it was together, the glass had a proud place on the mantelpiece, prime sight for any who walked in the rooms spot it.Â
-
It was time. Barely a week after her gift, sheâd received the imminent word Aelin was going into labor. An hour later, she ran.Â
Not being there for her mate at her most vulnerable time nearly killed her, but she knew Rowan wouldnât dare leave Aelinâs side to come look for her. They knew where sheâd be, but they wouldnât risk outraging the Wolf Tribe and alienating some of their subjects by coming to steal her in the middle of the night. Sheâd heard them acknowledge it before when they thought she was sleeping. Theyâve always underestimated her, she thought.Â
She wrote down the words rehearsed in her mind for months, edited and changed over and over again until they made sense.Â
Donât come looking for me, you know what will happen if you do. Iâll come back when Iâm ready. I swear I love you.Â
She sliced the tip of her finger with her dagger, let three drops, one for each of them, dripped onto the paper and folded it in three before placing it in as obvious of a position as possible, their names stitched on the front in her elegant cursive. Would they burn the letter or keep it?Â
It didnât matter.Â
She snuck through the castle, taking servants passageways and back exits until she was at the edges of the city. Stashed in a hidden hole next to a tree were her supplies. She slipped her arms through the loops of the pack before setting off.Â
The new tree growth and winter morning smelt like fresh air and freedom to her, like a new beginning and dawn she never thought sheâd see, despite the strong and ever growing tug attempting to bring her back to her mates.Â
That thought posed another question, could they really be her mates if she could hurt them like this?Â
She knew, in her soul, this was a betrayal sheâd never come back for. What she was breaking could never be remade in its original form or anything similar. She kept going, without so much as a look over her shoulder. Yes, she felt the pain and misery and likely would for the rest of her miserable immortal life but at least she did something for herself.Â
-Â Â
Rowan knew in his soul she was gone. Physically.Â
If he detached himself from the situation, he would recognize how she had good timing and planning, perhaps even appreciate it. But he wasnât, instead he was filled with fury. That fury was contained with his pregnant wife and mate currently in labor in front of him. Distracted enough she didnât know yet, and heâd keep it that way for as long as he could. Rowan wasnât certain he wouldnât hurt her for everything she was about to put Aelin through. He couldnât kill her but he could make her life a living hell and in his current anger he swore he would.Â
Surrounding himself and the room in a shield of wind, drowning out all sounds, his shaking fingers closed around the glass orb sheâd painstakingly created for them. Even months of work, fine lines and pure artistry were no help in quelling his anger. Rowan let his fingers release, and the orb smashed on the tile flooring.Â
He already knew could be a vindictive and cruel son of a bitch, but she was going to find out just how cruel and vindictive he could be. Boots crunched over glass, her fate sealed.Â
-
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@the-unseelie
Aelin x Rowan - Throne Of Glass
Artist: imjenndove
âShe smiled at last. And damn if it didn't kill him, the quiet joy in her face.
They had walked out of darkness and pain and despair together. They were still walking out of it. So that smile... It struck him stupid every time he saw it and realized it was for him.â
âQueen Of Shadows
#reblog#fan art#rowaelin#imjenndove#Rowaelin fan art#Instagram#Jenn Dove#@the-unseelie#Rowan Whitethorn#Aelin Galathynius#Maasverse#Queen of Shadows quote#Sarah J. Maas#Terrasen#Throne of Glass#TOG#Throne of Glass series#Queen of Terrasen#Prince of Doranelle#TOG series#QoS#SJM#Rowaelin quotes#Rowaelin moments#fae#HoF#EoS#KoA#I love a good meadow trope moment#incredible fan artists and favorite fan art
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Rowaelin by @/j.sgrey
I think Rowan isn't a big fan of this kind of moments
#rowaelin#rowan whitethorn#aelin galathynius#aelin ashryver galathynius#throne of glass#fanart#fandom#throne of glass memes
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Forever Entwined
~ Eris Vanserra X Reader
The third and final part in the One Last Night Mini Series.
Series masterlist
Summary: Now free from the cruel grasp of his father, Eris is the new High Lord of the Autumn Court. After reluctantly avoiding you for a few days while his new power settles, Eris takes it upon himself to show you just how much he missed you when he returns.
Warnings: Smut!!! MDNI 18+ piv, oral (f receiving), fireplay? (Think Rowaelin beach scene)
It had been five torturous days since you last saw Eris. Since you last held his shaking form on the floor of the throne room. The transition began soon after his fatherâs death, Beronâs formidable powers now flowing through Erisâs veins. The male had known enough about the process, known about how a High Lord coming into their power can bring forth their primal instincts, how it can heighten your emotions until youâre uncontrollable and insatiable. The unpredictability of how he would act was enough for him to beg his mother to take you away as soon his family crashed into the room, shock across their faces as they took in the sight of a bloodied Eris and his deceased father.
Doing as her eldest son commanded she grabbed you by your arm, ripping you from the growling male as she tried to remove you from the room. You didnât make it easy for her, trying to break her firm grip so you could run back to a now screaming Eris. The Autumn Prince had begun to writhe in pain, his body trying to fight the invasive powers forcing their way into his system, contaminating his very being until it flowed through him as naturally as blood.
It was agony, leaving Eris while he was in such a fragile state, but his mother continued to walk you away from the scene. Whispering words of support, of how Eris would come find you when the transformation was complete and her son had control over his senses.
That was five days ago. You were aware of the new duties he would be forced to endure as High Lord, especially if he wanted there to be a smooth transition of leadership. It would take time to weed out the thorns his father had nurtured in Autumn during his centuries of control.
His disheveled mother had shown up at the door of your bed chambers two nights ago, face drawn with fatigue as she no doubt had spent the past few days tending to her struggling son. Her news, despite how her appearance may have told you otherwise, was good. Erisâs powers had finally settled and the agony he had been forced to endure had come to an end.
Foolishly you believed that this would mean the male would come and seek you out. That he would desire to speak about what had unfolded the night he left just as much as you did. Unfortunately, luck wasnât on your side. Two long days had passed since his mother arrived at your door and there was still no sign of Eris.
You tried to search for him, wandering past his office multiple times a day and occasionally hovering by the throne room. However, he was never present anywhere you went and a horrible sinking feeling in your gut told you that the new High Lord had been avoiding you.
A cruel voice in your ear, one only you could hear, whispered twisted tales of how the soon to be Autumn King thought himself too good for you now. How you had only acted as a place holder until someone better and newer came along, you merely serving to entertain the male until that day arrived. You scarcely wanted to believe it, cursing the hellish thoughts of your own creation.
You loved Eris and he loved you too, of that you were sure. And so, difficult as it may have been, you continued on with your life. Keeping yourself busy in the hope that it would pass the time along faster, wasting away the minutes until you would face Eris again. Not having to wait too much longer, as the moment finally arrived soon after you returned to your usual routine.
~~~~~
He made his presence known by a firm knock at your door. Surprise crossing your face as you answered the call, finding it strange how something so ordinary could seem so unusual for you. All that time you had spent sneaking around and not once did you knock upon the others door before entering, not when that sound could lead to someone discovering your relationship. Yet here he was now, knocking on your door as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
Any anger you had felt for the male drifted away as you absorbed his appearance. High Lord was a good look for Eris, his new powers allowing his skin to softly glow like candlelight. It was hypnotising, his burning ethereality which enabled him to be likened to a dancing flame. Though his new angelic form did nothing to hide the untamed beast waiting in anticipation, reflected in the wide, black pupils of his eyes.
âYouâre hereâ you spoke, voice wavering in anticipation, eyes meeting his burning amber ones, transfixed by the flames dancing within.
âIâm hereâ he replied, voice thick with the new authority he held.
âWhy now?â Your voice broke as you said the words aloud. You knew there was a multitude of reasons he could use to explain his absence, and for him you would understand each and every one of them. But a small part of you just needed to hear it spoken out loud, to be able to fully rid yourself of the fear and doubt which had crawled its way into your life just as soon as Eris had left it.
He took a deep breath before entering your room, pulling the door to as he did so. His actions providing him with the time needed to formulate his words. âI had to,â he explained, warm hands reaching out to hold you by your hips, needing to feel your soft touch to bring himself some stability, âTheâŚthe transformation has been so overwhelming.â
âI know that Eris, itâs ok. You donât need to explain, I wouldnât want you to go through it againâ you spoke, placing a comforting hand on his chest. You could scarcely imagine what he had been through in the past week. Loosing you, having to kill his own father, the once alien powers which now coursed through him like the oxygen he breathes, the unwavering responsibility he held to his court. It was enough to drive anyone mad.
âNoâŚâ Eris replied as if reading your thoughts, âiâve been in agony but not because of the change. No, staying away from you has been the hardest part of all. The torment of not being able to take you in the way I so desperately desired.â
A sharp breath caught in your throat, your fingers grasping onto the material of his loose white shirt, needing to ground yourself before your knees started to tremble at the force of his words, at their implications.
âThen why didnât you take me?â You asked, failing to hide the slight tremble in your voice at the sight of his frenzied eyes, your lips drifting towards his in your mesmerised state. He twitched slightly, as if fighting some inner demon, and drew his lips away from yours so he could continue to speak before his senses ran away along with his control.
âBecause,â he started, gliding a smooth hand up to your cheek so he could cup it, brushing his manicured thumb over your skin which was now blushing from the intensity of his gaze, âas much as I wanted to take you on my bed, rutting into you for hours like a feral beast, or devouring your taste as I worshipped you on my throne, I couldnât. Not while I was so senseless I couldnât offer you the apology you deserve.â
Despite his good intentions, you would be a fool to deny that you wouldnât have minded enacting his fantasies. The image of the High Lord on his knees, his head between your thighs as you sat on his iron throne, was enough to bring a rush of pulsating need directly to your core.
Eris no doubt smelt your ever-growing arousal, a low growl escaping from his mouth as he attempted to reign in control of his impulses so he could provide you with the apology he came to deliver.
âI donât regret itâ Eris continued with his speech, but the tightening of his grip on your waist, enough to leave bruises in its wake, told you enough. His hunger for you in this moment was just as strong as yours was for him, âTelling you not to wait for me was the right thing to do. It was the only way to ensure you didnât live a life of misery.â
You went to speak, to tell him how it didnât matter and your life would have been miserable either way, after all there was no happiness without Eris. However, the male interrupted you, needing to get the words out whilst he was able to, whilst he was still in control.
âI want it allâ he pleaded, âThe cottage, the garden, the children. I want it all with you. It has to be you, if you want it that is.â The raw emotion that carried in the words Eris voiced was enough to bring tears to your eyes. âYesâ you didnât hesitate to answer, wrapping your arms around his large frame to close the gap between you, his arms completely engulfing your small frame, âI want it too Eris. I need it. I need you.â
~~~~~
Your words were enough to snap the tether holding him back, the male lunging towards your neck, desperately leaving kisses onto the warm skin. His lips burned against you, branding you, marking you as his as he sucked harshly on the exposed skin, leaving a trail of purple bruises in his wake. His white hot hands exploring every inch of your body that he could possibly reach, your own doing the same to his.
The thirst for your palms to run across the smooth expanse of his bare skin was too great to ignore, breaking Erisâs assault of your neck to hurriedly tear his shirt over his head. Once the article of clothing was removed it was your turn to gift small bites and kisses to his trembling chest, following the path up to the sweet spot you were all to familiar with at the base of his neck, a pleased groan breaking from his throat once you found it, suckling against his warm skin.
His wandering hands found the back of your dress, nimble fingers brushing over the laces of your corset. Too impatient to break the moment and spend the time unlacing them, Eris ignited a glowing flame and set the dress alight. The blazing flames licking at your naked skin as the material turned to ash.
The golden flickers absorbing you in their heat didnât burn, instead a pleasurable tingling sensation followed in their wake. Your wide eyes locking on to Erisâs own, black with lust at the sight of his fire devouring you, allowing you to burn brightly like you were a spirit of the sun.
Not needing to fear the heat you were emitting, his hands travelled to your breasts, allowing the tips of his fingers to brush over your sensitive nipples. His hungry lips following suit, closing around your breast and sucking, a strangled moan forcing itself from your mouth at his actions. âMy little flameâ he crooned as he turned his attention to your other breast, his tongue moving in time with the dancing flames that still engulfed you.
Needing more, the desire to feel him deep inside of you ever growing, you voiced your pleas to Eris, the male totally focussed on littering your breasts with purple marks, running his tongue along them as they formed, âEris please!â
He stopped his actions at your cry, moving his lips upwards until they were almost touching your own, âWhat is it you desire, my little flame?â He asked, tantalisingly slow hand roaming down your body and towards your centre. âIs it this?â He teased, allowing his nimble fingers to glide through your soaked folds, thumb brushing against your pulsating clit causing you to cry out with pleasure. Sensitive after having not felt his touch for so long.
âYes! Please Eris I need to feel you!â You begged, attempting to reach his belt so you could remove his last few items of clothing, mouth salivating at the sight of the bulge present through the fabric. The urge to drop to your knees and take his aching cock into your mouth was overwhelming.
âHmmâŚâ Eris smirked, laying a gentle kiss to your cheek as he brought his hand to his mouth to taste your wetness, pulling his fingers from his lips with a satisfied groan, âI think I need to show you just how much Iâve missed you first.â
And with that his mouth finally slanted against yours, pulling you into a burning passionate kiss, his teasing tongue running along the bottom of your lip before forcing its way into your mouth in order to deepen the kiss. From your position, the bare skin of your breasts pressed against his enticingly warm chest, you could feel his hard cock against you, begging for attention. Seeking some form of relief, you attempted to grind yourself against him and chase your pleasure yourself, frantically moving your pulsing body against his.
Your desperation pleased the male who let out a dark chuckle, breaking the kiss to whisper against your panting lips, âpatience my flame.â His hands drifted towards your ass, rubbing the soft flesh tenderly before lifting you up, your legs wrapping around his waist tightly as he carried you towards your bed, his cock teasingly brushing against your core as you moved.
âEris I need youâ you whined as he laid you onto the silky sheets, crawling onto the bed after you and positioning himself between your open legs. Laying sweet kisses against the supple skin of your thighs, occasionally sucking the skin into a harsh kiss which would no doubt leave a bruise painted on you. Once he reached your core, heated breath panting against it, Eris looked up to you through hooded lids, his eyes full of awe as his voice twisted in an animalistic growl, âI want you to come apart on my tongue before you do on my cock little flame.â
With that his tongue licked a long, broad stripe against your soaking folds, a gruff moan leaving the males mouth from the taste of you. His hips pressing into the mattress to relieve some of the pressure he was feeling, rough hands flying up to your own waist to hold you down as your back arched off the bed in pleasure. Mind transported into another reality as his tongue performed wanders as it moved against your core, lapping up every bit of you as he could. Devouring you like a man starved.
Loud moans of approval escaped your lips, eyes slamming shut in bliss as one of his hands moved down from your waist to join his mouth in its actions, Eris inserting a long finger inside of you until you felt the cold metal of his rings at its base. You gasped at the sensation, his tongue moving to flick against your clit. Wave after wave of unquenchable pleasure flushed through your system, your hips starting to move against his face in time with his lapping tongue to chase after the release you desired. Erisâs pleasured growls vibrating against your core as his face became drenched with your wetness.
Understanding your bodyâs reaction as you grew closer to completion, Eris inserted another delectable finger. Curling it deliciously inside of you, until he was met with a cry of delight as he found the sweet spongy spot inside of you. Wringing every ounce of pleasure from you as you squirmed at his touch.
Unintelligible words of praise slipping from your mouth as your orgasm washed over you, insides tightening and writhing at your satisfaction. A shaky hand flying to grasp Erisâs hair, the male still happily devouring you as you rode your orgasm to completion. Skilled tongue continuing to lap lazily at your clit once your high had sated.
Impatient and still needing more, needing to be brought to completion by his merciless cock, you tugged on his auburn hair, pulling him from his position between your shaking thighs until he was face to face with you once more. Your content eyes meeting his wild ones. You palmed him through his trousers, drawing a deep whimper from the male as you did so, the sound causing your hands to fly to his belt in order to relieve him of his clothes so he would be as equally bare as you.
He stopped you, grabbing your wrists before placing them on either side of your head, locking them in place, a cocky smirk on his face as he looked to your desperate one, âallow me my love.â
Eris burst into flames.
A burning white-hot wildfire, which just as he had done for you, burned the fabric until it fell from his glowing skin. Snakes of sentient flames travelling down his arms and joining with yours before they began to dance against your skin once more. An amazed laugh broke from your lips, Eris resembling a burning phoenix before you, the mass of flames which swirled around him resembled a pair of fiery wings.
Your appreciation of the god-like view of the male before you was cut short, laugh twisting into a strangled cry as Eris lined his painfully leaking cock up against your entrance, pressing the head of it into you as a flash of pleasure raced through you at its presence at your core. It didnât matter how many times you had laid together, you still felt the delicious stretch of pain every time the man entered you, his large cock almost tearing you in two.
A hearty groan upon his lips, Eris entered you fully, slowly inserting himself until he was fully sheathed, allowing you some time to adjust to his size as he kissed your lips, distracting you from the twinge of pain. Once you were ready, craving the rough pounding of his cock, you bucked your hips against him signalling him to start moving.
You thrusted in sync, finding a matching rhythm instantly as if you were twin flames, prayers of adoration for the other person leaving each of your lips as you moved. Eris burned like a roaring fire, the extra heat he was letting off proving a delightful tingle that edged you closer and closer to release.
Needing more you groaned, âHarder, my Lord.â Erisâs powerful thrusts stuttered at your words, a feral moan slipping from his lips as you called him by his title. The male having to still himself and take in a deep breath to prevent himself from spilling into you before you climaxed himself. Once he felt he had regained enough control to continue he spoke. âSay it againâ he begged through gritted teeth, wanting nothing more than to hear the words from your lips again.
âFuck me harder my Lordâ
His blazing wildfire burst into an uncontrollable inferno, the burning flames now covering the entirety of the bed, the silk sheets transforming into ash as your passionate embrace fuelled the crackling plumes. Eris pulled out fully before snapping his hips back into you roughly until he was once more consumed by you in entirety, delivering powerful thrust after powerful thrust. Cries of bliss flowing from each of your mouths.
Your hands, now free from his hold, moved to the expanse of muscle which rippled along his back, nails scratching deep red lines of passion into him. If Eris was to mark your body as his, you would do the same to him.
He worked fast, pounding away until you were completely consumed by your release. The force of your climax so strong that the image of Eris above you blurred in your vision, your sight being replaced with the starting blue flame of heated pleasure flashing across your eyes.
Eris continued to mercilessly thrust into your trembling body as he chased to meet his own high, failing to bite back the strangled curses which left his mouth as release washed over him. Thick ropes of cum filling you, leaking from your folds as his thrusts slowed and he removed his cock from your sensitive core.
The flames vanished into nothing as he collapsed against you whilst panting heavily, both your bodies covered in a film of sweat. He cupped your cheek as he admired your spent form, the way your hair was clinging to your forehead, the red flush covering your cheeks from the heat he had radiated, your parted lips soft and swollen from the loving kisses and bites shared between you.
Eris looked at you as if you were his entire world, as if you were the reason his flame burned as brightly as it did. Your presence being his fuel.
âI will never leave you againâ Eris swore once his breath had returned, sealing the promise with a tender kiss upon your lips, âI meant it when I said I wanted everything with you.â
âItâs ok Erisâ you smiled softly, fingers brushing against his cheek as he closed his eyes in contentment, âthanks to you we have forever.â
And that was the truth, there was no need for you to hide your relationship any longer. You and Eris were free to be together, to live the life you had planned together all those years ago whilst hidden behind closed doors. You would never have to hide again.
The fire which burned between the two of you was eternal, and you would cherish it for as long as it flickered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Notes: well that happened 𫣠I was so scared to post this because Iâve never written smut before so if itâs bad please forget this ever happened!!
Taglist: @crazylokonugget @glitterypirateduck @eve175
#acotar#fanfic#acotar imagine#sarah j maas#eris vanserra oneshot#eris vanserra imagine#eris oneshot#eris vanserra x reader#eris acotar#eris x reader#eris imagine#eris vanserra#eris smut#eris vanserra smut
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ROWAELIN MONTH: DAY 4 - ACCIDENTAL NUDE
I had fun with this one. Took an unexpected approach but itâs still good.
~~~~~
Rowan was content with his night of leisure. Watching TV, filling in a page of his mindfulness colouring book, letting his thoughts idle around nothing. It was relaxing and he barely had a care in the world. That was until his roommate unceremoniously burst into his room without knocking. The door would have slammed into the wall if a washing basket hadnât been tucked behind it.
âFen, what the fuââ
âIâve made a mistake,â Fenrys said quickly.
Rowan leveled him with an unsurprised glare. âAgain?â
âLetâs just skip the whole âhow remarkable it is for you to make a mistakeâ sarcasm because this is very time sensitive,â Fenrys stepped into the room, hands gesturing one over the other in front of him. âAnd I need your help and Iâm coming here because of how much I value your friendship because this concerns you as well.â
âAll right,â Rowan said, pausing his show and crossing his arms, dreading whatever his roommate and long time friend might have dragged him into. âIâll bite.â
Fenrys gave a sharp but heavy sigh that might have been out of relief. âOkay, you know that thing you do when youâre having two conversations, and you finish messaging on one and then youâre thinking about the other one and when you pick your phone you think youâre in that conversation?â
There was a moment when the two men just looked at each other, Fenrys waiting for Rowan to decipher the tangle of words. It did take a moment and even though Rowan wasnât entirely sure he gave a hesitant, âYeah.â
âI did that. With an intimate photo. I sent it to the wrong person.â
With a scoff Rowan said, âThat sounds like a you problem.â
Fenrys cringed, looking guilty as well. âI sent it to Aelin.
âYou what?â Rowanâs gut twisted.
âRemember I said I sent it to the wrong person. Aelin was asking me if I wanted to meet them at the bar theyâre at and I was chatting to another girl and I got my lines crossed and I accidentally sent it to Aelin,â Fenrys explained, his words coming out fast in his uncharacteristic nervousness.
âYou canât unsend it?â Rowan asked.
Fenrys shook his head. âIt was over text. Thereâs no taking it back.â
It was hard for Rowan to pinpoint exactly what he was feeling. Despair might be the most accurate description, with a decent mix of jealousy. That was stupid thing to feel, Aelin was his best friend and totally ignorant of his deeper feelings. If she was talking to other guys and receiving messages like the one Fenrys apparently mistakenly sent, that was her business, none of his. Rowan shouldnât care, but by the gods he did.
âI know how you feel about her, Rowan. I would never do that to you,â Fenrys said earnestly.
One night Rowan had been miserable and more than a little drunk when his deepest secret had come spilling out to his roommate. Fenrys was the only one who knew about how far his feelings went for Aelin and heâd never pushed it. Every once and a while there was some teasing comment or a knowing look, but it would be a complete denial of Fenrysâ nature to do absolutely nothing. So when Fenrys said he didnât mean to send the photo, Rowan believed him.
âI donât know what you want me to do about it,â Rowan said.
âAh, hear me out,â Fenrys said, his face lifting and leaning his palms on the foot of the bed. âShe hasnât seen it. So what you can do is go to the bar, get into her phone and delete the message before she can. I know you know her passcode, which is saying something more that I wonât mention further. Thus, preventing the ruination of her for all other men and preserving my modesty.â When Rowan outright laughed at that last comment Fenrys amended with, âMaybe just my embarrassment.â
âIâm sure Aelin would understand,â Rowan supplied. This all sounded a little too risky and it was late and he was comfy.
âI have never in my life sent an unsolicited dick pic and I donât intend to start now,â Fenrys protested adamantly. âAnd bro code, sheâs your girl. Not mine.â
If only that were true.
Groaning Rowan threw himself back on his pillows. There was an inner battle going on and he wasnât a fan of the side that was currently winning. He hated that his main motivation for even considering going was for his own selfish reasons to prevent Aelin from seeing Fenrys naked. If Aelin was seeing a man naked, Rowan wanted it to be him. And Fenrys was a handsome man and he took care of his bodyâit would definitely be an appealing picture.
âRight now Aelin is dancing the night away, too busy to check her phone. We have a very small window of opportunity.â Fenrys added, cutting into Rowanâs thoughts. âPlease, Ro, buddy, old pal. Save me from being a creeper. We all know girls talk about these things.â
Fenrys looked over with puppy dog eyes, beseeching Rowan to say yes. It was obvious Fenrysâ pride was at stake but he was also trying to do the gallant thing, So Rowan resigned himself with his second heavy sigh. âWhere am I going?â
~~~~~
The bar was busy and loud when Rowan got there. Even then it didnât take long for him to spot Aelin and the group she had come out with tonight. They commanded the dance floor, all high energy and clothing that sparkled in the low light. Aelin was in the middle of it, a queen in her chosen domain. It was hard not to stare at her, the joy on her face making her more beautiful if it were possible. Rowan had been invited on this little outing, but heâd declined. Being in his final semester of university he was being slammed with assignments and he was exhausted. A night in was what he needed, and yet it wasnât what he was going to get. Fenrys would owe him for this.
Aelin spotted him first, smiling brightly as she waved at him through the crowd that he lingered on the edges of. Rowan didnât know how she knew he was there, but sheâd looked right at him. Then she was leaning in and saying something to Lysandra and started to weave through the mass of bodies. It wasnât long before Aelin was close enough for Rowan to get a clear look at her.
She looked stunning tonight. The dress she wore was made of a cream fabric, small clusters of gold sequins making a haphazard but tasteful pattern. The hem sat high on her thigh, a small slit accentuating the length of her tanned legs. The real show stealer was the neckline that scooped low with a slight drape, held up with thin straps, showing off her cleavage. Aelin was a sight to behold and Rowan had to remind himself that friends didnât look at each other like the way he was looking at her and he better fix his face before she got closer and noticed.
Aelin was so happy to see him, a wide smile lighting up her face. The way she looked at him did funny things to his heart and Rowan tried to ignore it. When Fenrys was in the mood to pester he asked why Rowan hadnât confessed his true feelings yet. The truth of it was that he couldnât risk losing her, if she didnât feel the same he knew their friendship would dissolve into awkwardness and he cared too much about her to ruin what they had. So he stayed silent and suffered.
âRowan! What are you doing here?â Aelin asked as she threw her arms around his neck, the scent of her perfume overtaking the smell of alcohol and sweat of the bar. âI thought you werenât coming.â
When Aelin pulled back Rowan shrugged. âChanged my mind.â
She didnât go far or let him go, instead linked their elbows. âGood. Iâve missed you.â
He couldnât help the smile that worked its way onto his lips and the sentiment, or the way his body welcomed her touch. The others had made their way off the dancefloor too, crowding around a tall table. For a while everyone just chatted. Elide and Lysandra were there, Aedion had tagged along as well. Dorian and Manon were pretending not to be interested in each other much to the quiet amusement of everyone.
âWant a drink?â Dorian asked across the table.
âNo, I can't stay long,â Rowan replied.
Aedion followed Dorian to the bar, leaving Rowan with the girls who had taken up a conversation amongst themselves. Rowan cataloged whose bag was whoâs, relieved when Aelin reached into her bag for lipgloss and not her phone. He still had time, he just needed everyone else to leave so he could ransack Aelinâs bag. The song changed and all three girls squealed. Despite the noise of the club the combined high pitched sound of their excitement hurt his ears.
âCome dance, Rowan!â Aelin said, holding her hand out to him.
âIâll stay with the table, you go,â Rowan told her.
She looked ready to protest but she must have seen the pleading in his eyes that he was having trouble hiding. Rowan hoped he assumed it was over his reluctance to dance rather than his ulterior motives. He watched as she disappeared through the crowd and onto the dance floor. The light flashed and the bass thrummed though his body, and all the while Rowan couldnât look away. Aelin moved effortlessly to the beat, smiling and laughing with her friends. He could watch her forever, and he was so entranced that he almost forgot his purpose in being here.
Aelin had left her bag on the table and Rowan did a final check to see if heâd be busted before he opened it. Luckily, her phone was still in there and he wouldnât have to try and get it off her person. Rowan tapped in her passcode, a string of numbers he didnât know the meaning of and he was in. The little red bubble on her text app showed more than 100 unread messages. There were two types of people in the world, he was one and Aelin was the other. He ignored the irrational irritation seeing that unattended notification gave him and kept to his task. Fenrysâ thread was near the top, the preview saying there was an image in the latest text.
Rowan braced himself, living with Fenrys for as long as he had, heâd seen the man naked a few times under various circumstances. But Rowan had the feeling this was about to be an entirely different experience. With one final farewell to his current sanity Rowan opened the message thread and trying his hardest not to look he swiped left for delete. It was an impossible feat, he needed his vision to get rid of the evidence. Even squinting, Rowan copped an eyeful of a full frontal nudity mirror shot, everything at the ready. If only mind bleach existed. The photo had just disappeared from existence on Aelinâs phone when a voice came from right next to him.
âWhat are you doing?â
Rowan started so hard he dropped the phone on the table, the clattering heard over the music. He frantically tried to get it back into his hand, checking for damage because the last thing he needed tonight was to smash Aelinâs screen. Caught red handed Rowan turned, finding the phoneâs owner right next to him. Her expression was both curious and amused, and expectant of an answer.
âUhâŚâ That was embarrassingly the best that Rowan could do.
That only made one corner of Aelinâs mouth crook upwards as she lent on the table to get closer to him. âWhy do you have my phone? And what were you doing just before I busted you?â
âWell, I can blame Fenrys for that, for everything actually,â Rowan offered lamely.
âFenrys?â Aelin asked.
âYeah, he needed a favour,â Rowan explained.
Aelin just looked more confused by the second. âWhat does that have to do with my phone?â
âYou seeââ
Rowan was interrupted by Dorian and Aedion returning to the table, drinks in hand. No one noticed the tension between him and Aelin, or the fact the phone was still in his hand. Conversation broke out around them, but neither joined in. Aelin just had him pinned with her turquoise eyes still waiting for her answer.
Leaning in, Rowan whispered, âI donât think this is the right place for this,â he handed the phone back. âCan I tell you later?â
It seemed this was one thing that Aelin didnât have the patience for. She took her phone from Rowan, and then with her unoccupied hand she twisted a fist into the hem of his shirt, dragging him off his stool, giving him no option but to follow her. There were questioning looks from just about everyone they passed, Aelin ignored them and Rowan did his best to as well. They made quite the sight with Aelin physically dragging him off to wherever she deemed an appropriate place to continue this conversation. She didnât let go until they were outside, taking him around the corner so they were off the main street and in a little alleyway instead.
âAll right, Whitethorn. Spill,â Aelin said, leaving him against the wall while she stood in front of him, hands on her hips. âWhy were you going through my phone?â
Rowan was trapped, nowhere to go unless he could melt into the wall. âItâs a long story.â
âOh, Iâve got time,â Aelin assured him.
With the wall at his back and the unrelenting force of a woman in front of him, Rowan truly felt like he was stuck between a rock and a hard place. He might as well be honest about it.
âI was deleting a message from Fenrys. He accidentally sent you a nude, so he asked me to delete it before you could see it,â Rowan succinctly put it.
âThat was mighty noble of him,â Aelin said, laughter shaking her voice. âAnd you might I add. Iâm curious as to why he sent you, you arenât always the most benevolent when it comes to Fenâs stupidity.â
Standing here in front of Aelin admitting his wrong doings had Rowan flustered, her outfit wasnât helping matters either. He was distracted and rambling, and words just started spilling out of his mouth. âIt wasnât just for him, it was for me too. Fenâs knows Iâm in love with you and he felt bad andââ
âWait, what did you say?â Aelinâs hand darted out, landing on his chest.
âShitâŚâ That was when he realised what heâd said. That heâd dobbed himself in.
Aelin stepped closer, right into his personal space. Sheâd been this close to him a million times before, but this time it felt different. There was something charged between them. Rowan didnât dare breathe, afraid to break whatever spell they were under. Aelin reached out the palm of her hand burning through his thin t-shirt.
âRowan, what did you say?â
That long held breath shuddered out of him, there was nowhere for him to go, nowhere for him to hide. It was now or never, and if he lied to her, Aelin would know it in a second.
âI said I was in love with you.â
Aelin stared at him for a long moment, then there was a cluster of rapid blinks and she shook her head just a little bit. Rowanâs heart threatened to break, his mind imagining all the devastating sentences she might say. None of those came, instead she glanced up at him with an almost shy expression, if she could ever be called shy.
âI thought it was just me,â Aelin whispered.
The words were said so quietly Rowan couldnât be sure if heâd heard them or imagined them. âWhat?â
Aelinâs answer was to reach for his t-shirt again, this time up near his collar and pulling him down. Soft and inviting lips met his, the shock of it melting away as Aelinâs tongue swept over his lips. He groaned, on hand on her hip and the other on the small of her back bringing her closer. Aelin came willingly, her body melting against his. When his hand slid up her back to the nape of her neck she sighed, letting him angle her head the exact way he wanted.
Kissing Aelin lived up to every expectationâand then some. His fantasties never did her justice, there was something about the way she kissed him. It was like walking into a wildfire and letting it consume you. Rowan couldnât get enough. They only stopped when he had to come up for air. He didnât let her get far though.
Rowan held her, his chin resting on her head. When she laughed Rowan pulled back kissing Aelinâs cheek before she looked up at him.
âI canât believe it took Fenrys sending me a nude for us to finally admit our feelings,â she said, her laughter shaking her voice.
âThat was also not on my list of possibilities,â Rowan agreed with a light chuckle. âHis situation is not one Iâd ever be caught in.â
Aelin drew back to look up at him. âWait, you mean youâve never sent a nude before.â When Rowan shook his head her eyebrows rose in surprise. âSeriously?â
âI⌠no. Is that weird?â Rowan was suddenly feeling a little self conscious.
âWell, no. Maybe a touch unusual,â Aelin admitted.
There was an implication floating between Aelinâs words, and it had his hand tightening ever so slightly on her hip. âYou have?â
Aelin gave him a smirk that told him she knew exactly what realm his emotions had wandered off to. He was getting jealous. âEvery now and then, always tasteful though.â
Through the teeth cracking tightness of his jaw all Rowan could manage was soft, âOh.â
The poorly hidden display of his emotions made Aelin laugh and she was kissing him again. The worry fading from him as the reality of what was happening really set in. His. Aelin was well on her way to being his and it was so godsdamned stupid of him to be jealous. Rowan wouldnât let anything ruin this moment.
âWill you come back in?â Aelin said onto his lips, like she couldnât bear to pull away.
With Aelinâs body pressed against him like this it was a tempting offer. But he was tired, and unless it was just him and Aelin he didnât particularly feel like socialising. Plus, this was new. Rowan didnât know how he was supposed to act, he certainly wouldnât be able to pretend things hadnât changed. He would give them away in half a second. There would be questions and he and Aelin hadnât even had a chance to talk about it properly.
âIâm gonna go home,â Rowan said, kissing her in between words. âBut tomorrow, I promise.â
He didnât exactly know what he was promising, but tomorrow they would figure everything out.
âOkay,â Aelin said.
When she stepped away Rowanâs body screamed in protest. He would go home, fall asleep, and make tomorrow come that much sooner. Aelin was outright grinning as she took a few steps backward, eyeing him up with intent. It had heat rushing to Rowanâs cheeks made worse when she winked suggestively at him.
âMake sure you keep your phone close. Who knows what kind of messages are flying around these days.â
Rowan didnât know what to say to that, what to think about the promise she was hinting at between the lines. No matter what, Rowan wouldnât let his phone drift too far. When Aelin was gone from sight and Rowan composed himself, sending a quick message to Fenrys to let him know his mission was accomplished before starting on his way back home, to wait, and his outlook on life that much brighter.
~~~~~
There is a very fun part two in the works *smirks* @rowaelinscourt
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Also the fact Aelin got to say them, took the time, & felt safe enough to do so. And then you have Rowan who remembered, took the time to say the same things back (and then some).
Which is SO extra important because she has carried the grief with Sam for so long of all the things she never got to say, she didnât get to say I love you too (âI hate packingâ will forever haunt me, though itâs still a beautiful scene, OW!) or even the grief of all the people in her life that did not love her right or used her desperate wish to be loved against her (*coughs* I hate Arobynn & the one time he uses it to manipulate her) so those words are a big deal not just on a romantic level but a fundamental human one.
And then the same goes for Rowan, who has believed/said he âbelievesâ that âthe people you love are just weapons that will be used against youâ and here he is loving her. Taking the time to say it (he didnât get enough time with Lyria and has carried every last word (carved into his very skin) for centuries), knowing how much it means for both of them, and being âunafraidâ too (for her & with her).
â ď¸â ď¸SPOILERS FOR QUEEN OF SHADOWS â ď¸â ď¸
I. LOVE. ROWAN. SO. MUCH
âYou make me want to live too, Aelin Galathyniusâ
âNot exist - but liveâ
"I spent centuries wandering the world, from empires to kingdoms to wastelands, never settling, never stoppingâ not for one moment. I was always looking toward the horizon, always wondering what waited across the next ocean, over the next mountain. But I think... I think that whole time, all those centuries, I was just looking for you."
Heâs literally the standard. I donât want to hear I love you. I want to hear this shit.
And the fact that Aelin said something similar a couple chapters back?? đđđđ
#reblog#Rowaelin#Queen of Shadows#QoS#mini thread#Sarah J. Maas#SJMaas#SJMverse#Maasverse#Rowan x Aelin#Aelin and Rowan#Rowan Whitethorn#Aelin Galathynius#Sam Cortland#Lyria (does she ever have a last name)?#I hate Arobynn Hamel (not to be Freudian about it just repeating then no more cause he doesnât deserve time here) but my gods I hate him#love and grief and healing#I love Rowan Whitethorn#and I love Aelin Galathynius#and I love Rowan and Aelin for each other#Queen of Shadows quotes#Rowan Whitethorn quotes#Rowaelin quotes#Rowaelin moments#quote notes#Sarah J. Maas quotes#donât even get me started on Lavender soapđ#itâs always I love you and never#when Taylor does her Betty speech this is the I love you version#live
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â¤ď¸ACOTAR multiple bonds theoryâ¤ď¸
đMAJOR SPOILERS for ACOTAR and Crescent City Series (especially HOFAS)đ
Summary: I believe there to be 2 types of mating bonds in the ACOTAR universe specifically. 1 bond is the original bond that spans universes and planets. The kind of bond that is there since you are born. This bond transcends worlds and species. It pairs humans with Fae, demons and Fae, Illyrians with high Fae, etc.
Examples: Feysand, Nessian, Rowaelin, Quinlar, Theia x Aidas, Elorcan, etc.
Cauldron Bonds: When the Asteri moved into Prythian, they used and corrupted the cauldron to do their bidding. One of these corruptions was to pair people together for the best breeding outcomes. They love to experiment and pair people together to produce the best offspring in CC, and it wouldnât surprise me that they did the same in ACOTAR. This bond is flimsy and weak. People hate each other after a time because it is based on breeding, not soul pairings.
Conclusion: The Elain and Lucien bond is a cauldron bondâ an Asteri bond. It is solely made for breeding purposes.
Conclusion number 2: Elain and Azriel have had a connection since they first met in the human lands, and Azriel is progressively suffering the consequences of having the bond being unacknowledged. Heâs having headaches; he canât sleep; he has âwrithing need.â Heâs in his âI canât stay awayâ moment. đ¤
Conclusion 3: Lucien could potentially break the cauldron bond as it is a possible ancient Asteri spell. That or they could use Truthteller to unmake the bond and possibly de-corrupt the cauldron.
#acowar#acotar#sarah j maas#a court of thorns and roses#elriel#elain x azriel#acomaf#art#fanart#azriel#elriel art#elriel fanart#elriel true mates#pro elriel#acofas#acosf#vassien#acotar theory#acotar fanart
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considering there were people that believed feylin would be endgame and nessian wouldnât be, itâs very clear that no matter how obvious SJM writes her couples there will still be people unable to pick up the clues.
i knew feysand would be endgame by the end of the first book. i knew el*cien was doomed and elriel and nessian would be endgame by the end of ACOWAR (hell, i was almost certain of it by the end of ACOMAF.)
even in throne of glass, i knew chaol x celaena were doomed at the end of CoM and knew rowaelin would be endgame by the end of HOF. i knew nesryn and chaol werenât serious, i never questioned for a second that they would last just because of the way they thought of and interacted with each other, but when yrene and sartaq showed up i knew that those would be the paths they took instead. the first moment manon and dorian met it wasnât even a question. theyâd be together.
literally all of her couples are obvious. i donât know where this narrative came from âSJM wouldnât make it that obvious!â she would. she always does. iâm sorry if you struggle to pick up on that, it doesnât make it less true.
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