Page 70 of The Court of Thorns and Wings

Eiric’s face softened, and she came toward us.

I tensed. A Seelie being this close to me had the hair rising on the nape of my neck. My gut reaction was to yank Lira and myself back, but I fought the instinct forher.

“What did we promise each other?” Eiric arched a brow as she took Lira’s hands in hers.

The tingles of affection shot through our connection, warming my naturally icy chest more than normal.

“That was on Earth.” Lira smiled tenderly, moving from my side closer to her. “You aren’t bound by it here.”

Eiric rocked back on her heels. “It might as well have been made here because I always keep my promises, even those not bound by Ardanos and Seelie magic.”

“Oh… what was this vow?” Finnian shuffled forward, expanding his wings in excitement.

The urge to punch him nearly overwhelmed me.

“That we would stand beside each other, no matter what.” Lira mashed her lips together. “But I didn’t expect you to go rogue against the king and queen on my behalf.”

“Whether I like it or not, you chose to complete the mate bond with an Unseelie, and you swear he makes you happy.” Eiric winked and shrugged. “So I didn’t really have a choice.Besides, you’re a pain in the ass to keep in line, so I figure Tavish will need help keeping you out of trouble.”

I laughed, and Lira cut her eyes at me. Somehow, that made me smile even wider. “She’s not wrong.”

“That’s one of Lira’s best attributes, in my humble opinion.” Finnian clasped his hands, holding them toward Lira. “She finds trouble where there shouldn’t be any. She even tamed a cù-sìth, which has never been done before.”

Lira tried to frown, but the corners of her lips tipped upward. “I don’t like the three of you teaming up against me. Maybe I want you fighting each other again.”

“No, you don’t.” Eiric snorted, pulling her into a hug. “The three of us know better than that.”

I could feel the happiness wafting from Lira, and the last thing I wanted to do was ruin that moment, though several threats were hovering over us. We needed to return to—

My thoughts cut off because, after returning here to the realCuil Dorcha, I couldn’t call the ruined dragon lands by that name anymore.

Some of the joy ebbed, and Lira pulled away from Eiric. I had no doubt she felt the guilt of what came next weighing me down. Even though I cherished our fated-mate connection, sometimes I wished I could protect her from my feelings so they didn’t spoil her happiness.

“Let’s eat some breakfast and then find something for Eiric to wear that doesn’t screamSeelie guard.” Lira ran a hand over the stomach of her gown. “We should probably head back to Cuil Dorcha before the dragons join my father in retrieving me.”

My stomach soured as if I’d eaten rotten fish. Even though she spoke the truth, I hadn’t determined a way to keep her safe. I couldn’t abandon my people, but Lira remaining there with me wasn’t an effective strategy either. The only solution I couldsee was to kill the dragon prince, thus ending the demented agreement their parents had arranged between them.

“How does one’s outfit scream?” Finnian lifted his hands. “This conversation has yielded so many questions about hell, God, and why someone would want to look upward when two people are getting along when they haven’t been. The Earth language is quite fascinating—it sounds so illogical.”

Of course, the thornling would be more concerned about Earth’s vernacular than a huge war brewing. Nonetheless, we needed to return to prepare my people for battle. The one benefit we had was that Finnian and I had been recharged by our true lands, and I hoped neither the Seelie nor the dragons expected that. “Now isn’t the time, Finnian.”

“If not now, when?” Finnian pouted like I’d stolen the last bit of spirits of the night.

Eiric pivoted back toward him and said, “I’ll tell you all about it once we’re crossing the ocean and not at risk of being found by the Seelie.”

“I guess I can wait,” he teased, heading back to the table and grabbing a piece of bread. “But everyone should note that I’m on my best behavior.”

“Oh, it’s noted, all right.” Lira crossed her arms and stepped in front of me.Now that everything is calm, why don’t you put on your tunic before we eat? I love E, but you’re my mate, and if she glances at you for a moment too long, I might lose my rationale and slit her throat.

Hot desire shot straight to my dick.Are you threatening to kill the person you consider family for merely looking at me?She was usually so empathetic and kind—for her to threaten violence like that made me want to throw her against the wall and bury myself inside her.

She looked over her shoulder at me.I am, and I feel awful, so do something about it. Because at this point, if she does, it’ll be your fault. You’re aware of the threat.

Something was wrong with me. That threat only made my hands itch to follow through on the very naughty thoughts running through my head. I smirked as I turned toward the hallway, spreading out my wings so Eiric couldn’t see me. If we were at the castle and safe, I’d be dragging Lira with me, and the only thing holding me back was needing a future with her.

I had to determine how to kill the dragon prince, freeing Lira to always be with me. That was the only thing that mattered.

Two hours later, the four of us left the hiding spot, and I cloaked us in darkness. The magic came easily now; it didn’t drain me while I used it, and we left the kingdom behind without issue.

---