Page 86 of Throne of Dreams
Malachy’s eyes darkened to resemble Winter’s longest night. “A mistake on his part. One he’s sure to regret.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
The finale sounded, and Malachy lowered her into a sensuous dip, letting his palm glide from her hip to her thigh. When at last he righted her, she curled her fingers around his arm, and she enjoyed the way he flexed beneath her touch. Tiernan was bound to be trembling with rage, but not once did she seek him out to ensure her scheme was working. He’d made himself perfectly clear in the library that she was not to allow another soul to touch her, and after Lir’s look of caution, she debated abandoning her purposeful dalliance altogether. Until she saw Ciara glowering at her from across the room. The sumptuous Winter Queen sneered in her direction and looked positively murderous.
Maeve watched her with matched loathing. “Is your queen always so angry?”
“No. Not always.” Malachy guided her through the other dancers, back toward the fountain. “Right now, I believe it’s jealousy that vexes her. She’s taken me to her bed many times and afterward she throws me out, barely even giving me enough time to grab my boots and pants before she slams the door in my face.”
Maeve’s lashes fluttered back, then he chuckled, patting her hand. “Have no fear, High Princess. Her enjoyment of my services is nothing more than that of a child playing with her favorite toy, then tossing it aside when she is bored of it. For Queen Ciara, it is shame that forces her to shun me. She’s Archfae…and I am not.”
“How callous.” Irritation flared hot and Maeve’s temper spiked. She wound her arms around his neck and rose up on her toes, pressing her full breasts into his chest. “Perhaps we should make both the High King of Summer and the High Queen of Winter regret their treatment of us?”
Malachy smiled, and he gripped her hips, grinding her into him. The bulge in his pants nudged against her. “Your determination is admirable, but I don’t wish to die.”
Thunder erupted around them, a deafening crack that left her ears ringing and almost sent her careening into the fountain. She jerked back and whipped around to find Tiernan towering above her, his eyes a violent storm of clouds and chaos. Fury radiated from him, and a thin sliver of panic shivered down her spine. There was a small, insignificant chance that shemayhave pushed him a little too far.
The entire ballroom had once again fallen silent. All of them watched with bated breath to see if the High King of Summer would unleash his wrath upon her.
Even though he looked like he was ready to destroy the entire fucking realm, Maeve flashed him her best smile and held her ground. She looked up at him, expectant.
“Might I have a word, my lady?” Malice laced his voice.
Oh yes, she had definitely pissed him off. But she didn’t move an inch.
“Of course,” she said coolly.
When she failed to step forward, he leaned down, so the tips of their noses almost touched.
“Alone.”
Maeve looked over at Malachy and deliberately held out her hand. He accepted without hesitation.
“It was wonderful to meet you, Malachy Brannon, Commander of the Winter Legion, General of the Army of Ashdara.”
“I hope to see you again in the future, my lady.” He pressed a firm kiss directly onto her knuckles.
The temperature around them dropped, and Tiernan was so tightly wound, violet sparks shot out from his fingers and scorched the earth at their feet. He looked ready to combust. Tiernan’s arm shot out, a demand for her to accept her place by his side. She stared, counted to ten in her mind, then placed her hand so it just hovered above his forearm.
Tiernan escorted Maeve from the open-air ballroom, and at their exit, rumors rose like the swelling tide behind them. He led her through the courtyard without speaking and when they made the turn down the corridor that would lead to their bedrooms, the wrath of Summer was unleashed upon her.
* * *
Tiernan grippedMaeve’s arms and hauled her up against the nearest wall. Her frightened gasp sent a surge of need straight to his cock, but he was so fucking pissed, he could barely focus. It was bad enough she’d refused to see him all day, and he had tried to be patient. He was ready to admit his mistake and apologize. He’d been willing to give her the space she demanded. Then she’d shown up wearingthatdress.
She was flawless. It was entirely nude, displaying the tattooshegave her for all to see. Gold beads that shifted to crimson when she moved in the light. The beadwork swirled over her breasts and other intimate areas, forming the shape of sun, crescent moons, and stars. Strands of rubies draped from her shoulders, tinkling like soft music whenever she twirled. Her mask for the masquerade was beaded just like the gown, shifting from soft gold to deep red. She even wore a new crown of rubies and black diamonds, as though it had been made from the very breath of Autumn.
He’d been tempted to go to her, to drop upon his knees in front of everyone, and beg her forgiveness. She walked with the grace of a queen, and all he wanted to do was throw her over his shoulder, toss her onto his bed, and bury himself inside her until she saw stars. But then she pulled that stunt with Malachy, knowing damn well every soul in attendance tonight would be watching her; it had been enough to summon the destruction inside him. Each of his muscles was so tightly wound with tension, he wanted to snap. Her brutal act of indifference toward him and her flirtations with Malachy called upon the darkness welling within him and that ravaging beast he kept locked away stirred to life.
Maeve’s initial shock faded to anger, and she lashed out. “Put me down, you bastard.”
Tiernan released her, but he didn’t let her go. Instead, he used his magic to pin her into place. To still her movements. To keep her up against the wall because his magic would not harm her, but his fingers could indeed leave bruises.
Alarm fired through him, hot and swift. But it belonged to Maeve, not to him. Her emotions drowned him in a wave of anguish, heartbreak, and panic. Her eyes were wide with betrayal. She struggled against his magic, fought it valiantly, but she couldn’t break the charm. So, she remained splayed against the ivory stone, completely at his mercy.
“Tiernan!” Her voice pitched in fear, but he lifted one finger to silence her.
“A moment, please.” He turned away, closing his eyes, calming the chaos inside him.
