Page 133 of Throne of Dreams
“Fuck.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. This was the last thing they needed but they were ready. The Summer Court was always ready.
Lir stood, stoic as ever, and asked, “What exactly happened in Kells?”
Tiernan moved closer to Maeve, gently placing his hand on the small of her back. “Maeve destroyed the Scathing.”
She lifted her chin. “And I killed Fearghal.”
“Butchered, more like.” This from Balor, who’d been so quiet Tiernan had nearly forgotten he and the other two Furies were still there.
“Wrecked,” Tethra agreed, flashing a smile gruesome enough to make even the most seasoned warrior cringe.
Dian shifted forward, his ember-lit eyes burning bright. “She slaughtered him.”
“Sun and sky. That’ll do it.” Merrick rocked back onto his heels and grinned, dimples winking. “No wonder Parisa’s so pissed. I’d be mad too if my fuck buddy was killed.”
“Mer,” Brynn groaned, rolling her eyes to the heavens. “Now is not the time.”
He spread his arms wide in a poor attempt to look innocent. “Look, all I’m saying is—”
“You don’t have a fuck buddy.” Ceridwen’s voice was as frosty as the northern mountains of Ashdara. She folded her arms, a storm brewing in her eyes.
Merrick paled, and Tiernan’s brow arched in question. Maeve watched the exchange with wide, curious eyes.
But his twin spun away from the hunter on one heel, cutting him off. Her lips were pulled into a thin line and her fingers were coiled into fists at her side. He didn’t think he’d ever seen her quite so pissed. She huffed, annoyed. “Tiernan, we’re awaiting your orders.”
Orders. He would be the one to decide whether he kept everyone he loved safe, or whether he sent them into harm’s way. But they would not go alone. He would be right there beside them. Beside all of them. Duty to his Court came first, above all else.
“Ready our forces.” He flexed his arms, adjusted the rolled sleeves of his shirt, and cocked a cruel half smile. “Parisa has left us no choice but to intercept and attack.”
* * *
Maeve stoodin Tiernan’s room, watching him on the balcony. He braced himself against the railing and stared out at Niahvess, at the Floating City of the Summer Court, as the rush of dusk overtook the sky. He fiddled with the ring he always wore on his pinky, twisting it back and forth, never actually taking it off.
She knew he was lost in his thoughts, so she said nothing when Deirdre shuffled into the room, carrying piles of fresh clothing and clean armor. She glanced once at her High King and placed the stack of laundry on the end of the bed.
“Thank you, Deirdre.” Maeve smiled, but she knew it did nothing to ease the older woman’s heart.
“Of course, dear heart.” Deirdre patted her softly on the cheek and a sheen of tears coated her eyes. “Just promise me you’ll be careful out there. Dark magic is not the sort of thing to be trifled with.”
“I promise.”
Deirdre nodded and slipped away without saying another word.
Maeve went to Tiernan then, rising up on her toes to drape her arms around his neck and pull him close. He nuzzled the area between her jaw and shoulder, one of her most sensitive spots. The summer evening wrapped around them like a velvet cloak, comforting, while delicious goosebumps pebbled over her skin.
“What’s on your mind, my lord?”
“Many things,” he murmured, kissing her temple, then cheek. His hands cupped her bottom, dragging her hips forward so she could feel the proof of his arousal pressing into her. “Mostly you.”
“Obviously.” She smiled, intending for it to be a lighthearted jab, but Tiernan’s arms moved, coming around her back instead. He held her so close, their noses almost touched.
“I meant it in earnest, Maeve.” His eyes were reflecting pools of cobalt and violet, threaded with golden sunlight. In them, she saw the fervent extent of his love for her. “What happened in Kells with Fearghal, I never want to see you like that again.”
“What, full of rage and hellbent on vengeance?” The memory of what she’d done, of how viciously she’d stolen a life, wasn’t something she would soon forget.
“No.” Tiernan captured her face, running his thumbs lightly back and forth against her cheekbones. “Your face was a mask of emptiness. Your eyes were devoid of all emotion. I never want to see you so lost. So forlorn. Your glow, the very essence of you…it was gone. I worried I would never see it again.”
“I appreciate your concern for me.” She let her hands skate down to his arms and she gave them a reaffirming squeeze. Rising on her toes once more, she kissed him, allowing her lips to melt against his. He held her firmly, tightly, like he never wanted to let her go. She broke the kiss, meeting his heated gaze. “I promise I’m okay.”
