Page 76 of Throne of Dreams
Ciara’s skin turned scarlet at the insult, and faint bruises marred her neck. She rubbed at them absently, and though her frown deepened, she relented.
“Fine.” She drew the word out so it dripped with sarcasm. “Apologies for insulting your High Princess.”
Merrick said nothing, but the room quaked with power and violence.
She whirled away, mumbling something about finding some Summer soldier to fuck instead.
“Take your pick,” Tiernan called after her.
She gave him the finger and stalked out of his room. As soon as they were alone, Tiernan turned to look at his best friend.
“I shouldn’t have asked you to distract Maeve. I apologize.”
Merrick’s shoulders rose and fell. He pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. “You’re not the only one to blame. We both thought it was the right decision.”
He looked to his hunter, hoping to ease some of the worry from his mind. “Where is she?”
“Niahvess.” Merrick paused, inhaling deeply, tracking the scent of her. “Some kind of shop.”
Tiernan nodded; at least she was with Lir.
His hunter took another breath, then added, “She’s pissed.”
“I’m aware.” He pressed his lips together in a firm line.
Merrick shoved his hands into the pockets of his pants, looking like a schoolboy who’d been caught thieving lollipops from a candy store. “I think we should apologize.”
“Separately,” Tiernan amended.
“Agreed.” Merrick headed for the door. “I’ll try and make sure she’s back in time for the party.”
“I wouldn’t.” He shook his head, knowing Maeve would refuse him. She was stubborn, if anything, and with how furious she was at the both of them, sending Merrick off on an errand like that would likely end with him being injured. Or maimed. Or burned. Possibly all three. He gradually paced the wooden floor of his bedroom, his boots clicked noisily against the hard surface. “Ask Ceridwen instead. Maeve is liable to set you on fire.”
Merrick blanched. “Noted.”
Tiernan ran a hand through his hair. His frustration was mounting. Guests were already arriving for Sunatalis and he’d have to welcome them and show face. But he needed more time. He needed to make amends with Maeve, and soon. He had to prove the depth of the bond they shared. But tonight, time simply wouldn’t allow for it.
Righting all the wrongs with Maeve would have to wait.
He could only hope he wouldn’t regret it.
ChapterTwenty-Two
Maeve stalked through the floating city with Lir following closely behind. She tried to stay mad, to hold tight to her anger, but the beauty of Niahvess melted it away. She couldn’t frown at the darling fae children who smiled up at her with shining eyes. The array of blossoms bursting over the bridges softened her glare. Even the air seemed to sense her frustration and sent a warm breeze to tickle her cheek.
She opened the door to the dress shop she’d visited earlier with Ceridwen and the bell jingled, announcing her arrival.
Imogen came out from around a counter showcasing an array of jewels and tiaras, with a bright smile on her face.
“My lady.” She bobbed a curtsy. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
Her gaze shifted to Lir, and she lowered her eyes. “Commander.”
Maeve’s brow quirked. “You two know each other?”
Imogen offered a small, shy smile and answered, “Everyone knows the commander, my lady.”
Of course, everyone would know Lir. He was unmistakable. He was patient. Compliant. Quiet and calm. He never wavered. Never panicked. He fought with a kind of ruthlessness that was only accomplished by those in possession of a stone-cold heart.
