Throne of Glass & A Court of Thorns and Roses: Two Worlds Collide

Chapter 31-Rowan

Aelin giggled and buried her face in my shoulder as we heard Dorian and Aedion's conversation. We weren't eavesdropping, it's just that their conversation was so loud. At least for a fae it was. I growled softly so no one would hear, but since Aelin was right next to me she heard it loud and clear. Her head shot up and she looked at me expectantly but I just stared ahead, continuing on to the looming castle.

"Your fangs are showing," Aelin whispered to me, which resulted into another fit of giggles. "It was harmless, you don't have to be jealous," Aelin said seriously, trying to catch my eye. I knew it wasn't completely harmless. Sure, Dorian was in a state of delirium but he wouldn't have said it if he hadn't had some kind of feelings for Aelin. There are a lot of beautiful people in this group, but Dorian had said it to her.

"Then why did you run away, red in the face, when he asked you what his last words were?" I said indignantly. I didn't care if everyone could hear. They would hear what we said if we whispering anyways.

"I don't know. I was embarrassed," Aelin replied with a slight shrug. She was still trying desperately to find my eyes. As much as I loved her eyes, I couldn't face them right now.

After a few moments, I finally gave in and turned my head to look at her. I tried to conceal the jealousy that was overtaking my thoughts, but I knew she could see through me. She always did.

Rowan, what's wrong, really?

Nothing. I just- I don't know. I'm just in a mood. Don't worry.

She nodded slightly, but I could still tell she didn't exactly believe me. I had a feeling we would be talking about this later.

I honestly didn't know why I was feeling this way now. Countless of men have tried flirting with Aelin, she was a beautiful woman, the most beautiful woman. I usually gave them a glare and they backed off.

I'd never felt jealousy like I was feeling right now with Aelin. Maybe it was because she already had romantic history with Dorian. I shook the thoughts and feelings off and tried to focus on our task. We were to rescue Amren and Myriam and gain as much information as we could to infiltrate their castle with our army in a few weeks. We still weren't familiar with the layout of the castle so we had to make maps so our soldiers would know where to attack.

I heard Aedion burst into a fit of cackling laughter and I closed my eyes briefly, trying to dispel the memory of Dorian cupping Aelin's face and telling her she was beautiful. That was my job. I discreetly looked over my shoulder to find that Dorian was already staring at me with a look of terror. Good. I gave him a slight smirk and his expression turned into confusion. I turned my head back to the front to see Aelin looking at me with an undistinguished expression on her face. She looked like she desperately needed to tell me something.

Is there something you want to tell me?

What? Oh, no. Just thinking. She gave me a half-hearted smile which I did not return. I only gave her shoulder a light squeeze trying to tell her that I was there if she needed me. She snuggled in closer to me and I breathed in her scent, never wanting to forget it.

In front of us, Feyre and Rhysand came to an abrupt stop.

"What's wrong?" Aedion said for all of us.

"There are too many guards. If we go in a big group, we'd be noticed immediately. We need to split up. Aelin will get me and Rowan in undetected to retrieve Amren and Myriam. Cassian and Azriel, case the perimeter and watch for danger, alert anyone if need be. Aedion and Mor, survey the castle. Make a quick map of the corridors. Lysandra, Feyre, and Dorian, come with us; we'll need lookouts. If you find them, give the signal and the closest group will meet you. You never know what traps there will be. Keep your senses open. Be careful," Rhysand said. "Any objections to the groups?"

Everyone shook their heads and stayed silent.

"I'll knock out the guards at the entrance, then it's all you guys from then on. Understand?" Rhysand again said.

We all nodded this time, still silent. I saw everyone checking their weapons. Aelin was armed to the teeth in her upgraded suit. I smiled a grim smile, only Aelin could look excited and deadly at the same time. She slipped her hand out of mine and put her fierce demeanor on. I'll almost feel bad for the people who made the mistake of getting in her way.

"Let's go," Feyre said in front of us.