Page 96 of Realm of Nightmares
“What happened?” He took a sip, appreciating the burn in the back of his throat. “Why are you back in Faeven?”
An exasperated sigh escaped her, and she sent Casimir a look cold enough to make even the most seasoned of warriors shudder. She attempted to wrangle herself free from Lir’s hold, but he didn’t release her.
Defeated, she ceased her struggling.
“You were right.” At those words, the fire in her eyes dimmed. “After Maeve restored Kells, it took no time at all for other kingdoms in Veterra to notice we were without a ruler. Cantata, the kingdom south of Kells, attacked first. Without anyone to lead us, we stood no chance against their forces. Their army marched in and they annexed us. They assumed authority over the Gaelsong Port, took control of the Moors and the Fieann Forest, all the way to the Shores.”
It was expected, though even Tiernan had to admit he didn’t think a neighboring kingdom would move in so quickly. Then again, rule in the human lands was unpredictable, with rebellions popping up every few years only to be annihilated later.
“I see.” He eyed the whiskey in his glass, wishing he had something stronger.
Ceridwen reached across the table, placing her hand on top of Saoirse’s. “I’m sorry for it.”
Wisps of silver hair fell in Saoirse’s face, and even though she blew them out of the way, they returned to annoy her once more. “Last I heard, they started demolishing Carman’s fortress. Apparently, the queen of Cantata thinks the Cliffs of Morrigan will make the perfect place to house her many lovers.”
Merrick took a drink of his own whiskey and choked. Brynn reached behind him, smacking him firmly on the back. He coughed once and smiled, eyes watering. “Must be nice.”
Ceridwen was gripping her teacup so tightly, Tiernan swore the porcelain would shatter. He had no idea what was going on between his hunter and his sister, but for such a pithy comment to affect her so severely, he imagined it had something to do with intimate feelings. Ceridwen was perfectly capable of fighting her own battles, but if Merrick so much as crossed any line she’d drawn, he would answer to his High King.
“And they just let you leave Kells?” Lir’s question drew Tiernan back into the conversation.
Saoirse looked at the commander and when she did, there was no mistaking the heartache haunting her face. She couldn’t shutter it away, she couldn’t hide it beneath a veneer of sarcasm and teasing remarks. “When we surrendered, we were given an option. Either take up arms for Cantata and wear their colors…or find somewhere else to live.”
“And how did you get here?” Tiernan asked, meeting Aran’s troubled gaze. Without Aran sailing theAmshir, there would’ve been no way for her to cross the barrier of the Eirelan Pass.
“I…um…”
Aran’s brows pulled together, and the lines of his face hardened. Even Dorian leaned forward, steepling his fingers.
“Saoirse.” Lir’s voice was eerily low. “How did you get into Faeven?”
She swallowed.
“Answer the question, Saoirse.”Tiernan spoke the words into her mind, and her blue eyes flew wide with shock. She stared at him, disbelieving.
“Now,”he commanded.
Saoirse shifted and this time Lir let go of her arm. “There was this faerie. At least, I’m assuming he was one because he had the ears. But he also had a boat and I needed to cross.” She folded her arms over her chest, as though she could somehow protect herself. “And I had nowhere else to go.”
“This faerie you speak of,” Aran interjected, a line of concern deepening across his forehead. “What did he look like?”
“I don’t know, he looked like all of you. Tall. Ridiculously muscular.” She flitted one hand through the air dismissively. “Definitely gorgeous.”
Dorian chuckled. “Specifics, please.”
“I don’t know why I’m the one being interrogated,” she snapped, setting her sights on the High King of Autumn. “It’s not like you…”
Her gaze darted between the High King and the High Prince.
“You…” She sat up straight and her mouth fell open. “You’re Maeve’s father.”
He nodded once. “I am.”
“How are you not outraged?” She pointed off in the distance, braid whipping, and Lir caught it with his hand before it smacked him in the face. “Your daughter is in the Ether!”
But Dorian remained effortlessly calm. He smoothed the lapel of his deep green vest, running his fingers along the gold etching. “I am quite aware of her exact location and I assure you, I am thoroughly outraged. Just as I understand her reason for being there.”
Saoirse scowled. “Well, I don’t.”
