Page 58 of Throne of Dreams
She could almost see her, could almost envision their mother. Distorted images pieced together in her mind, though whether they were from her memories or her imagination, she couldn’t be sure. But Maeve could see her. She could see Fianna dancing across a gilded ballroom, twirling beneath a harvest moon, and hosting lavish parties throughout the year. Her face wasn’t clear; it was like looking at a moment captured in time. Whenever Maeve tried to focus, her mother looked away, becoming a blur of the past.
A strong hand gently cupped her elbow and steered her from her dismal thoughts. She glanced over to see Lir gazing down at her.
“My lady?” He nodded toward the wardrobe. “Do you wish to accept?”
“I…”
The one time she actually wanted Tiernan to slip into her mind and offer her guidance, he was exceptionally quiet.
She faced her brother, the one who’d been willing to save her when the other was content to let her fall to her death. “I would like very much to accept your gift, Shay.”
Emotion clouded his eyes when she used his first name. There was hope in the faint smile he offered her.
“But first, I’d like to know what you want in return.”
He nodded in understanding. “In exchange for the wardrobe, I want only a few minutes of the High King’s time.”
Tiernan stepped toward the edge of the dais. “Agreed.”
Relief settled into Maeve’s bones, but she held herself upright. She couldn’t afford to be swayed by his kindness and generosity, by his attempt to forge an alliance or build a relationship with her. She would be polite and respectful, but she would not trust him. Not until she had reason to do so.
“Perhaps we all might be more comfortable with some food and beverages,” Tiernan mused.
He gestured between them, and long tables draped with sheer turquoise fabric appeared. There were large platters of meats and roasted vegetables, baskets of breads and rolls, bowls of sugared fruit and lemon tarts. Music started to play, jovial and spirited, and after a moment, the awkward tension melted away. Summer and Autumn fae began to talk, to laugh, and to dance, their voices carrying upward to the moon and filling the starlit sky.
Lir offered her a glass of sparkling wine with fizzing berries, and she took a hasty gulp. The golden liquid tasted lightly of pear, strawberry, and vanilla. It was absolutely delicious, and it went down entirely too quickly.
She could sense Shay watching her, and she had a feeling he probably wanted to speak to her, but for whatever reason, he stayed away. It was the other Autumn fae, the one from the Ceilie, who approached her.
“Lady Maeve.” She curtsied and her fox-like eyes glinted. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
“It’s you.” Maeve smiled, pleased to have been remembered. “I didn’t catch your name the last time we met.”
“I’m Aeralie Kindling.” Her gaze swept over Maeve. “That dress suits you well, my lady. But then again, you looked ravishing caked in mud and filth as well.”
She winked and Maeve’s cheeks heated. She tossed a casual glance over one shoulder and spied Tiernan watching her, amusement flickering in his stormy gaze. Then Shay approached him, and the two males left the outdoor ballroom.
The music transformed from a low melody to a livelier rhythm that had Maeve tapping her toe along with its beat.
“Want to go dance?” Aeralie asked and waved a thin stick in front of her, one that Maeve knew would emit a puff of pink smoke.
“Yes.” Maeve lifted her glass and Lir filled it again. “But I’ll stick to the sparkling wine this time.”
Aeralie grinned when Lir silently offered her one as well. “Your pick, High Princess.”
Together, they clinked glasses. When Aeralie whirled her away, Maeve noticed Lir watching her, a bemused expression on his usually impassive face. He smiled, barely, and shook his head, encouraging her to go and enjoy herself. But his silver eyes were sharp, a steadfast reminder that she was safe within Summer’s walls.
With bubbles from the sparkling wine still dancing on her tongue and its unwinding effects loosening her limbs, Maeve stole away with Aeralie and went to go dance.
ChapterEighteen
Tiernan was exceptionally wary of the Autumn High Prince.
It was unlike any Autumn fae to arrive unannounced, and not only had he shown up without notice, but he’d brought along a small entourage as well.
Tiernan led Shay to his study and walked over to the gold cart positioned in the corner, stacked with crystal glasses and various liquors. He poured them each a shot of whiskey.
“Let’s get this over with, shall we?” Handing one shot glass to Shay, he nodded, and they downed the liquor in unison. It burned down the back of his throat and he leveled him with a hard stare. “What do you want, Shay?”
