Back on guard duty, she presumed. His curved swords were at his waist. He wore black pants, his silver-studded boots, and a deep blue shirt with the cuffs rolled to his elbows. He shifted his weight when he saw her.
“Lir.” Maeve closed the door behind her and stared up at the stony-faced warrior.
He inclined his head. “Your Highness.”
There was a rub of tension between them, and she didn’t like it. It wasn’t supposed to be like that, not for them. He was her friend. At least, she’d thought as much.
She twisted her fingers together in front of her, willing her spine to lock into place. “I’m not used to having anyone care about me.”
Lir offered her his arm. “I never should have let you out of my sight. I apologize for my foul demeanor yesterday. I was furious with myself for letting you go meet Aran alone.”
Maeve leaned into him. “If it makes you feel any better, I don’t think I’ll be jumping off another balcony any time soon.”
“I prefer you let me know ahead of time if you do.”
She glanced up to see a ghost of a smile play along his lips before it vanished.
They walked out onto the balcony for breakfast and Maeve realized that was definitely a mistake.
Everyone was there. Tiernan and Ceridwen. Merrick and Brynn. All of them were watching her.Allof themknew. Of course they did; they could probably sense Tiernan’s scent on her. She knew for a fact they’d be able to smell her on him. All over him. Her knees softened. Her heart skittered. Heat bled into Maeve’s cheeks as she stood awkwardly, her grip latched onto Lir’s forearm. She worried if she let go, she’d fall. But then Tiernan was standing, reaching out his hand to her. Lir led her over and she accepted Tiernan’s hand, sitting down by his side.
He didn’t release her, instead he grazed her knuckles with his thumb in a slow, intentional sweeping motion. His gaze met hers. Held. “My lady.”
She couldn’t find her voice but lifted her chin anyway. “My lord.”
Across from her, Merrick grinned, his dimples on full display. He rapped his knuckles on the table. “Thank the fucking gods, it’s about damn time.”
Brynn strode forward and her burgundy corkscrew curls glinted like rubies in the sunlight. “Alright, pay up.”
She held out her hand to Merrick and Lir. They groaned but reached into their pockets and shoved gold coins into her waiting hand.
Ceridwen smiled, shaking her head lightly. “Always something with you three.”
Maeve’s mouth fell open. “You placed bets?”
Merrick flashed her a quick wink. “All in good fun, Your Highness.”
She kept her expression neutral as she watched him. “You should’ve told me. I would’ve helped you win.”
There was a shock of heavy silence, and then a roar of laughter. Merrick tossed his head back, wiping fake tears from his eyes.
“Well done, Your Highness,” Lir chuckled and rocked his seat backward. “Well done.”
Beside her, Tiernan released her hand and slid his own under the table. He found her thigh and squeezed. She tried to ignore the way her nipples hardened in response to his touch.
Again, all eyes were on her. Expectant. A small cascade of serenity drifted over her. Comfortable and caring.
Ceridwen.
She stole a glance at the High Princess seated next to her, resplendent in a gown of liquid gold and turquoise. She nodded in encouragement and the dangling earrings shaped like gilded suns swung freely from her ears.
Maeve blew out a shaky breath. “I wanted to apologize to all of you for—”
“No.” Brynn shook her head and grabbed a muffin from the crystal bowl in front of her. “No apologies, Your Highness. You’re one of us now.” She gestured around the table to all of them. “A part of our family.”
“And now you know we care,” Lir added gently. Quietly.
A lump formed in the back of Maeve’s throat, and she tried to swallow the unexpected rise of emotion. But the prick of tears threatened to fall. From her other side, Ceridwen rubbed her back in slow, compassionate circles.