Aery flinched like she'd been struck, and in a way she had; her heart skipped like three consecutive beats. "I... I... Well, yes, I'm intrigued by you, I must admit, and you did save me from something when I couldn't save myself. But I... I can't think about anyone like that now, not when I can't even keep myself from falling apart." She also didn't feel worthy... Her royal upbringing told her that if she didn't save herself for marriage she was worthless, a slut at best and a disgrace to the kingdom at worst. But she couldn't explain that very well without going back to the dark place, and this time she doubted she'd be able to pull herself out of it.
And yet... The hope was there. She didn't have to suffer this alone. Slowly, almost of its own will, her hand inched across the space between them until it rested lightly in Rowan's. But... "Rowan... Won't Celaena be upset? And the rest of the world would never approve, not when I'm twelve and you're twenty-six."