Page 125 of Throne of Dreams
Tiernan’s brow arched. “At what speed?”
She smiled knowingly. “I’ll get you a horse.”
Minutes later, she reappeared with a stallion whose coat resembled the darkest night. Balor took Maeve from him, and he climbed into the saddle.
Saoirse gently tucked a lock of Maeve’s hair behind her ear, then placed a kiss on her forehead.
“I’ll see you again, Maeve.” Her sapphire eyes locked onto Tiernan. “When she wakes, will you…”
He nodded sharply. “I’ll tell her.”
Then Balor lifted Maeve into his arms, helping to situate her in his lap so she could at least stay comfortable while she slept. Tiernan held her tightly and gripped the stallion’s reins. He glanced over at Balor, Tethra, and Dian. “How fast can you move?”
“You set the speed, Your Grace.” Tethra bowed. “I assure you we can keep up.”
“Very well.” Tiernan lifted one hand in a slight wave. “We’ll see you, Saoirse Doran.”
A sheen misted over the silver-haired warrior’s eyes, and she waved in return. “Fair winds, my lord.”
Without a backward glance, he steered the stallion away from Kells. They traveled through the Moors and the Fieann Forest swiftly. By the time they reached the Shores, the moon was high, the stars glittered like diamonds, and on the horizon, he caught sight of faintly glowing faerie light moving across the Eirelan Pass.
TheAmshirapproached.
ChapterThirty-Six
Aran was coming.
Despite everything, relief settled into Tiernan’s bones. Even if he and Aran were not exactly on speaking terms, Maeve needed a comfortable place to rest, and he knew for a fact theAmshirwas well-equipped with all aspects of luxury, including a bed.
“Let me help you, Your Grace.” Tethra reached up, and Tiernan transferred Maeve into his arms.
He dismounted and sent the steed back to Kells.
Tiernan looked around for some place where Maeve could sleep until Aran arrived. Unfortunately, the Shores were made up of sand, sea glass, and shells. He debated on whether to even try to create a makeshift bed for her when something in the water splashed just off the shoreline.
He froze, his gaze narrowing on the quiet, rippling waves. He scanned the dark waters, seeing nothing, but the Furies had heard it as well. Tethra moved backward with Maeve, while Balor and Dian drifted to the forefront, protecting him.
“What is it?” Balor asked, his voice a harsh whisper.
Tiernan shook his head. “I don’t know. I don’t see anything out of the ordinary.”
Another splash. This one was closer than the last.
The Furies shifted, barricading Tethra and Maeve. Tiernan pulled one of his swords, stepping closer to the water’s edge, the uneven shoreline crunching loudly beneath his boots. He peered out, eyes straining, when a glimpse of a shadow slithered in the moonlight. Sword raised, he took one more step, and it was then he noticed the glittering of iridescent scales. Merrow scales.
He lowered his weapon. “Queen Marella? What are you doing here?”
She stayed in the water, close enough that he could just make out the pearls encrusting her upper body. She angled her head by way of greeting and her ink-colored hair spilled down around her shoulders. “My lord, I must speak with you at once.”
Tension coiled inside him like a vise. The merrow queen rarely sought him out and when she did, it was of great importance. “Is it Garvan? What has he done?”
He feared the worst for the merrows, especially since Maeve brought news of Garvan’s heinous crimes against them.
“It’s not, at least not yet.” Her glassy eyes remained focused on him, never blinking. “The hunting of merrows has ceased for now, but I worry this is only because the High Prince is preoccupied with more nefarious plans.”
“You mean regarding Parisa?” Tiernan glanced out to sea. TheAmshirwas still a ways offshore, but it would be here soon enough.
“I do,” Marella confirmed. “Though the Spring bitch dares title herself a queen, she has no right to make such a claim.”
