#rowelin month

[shyvioletcat]

ROWAELIN MONTH: DAY 10

~ Co-host/Guest Star with Chemistry ~

You might remember this fic from last year. Well, I had plans to make it a one off thing but then I couldn't help it and I got another idea. And I just want to say thank you to everyone who read the first part and loved it. It's so fun when you guys love something as much as I do. Without further delay, please enjoy Part 2 who we really and truly have to thank Rowaelin month and @rowaelinscourt for.

~~~~~

All Aelin could do was stare at her own reflection in the mirror of her dressing room vanity. She didn’t have long before she had to leave her sanctuary and face a crowd of strangers like her entire world hadn’t been rocked at its foundations. Acting was a talent she’d taken to at a very young age, the tales of her dramatics often told around the dinner table. Aelin would be fine, she’d put on one of her charismatic smiles and give her audience her all, and everything would be fine. But for now, it was only her stunned expression to keep her company. 

That was how Rowan found her however long later, silent and still as her mind was whirring with thoughts of the future. Aelin had lost track of the minutes spent doing absolutely nothing, and as Rowan appeared in the mirror she startled, a hand flying to her chest as if to stop her heart from flying out of her chest. 

“Holy gods, you scared me,” she breathed as Rowan removed his cap and kissed her on the cheek. 

“I’m sorry, love,” Rowan murmured onto her skin as he kissed her again. When he noticed she still hadn’t moved, not in the slightest, to look at him or seek out another kiss his voice changed from teasing to concern. “Are you all right?”

Aelin finally found the compulsion to move, swivelling in her makeup chair to face Rowan. It was always infinitely more pleasant when he could come to the studio without the threat of being in front of the camera. Not as exciting for her, but she was still happy to see him. When he came to visit her here Rowan had to sneak in and from the sheer amount of times he’d done he’d developed quite the skill for it. The tricky part was not drawing attention, and with years of practice he had the art of blending in down to a fine art. 

The key was appearing so much unlike his professional self that it would take more than a double take to place why he looked so familiar. So today with his scruffy hat hair, hoodie and stubble covered cheeks, he was a far cry from the suave and composed image he gave the camera.

Since Rowan’s last public performance here he’d been promoting his new album and gone on tour. Over the past eight months Aelin had hardly seen him except via a phone screen. The last time they had managed to see each other in person was when he had shows in Suria and snuck away when he should have been sleeping in to come see her. That was about six weeks ago.

“We have a situation,” Aelin had said, looking up at him and jerking her head towards the vanity. “And I think we have this room and that couch to blame.” 

Rowan’s brows furrowed then looked to where she had directed. His eyes went wide and he did a few double takes before his gaze finally settled on her. There was an open question in his eyes and Aelin just nodded. Then he let out a shaky laugh as he realised fully what this all meant, a hand rubbing his stubbled chin. 

“Well, I guess this changes things,” Rowan finally said. 

“Indeed it does,” Aelin confirmed. “We need a plan, and I think I have one.”

THREE AND A HALF MONTHS LATER…

Aelin always got butterflies waiting behind the curtain for the final call of action. The crowd was still humming with chatter and she could hear the last camera checks over her in-ear monitor. This time the butterflies were worse, enough to make her nauseous. Today’s show would be one to be remembered and it had taken a good amount of deceit and scheming to get here.

“Alright, Aelin,” a voice said into her ear. “Curtains open in five, four, three…”

Aelin took in a deep breath, the last two counts sounding in her head. Two, One.

The applause started and then the curtains opened, Aelin taking the ten steps forward to get to her mark. She smiled and waved while she made eye contact with a few people seated in the audience. There were cheers and whistles, and when it went on a little too long Aelin held up her hands to start quieting them down as the prompt screen undoubtedly displayed QUIET PLEASE. Once the audience had settled Aelin began her welcoming monologue. 

“Thank you so much,” she said, her smile stretching wide, and there were cheers again. “Now, now, as much as I would love to stand here and lap up every bit of your admiration, I don't get paid for that.” There was a healthy amount of laughter. “I get paid to put on a show and what a show do we have planned for today. They’re always special, what am I talking about? It reminds of something my father used to say, slightly inappropriate but I think—”

The strum of a guitar interrupted her and Aelin made sure she looked affronted even though she knew exactly what was going on. When the the chord turned into music she sent a confused look to the audience a millisecond before they broke out in raucous cheers. Aelin whirled around  to see Rowan strutting out, centrestage from where she had been standing moments before with the smallest of smug smiles on his face. He was looking down at his guitar and Aelin put her hands on her hips to show her displeasure. Rowan had the gall to wink at her. If he wasn’t careful he’d give the whole gig away. 

Even though it wasn’t his job, it was Fenrys who darted out from the wings and dropped a mic and stand in front of Rowan, and then he was gone again. It became a stand off, Rowan playing while he challenged her with a look that told her to get off his stage, even though it was her stage. 

He had to win for the whole ploy to work, so Aelin gave an overexaggerated and exasperated sigh, her hands falling to her sides as half turned to the audience as she said, “I guess I know when I’m not needed.”

It was hard, but Aelin withheld her own smile as she gave Rowan the limelight. He hadn’t stopped playing, the chords effortlessly coming from the instrument and he never missed a beat. Aelin found a spot by the foot of the low steps near her interview platform, right beside Fenrys who had decided not to head out of sight. He nudged her with his elbow and winked. Aelin tried not to look too pleased with herself. 

The tempo picked up and Rowan readied himself in front of the microphone. Aelin’s breath caught in her chest, it always did in the anticipation of the song beginning. It always happened when Rowan was about to sing. He closed his eyes, grounding himself to the melody and then his deep voice filled the studio.

I found a love, for me

Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet

“Sweet?” Fenrys muttered under his breath.

Aelin tried very hard not to snort and ruin Rowan’s performance. “Artistic licence. Now hush” 

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love

Not knowing what it was.

They might not have been kids but they were young and stupid enough to mistake their mutual animosity for other feelings that were way at the other end of the spectrum. When they had admitted to their true feelings it was like Aelin’s entire world had fallen into place. Rowan was everything she wanted and she had just been too willfully ignorant to see. Thank the gods they had come to their senses. Eventually. 

I will not give you up this time

But darling, just kiss me slow

Your heart is all I own

And in your eyes, you're holding mine

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favourite song

When you said you looked a mess

I whispered underneath my breath

But you heard it

Darling, you look perfect tonight

Aelin remembered that night, Rowan had surprised her after she’d been deep cleaning her house all day. It was the first time that Rowan had seen her so dishevelled. Her cheeks had burned, he didn’t notice, just sweeping into her kitchen to make dinner. They had sat outside, eating on a blanket, and after Rowan had pulled her to her feet to dance under the night’s sky, the cooling grass beneath their feet. 

The backing curtain rose, revealing a small band to accompany Rowan and his guitar playing. The music swelled to new heights and Aelin was reminded of just how much she loved this song.

Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know

She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home

I found a lover, to carry more than just my secrets

To carry love, to carry children of our own

Unconsciously Aelin’s hand drifted to her stomach. It was an unconscious gesture, but how could she not when he was singing about that. 

We are still kids, but we're so in love

Fighting against all odds

I know we'll be alright this time

Darling, just hold my hand

Be my girl, I'll be your man

I see my future in your eyes

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favourite song

When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful

I don't deserve this

Darling, you look perfect tonight

When the instrumental bridge began Rowan stopped playing, letting the backing band have their moment. Confused, Aelin sent him a questioning look with a raised eyebrow. He just pulled his guitar over his head, walked over and handed it over to Fenrys. Before Aelin could even ask aloud about whatever was going on right now Rowan had taken her hand and spun her into a dance. Fenrys’ laugh was audible and she knew they must have looked quite the sight. It was hard not to melt into his embrace, which came to her so naturally in this moment. They were still on camera, and they had images to maintain. Her the larger than life social star, he the cold and callous musician, although with this break in character Rowan’s was very quickly unravelling. Aelin knew this song by heart, he’d played it for her enough, so she knew when he had danced too long for that standard interlude, but the band covered him.

He did dance her back over to her spot by the stage before it was too obvious that he was stalling and took his guitar back. Rowan was effortlessly able to join back in, his voice impassioned as he started the final rendition of the chorus. 

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favourite song

I have faith in what I see

Now I know I have met an angel in person

And she looks perfect

I don't deserve this

By the gods he did. With everything that he had been through and what he had given to Aelin without question, he deserved every bit of happiness they had together. As her thoughts ran off the music slowed, Rowan closing out the song, strumming the last few chords himself and ending it on a truly acoustic note. 

You look perfect tonight

The applause was deafening, and Aelin joined in. Like he always did, Rowan went a little shy when accepting the adoration being rained down on him. His cheeks went a delectable shade of pink and he nodded at the crowd who just kept clapping. Aelin gave Fenrys a jab in the arm to get him moving off camera and out of the way. Knowing the camera was now on her, Aelin put on her signature teasing smirk, clapping as Rowan approached. Gods damn him, but he held out his hand like the gentleman to help her up the miniscule steps. His back was to the camera, convenient as he scowled at the towering heels she’d chosen to wear today. He would say they were a safety concern, Aelin was adamant they made her outfit.

They sat in the arms chairs, sinking into the plush cushions. Their eyes were on each other while they waited for the commotion to die down enough for the interview to start. Rowan must have made quite the impression because it took the QUIET PLEASE flashing longer than usual for the audience to follow the instruction. When they finally did Aelin grinned. 

“How dare you interrupt my monologue,” she said. 

Rowan had assumed his cool and aloof demeanour, and he just shrugged. “That song was more heartfelt than any spiel you were about to give.”

Aelin gasped. “Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”

In fact, she’d woken him up with soft kisses that had led to more, and he’d left bed in the best mood possible. 

“Now that song,” Aelin said, drawing out each word. “It’s a love song, and from those beautifully written, heartfelt words, it feels like it might have been written about someone special.”

“If you have a question, Aelin, just ask it,” Rowan challenged. 

She lent forward, the thrill of the game exciting her. “I have many questions. First, what can you tell me about this,” Aelin waved her hand flippantly over her shoulder, where she knew a photo from Rowan’s Instagram was being shown.  “I showed this post a few months ago and I can tell you there were more than a few broken hearts in this studio.”

A murmur of agreement rippled through the audience. Aelin shot a glance at the picture, admiring the large emerald set in a gold band. Rowan couldn’t have done better in picking the perfect engagement ring for her, Aelin had hated that she hadn’t been able to wear it and to show it off. The only public admittance of their relationship was this photo and because it only showed Aelin’s hand she had remained anonymous. There was just the widespread devastation that Rowan Whitethorn was officially off the market, the media sent into a tizzy because no one knew who his mystery woman was. It cost them both an exorbitant amount in NDAs but somehow they had managed to keep it all out of the public eye.

“My favourite comment is this one: WTF But you and Aelin! I shipped the two of you so hard. You’ve broken my heart,” Aelin read. “How could you break their heart like that, Rowan? Have you no compassion?”

“I don’t know how people can see the way we interact and imagine us together,” Rowan said.

“Shipping is the word you’re looking for,” Aelin explained. “You may be too old to be down with the lingo, unfortunately.”

Rowan scoffed, selling his arrogance. “I could say the same about you, I doubt kids today know what the word lingo means.”

“At least I’m not as old as you,” Aelin threw in a little bite to her words to make her anger believable. “I have that going for me amongst all my other admirable and desirable qualities.”

“If you say so.” She saw Rowan fighting his smile but he kept his composure in the end. “You just like anything that draws attention to you. Never mind how ridiculous and unfounded that attention might be.”  

“I see falling in love hasn’t done any favours to you manners,” Aelin teased.

“Maybe it’s just you, Aelin. You seem to make it your mission to make me as nasty as I can be." Rowan sounded both impatient and offended, a practised tone for him.

“What can I say, I love to ruffle your feathers. And It’s not my fault they’re so easily ruffled,” Aelin countered. “But I should at least offer my congratulations. An engagement is one thing but I’m more interested in what comes after.”

A video played on the large screen behind the two of them, the song Rowan had just sung playing again in lower quality with just him and his guitar. Aelin watched the grainy video footage, seeing him dressed in dark pants with the buttons of is white shirt rolled to his elbows, the rest of his features were blurred by the terrible quality of the camera work. His stand out feature was his voice as he sang to an unknown figure. The heads of the guests obscured the view of who that was, the only thing that was seen of her was her hands dancing above her head for a few moments. Fenrys had done a wonderful job purposefully terrible camera work.

There were some murmurs from the audience as they put together the other pieces of information the video showed them. It was more than clear what this delightful snippet was from, but Aelin began the dance anyway.

“That looks like you’re at a wedding,” she said. 

“My own, in fact,” Rowan confirmed. There were a few cheers at that, the news wasn’t new. It had been hard won but they had managed to fully control what information had gone out about the special event. “You should know, you were there.”

This time there were a few surprised gasps and muttering of what. The animosity between Aelin and Rowan was notorious, and although some tabloids tried to put a flirtatious spin on it it never seemed to stick. Their feuding held more entertainment and money. 

“I wasn’t invited directly, I came as a plus one for a very important guest.” Aelin lent back in her chair, consciously keeping her hands on the arms of it. “It was a magical affair and a wonderful night. I must say though, I think you could  have done better. You’re worth millions after all.”

Rowan’s eyebrows rose with indignant surprise. “Care to elaborate?”

“Well, the venue for starters,” Aelin said. “It felt like a prison inside, all those high walls and artificial lighting. Why were we punished for your success?”

“I’m a private man, as you well know. There’s certain things I can’t compromise on to maintain it.”

“And the colour scheme,” she made a disgusted sound. “So basic. Green and gold? Sounds like the colour scheme for a sports team.”

There was a chuckle from Rowan at that. “I didn’t know you paid attention to such things.”

“You’d be surprised at what I pay attention to,” Aelin said with a flirtatious wink. “That dress. Stunning. Couldn’t have chosen a more stunning piece of art.”

“At least you have one positive thing to say,” even though he sounded completely unimpressed. “She was stunning as ever, even though wedding planning did make her kind of a diva.”

Aelin lent a hand on her chin, a smile quirking up the side of her mouth even though she wanted to insist the contrary. “Pity about that, though I’d say your temperaments match. Or more likely she realised it was your sorry ass that she was marrying and didn’t want you to face the embarrassment of being left at the altar. I think you should thank her for that kindness.”

“Anything else that didn’t meet your expectations, your Highness?” Rowan made sure to add an edge of mocking to his voice, but Aelin could see the mirth dancing in his eyes. 

Aelin tapped her chin, sending a conspiring look to the audience as they sat on the edge of their seats waiting for her next biting quip. “The wine, I would have chosen better.” That held some truth, because Aelin hadn't exactly participated in the trying before buying. 

“You didn’t even drink any,” Rowan said, almost ruining everything by laughing. They would need to wrap this up quickly before he gave them away completely. This man couldn’t keep a secret to save his life. 

“That,” she drew the word out as a warning, “was because I heard it was so terrible I didn’t even bother with it. Now let’s get back to your lovely little song.”

“If you’d like,” Rowan added callously. 

In return Aelin sent him a wry smile. “I understand it was for your wife. A serenade for her on your wedding day.”

Rowan just nodded. There was a call of but who is she from the audience. Host and guest both pointedly ignored it. 

“The lyrics are beautiful, and obviously come from the heart. She must be a very lucky woman to have your devotion.” Then Aelin turned towards the audience. “Who knew Rowan Whitethorn could be such a softy, even his vows had me in tears.”

There was no word of a lie there. As Rowan had declared his love to her, and promised to honour and care for them as long as he lived, Aelin couldn’t keep back the tears. Her father had to pass her his pocket square so she could dab the tears away without ruining her makeup. 

“Over all, it was quite the party,” Aelin said. 

Rowan snuck her a secret smile. “It was.”

“I’d say the party really started once the bride and groom left,” Aelin mused.

“Did it just?” Rowan said in that dry way of his.

“Mhmm,” she hummed, trying not to remember too vividly how they had gone back to their room and really celebrated lest she blush on camera. “Your presence has that kind of impact.”

Rowan had to look down to hide most of his smile as he shook his head at her antics. It really was time to wrap it up before he lost all restraint and just blurted everything out because Aelin teased too hard and he bit too quickly. 

“Where is your shiny new wedding ring anyway? It just about blinded me at the reception,” Aelin said. 

This was the predetermined phrase that would uncover them at last. For nearly two years Aelin and Rowan had managed to keep their relationship private and out of the public eye. They were about to undo all their hard work, but it was about time and most definitely worth it. Bringing their relationship to light would save them from all the speculation and rumours that continuously surrounded them. Not completely, there would always be gossip of cheating and the like, but it would be nice not to hide anymore. 

Rowan shifted so that he could reach into his back pocket and then showed off his ring, holding it between his thumb and forefinger. “I took it off to play, didn’t want it getting in the way.”

Even though they had no idea what they were anticipating, the audience seemed to be holding their breath, waiting for something to happen. Rowan slipped his ring onto his finger then looked right at Aelin. 

“I’ve got yours, too,” Rowan said, this time reaching into the pocket over his heart. There was tittering from the audience, Aelin struggled to keep her face neutral. “I found them on the bathroom counter, I thought you might want them.”

The was a singular, very high pitched WHAT from someone in the audience. Rowan held out his hand to her, palm up with the emerald on full display. 

Biting her bottom lip to stop her grin was futile and Aelin only had eyes for Rowan as she said, “Thank you, but I’d left them there on purpose.”

Rowan was grinning too, his eyes darting down to her stomach. “Why?”

“Well, I couldn’t get them on,” Aelin said casually, risking a glance at her audience who looked like they were ready to explode. “My fingers were too swollen. Tends to happen when you’re pregnant.”

Absolutely pandemonium broke out. Aelin stood, watching as the audience collectively lost their mind and smoothed her hands over her dress, showing off the small bump she had hidden beneath. Everyone was on their feet, cheering and clapping, there were whistles and a few screams. She smiled, caressing her bump affectionately again. It had been difficult but they had managed to keep the pregnancy out of public knowledge. A few of the tabloids had run stories about her looking pregnant but when nothing came of it, they just gave up. Aelin had faced pregnancy allegations every other week for years, this time it wasn’t a lie. She was just too good at keeping secrets. A baby had been a surprise, to say the least, but not at all an unwelcome one. The wardrobe department had a hard time dressing her lately in an attempt to hide the pregnancy and to keep her comfortable. Even more NDAs were handed out over it.

And then Rowan stood too, off script. He swept an arm around her waist and she went willingly into his embrace. Rowan tucked her hair behind her ear and gave her a sweet smile, the kind that was just for her, his eye crinkling in the corner. When he kissed her Aelin let him, returning it fervently. It was probably too amorous for day time television but Aelin couldn’t find it in herself to care—not when Rowan whispered I love you and looked at her like that. 

Once the chaos died down Rowan had been sent off and Aelin had to focus on her real job, Getting through the rest of the show had been a feat. As soon as Rowan had left the stage Aelin pretended like nothing had happened. The next segment had been promoting various popular books, followed by video chatting a school telling them her studio was providing them with iPads. All in all, it was a fantastic show, but now that it was over she was free to return to her dressing room.

Rowan was waiting for her, arm draped over the back of the couch and looking far too good. Aelin tried not to slam the door but her excitement got the better of her. Kicking off her heels she wasted no more time before climbing into Rowan’s lap, grabbing his face with both hands and kissing him. His hands went to her waist, his thumbs brushing over her sides. 

When they finally broke apart Rowan said, “You could have let up a little.”

“I’m still mad about it being a shotgun wedding,” Aelin pulled back and narrowed her eyes at him. “I don’t know if it was the hormones or purely the lyrics but I had to blink back the tears.”

“How is that my fault? You’ve heard that song a hundred times.” Rowan was giving her a look that only insisted that part was not his fault.

Aelin ignored it completely. “And you almost gave it away so many times, like when you told the world I wasn’t drinking.”

Rowan's deep chuckle rumbled through his chest and he urged her closer. “We were heading in a wedding direction anyway. We just needed a little bit of a push. You can’t blame me for getting a little excited over telling everyone.”

His hand rested over her stomach, right over the tiny thing that had given them much more than a little push. Finding out that they were pregnant had accelerated all the plans they had for their future. They didn’t see the point in waiting to get engaged or prolonging the time between that and a wedding. They had chosen each other, and like their vows had said, they were in this together until whatever end. Still, the joke of the shotgun wedding was too funny to let go of, and there had also been the fact she hadn’t been able to wear her engagement ring outside the house. It was beautiful and deserved to be shown off. 

The feeling of Rowan’s lips making their way up her neck drew her back to the present. “I worked it out.”

“Worked what out?” Rowan asked but wasn’t deterred by her shift in topic and kissed her jaw.

“That we most likely conceived on this very couch,” Aelin explained. “You were busy with your tour and I checked the dates and you were only in town for those few days.”

Rowan stopped kissing her to laugh. “Is this a lucky couch then?”

“Hmm, I dunno,” Aelin said, her hand slipping into his hair tugging it just the way he liked. “I certainly like to get lucky on it.”

Rowan groaned, leaning in so that scrape his teeth over the sensitive skin of her neck. “Did you lock the door?”

The words were whispered onto her skin and made Aelin shiver. All resolve lost, she melted against Rowan, sighing as his hands wandered over her body. Gods, she needed him, her blood still thrumming from all the excitement of the interview. And she could feel how much Rowan needed her, a teasing roll of her hips only intensifying the situation. 

“There’s no need,” Aelin said and Rowan pulled back enough to see his face. “To quote our dear friend Fenrys, after all that foreplay no one would even risk disturbing us right now.”

Rowan’s grin was near feral. “No more wasted time then.”

They both moved, meeting in the middle for a kiss that set every fire within them blazing. The couch it seemed, would prove to be more than useful yet again. And like Aelin had said, lessons had been learned and no one interrupted them… this time.

~~~~~

Hope you like that one! I know I certainly did

[aelinrowantog]

Favorites Tag GameRules: answer 10 questions and tag 10 people you want to get to know better.Thank you @alex-sulli . tagging me <3

Relationship status: single af

Favorite color: green or orange!

Three favorite foods: brownie, nuggets and cookie dough ice cream

Song currently stuck in my head: Power Over Me- Demot Kennedy (remind me of rowelin!!) and I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE- Maneskin

Last song I listened to: Sweet Creature- Harry Styles (loml)

Last thing I googled: How to copy and paste on a macbook as ive just got one and I am completely useless 🥱

Time: 14:26 GMT

Dream trip: A few months in Australia or Hawaii! I dont like short trips as they go too fast I like to be gone for a month!

@aelin-queen-of-terrasen @a-court-of-tears-and-feels @house-of-galathynius @throneofglasslover

I have no mutuals whatsoever, so i tagged random people aha! Message me if you wanna be mutuals! 💕

[theladyofdeath]

Rowelin kitchen smut+fluff

So, it’s more fluff than smut, but I hope you enjoy, friend! :)___________________________________________________

There was not a scent as glorious as freshly brewed coffee. Aelin liked it black, but she knew better than to leave Rowan’s so simple. She poured half a cup of coffee in his favorite mug, which had a picture of them from their first date plastered on it, and filled the rest of the mug up with vanilla creamer.When Aelin gifted him the mug on their first anniversary, he had called her a sappy romantic, but she knew she had done well when he drank out of it every morning for the next month. “Up before noon?”Aelin jumped at the sound of his voice, and couldn’t help but smile when she turned to see his bedhead, sleepy smile, and boxers with tiny owls painted across them.“I’m always up before noon,” she rolled her eyes. “That’s you, you’re thinking of.”“Ah, yes,” he groaned. “Remind me why I’m up before noon?”“Because today is an important day in the lives of our closest friends,” she tugged him close by the waistline of his underwear. Rowan’s lips pressed against her forehead, gently, as his arms found their way around her waist. “Why must I go, though? Especially when it’s so cold out, and our bed is so, so warm.”“Because you’re the best man,” she nudged his chest with the top of her head, “Buzzard.”“So vulgar,” he mumbled, “and rude.”“I made coffee.”He considered for a second before pulling back and giving up an award-winning smile. “I forgive you, then.”After handing Rowan his mug, the two stood in silence as they sipped their heavenly liquid and watched the sun rise over the horizon. “What’s on your list for this morning, Maid of Honor?”Aelin jumped up on the counter. “Um….hair, makeup, nails, pictures, trying to keep Lysandra from panicking.”“I don’t think Lysandra will be the one we have to worry about,” Rowan chuckled, pulling open the fridge. “I nearly slapped Aedion in the face last night. He was already panicking.”“They’re so perfect for each other, though,” Aelin sighed, a soft smile on her lips. “They needn’t doubt.”“As perfect as you and I?” Rowan’s eyebrow rose.“Almost,” she winked, and reached for his hand. “Let’s go, best man. Time to get ready.”“Can’t I just relax for five more minutes?” He complained, in the most manly way possible. “I haven’t even eaten yet.”“Absolutely not,” Aelin protested. “Tight schedule. You can eat in the car.”He pulled her to the edge of the counter and pressed his abdomen against her. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he lifted his oversized tee shirt off her body and breathed in the beauty of his wife. She allowed his hands to roam down her neck, across her breasts, down her abdomen. When those rugged hands moved past her hips, he took her black, lacy boyshorts with him. Aelin’s phone rang, breaking the mood, Lysandra’s ringtone echoing through the apartment. Rowan went to retrieve it, but Aelin pulled him back and pressed her lips against his.“What about our tight schedule?” Rowan chuckled, nuzzling her neck.Aelin shrugged. “A few minutes won’t hurt.”It may have been Lysandra’s day, but she could wait a little bit longer.

[rowanismybae]

(Not so ) Secret Love - Rowelin Fanfic

Hi everyone! So, yes, I’m a Rowelin trash. This is a fanfic that was fun to write. It’s an AU where he’s her teacher at University and ... well, just go on and read it.  Smut/ Fluff/ Modern Setting AU/ Rowelin. AO3 Hope y’all enjoy it! 

---

“Professor Whitethorn?” I turned around but I already knew who called me long before I turned around to see those gorgeous turquoise eyes.

“Yes, Ms. Galathynius?” I said politely waving goodbye to some other student.

“I told you: call me Aelin.” She whispered. “We’re past the formalities by now. It’s been what? 6 months working together?” She crossed her arms, a brow raised and a playful smile on her lips.

“Fine Aelin, what can I do for you?” I asked gathering my material so I could go have lunch with my fellow professors.

“I finished gathering those data we needed for the final course assignment. So, I was wondering if we could meet later at your office or at my place so you can help me out…” She bit her lower lip and I felt my blood boil already.

Between her place and my office, the wisest choice was the office. We had met at her apartment before, but it was on a Sunday and her friends/ roommates were there as well, her cousin included. And during our meetings at my office, the door always stayed opened and was during lunch hours or when the university was crowded. But today I was going to be busy until around 6 pm and by then, most students and professors would be far gone.

But the office would still be the wisest choice. “We’ll meet at my office later.” I said and she smiled satisfied. “I have to work until 6, so maybe six thirty?” I asked and she nodded and turned around.

“I’ll bring pizza.” She said over her shoulder. Waving goodbye and I saw her leave, her hips swaying.

*

The professors’ room was crowded and I found my friends briefly; Fenrys waved his hand at me and I joined them.

“Hey bro! What took you so long?” He asked and the others nodded in a simple greeting.

“Aelin wants help with her paper. We were scheduling our meeting of tonight.” I said simply but could feel my friends gaze on me.

“We’re calling her Aelin now?” He teased. I rolled my eyes and started to eat. “Don’t get me wrong bro, she is gorgeous. And you know I like my share of young and pretty students. So if you’re banging her, good for you!” He raised a hand for a high five. I ignored him.

“We’re not banging Fenrys. I’m her adviser. That’s all.” I said never stopping my meal.

Lorcan snorted. “You’re totally into the bitch queen.” He pointed his fork to me.

“I’m not.” I said swallowing. “And don’t call her that.” A smile spread through his face.

“Sure. Say whatever you want to keep your mind sane.” He said before filling his mouth again. “But you have a thing for her.”

I rolled my eyes and sighed. “You are overreacting on this.”

“Fine. When and where will you two meet?” Fenrys asked. I was getting tired of this.

“Six thirty at my office.” Gavriel choked. Smiles spread through Lorcan and Fenrys’s faces. “What?” I asked genuinely intrigued.

Gavriel coughed. “The university will be barely opened by then.” He was trying not to smile.

“I finish my classes at six. It’s the only available time I have.” My voice was firm, but I would never let them know I knew that already and it made my heart speed up.

Of course she was gorgeous; she was incredible. Her golden hair and turquoise eyes had men all over campus crawling after her. Although she never showed up dating, she once told me she did date three guys in the past, but now she was single.

She had a tough childhood being an orphan and all that; at first, after her parents passed away, she went to live with Aedion – her cousin - and his mother, but she fell sick and died when Aelin was thirteen and she moved in with her aunt Maeve who literally locked her inside the house and beat the crap out of her when she tried to escape. Aedion who was five years older than her tried to take Aelin’s custody from Maeve, but he didn’t succeed. Only when Maeve died from age two years later, Aelin was able to move in with Aedion and inherited her parent’s fortune. Even through this shitty childhood the smile on her face never faded.

Of course he fantasied about them both on his office once, the way she would moan to his touch, the taste of her lips, the heat from her core… and she asked him something and he pretended nothing happened in his mind, although a wise smiled played along her delicious lips.  

“You can keep telling yourself that and keep on being the role model teacher or you can fuck that delicious girl and remember it for the rest of your life, even when you have gray hair on your head.” I looked at Fenrys pointedly. “Oh, that’s right, your hair is already gray.” He smiled teasing me.

“Just shut up Fenrys. Nothing is going to happen.” I said cutting him off. I just wanted to finish that subject and go back to my classes.

“Well, if you don’t want her, please, inform her that I’m willing to teach some love techniques if she feels inclined to.” He winked and went back to eat.

Lorcan was barking a laugh and Gavriel shaking his head with a grimace. I just sighed and went back to my food.

*

I was sit on my chair rubbing my temples in order to make that stupid headache go away when I heard the soft knock on the door and then she opened the door and her head showed up; her dazzling smile on her lips.

“Can I come in Rowan?” She asked and I liked the way my name sounded on her tongue. I told her to come in and she was using a short loose pink dress; the V cleavage was deep but not indecent. Was it fitting for this meeting? Probably not, but I liked the view.

“I brought pizza, like promised.” She smiled placing the pizza atop the table. “I thought you might be hungry, since you taught the whole day.” She opened the box and my stomach roared.

“Thanks Aelin.” I grabbed a piece and moaned on the taste of it. I felt her eyes on me the whole time and when I looked at her, her eyes held some sort of desire. It was gone in a blink. She started going through her stuff and got her laptop and we started to discuss the findings of her research.

While I ate, she spoke and took notes. At some point, Fenrys stopped by to say a nice and polite goodnight and seemed truly interested on her paper and discretely gave me a thumbs up in approval. I rolled my eyes at him and told him to get lost.

I was rubbing my temples again while she worked. I had my eyes closed because was getting hard to look at her. She looked so cute when focused and every time she bend over, I saw a little more than intended from her cleavage: her pink lacy bra. Or when she stretched she made such a delicious noise and her dressed got up slightly… my headache was now for a dozen different reasons and were all related to the student in front of me.

I stiffened when I felt her hands on my shoulders. “Aelin, what you’re doing?” I asked and looked at her over the shoulder. Was she trying to kill me? She had the audacity to shrug.

“You seemed to have a bad day and have a headache. Let me help. I’ve been told to be a great masseuse.” I started to say that wasn’t necessary but she dig her nails on my shoulders and the single movement sent pain and excitement down my body, especially to my cock. “Oh don’t be a baby!”

“Aelin, if someone sees this, people may misinterpreted and start talking…” I said and she stopped. She let go of my shoulders and I almost sighed in relief but then I saw her walk to the door and close it.

And turn the key. She faced me with a wicked smile on her lips.

“There. No one will see it now.” She returned to my shoulders and I couldn’t say no to her anymore. Looked like with the door, she also locked away my inhibitions.

I let myself enjoy her touch and for another second she let go of me and let a playlist play on her laptop.

“Just relax. Pretend you’re home, having some quality time with yourself.” She whispered and I let my muscles relax a little bit. “You work too much.” She said; her mouth almost on my ear and I felt a shiver down my spine.

I chuckled and her hands went for my neck and when her hands ran through my scalp, I let a small groan leave my throat.

“Yes, relax Rowan…” The sound of her sensual voice was relaxing me but also turning me on. I had to stop her, but I didn’t have the strength. Actually I didn’t want to.

She strode in front of me and sat on the table. I looked at her and her hands went back to my scalp and I closed my eyes, melting under her touch.

“Why are you sitting on my table?” I whispered. I was trying really hard to sound firm and annoyed, but I sounded like a grumpy child.

She giggled. “I wanted to see your face while doing it. Sounded like you were enjoying it.” Oh that girl was playing with fire and she was not afraid of getting burned. I smiled at her.

“You are, indeed, a great masseuse.” I admitted.

“It’s not the only thing I’m good at.” Her voice was sultry and what she was implying made my blood boil. I opened my eyes and found her biting her bottom lip; her eyes filled with desire.

“Is that so?” I asked and felt like an idiot. I did not know how to flirt! It’s been ages I had a woman on my bed.

She nodded and one of her hands slid to cup my cheek while the other went for my neck. Her eyes were on my lips. I felt something twitch in my stomach. She leaned forward and I froze.

“Aelin, stop.” She looked at me and I stood up, turning my back to her. This wasn’t right. No matter how much I wanted her. Or she wanted me.

“You can pretend you don’t want me Rowan, but I see the way you look at me.” I still didn’t turn back. “And I’m not doing this over some sort of fetish. I like you Rowan. Not professor Whitethorn.” I turned to her at that. She shrugged. “He’s kind of an ass.” Her eyes lit up again. She was still sitting on my desk, her feet bare on my chair.

“It still doesn’t make it right.” I said and she chuckled.

“If you met me in a bar, would have talked to me?” I nodded. She smiled. I was in trouble.

She stood up and paced slowly to me and took my hands and placed them at her hips. Her own hands were placed on my face and neck once again.

“Pretend we’re at the bar, Rowan. I’m not your student, I’m just a girl at the bar.” She lifted until she was on the tip of her toes, I could feel her breath on my lips. Her eyes full with concern. “If – if you don’t want this, just say the word and I’ll stop. I’ll pretend nothing happened and we’ll go back to the way we were.” She stopped and waited.

She knew about my deceased wife and she gave me the choice to do this or not. I did not need to think anymore. She showed me compassion in such deep and caring way that I knew what I wanted instantly.

I leaned forward and brushed my lisp on hers. I felt her smile and then she kissed me back. Her lips were warm, soft and delicate, tasting like cherry lip balm. She was perfect on my hands, on my body. I deepened the kiss and she moaned. I lost it.

She granted me access to her mouth and my tongue slid inside her mouth. She bit my lower lip pulling me hard. My hands roamed on her back, her ribs, her waist, her neck… she was perfect; her scent so good, her skin so warm. This girl was going to be the death of me.

Her hands went for the hem of my shirt and she slid her hands on my bare abs and then she went back to the shirt pulling it up. I helped take it off and I saw pure lust on her eyes when she looked at my naked torso. Her hands slid hungry on my skin and I pulled her back to the kiss, hungrier than before.

I went to kiss her neck, her jaw her earlobe and I felt her body press against mine and her nails dig on my skin.

“Rowan…” She said breathlessly and I went for her collarbone. But she was too small and I was bent and was starting to feel uncomfortable. I slid my hands on her backside and grabbed her thighs lifting her up to my waist and she gasped.

I placed her sitting on the table. She locked her legs on my waist pulling me closer and her dress went up, almost on her waist.

My hands slid the straps of her pink dress revealing her lacy pink bra that did wonders to her firm breasts. I took them on my hands and she watched me, a wicked smile on her lips.

“Do you intend to ogle the whole night?” She asked with a sultry voice. My hands started to move and I removed the lace and her breasts were revealed to me. I felt my knees give in for a second. The warmth or her skin and her pink peaked nipples drove me insane and I went for them.

With one hand I rubbed and massaged her breast and with the other I held us in place on the table, since her hands were on my hair and back. The moment my lips found her soft skin, her hard nipple, she arched her back and moaned loudly. Thank God for my hand holding us in place.

I teased her until she was panting and rubbing her hips over mine. I was so hard that I felt my brain melt with the need for her; my pants were killing me!

I leaned back from her and she gasped. I started to remove completely her dress and she worked on my pants, opening the buttons and pushing it down. I was left only on my boxers and she sobbed when she saw how hard I was. Her hand stroke over the fabric through the extension of my generous length.

Yes, I was aware that I had a very pleasant and desired cock, thank you very much.

I grinned when her eyes went wide and she bit her bottom lip in desire. My hand started to touch the fabric of her matching pink lacey panties and, mother above, she was drenched. She let go a quiet “hmmm” and made my cock ache and twitch.

When I was removing her panties she held my wrist and made me look at her. Her skin was flushed in red.

“Rowan, I – I…” She paused and placed her hand on my chest.

“What it is, Fireheart?” I asked gently placing a golden lock of her hair behind her ear. Somehow the nickname suited her. “If you want to stop, it’s okay…”

“God no.” She said laughing. “I – I want you so bad!” She was breathless again. Desire taking over her features. She stood up from the table, went for her bag and picked something inside it. A condom. She went back for the table and sit in front of me. It was so quick that it was almost like she never left.

“I want you too.” I assure her and with a smile I added “and you came prepared, huh?” She blushed and looked down.  She nodded and finally looked at me. I felt instantly on fire with the lust on her eyes, but she was still hiding something from me. “You can say whatever it is you’re thinking. You want me to take it slow?” I asked gently, placing kisses on her arms.

“Actually, no.” I faced her once more, my lips still on the skin of her arm. She had a playful smirk on her lips. “I actually want you to fuck me. Hard. Deep. Really fuck me.” I stopped my mouth from the kisses. Was she being serious about this? “Can you do that?” Her face showed no sign that she was joking.

“Aelin, I don’t think – I don’t know if this is a good idea.” I said simply. No one ever asked me that before. Although I always wanted to, I never actually allowed myself to set free entirely; for their sake, not my own. And I never thought of her being the one in need for a good fuck. I always pictured her as a kind and generous lover. But never kinky.

“Rowan I want you to let yourself free. I want the beast inside you that is urging you to come out, to be set free.” She was holding my shoulders strongly, like she was trying to make me understand. She really wanted this. "We can be gentle later; some other time. Right now, I want you to fuck me the way your eyes tell me you want to.”

And that broke the leash on my self-control.

I ripped away her panties so easily like it was a sheet of paper and the gasped in surprise, a grin on her lips. Her mouth found mine and it was a mess of teeth and tongues while I put my boxers down and set my penis out and I placed the condom on it. Oh sweet freedom!

Her hand grasped my chock and pumped it a few times while I pulled her towards me, her ass on the edge of the table. I removed her hand from around me and laid her down on her back on the table; I placed both of her ankles on my shoulders and looked at her gorgeous and perfect body in front of me, waiting for me.

I stroke her folds with the head of my cock and snarled in pleasure for how wet indeed she was. She arched her back at the touch.

“Rowan…” She pleaded. I was done teasing.

I slid inside her slowly and I couldn’t help the groan the left my throat. She matched my groan with a long one from herself. It felt so right, so perfect!

“God, you’re perfect!” I threw my head back letting her body adapt and I allowed myself to enjoy the fitting of our bodies.

“God Rowan, move!” She demanded. I laughed and started to rock my hips against hers.

I thrusted deep and hard like my body ached to. The sound of our skin touching was better than whatever music was playing from her laptop.

“Rowan” She sobbed.

“Yes Fireheart?” My voice was hoarse with want.

“Let. Go.” She said between ragged breaths. “Fuck me like you mean it!” Her gaze was strong and demanding.

Although I was loving to see her face and the way her breasts moved up and down with every thrust, I knew how my body was claiming to take her; in which position my animalistic self wanted to fuck her.

I withdraw from her and she snarled at me, angry for going away. I let her legs down and pulled her from the table and turned her around.

Her hands were placed on the table and I stroke her scarred back and she glanced over her shoulders. The need in her eyes made me place my hands on her hips and I made her stay in the tip of her toes so her ass was in the perfect position for me to slide in. And I thrusted.

Her back arched and I saw her skin bristle with pleasure. I fisted her hair and started to move inside her.

Hard. Deep. Fast.

I pulled her hair and she moaned. Her hands grabbing the edge of the table so hard I could see the skin of her knuckles go white. She was moaning no-stop, sometimes the sounds were like words, sometimes like my name and others just noises of pleasure.

I slap the cheek of her ass and she winced and startle. “Like that, hmm?” I asked. I was never the talkative guy in bed. But somehow she let loose that side in me when she asked me to fuck her hard.

“Yes.” She gasped the answer; looking over her shoulder, she said “Again”.

I obliged. And she moaned again. I kept slapping until her skin was deep pink.

“Faster Rowan… please” I gave her what she asked, feeling my own pleasure rise. She was getting tighter around my cock and I knew she was close.

“Do you want to come for me, Aelin?” I asked and she nodded. I needed words. “Do you want to come for me Fireheart? Say it.”

“Yes - God, yes! ” Her voice was barely understandable. I pulled her up so her back was touching my chest and I let go from her hair and my hand went for her breast again while my mouth was on her ear, nipping it.

“You are so – exquisite!” I said, words coming from my mouth without thinking. Her hands went for my hair.

“Rowan please!” My hand went for her clit, rubbing it while I bit the crook of her neck. She groaned deeply. I could feel how tight she was. I needed her to come so I could too. I went for her ear again.

“Come for me.” I demanded. “Now”. She climaxed around me, her body shaking so hard that I had to let go of her clit to hold her hip.

I snarled and thrusted faster three more times and I came inside her; starts and thunder flashing on my body and blood. I leaned forward and her hands were placed on the table to hold us both.

I thrusted a few more times, leading us out from our pleasure and when I stopped she laughed hoarsely.

“God, this was – fuck!” She shook her head. I kissed her back and slid out from her. She let go of a noise of disappointment and was my turn to laugh. I sat on my chair and pulled her to my lap. I held her tightly against me.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Because I certainly did.” I said and kissed her forehead that hanged loose on my shoulder. Her body still shaking with pleasure. “I have to say was my first time like this.” I admitted.

“It’s hard to believe that though.” She cupped my cheek and kissed my neck. “You have no idea how long and in how many positions I imagined this.” She said gently.

“How long?” I asked pressing my cheek on her forehead.

“A year and a half.”

I looked at her; brows furrow. “I wasn’t your teacher until six months ago.” I pointed out and her cheeps turned deep red.

“I saw you with Professor Fenrys and since then I couldn’t stop thinking about you and how much I wanted you in my bed. Or yours.”

I laughed amused and kissed gently her lips.

“Speaking of beds, how about we move to mine?” I asked and her eyes lit up. She didn’t want to pressure me. She nodded and we stood up to dress up. I got rid of the condom and put my trousers and pants back on. When she spoke again, her back was turned to me, her voice low.

“But what about tomorrow? What if someone sees us getting here together? Won’t it cause you trouble?” She was worried but was also afraid that I just wanted casual sex like Fenrys. Silly girl. I was completely in love with her and she had no clue. I went I hugged her from behind, kissing her shoulder delicately before answering.

“We’ll get here early. No one besides Fenrys saw what you are wearing tonight and he will not say a word. Well, not to someone that may cause me problems.” I grimaced at how much he would torment me with this. “And we’ll keep it secret until you graduate. After that… we’ll figure it out then.”

She turned to me with a true smile on her lips. “So you intend to keep seeing me until I graduate?” She said tracing lines on my shoulder with her nail.

“Well, I do. Since I’m your teacher until then and also your advisor – outch!” I yelped when she pinched me. “Yes Fireheart, I do if you want to.” I smiled at her and kissed her briefly.

“I would like that very much.”

We got dressed and went to my place where we had a loving and gentle sex and fell asleep cuddled to one another.

*

What Rowan had no idea was that the next morning Aelin had to wear a sweater and one of his scarfs to hide the bite on her neck and some other hickeys on her body; Fenrys indeed teased the life out of him alongside with Gavriel and Lorcan.

Aelin graduated a few months later, her grades higher than any other student and he could not be any prouder. Their article was published on a very renowned journal and she got an offer on a master’s degree soon after that.

After she graduated, they officially announced their relationship. Rowan proposed to her two months later and she said yes.

She moved in with him and she left her apartment for her cousin Aedion that lived there with Lys and Elide.

They got married six months after they got engaged. They had their fights like every normal couple did, but they loved each other deeply, so the little fights were nothing compared to the joy of living together and waking up cuddled every morning.

And even though they had a lot of sex during all this time, none was hard and primal like that first time.

[rowanismybae]

Rowelin Fanfic ❤️️

I wrote a one shot fanfic about Rowelin. I hope you all enjoy it. I don’t have a name for it yet. So, that’s it. 

It’s 20 years after the war and Rowan it’s out to Perranth to solve some issues with Lorcan and Aelin wasn’t feeling really well at the castle. 

                                                  __________

I was a mess. Seriously. My whole body was aching, my strength has left me; I didn’t want to leave my bed and the absence of Rowan didn’t help either. He was out for a week now and would only return tomorrow from Perranth. When the maid came in to help me with my hair, as she normally did, I asked her to bring my breakfast to the bedroom, ‘cause I wasn’t feeling well. She came in with a tray filled with some soup, fruits, bread and strawberry jam. As soon as the smell of the soup hit my nose, I went running for the bathroom and threw up seconds after getting to the toilet. The maid left running to get Yrene, I was sure of that. What the hell was wrong with me?

I washed my face, my mouth and stayed in there, avoiding the smell that was in the bedroom. Yrene got there within minutes followed by the maid that, thankfully, removed the tray whispering an apology. I felt bad for her, it wasn’t her fault. “Sick again, Aelin?” Yerene’s eyes were concerned. Was the second time within a month that I felt ill. “I don’t know what is going on with me Yrene!” I sighed while going back to bed. It’s been 20 years since the war and I’ve got sick before, but not this constantly. Maybe I am just physically missing Rowan. “Tell me exactly what you’re feeling, Aelin”. She was one of the few that called me Aelin and not Queen or Majesty; she also was my personal healer and the one that took care of my Inner Circle. So I told her everything: the constant dizziness, the great amount of sleepiness, the weakness and nausea. She examined me and her lips subtly turned into a smile. “How long since your last period, Aelin?” Was she seriously thinking this could have something to my period? I probably look confused because she added with an eye roll “Just answer the question”.  Was my turn to roll the eyes. I started to count. “Six weeks… I guess” and her smile went wider. I started to put the pieces together and she waited with apprehensive eyes. “Are you saying that I’m…?” my voice was almost a whisper. I had stopped taking the contraceptive tonic 10 years ago since having a baby was terribly difficult for faes.

All my friends already had babies: Chaol and Nesryn got their twins three years after the war and 5 years later they had a girl; Lysandra got pregnant with Aedion’s baby two years after the twins were born; Elide and Lorcan had their precious Marion 14 years ago and their baby boy was born a year after; Manon and Dorian had a baby ten years ago; even Evangeline got married and had her baby two years ago! Having kids was difficult for mostly everyone except for Chaol and Nesryn. For all the others with fae or witch blood in one or another made things quite hard. When us girls met at Evangeline’s house after she had the baby, Lys, that now was a grandmother, asked me softly “Do you want to have babies, Aelin?” I was holding the handsome boy in my arms and I knew they were all asking themselves that same thing as the other stupid ones in my Court once asked me ten years after the war. “Of course I do, Lys. But being a demifae and Rowan being a fae doesn’t help. We’re trying, you know, for eight years now, but so far, nothing. So, while ours doesn’t come, I get to help you guys and learn from your mistakes so I don’t make the same ones with my children”. They protested and laughed, but Lys’ eyes were filled with caution and warmth. She knew I was suffering, but kept for herself. In those ten years, we had a lot of false alarms that broke our hearts so much that Rowan and I stopped yearning. We loved each other, and as long as I had him, I’d be fine and I knew that he was fine with having me as well. But we both wanted children; we wanted more than fine. We just accepted that when the time comes, we’d have our babies and we would be ready for them.

“Yes Alin, I’m telling you that you’re pregnant. Congratulations, my Queen!” She hugged me and I realized I was crying. “Here, this is a tonic for the nausea and I’ll get one that will make you feel stronger. I’ll be back soon with your breakfast. You have to eat properly since now you have a small baby inside of you and we all know that a fae pregnancy is hard, so I’ll take care of you two. I’ll be right back”. I took the tonic and my hands slid to my abdomen, my eyes still teary and I knew what I had to do.

I spent the whole day walking through the castle organizing thinks for the next day. Thankfully, Lys and Aedion were living here since Evangeline got married and assumed the lands I gave Lysandra. After breakfast I ran to her room and after a quick knock, I got in and saw Lys and Aedion still in bed. “Okay, boundaries Aelin. We talk about this before…” Aedion stopped as soon as he saw my eyes full of tears. “What is it Aelin?” Lys asked. “I’m pregnant, finally!” They started to yell, my hands up in the air and Lys came for a hug, naked as she was. Aedion, thank the gods, had the decency to wrap himself around the blankets before coming for a hug. After that, I asked them to keep it as a secret until I could tell Rowan and that was why I was there: I needed Lys’ help to create a perfect surprise for him. We planned it all before lunch and we started to organize it all. I almost couldn’t stay up for dinner. I slept early and woke up even earlier. I went to do my duties as a queen and by lunch I had all set and went for a relaxing bath. I started to stroke my belly. “You know, he will be super excited about it. We’ve been waiting for you for a very long time. I bet he’ll cry. That father of yours it’s soft as butter.” I was smiling while talking to my baby. “I hope you have his silver hair and my eyes. But if you don’t, it’s okay. We’ll love you anyway”.

After the bath I put on my favorite tunic and pants and went to the window. The bedroom was still the same except for a few details. On top of the bed, I placed a gift box with a small green baby clothe. On top of the desk, there was a fresh strawberry mint juice, some chocolates and a sparkly wine for him. The whole bed was covered in white and red rose petals. The bedroom was filled with scented lavender candles and the smell was just delicious. I was almost losing my patience when I heard the door open. Slowly I turned to face him. Gods, I love that face so much! My heart started to beat fast as I walked towards him. His smile was wide and when his scent hit me, I felt my whole body melt. I placed my head on his neck and he held me tightly. “I missed you Fireheart” he whispered. I was crying again. “Me too, me too.” When he put me on the floor again, his hands cupped my cheeks and wiped my tears away. He kissed me gently and I moaned when I felt his taste. He laughed and sighed while he stopped the kiss, looking at me again. His eyes were full of life and I knew he missed me as much as I missed him. I needed him badly. But that would have to wait. Focus, I said to myself. He finally looked around and an amused smile played on his lips. “Look at all this! Fireheart, you shouldn’t have!” “Can’t I please my mate anymore?” He laughed. “I need a bath first. I flew the whole way here and before I bed you the way I want and you deserve, I need a bath.” The sound of his words sent shivers down my spine and my fire started to sputter on my veins. I bite my lip but agreed. I took him to the bathroom and warmed the water that was already filling the tub with my magic. While he was taking his clothes off, I picked the bath salts and soaps. He got in the tub and I washed his hair, like I did so many times before that. After the bath, I held his hand I pulled him to the bedroom; he was wearing only a towel on his waist. “Well, someone is quite desperate to feel my body, huh?” He had a playful light on his eyes. “Buzzard. Just … open the gift box.” He noticed at last for the gift on top of the bed; he sits on the bed and opens the box. His expression changed to confusion and when he reached the tiny outfit he gasped and his lips started to tremble. “Aelin” he whispered holding it and his eyes turned to mine. His face was amazed and happy, his eyes full of tears and a large smile rested on his mouth. “Fireheart, are you serious? We’re having a baby?” I nodded smiling and crying at the same time. He reached me and hugged me, kissing me on the neck, jaw, collarbone, and finally my lips. We were laughing and he opened my tunic and took off my pants very carefully. When he undressed me, he laid me on the bed very gently and placed his hand atop my bellybutton and started to caress the spot. “Hi tiny baby. It’s me, your daddy.” He giggled and continued “I promise to take very good care of you and to love you endlessly, even if you’re as crazy and reckless as your mom.” I laughed softly and pinched him in the ribs. “And if you’re a buzzard as your daddy, I’ll promise to love you as well.” I said and was his time to laugh. He placed gentle kisses on the spot he was touching seconds ago and said with his mouth close to my skin “Now, be a good baby and cover your eyes and ears, because mommy and I are going to have wild celebration sex”. “ROWAN! This child will born full of traumas…” I said while pulling him at me, making sure the wild sex part was fulfilled.

Months went by slowly while we enjoyed the pregnancy. We kept the baby as a secret for three months, only telling our closest friends about it, since the chance of miscarriage was big. We chose the baby’s room and when we went shopping, Rowan said I was being crazy to buy all those expensive things, clothes and tiny shoes. We painted the bedroom together and we asked a painter to paint some hawks and flames on the walls. The bedroom was light green and turquoise. The drawings were silver and gold. The furniture was white and the baby had its own bathroom as well. Friends came by to congratulate us on the baby and we were genuinely happy about it. The whole kingdom was excited about the baby’s birth. I felt tired sometimes but never stopped training or helping the ones that needed me. Rowan wanted me to rest more, but I couldn’t stay quiet for too long. My belly started to grow and walking long distances or standing up for long became uncomfortable, but I never complained. Sometimes I had heartburn and mood swings, but nothing ever stopped me doing what I had to do. Somedays I didn’t left the bed and asked Aedion to run things for me and Rowan so we could get some alone time for ourselves. As the belly kept growing, we had to find new ways and positions to have sex, since I was always horny. Once during the Yulemas celebration on the main square of Orynth I had sex with him behind the tent that was prepped for us. Only Aedion and Lys noticed our absence and while Lys laughed at our craziness, Aedion gave us a lecture about stop acting like animals and behave like the queen and consort we were. We went to the crowd to dance while he was still talking. When the baby started to kick, Rowan and I spent hours playing and talking to him.

Soon enough I reached 8 months of pregnancy and I was so uncomfortable with the size of my own belly that I almost didn’t have any position to do anything. Rowan was patient and lovely, always doing his best to keep me as comfortable as I could get. Sometimes I yelled at him and he just ignored it and when I realized he was just trying to help, I cried while apologizing. How did he managed to keep so cool and calm, I’ll never know. Our friends started to come for the baby’s birth and the house was full. Our table was always crowded and that filled my heart with joy and by looking at Rowan, I knew he felt the same way. My girls gave me some advices and we talked about our own struggles. The boys stayed with Rowan and went hunting or just drinking and talking shit. Being immortal showed me how my friends had grown old and also their kids weren’t kids anymore, except for Evangeline’s and Dorian’s. We saw Chaol’s boys flirting with Lysandra’s girl and Aedion was not enjoying that. The girls were always together and the boys – when weren’t flirting with the older girls – were learning some new techniques from the fae warriors of the house. The girls were making one hell of an effort not too look anxious and flirty during the boys’ training, but obviously they failed. Teens and their struggles! Weeks went by easily, I felt happier than ever, even with the enormous belly.

Rowan and I were sleeping one night and I woke up with a shooting pain on my abdomen that started on the bottom of my uterus and went down. Oh hell, it’s time, I thought to myself. I waited and it was over soon. Still lying down on my bed, I waited for the next one. 20 minutes later I felt it again. Still quick and not so painful. Huh, the other ones I even understand why they said this was painful, but I expected more from Manon. I thought to myself. I knew I’d have to wait ‘till the contractions got closer to each other to call Yrene. Two hours later, I was still awake and the pain started to get a bit annoying. Moving on the bed during contractions, I woke Rowan up and he saw me frowning and my hands on my belly. “Aelin, what’s wrong?” He reached for my hands and felt the hard muscles of my uterus and his eyes went wider. “Aelin, how long have you being in labor?” he asked quietly. “Two hours. But don’t worry; it’s 15 minutes apart from one another, 20 seconds each. It’s not time yet. My water didn’t broke either.” I said and his breath was fast and irregular; his lips formed a thin line. “You should have woken me up, Fireheart. We’re in this together, remember?” He gently stroke my cheeks with his hands filled with calluses. “You were sleeping so peacefully that I didn’t want to wake you up. But you’re up now and we’re having a baby!” He smiled and kissed me gently. “I’ll get Yrene just to make sure and so she is aware of what’s going on here.” He left and less than 5 minutes he was back with Yrene. She examined me and said she would come back an hour later to check on me and that we were doing just fine. Rowan stood by my side the whole time for around 4 more hours. I started to cry eventually, sweat covered my skin and Rowan tied my hair back. He walked me through the halls of the castle, eventually stopping during a contraction. He massaged my back inside the tub and eventually extinguished some flames that showed up around us. He sang some songs for me and I laughed of his stupid songs. He cursed along with me during a contraction and never complained when I almost broke his hand over and over during the times of pain. He blew cold air on my neck and I moaned in pleasure. The contractions got more vigorous and painful; the time between them went smaller and soon I was having contractions 5 minutes apart from one another and around 35 to 40 seconds of contractions. Damn that hurts! When about 9 hours have passed since the first contraction, I was exhausted and Rowan was still a solid comfort by my side. He looked disheveled and that only made him look even more handsome. Yrene came to check on my dilation. She nodded negatively. “I’m sorry Aelin, still not there yet. But you’re doing a great job together. The baby is getting down very easily and you should keep walking a little bit more. A few more hours and this baby will be out.” She said and I wanted to hit a wall of frustration. “Easy Fireheart. This baby is as annoying as his mother.” I laughed even though I wanted to hit him. The sun was up for hours and sometimes we went by some friends and the girls told me that labor it’s really that long, at least the first one. My water broke when I was walking back to my room, Rowan beside me. After two long hours of pain, screaming, walking and long baths, Yrene told me that the baby was ready and I was fully dilated. Thank the gods for that!

Rowans held my hand and lead me to the chair I chose to have my baby in. I would not stain my bed with my blood! I wanted it clean so I could lay down later with my husband and child. He held my hand and with the other he held my shoulder. “Oh right Aelin, time to push. Hold your breath and push as hard as you can when the next contraction comes.” I waited and breathed as calmly as I could and looked at Rowan. He was smiling and helping me by sending cold and relaxing air flows. When it started again, I held my breath and pushed. I felt Rowan go still beside me until I exhaled and groaned in pain. “Aelin, I see the head. Maybe one or two more pushes and you can see this baby’s face!” Yrene said softly. “This baby better come out next time I push, or he’ll be grounded as soon as he comes out!” I said fiercely and Rowan laughed. “Always so feisty!” He kissed me in my forehead. “Just a little bit more my love and you can rest.” I nodded and when the pain came again, I pushed as hard as I could. I felt pain; a huge and insane amount of pain like I was being torn apart and then… nothing! It was gone. I felt my body relax and the remaining pain was nothing compared to the pain I just went through. I heard my baby cry and tears rolled down my eyes. My mate was staring at me and he kissed me gently. “It’s a boy! A handsome and strong boy!” she said laughing. “Do you want to cut the cord, Rowan?” He looked at me and I nodded. He made a pair of frozen scissors and cut the cord. His smile was the most amazing and proud one I ever saw he put on. He looked at me and said gently “I’m so proud of you, Fireheart! You made me the happiest man in this whole world! I can’t ask for anything else in this life. I have all I ever wished for.” I was crying and I kissed him gently. I looked at Yrene that was cleaning the baby. “Let me see him Yrene, please…” my voice was low and hoarse. She finished wrapping him and placed him on my arms. Rowan gently stroke his cheeks and cried. “Your placenta should come out soon.” She said to me and I felt a gentle push inside me. I felt something slide out and I didn’t want to know what it was. I was focused on my child. Rowan’s temples touched mine. “How should we call him?” I asked. We actually never discussed names before. “Thank the gods he has your silver hair!” He smiled and kissed my cheek. “Let’s call him Rhoe, after your father.” He said and I stared him, tears once more coming out from my eyes. “Are you sure?” he nodded and smiled. I looked down to our baby. “My baby Rhoe! You’ll be an amazing and honorable man like your grandfather was.” As if he liked the sound of his name, he opened his turquoise and gold eyes and yawned. I sighed. “Oh, he has my eyes!” Rowan lifted my chin towards him and smiled while saying “The most amazing eyes on the world. I pity the girls he’ll cross by… those eyes will melt any ice from their cold hearts.” I laughed and kissed him. My family. I was happiest as I could ever be. And I loved the feeling of that.