Page 65 of Throne of Dreams
Ceridwen gave her shoulders a comforting squeeze as they walked back toward the palace, and she laughed again. “I think there’s only one way to find out.”
* * *
Tiernan listenedwhile Ceridwen gushed about her gown for Sunatalis as her overall general excitement had spiked once she realized guests would be arriving for the celebration in the next two days.
Maeve, on the other hand, was strangely quiet on the way back to the palace.
He watched her walk beside him silently, chewing on her bottom lip. Even though he didn’t dare slide into her thoughts, they were loud enough that he had to intentionally block them out. She fiddled with her loose curls, squinted up at the sky every now and then, and adjusted the sleeves of her gown. All tells of someone who was troubled by something.
They entered the arching gateway of ivory stone, and the main courtyard welcomed them with swaying palm trees and the rippling sound of pools winding their way through the palace grounds. Maeve’s gaze was focused on one of the palms, but she was distant, lost somewhere he couldn’t quite reach.
He bent toward her. “And what did you think of the Summer Court’s Crown City, my lady?”
Her eyes flicked up to his. “It was lovely.”
“But?” He knew she was holding back.
Maeve glanced over at Ceridwen. His twin inclined her head, then turned away, leaving them alone. Maeve searched his face, and he would’ve done anything to erase the worry harboring along her brow.
“Will you walk with me for a minute?”
“Gladly.” He captured her hand and entwined their fingers. An intimate gesture. Something he rarely did for anyone.
They moved to the inner courtyard where Maeve destroyed a palm tree in a fit of rage a few weeks prior. It was slowly coming back to life, but it served as a constant reminder to never piss her off. She continued to let him hold her hand, but she bounced in her high heels with a restless, fitful sort of energy. “Talk to me,astora.”
“Something happened when I was checking on the Spring fae.” The words tumbled from her mouth, and Tiernan instantly went on alert. His body stilled, and his muscles bunched.
“What happened?”
“Nothing bad,” she amended quickly and clamped her hand over his forearm. “But they said something to me and I’m not sure what to make of it.” She rubbed her lips together again and crackles of nervous energy sparked around her. “I don’t want to upset you.”
“You won’t.” The words were out of his mouth before he could take them back. It wasn’t like him to make foolish promises. He couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t get upset. What if they’d done something absurd, like insult her or humiliate her? He certainly wouldn’t have been able to remain calm and collected then.
“The Spring fae…they’ve revoked their vow to Parisa. She calls herself the Dark Queen now and they want nothing to do with her. She’s destroying all that is good, banning magic, and outlawing education. Tiernan, sheburned books.” Her throat worked, and it was then he saw her struggle. The pain haunting her eyes. The way her chest rose and fell in small gasps. It was as though speaking the words ripped her heart out. “But they…they don’t want to swear allegiance to you, to Summer.”
He thought as much. Spring aligned more with Autumn when it came to values, traditions, and beliefs.
“They wish to swear allegiance to me.”
Tiernan froze. Maeve was staring at the ground and playing with the chiffon sleeves draping off her shoulders. She wouldn’t look at him, but instead of delving into her mind, he focused on her necklace. On her emotions.
“This bothers you?” he asked, unsure why she would feel so insecure at the mention of such an honor.
Her sea-swept eyes, clouded by concern, landed on him. “Doesn’t it bother you?”
“No. Why would it?”
“Because I’m fourth in line for the Autumn throne. I have no Court, no Crown City.” She gestured to the south, to where Niahvess was prepping for evening activities. “Yet these Spring fae want me as their queen, and it’s terrifying.”
He brushed a fallen curl back behind her ear. “You were born to rule.”
She sighed then and her shoulders dropped underneath what he could only assume was defeat.
“You fear nothing, Maeve.” He let his arm snake around her waist and pulled her so she was flush against him. “If it is a Court you need, then I’ll find you one.”
“What? No, I—” She stopped herself. “You can’t just create a Court.”
“I said I’ll handle it.”
