Page 144 of Throne of Dreams
“So.” Merrick propped his elbows up on the table, clasping his hands together. His hot pink hair fell into his face. “Are we doing this thing?”
“Yes.” Maeve’s chin lifted and she was the epitome of resolution. “Let’s get Ceridwen back.”
Tiernan stood and everyone followed suit. “Send word to Queen Marella of our plan. We need to have her forces in position before Maeve even steps foot into the Autumn Court.”
Brynn sheathed her dagger. “And Garvan?”
“Name the time and place to our benefit.” Thunder echoed in the distance, and he welcomed its threat. The promise of his own destruction. “If he wants Maeve so badly, he will do as we demand.”
* * *
Garvan wastedno time in honoring Tiernan’s request.
Maeve saw his written response and agreement to meet less than twelve hours after they devised their strategy to get Ceridwen back to the Summer Court and hand her over to Autumn.
They would all meet on the border of Summer and Autumn tomorrow at dusk. There would be no magic. No fighting. Already the ground was being charmed to create a non-binding faerie ring. It would be a neutral zone, one where neither party held the upper hand. And when Ceridwen was brought forward, if she had been harmed in any way, then it would be considered an act of war.
Tiernan had chosen dusk because it offered Maeve the cover of nightfall to make her escape. Already, the merrows were below the falls, waiting for her. Everything was in place, all the pieces of their scheme set. It was only a matter of well-timed movements. It would be a game of strategy and precision, one she could not afford to lose.
The Furies, however, were none too pleased by Merrick’s grand plan. They didn’t want Maeve out of their sight, and it was only when she commanded them to remain behind that they agreed, but their reluctance was bitter. It was necessary. Balor, Tethra, and Dian were extremely powerful. They were dangerous. They were a threat. A weapon Maeve planned to release upon Parisa at the right moment, and not a second sooner.
After tomorrow, Maeve would be in the Autumn Court.
And there was only one way to escape.
ChapterForty-Two
The next evening, Maeve found herself on the edge of two worlds.
At the base of the mountains dividing the Summer and Autumn Courts was a well-worn footpath. It was there the two Courts collided. Skinny trees with white trunks and leaves of goldenrod and ginger reached for the lush green ferns that sprouted up from the earth. The air was cool, an intoxicating mix of florals and spice. Caught between the pull of two seasons, it was the last breath of Summer and the first life of Autumn. An eternal equinox.
Twilight hues of indigo and lavender stretched across the sky like watercolors paints, blending into the drifting clouds, absorbing the clash of golden sunlight. The stars looked down upon them, watching, waiting to see who would be first to step into the faerie ring made of crushed leaves and rose petals.
Tiernan explained there were strict rules to follow when an exchange of such caliber was to be made—only two from each side would enter the ring. Maeve and Ceridwen would pass one another, but no words were allowed to be spoken between them. If anyone caused a disturbance, if anyone attempted to alter the arrangement or intervene, blood would be spilled.
Maeve hadn’t thought it was such a terrible thing.
She would love to be the one to make Garvan bleed.
To her left stood Tiernan and Merrick. To her right, Lir and Brynn. Opposite her, on the other side of the faerie ring were Garvan and Ceridwen, Aeralie—the fae she met during the Autumn Ceilie—and four other Autumn soldiers she didn’t recognize.
Garvan spoke first. “Hello, sister. So good to see you again.”
She stared him down, saying nothing.
Tiernan’s voice instantly filled her mind.“Don’t provoke him, astora.”
“But it’s so much fun.”
His rumbling laughter echoed through her thoughts. She locked her spine into place, schooling her features. “Garvan,” she said coolly.
“Let’s get this over with, High Prince.” Tiernan spat out her brother’s title in disgust.
Garvan smiled but it was forced. Unnatural. He gestured in Maeve’s direction. “This should be a quick exchange. A sister for a sister.”
Merrick rocked back onto his heels, shoving his hands into his pockets. He flashed Garvan a ruthless smile. “I hear Parisa’s a bit pissy now that her favorite toy is dead.”
Her brother’s hands curled into white-knuckled fists. “She is the Dark Queen, and you will address her as such.”
