Page 126 of Throne of Dreams
“On that, we agree.”
Marella sifted through the water, letting the small waves wash over the scales of her fins. “I came to speak with you on another matter. The Astralstone.”
His hand subconsciously slid to his thigh, where he kept the dagger in question on him at all times. “What of it?”
Her onyx gaze landed on it as well, then returned to his face a second later. “I withheld information when I originally offered it to you, my lord.”
Concern gnawed at him, and his brows lifted. It wasn’t like the Queen of Ispomora to take him for a fool. “Is that so?”
“Yes, my lord, though it was not done with malicious intent. It was more a matter of…waiting for the most opportune moment.” Her fingers, slightly webbed, flicked over the surface of the sea.
Tiernan sheathed his sword and crossed his arms. “Continue.”
“The Aurastone and Astralstone were gifts to me and my sister, from the skies. Forged from stardust and sunlight, they both possess great power.” When she spoke, she looked up to the night sky reigning above them. “But the twin daggers were never meant for us alone. They would claim their owners as was prophesied by my sister, Delphina.”
She hesitated now, her voice dropping so low, he could scarcely hear her over the waves lapping against the shore. “The Aurastone chose Maeve, the Dawnbringer. The Astralstone, however, did not choose you.”
Tiernan stiffened, his muscles tightening. The blow struck home. It was frustrating to think the Astralstone was not intended for him, to imagine he was not worthy. He knew the Furies watched, which did nothing but wound his pride even further.
“If not me, then who?” he ground out.
“The Nightweaver.”
He recollected stories of the Nightweaver and the Dawnbringer from his childhood. The demigod and demigoddess of all realms, both creators and destroyers of worlds. One glowed with the dawn, while the other ruled with shadows. There was no doubt in his mind that Maeve was the Dawnbringer incarnate. He’d seen her wield the Aurastone with such caliber, it looked as though it had beenmadefor her. Yet he rarely used the Astralstone. He kept it on his body, but he never withdrew it in battle. He reached for his swords every time he fought. As much as he was loath to admit it, he knew there must’ve been a reason the Astralstone did not call to him like the Aurastone did to Maeve.
He never expected it would be because the dagger hadn’t chosen him as its owner.
“Queen Marella, are you saying the Astralstone is useless in my possession?” It wasn’t like he needed it. He was well aware of the depth of his power and the strength of his magic. But the knowledge that he was not destined to be the Nightweaver bruised his ego.
On this, she held his gaze. “I am.”
He considered this information. He would never willingly withhold something of greatness strictly out of arrogance. If finding the true Nightweaver meant that Faeven would once again thrive, then so be it. “Do you want it back?”
“Only if you offer it willingly, my lord.”
The Astralstone had only fallen out of his possession once before, and he’d lost it for many years. Rowan had been the one to discover it during one of the many battles of the Evernight War. Tiernan had lost it then, as he’d once more found himself on the brink of death. The ground had been soaked with the blood of his enemies, with the blood of his allies. The skies had turned black, dark magic had permeated the air, and Rowan had run away.
The coward.
He bent down and unhooked the sheath on his thigh where the Astralstone was stored.
“Here.” He handed it to the merrow queen. “Find the one worthy.”
She dipped her head in acknowledgment. “You truly are a king of kings.”
He offered her a friendly smile. “Take great care, Marella. War is coming.”
She clutched the Astralstone to her chest. “I shall have my forces ready to aid you and all of Summer, should ever the need arise.”
“The Summer Court appreciates your devotion.” He bowed, then stepped back. TheAmshirwas fast approaching. “Fair winds.”
“May the seas always be on your side.” Queen Marella blinked once, then disappeared beneath the surface of the Eirelan Pass.
“Your Grace.” Tethra floated close to him and offered Maeve. “I do not think the High Prince of Autumn would take too kindly in knowing his sister was being held by a Fury.”
Tiernan took her in his arms. “Smart move.”
TheAmshirdrifted closer and anchored just offshore, a svelte vessel of glossy wood and burnt orange banners bearing the image of a three-headedtrechen. It didn’t rely upon the wind or seas, instead it sailed with magic. Planks unfolded like a staircase from the side of the ship all the way to the stretch of beach where Tiernan and the Furies waited in the shadows of night. Aran remained on the deck, leaning out over the railing, looking rather smug, and more than a little pleased with himself.
