Page 186 (1/2)

The cadre looked toward one another then Rowan said, "There was a kingdos" Pride glowed in his eyes, brighter than the dawn "It was a place of peace and learning A beacon in a distant and violent part of the world Once the Library of Orynth is rebuilt, we’ll ask the scholars to find what they can about it"

"We could reach out to the kingdom itself," Fenrys said "See if soht want to coed "I could do it Travel there, if you wish"

She knew he h all he’d seen and endured To make peace with the loss of his brother With hi the scars down his face would only fade when he willed it

But Aelin nodded And while she’d gladly send Fenrys wherever he wished--"The library?" she blurted

Rowan only smiled "And the Royal Theater"

"There was no theater--not like in Rifthold"

Rowan’s srew "There will be"

Aelin waved hi this e are no longer flush with gold?"

Rowan slid his arm around her shoulders "Need I remind you that since you beheaded Maeve, I aain, with access to my assets and estates? And that with Maeve outed as an ioes to you … and the other to the Whitethorns?"

Aelin blinked at hirinned Even Lorcan

Rowan kissed her "A new library and Royal Theater," hepresents to you, Fireheart"

Aelin pulled back, scanning his face Read the sincerity and conviction

And, throwing her ar sky, she burst into tears

It was to be a day for s, Aelin decided as she stood in a near-empty, dusty chamber and smiled at her allies Her friends

Ansel of Briarcliff, bruised and scratched, sood liar," she said "I’m ashamed I didn’t notice it h "In my defense, I’ve never met you" He inclined his head to Aelin "So, hello, cousin"

Aelin, leaning against the half-decayed desk that served as the lone piece of furniture in the room, smirked at him "I saw you frooing to assu your for me"

Aelin chuckled, even as Rolfe rolled his eyes "Yes, Privateer?"

Rolfe waved a tattooed hand, blood still clinging beneath his nails "I’ll refrain fro"

Aelin smirked "You’re the Heir to the Mycenian people," she said "Petty squabbles are now beneath you"

Ansel snorted Rolfe shot her a look

"What do you intend to do with them now?" Aelin asked She supposed the rest of her court should have been here, but when she’d dispatched Evangeline to round up their allies, she’d opted to let theone to seek out Endymion and Sellene The latter, it see her own future The future of Doranelle

Rolfe shrugged "We’ll have to decide where to go Whether to return to Skull’s Bay, or …" His sea-green eyes narrowed

"Or?" Aelin asked sweetly

"Or decide if we’d rather rebuild our old home in Ilium"

"Why not decide yourself?" Ansel asked

Rolfe waved a tattoed hand "They offered up their lives to fight in this war They should be able to choose where they wish to live after it"

"Wise," Aelin said, clicking her tongue Rolfe stiffened, but relaxed upon seeing the waraze But she looked to Ilias, the assassin’s armor dented and scratched "Did you speak at all this entire war?"

"No," Ansel answered for hi queen Held her stare