Page 41 of Realm of Nightmares
Absorbing this information, Maeve made a mental note to either try to find a book in Aed’s library, or to ask Rowan to escort her back to the one in the city. One of the libraries was bound to have knowledge of this magical key.
Yet the one Laurel brandished had resembled a blade.
“Is it a weapon?” she asked.
“Yes and no. It can be used as both a weapon and a key.” Rowan considered her, as though he was debating on telling her more. “A weapon in that it can destroy one’s enemy. A key in that it can open and close gateways to other realms. To do so, however, one must be a Guardian of the Realms.”
A Guardian of the Realms?
What in the seven hells was that?
She was definitely going to research all of this. Rowan seemed to be an overflowing supply of information, and she would be lying to herself if the thought of it didn’t make her slightly apprehensive. “Then how did Laurel get this supposed key?”
“In one of two ways. Either she was chosen to be the guardian, or she killed the one who was.” Rowan rocked the chair forward, shrugging one shoulder, then letting it fall, and dismissing Laurel altogether. “My guess is the latter.”
“How do you know so much?” The question spilled from her before she could stop it.
“I’ve been alive a long time, Princess.”
“You’re doing it again.” Though she tried to remain nonchalant, her tone held a hint of accusation.
“Doing what?” he asked, a line furrowing across his brow.
“Being exceptionally vague. Giving me typical fae responses that aren’t really answers at all. They’re always perplexing.” She pinned him with one look, ensuring he knew she wouldn’t so quickly let down her guard around him, that she intended to remain vigilant, no matter how many times he apologized. “Always cunning.”
Something glinted in his eyes and then it was gone, shuttered away. “You’re right.”
She watched him, expectant.
“I’ve been alive a long time. Longer than most. I was there before Parisa was born, when the Spring Court was once a place of mystical beauty. Everything was lush and vibrant, and full of life. Rich forests of eternal evergreen as far as the eye could see. Vineyards that produced the most luscious wines nestled in the valley of the mountains. There’s a river there, its namesake stemming from lore older than even myself. Turquoise blue waters that dance in every color of the rainbow when the sunlight splashes upon its surface.” Rowan’s words wrapped around her, pulling her into the story of his past. Into a magical world of wonder and temptation. “Once upon a time, Suvarese was a place worthy to call home.”
“It could be all those things again,” Maeve whispered.
“Ever the optimist.” His voice was nothing more than a murmur, more hushed than the summer wind.
“Someone has to be.”
Rowan pushed back from the table and stood, his fingers curled around the back of the chair and his brow pinched, like he was debating whether or not he had something he wanted to say.
“Would you like to accompany me to the Gaulbron Deep today?” he asked suddenly.
“What’s the Gaulbron Deep?”
“It’s an ocean in the Ether bordering the eastern shore.”
He must’ve read the hesitation on her face because he added, “I’ll be meeting with Queen Marella.”
At the mention of the merrow queen, Maeve sat up. “Is that so?”
He nodded. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Princess.” The corners of his mouth curved into a mesmerizing smile. “You’re safe with me.”
She thought she was, once.
“Alright.” Maeve stood, her hand subconsciously wrapping around the opal necklace dangling from her throat. She squeezed it gently, relishing in the small sliver of comfort it brought her. Something in her chest warmed. There was a gentle tug, a beckoning, like a string pulling her in a different direction. But it was strained, threadbare. She shook off the disheartening sensation. “When do we leave?”
Rowan held out his hand. “Right now.”
ChapterThirteen
