Page 136 of Throne of Dreams
“Mer! What a pleasant surprise!” The High Queen’s eyes glinted when she looked upon her brother. She smoothed the front of her silver gown, adjusting the cloak of fur that fell to her feet. Her gaze landed on Maeve, and her berry lips curled in disgust before she finally sauntered toward Tiernan, flashing him a sultry smile. “My lord, it’s not like you to show up unannounced.”
Tiernan climbed off of his horse and strode toward her. Maeve debated on dismounting as well, but Lir caught the reins of her horse in one hand, sending her a look of warning.
“Not yet,” he whispered.
“We received word that Parisa intended to attack Winter.” Tiernan bowed before the High Queen and she dipped into a curtsy, never taking her eyes off him. “Her army of dark fae was spotted west of here with plans to ambush you.”
Ciara remained unaffected. She didn’t even look surprised. “What utter nonsense. Parisa wouldn’t dare attack the Winter Legion.”
Merrick walked over, adjusting his gloves. “I assure you, dear sister, she would.”
Ciara’s gaze shifted from her brother to the force of warriors standing behind them. Her lips pressed into a thin line. “I am not blind, Tiernan Velless. I have scouts along the entire margin of Winter’s borders. If Parisa even so much as took one step in my direction, I would know. I don’t need you or my baby brother looking out for me. I’m quite capable of ruling my Court on my own.”
“She plans to take over, Ciara.” Tiernan folded his arms, towering above the female. “She wants to—”
“Do not take me for a fool,” Ciara interjected, her eyes flaring with indignation. “I know she intends to divide us so that she may sit back and watch our collapse.”
Tiernan fell silent. Uncomfortable tension burgeoned between the Archfae, and he shifted his weight, the freshly fallen snow crunching beneath his boots. “Then something is wrong. We were told of movement coming this way. I only meant to offer my assistance.”
The High Queen of Winter spread her arms wide and glanced around them. “If they were here, they’re gone now. Perhaps your informant has chosen to fight on the wrong side.”
Thunder rumbled in the distance and the branches of the evergreens shook, the icicles clanging together like chimes. “You speak of treason.”
“I speak of possibility.” She grinned, insolent and haughty. “Surely not even you can believe every soul within your Court would choose to grovel at your feet.” Her icy gaze landed on Maeve. “Though I do suppose some may choose to suck your cock instead.”
It happened so fast, Maeve’s lungs seized.
From beside her, Lir vaulted off his horse, transforming mid-air. His warrior-like body morphed into that of a monstrous wolf. His silver and black coat glinted in the overcast sunlight as his thick fur stood on end. Baring his fangs with jaws snapping, a guttural, menacing growl tore from his throat as he charged the Winter Queen.
Maeve sat in her saddle, gaping at the fae commander, at the male sworn to protect her with his life. She had no idea he was a shifter. He never mentioned it.No oneever mentioned it.
Tiernan stormed forward, capturing Ciara by her neck, saving her from Lir’s attack. He hefted her into the air so her feet dangled like a puppet. She didn’t fight. She didn’t claw. She just smiled. At once, swords were drawn, each blade pointed to a member of the opposing Court.
“Maeve is the Dawnbringer.” When Tiernan spoke, the ground trembled in fear. “She is the High Princess of Autumn. The High Queen of the Furies as well as the Spring fae who swore a vow of allegiance to her. She bears my Strand, and she ismine.”Thunder exploded across the sky, causing even the mountains to quake. “If you ever disrespect her again, I will ensure your blood stains your Court red.”
“My lord.” Brynn had two daggers drawn, each of them aimed for the heart of two Winter warriors. “We have bigger battles to fight than those that stem from the High Queen’s petty jealousy.”
“It isn’t jealousy, Brynn Banlisch.” Laughter squeezed from Ciara, strangled and choking. “If the High Princess wants my seconds, she can have them.”
Her face turned a hideous shade of reddish-purple and she gasped, her legs flailing in the air.
“Tiernan, let her go,” Maeve pleaded. As much as she despised Ciara, she was still an ally. A bitch, but an ally. “She isn’t worth it.”
He squeezed once more, then dropped her, the mark of his hand branding her frail neck. “Next time, there will be no warning.”
Lir growled, shifting back into his faerie form, and Maeve blinked, amazed he could do it so quickly.
“Your Grace!”
Tiernan whipped around at the use of his formal title. From across one of the snow-covered hills, a Summer fae was urging his horse at a full gallop, so fast the wind seemed to carry them.
“Your Grace!” The Summer fae jumped off his horse and fell to the ground.
Merrick was by him in an instant, hauling him to his feet.
“Report,” Tiernan demanded.
“Attack, my lord.” His chest heaved. “Niahvess has come under attack.”
