A Love From A Different World

Chapter 19

Aelin wasn't okay. She wasn't even close. The assassin was still clenching her body by the time that the sun rose up, having not moved a muscle since Rhysand left. Though she had been thankfully awakened, the nightmare still plagued her mind, the images still too fresh. She had been far too frightened to go back to sleep, terrified that once she closed her eyes she would be taken prisoner in another dreadful dream.

So Aelin stayed up all night. Her limbs ached but at least the trembling had stopped. Her heart had graciously become steady again and Aelin decided that it was about time she moved. The blinding sun graced her room as she started to get dressed- as she tried not to think about Rhysand. He had seen her weak, seen her broken, had pitied her. It just angered her the more she thought about it.

Instead, the princess thought about today. About her mission and her bargain. Instantly Aelin glanced down at the tattoo that adorned her arm and grimaced. She had never really thought about getting a tattoo and she wasn't too keen on this unwanted one. Hurriedly Aelin got dressed. The floor-length gown was an off-the-shoulder long sleeves dress of sheer black, with white crystals everywhere. The fabric was light and snug, outlining every curve she possessed. Its simplicity was only rivaled by its elegant train. Hastily Aelin tied her hair up in a sophisticated bun while observing herself in the mirror.

Needless to say, Aelin looked as beautiful as ever; the back dress made the electric blue of her eyes and gold of her hair undeniably noticeable. The Night Court fashion was very becoming of her indeed.

Before she could think about that last thought too much, Aelin left her room and made her way to the living room, where everyone else was waiting. Only her and Rhysand were actually meeting the Mortal Queens but Aelin supposed that the High Lord had just finished up with a meeting.

Silence ensued when she entered and she automatically locked eyes with Azriel. She graced him with a smile and immediately a hint of red decorated his cheeks. Though Aelin would have wanted nothing more but to avoid Rhysand's gaze, she forced herself to look at him. Schooling her face into a blank expression, the assassin prayed that Rhysand would not speak a word of last night's events.

Finally meeting his eyes, Aelin was almost speechless. Despite herself, even she could not deny the male's beauty. Dressed in a similar fashion as she, Rhysand looked handsome in glimmering black dress pants and refined shirt. A silver crown sat upon his gorgeous pitch black locks and those eyes- well, they were striking as ever. Aelin's heart beat fast, a little too fast.

Trying to shake the unfamiliar feeling, the assassin said, "Well, you clean up well,"

Rhys gave her a smirk, his eyes taking all of her in. "As do you,"

"That goes without saying." She waved him off. "I suppose I have you to thank for the dress?"

It had been a new addition to her closet. Aelin wasn't sure when it had been added but it was right there when she had opened it not too long ago.

"Only the best for my ambassador." Rhys's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Are you ready for the meeting?"

The blond beauty wasn't sure what he was trying to imply. "I know my job. Now, how are we getting there exactly?" The assassin had looked over the maps of Prythian and had noted that the Night Court was quite far from the wall- or what was left of it.

"We're flying." As he said it it finally dawned on him that Celaena had no idea that he was capable of such a thing. In fact he was pretty sure that Celaena had never seen him wings. Looking at her perplexed expression, Rhysand didn't explain, he simple spread out his magnificent wings and watched as the woman in front of him gave an incredulous;

"What in the Gods name-"