Only You

Recovery

Aelin remained in the healing wing for another two days. The healers had wanted to make sure she was completely healed before letting her go, although she was under strict instructions not to do any physical activity for another week— the healers had sent Rowan a pointed look at that. She had just laughed and told them it wouldn't be a problem.

Which was a lie.

Since Aelin's revelation that she had fallen in love with Rowan and their decision to accept the bond, it had taken all her strength not to take things further. But with people in and out of the healing wing and the fact that she was still not one hundred percent better, they had limited their affection to kissing— which was nice, very nice— but with every kiss came a greater need for more.

"Aelin." Rowan choked her name as he realised where her mind had gone again.

She smiled sheepishly at Rowan and let her mind think of other things.

And her mind was definitely full of other things.

Her father had only been to see her once since their talk a week ago, he had been curt and had stayed only a few minutes to check she was well. She knew that he was angry at her, that her behaviour had left much to be desired— but she was sure about what she wanted now, and that was the male stood beside her. Although they had not discussed marriage again, she knew that Rowan was telling the truth when he said that he would marry her. It still scared her, marrying so young, becoming queen at twenty-one— and even though this had not been her plan, she had come to the conclusion that things would work themselves out— she would be fine.

As they approached the main hallway of the palace she could hear the voices of her parents and Orlon, their conversation paused as they saw Aelin and Rowan. Orlon smiled widely as he took in Aelin and then glanced to Rowan who was by her side, their hands entwined.

"I'm happy to see you're much better." He strode toward them and gathered Aelin into his arms, hugging her tight. "You had everyone worried." Orlon released her and turned to Rowan and said, "thank you for looking after her. We are very grateful."

Rowan bowed his head in acknowledgement.

Her parents stepped toward her too, her mother still looking tired, but the light in her eyes had returned as she beheld Aelin. Her father avoided eye contact, but from the looseness of his shoulders she knew he was relieved.

"We have planned a dinner for this evening, if you would like to join us." Her mother looked hopeful as she spoke, and despite Aelin's hesitation she found herself agreeing. It might have been to do with the guilt that was eating at her and she had never been able to say no to her mother.

"Everyone will be happy to see you." It was the longest sentence her father had said to her in a long time, and she gave him a small smile— they would talk it out another day.

Silence enveloped them for a moment, the five of them stood, unsure on what exactly to say. It pained her that she had caused this awkwardness, this tension.

"I suppose I should get ready then." Aelin broke the silence, bowing her head to her parents and Orlon, Rowan doing the same, before they continued their walk to her rooms.

"You should talk to your father." Rowan matched her pace easily, both ignoring the stares from people as they passed by.

"I will. Just not yet." She wanted to be in a better state of mind before she spoke with him. Aelin was stubborn and apologising was not something she was good at. She realised that despite being mates and spending almost every minute together in the past week, Rowan still did not know her completely— he would need more time to fully understand the way she ticked.