Page 131 of Void of Endings
“I’ll tell you a story of a warrior queen,
who won battles and hearts with her spirit.
With a palace by the sea, and a throne made of dreams,
so gather round if you long to hear it.”
Maeve’s gaze flicked to him, and when she smiled, it was a real one. The first one he’d seen in days. He grinned in return, continuing with the lyrics he knew would ease her heart.
“Between realms she fought through pain and strife,
she is fearless, brave, and strong.
She’s the mountains and seas, the magic of life,
and her legend will carry on in song.”
Her nose crinkled and she sniffled once, wiping away a single tear. “Tiernan.”
“Talk to me,astora,” he murmured, wishing she’d tell him all the thoughts weighing on her mind.
Though he hadn’t expected her to go into much detail, she surprised him by telling him about the field she’d found herself in, and how Shay had appeared. She spoke of worlds not their own, of magical places, and far-off realms. He remained quiet, listening intently, absorbing everything she said. Her eyes glossed with the threat of tears.
But she didn’t cry.
He strummed his fingers along the table. “Perhaps we can visit one of those places some day.”
She sighed. “Perhaps, but there is much to be done here first.”
This was true.
At some point, Maeve would venture back to the Spring Court and attempt to revive what was left of the land. It wasstill a barren wasteland after the war. Much would need to be purged, and there was plenty more that would have to be renewed.
She’d wasted no time restoring his wings, and for that gift, he would be eternally grateful. Her magic had created them to be an exact replica of how they were before, and though he wouldn’t be the one to admit it, he knew her wingspan was larger. Even if she let him pretend otherwise.
Maeve sat back in her chair, fiddling with one of the flowers he’d glamoured. “I still have to figure out how I’m going to rule over three Courts.”
He arched a brow, amused. “Three?”
“Yes. Summer, with you, of course. But Aran doesn’t want to stay in Faeven, and my father named me as heir to Autumn. Or at least, he asked me to rule in his place.” She shifted, her cheeks coloring slightly. “And I assumed I would take the Spring Court as well, since Rowan…left.”
It was the first time she mentioned the Nightweaver since the war ended. Maeve had been strangely quiet after Rowan’s disappearance, and he knew better than to push her about what happened within the void. All he knew was that Rowan went in after her, and never came back out.
Tiernan reached out and grabbed her hand. “I’m sure you’ll manage just fine.”
Lir appeared at the door a few moments later. He bowed. “Your Highness, we’re ready now.”
Maeve tilted her head, her brows furrowing. “Ready? For what?”
“I have a surprise for you.” Tiernan led her to the outdoor throne room, then paused just outside of it. “Close your eyes.”
“Tier…”
“Trust me,” he whispered.
Maeve sighed, but she did as he asked. He took her hand, guiding her into the throne room, carefully leading her to the center of the space.
“Now, open.”
