𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐬

Ch 10: The String that binds

Rowan POV
The soldiers dragged us inside the city, Gavriel unconcious from three stab wounds on his torso, Lorcan with a deep wound on his right arm.
I wasn't in a much better place either, my right shoulder was dislocated from being thrown into a tree nearby courtesy of Maeve and I was pretty sure my left wrist was broken, but I didn't show my pain. No need to give her any advantages.

I had seen Gavriel push Elide in the bushes when Maeve had come into view. Thank the wyrd she was smart enough to not come out of the bushes. Hopefully she will be able to travel to Aedion on her disfigured foot.

"We have been together for centuries, the queen and her loyal dogs, I don't understand why you couldn't just hand over the keys in the first place and avoid all this. Only Aelin's magic is a threat, you could have all just left her and live peacefully."
I sneered at her despite the iron muzzle on my face, so did Lorcan and Gavriel.
Maeve sighed before she gestured towards the dungeons, I was too lost in thought too realise we had arrived, and the soldiers threw Gavriel and Lorcan in there.
"Did you know when two people recognise each other as mates, a bond is formed, like a string. And if not prevented by magic, one can feel the pain of the other.
Your mate, she is a nuisance, but a smart one I must say. Figured out how to channel her magic inwards and prevent you from feeling any pain. Ofcourse I won't be making the mistake of presuming stupidity again." she said with a evil grin that seemed to promise pain.
I sneered again, her grin getting a sadistic edge to it.
She waved her hand, and the soldiers were replaced with ropes of darkness that were cutting into my skin.
"Come on we are going to try a new way of torture" she saod before she strode deeper into the cave, pulling me along with her.

We reached the end of the cave, where there were chains hanging from the wall. There was blood everywhere.
"This was one of the places your precious mate was kept. Ironic isn't it. Her supposed saviour hanging rught where she was." she commented.
At the mention of Aelin being here by blood had run cold. I smelled the air, and sure enough, the blood smelled like pine and embers.
The urge to murder Maeve had never been as strong as it was now. The need to protect ones' mate was sending my mind into overdrive.
"Now. Let's begin shall we."
She tied the chains around my hands and legs by just waving her hand, the darkness obeying her every command. I didn't take away my eyes from hers, my glare so fierce that my eyes hurt. She just plastered on a smirk that clearly said, 'nice try but you're gonna have to try harder'.

I was brought out of my thoughts when a whip connected to my back. I reflexively arched forward, a gasp leaving my throat, but I refused to scream. I won't, not for anything.
"Where are the keys Rowan?" she asked, "my patience is thinning. Aelin wasn't very helpful you see." She said sneered at the last bit.
Pride surged through me at the knowledge that my mate was strong enough to not succumb to the pain. It was immediately replaced by fear when the thought of Cairn being in the same room as her everyday, because she refused to give in, came to me.
"No." I said, gritting my teeth through the pain. "I'm not going to give in. Not now, not ever" I said in between laboured breathes. All I could think of was, 'I have a sadistic son of a bitch to kill'

Aelin POV
White hot fury coursed through my veins as I felt pain erupt on my back, again. This was the third time. Standing in-front of the dining table, just about to sit in my chair, the bond that tied me to my mate sent a jerk of pain, a whip lashing at the back.

I remember when Maeve told me how mates could feel each other's pain after they had accepted each other. Assuming I wouldn't be able to figure it out she left without enforcing any precautions. All that magic caged inside my skin, I had directed it inwards putting a plug that stopped my pain from flowing through. Maeve wouldn't be so stupid to let it happen again.

I stood up despite the knee-buckling pain in my back. Wildfire trying to escape, only increasing in strength in response to my anger. I looked up at Fenrys, a gasp escaped from his lips at the sight of my eyes, the gold ring around them no doubt dancing with fire.

"Rowan. Maeve has him." I said through gritted teeth. Fenrys looked at my with worry, knowing I wasn't in my right mind.

"Can someone explain what the hell is happening right now? Who the fuck is Rowan?" asked Cassian. I turned towards him, with a glare that could send Darrow running. His eyes momentarily showed fear, before he took a step back with his hands raised in a 'I surrender' position. "Calm down Lillian. Who is Rowan?" said Rhysand. My eyes softened at the thought of Rowan. "He's my husband. Someone captured him and is now inflicting pain. We had a ritual done when we got married by an exiled fae which is how I can feel him." I said, half-truth and half lie, just like I was taught.

"You need to help me save him." I said, no question in my voice, plain command. "We need to wait fo-" he started

"Sorry to interrupt my lord but you have a summoning letter from the Spring Court." interrupted a shadow veiled creature. "Thank you Cerridwen." said Rhysand taking the letter, not saying a thing about the interruption. He opened the letter in a hurry, frustration evident on his face.

He looked up after reading the letter, a sigh escaping his lips. "I am so sorry Lillian, there has been a summoning by the Spring Court for a high-lord meeting in the Dawn court regarding you and Sam." he said, looking at us with worry. "I know this is very inconvenient timing and that you need our help but if we ignore this there will be disastrous consequences, Tamlin might convince everybody that you are his property and claim you as his own, which won't help anyone. Humans aren't the most cared for in these lands, if you know what I mean" Rhysand said.

I understood what he was saying, doesn't mean I like it. Fucking Tamlin. I nodded my head in understanding, my teeth still gritted with fury. The lashings had stopped, making it easier to move and to make me control the anger. Rowan was safe....for now.

I looked at Fenrys and he nudged me with his shoulder, trying to comfort me. Having him around helped but I missed home, I even missed the arrogant lords of Terrasen. My thoughts were interrupted by Rhysand, "We'll meet here in 20. Lillian, Sam Cerridwen will give you something appropriate to wear for this." he announced before he strode off towards his room.

Feyre POV
Despite my protests, Tamlin had sent seach parties across the lands to find Sam and Lillian after their 'sudden' disappearance. After he realised this was a futile attempt he resorted to calling a High Lord meeting to "blame someone for kidnapping his 'property'" as he had said. I wonder how I ever loved him, in these kinds of moments.

But in the end everything had turned out in my favour, Tamlin gone, leaving me alone with Lucien, Ianthe and Hybern's niece and nephew giving me the perfect opportunity to put my plan into action. I had asked him to let me come, already knowing the answer to the question, but if I didn't even ask it would raise some eyebrows because everyone knew I hated being kept on the sidelines.

"I'm leaving, Feyre" Tamlin said, brushing his hand against my cheek, at which I internally grimaced, but plastered a smile on the outside. He smiled back before he winnowed away to the Dawn Court.
"Bring my crown. I want to see Tamlin's horrified face when I make my dramatic entrance after destroying his home" I said to Rhys down the bond before I left to go get started. A caress of pride and love was my answer. A smile adorning my face, I began.