Page 124 of Realm of Nightmares
“What the fuck?” Merrick muttered.
“Sick.” Brynn shook her head, disgusted. “Absolutely sick.”
Murmurs of discontent and outrage were drowned out by the music that started playing, a painfully cheerful tune despite the morose situation on display before them. Yet the disdain of the crowd had little effect on Alastar’s too-broad grin.
“Ah yes!” he cried.
Vinnia and Vella swooped down from their hoops, gathering up the bowls of rose petals in their hands. Swinging from their knees, they tossed the petals high in the air so they trickled down like drops of blood. Alastar covered the cage once more.
“And in death, just like in prose, is none so lovely as the rose.”
The lights flickered, casting long shadows across the far wall of the tent as every rose petal turned into a white songbird. They flew in a vast circle, around the assistants in their hoops, and up to the top crevice of the tent before descending, settling back in the cage where they belonged.
Perhaps not so novice after all.
Amazement captivated nearly every spectator.
Well, almost.
Lir shared a look with Tiernan. His brow furrowed. Though he continued to hold the cloud candy in one hand—maybe he was saving it for Saoirse, after all—his other hand remained firmly planted on the hilt of his sword.
One act was all he promised.
“Let’s go.” Tiernan snagged Brynn and Merrick’s attention. “I need to get back and check on Cer.”
“And now,” Alastar continued, “a volunteer!”
They abandoned their seats and headed for the exit as another rush of delight broke out among the crowd. Tiernan had just stepped out onto the path when a too-bright light was cast upon him. He froze.
“Care to volunteer, my lord?” Alastar’s voice carried over to him, the promise of a challenge hanging on every word. He tapped the front of the wardrobe with a makeshift wand made from a stick and tied with a bit of string.
Tiernan turned to face the stage. He was incredibly aware that every citizen crammed into the space beneath the tent watched with him rapt attention. They were waiting to see if he would accept, if he would play along. If he wanted to please them, to show he was the same as them regardless of station, then he’d be smart to subject himself to such foolishness. But…
Ceridwen was likely already awake and waiting for them to return. And if the look Lir gave him was any indication of his commander’s wishes, he’d be better off digging his own grave before walking up on that stage.
Squaring off with the awkward male, Tiernan inclined his head. “I regret I cannot stay longer. Unfortunately, I am needed back at the palace.”
There were a couple groans of discontent and disappointment, but then the lights dimmed even further.
“Such a pity indeed.” Alastar bowed his head. “One might have hoped the High King of Summer would be more…adventurous.”
Lir was by his side in a heartbeat, his voice low so that only Tiernan could hear him. “Don’t you fucking dare, Your Grace.”
The audience was near bursting. Tremors of enthusiasm caused the entire tent to tremble. Everyone wanted to see their High King step into the wardrobe for a casual disappearing act.
“I’ll go with him,” Merrick volunteered, gesturing to the stage. “Would that make you feel better?”
“Not exactly,” Lir muttered.
“We’re waiting, my lord.” Alastar unlocked the wardrobe, tapping the inside with his wand. “Do you have a decision for us?”
“One act.” Tiernan strode toward the stage, and the crowd was deafening. Their cheers, shouts, and squeals only further bolstered his resolve.
Merrick passed his bag of strawberry creams to Brynn and jogged up after him.
“What have we here?” Alastar circled the wardrobe, enlivening the audience with his words. “Two for the price of one! What a show we will have today!”
Merrick flashed a devilish grin, and Tiernan was quite certain some poor female in the front row swooned.
