Page 111 of Throne of Dreams
“As ever.” He offered his hand and she accepted.
Together they strode through the open-air corridors toward the main courtyard of the palace, passing a handful of soldiers and servants, but none dared to look up. They knew what was happening, where they were going. They knew what was coming.
Tiernan and Maeve rounded the corner, and Ceridwen, Lir, and Brynn were there, standing just inside the palace gates. Merrick had not yet returned from Spring. Lir was decked in full armor, as he was the only one coming with them, but a weight of worry had settled upon Tiernan’s shoulders, and it was something he couldn’t quite shake.
Ceridwen focused on him immediately. “What’s wrong?”
Maeve, Lir, and Brynn all turned to watch the exchange.
He glanced at each of the faces looking at him in expectation. “I’m thinking.”
“That you don’t want to leave Brynn and me here alone.” Ceridwen’s guess was accurate.
“Exactly.”
Brynn bristled and stepped forward. “Moh Rí,with all due respect…”
He held up one hand in quiet command. “I know, Brynn. You’re one of my best warriors. There is no doubt in my mind of your ability to lead the High Army of Niahvess in my absence.”
Pride left her glowing, and her eyes shifted from golden brown to blue.
“But,” Tiernan continued, and her face fell. He grabbed her shoulder and squeezed lightly, then let his hand fall away. “You are also my strongest healer. If anything happens while we’re gone, I need you saving lives, not issuing orders.”
Brynn opened her mouth to object, but Tiernan overrode her unsaid words. “That being said, when we go to war against Parisa and her supposed Dark Court, youwillbe on the battlefield with us. I will not leave you behind to care for the wounded.”
Ceridwen draped an arm around Brynn’s sullen shoulders. “It’s just his way of saying he doesn’t want me left alone in case something happens. It’s too much of a risk without having Lir or Merrick here with us.”
“Of course, my lord. I understand.” Brynn straightened and inclined her head. “I will ensure no threat breaches our Court and I will protect the High Princess at all costs.”
Tiernan’s gaze slid to Lir, to his Commander of the Summer Legion. He bowed in kind and his silver eyes flashed to Maeve, to the life he’d sworn to protect. “You’re certain you wish for me to remain behind?”
“Yes.” The weight bearing down upon him slowly lifted. “Ceridwen will see to the Court while you and Brynn ensure the city does not waver while I’m gone.”
“Very well, my lord.” Lir looked at Maeve and offered her—and only her—a smile. “Promise me you won’t leave his side, little bird.”
Maeve’s face illuminated with undulated joy. “I promise.”
Tiernan noted the exchange. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d seen his commander genuinely smile and to know Maeve had been the one to do it, to bring such lightness to the shadows that haunted Lir…a sense of pride swelled inside him. She truly was radiant, the Dawnbringer in every sense of the word.
“Debrief Merrick as soon as he returns,” Tiernan continued, drawing his attention to the task at hand. It was another slight concern. Merrick should’ve been back by now. But when Tiernan reached for his hunter, only silence answered, which meant Merrick was still somewhere inside the Spring Court. “Watch the borders. Watch the skies. Trust no one.”
Lir and Brynn snapped to attention. Brynn bowed as Lir said, “Consider it done.”
After a quick farewell, Brynn and Lir walked away, seeing to their respective duties. Neither would fail him. Neither would falter. They knew what must be done, and the safety of his Court was in the best of hands. They would risk their own lives before they allowed any harm to come to Niahvess and its people.
Ceridwen clasped his hand and then took Maeve’s in her other. Her jaw was set, her red lips pressed into a hard line. She fought back the shimmer of tears but failed miserably. “Return to us. Both of you.”
Maeve’s smile faltered, and Tiernan curled her into his side. He bowed deeply before his twin. “On my honor.”
With one hand encircling Maeve’s waist, he looked down at her. “Let’s go.”
Right before theyfaded, Ceridwen’s thoughts called out to Tiernan, and he heard her final words as the scent of magic overwhelmed them and the world of Summer blurred to nothing but a memory.
“Come home to us.”
* * *
When Maeve openedher eyes afterfading, a gasp fell from her lips, and she stumbled into Tiernan’s strong embrace.
