Page 104 of Throne of Dreams
Maeve twisted in his lap to face him. “Are you aware there’s an area of your library that’s glamoured?”
He shared a look with Ceridwen, then patted Maeve’s thigh, letting his thumb trace lazy circles. “Yes. It’s glamoured for a reason. Dark magic can be tempting to those whose minds are too weak to resist.”
She reared back, affronted. “Are you calling me weak?”
“Not at all.” The corner of his mouth twisted out of spite. “Reckless, yes. But never weak.”
“It’s where I learned about Fearghal,” Maeve admitted and ducked her head as a wash of pink flooded her neck and crawled up her cheeks. “And the Puca.”
“I assumed as much.” Tiernan planted a kiss at the base of her neck. “Your curiosity often gets the best of you.”
“I can go back to the library and see if I can find more information on dark magic,” Maeve continued.
“Once we return from Kells.” He slid his hand back between her thighs, maintaining control, relishing the fact that her body froze again. “And only if Merrick’s scouts uncover no new information for us.”
Tiernan was fully expecting her to fight him on it. To argue that the library was just as necessary as anything else, but shockingly enough, she agreed, and only curled further onto his lap. Arousal pummeled through him. If they were alone, he’d take her right here, on the balcony, in the glorious rays of late morning sunlight. He could imagine how perfect Maeve would look wrapped up in nothing but the silk of the sun.
“So,” Merrick drew the word out and pushed up from his seat. “I’m going to go…find something else to do.”
Brynn laughed and stood with him. “I believe there’s a tavern in the city offering half-priced drinks.” She flicked a glance to the timepiece on her wrist. “We’d be four hours early but I’m sure they won’t mind.”
“Alas, duty calls.” Merrick raked a hand through his hot pink hair. “I’ll take you up on a drunken stupor after this shit show is over.”
“Deal.”
Lir stood as well, and Maeve glanced up at him. “You’re leaving, too?”
He nodded solemnly. “I have swords that need sharpening for tomorrow’s adventure.”
“Of course.”
Right as Lir walked off, Ceridwen sat down. Tiernan shot his twin a menacing look.
“Yes, Tier, I’m fully aware that you need some alone time with Maeve.” Her eyes steeled. “But this can’t wait.”
Threads of apprehension stitched their way down Tiernan’s spine. “What is it?”
Ceridwen fiddled with the ribbons of gold silk at her waist. “I’ve had another vision.”
From under the table, Maeve squeezed his hand, and he looked up sharply at his sister. “What happened?”
“It wasn’t clear. At least, not completely. I’ve never had a vision like this one before, where the images continue to shift. But there was a massive storm. The sound…it was the thundering of a thousand hooves and shadows tore across the sky in an abundance of roiling clouds.” Her lips pressed together, but she held his gaze, firm and elegant at once. “It was the eternal warriors.”
“The Wild Hunt,” Tiernan murmured.
“Yes.” Ceridwen’s eyes darkened like dusk before the fall of night and her gaze slid to the female seated upon his lap. “Maeve was among them.”
“It’s a sign then, right?” She angled her head and glanced at him from over her shoulder. “That they will fight alongside us if I ask?”
“Yes.” Concern heightened his ever-increasing awareness. “But how did you know about the Wild Hunt?”
“Casimir told me when I—” Maeve clamped her mouth shut and her entire body went rigid in his hold.
Ceridwen’s lashes fluttered back, and she looked at Tiernan before stealing a fleeting glance at the stone floor.
Tiernan blew out a low breath, steeling himself. He must remain calm. If Maeve had seen Casimir recently, and hadn’t told him, it was likely his own doing. With one finger, he guided her chin up and lifted her face to him.
“Continue, Maeve.”
