Page 25 of Broken Veil
CHAPTER SIX
Diarmuid mac Lir, high king of the fae, son of the sea god and Queen Aíne the Wise, sat on a throne layered in gold and gemstones. “Carys Morgan, I extend my welcome to Temris, seat of the Tuatha Dé Danann and stronghold of the children of Danu.”
They were in a throne room filled with light. Whatever fae magic powered this castle, it looked like midday sun shining through milky alabaster windows that stretched from the floor to the ceiling.
“You arrive here at my request,” Dru continued, “and are under my protection for as long as you reside in this place.”
In a nod to his sea-god father, Dru wore a crown of twisted blood-red coral set with pearls and threaded with silver. The blue sigils on his face were the same ones that Carys had seen when she first crossed into the Shadowlands, when she was a wandering mythology professor and Dru was a strange bartender at the Four Crowns Pub.
“King Diarmuid,” Carys said, “we have accepted your invitation.” She couldn’t say thank you, but she was aching to be polite. “Your city… is very beautiful.”
“Yes, and your dragon is very loud.” Dru smirked. “Cadell.” He offered a short nod. “Good to see you.”
“Fae.” Cadell acknowledged Dru and nothing else. He stood behind Carys and Naida like a stoic pillar, guarding their backs.
Perfect,Carys said in her mind.I want to know what he’s up to. We’re not friends here.
I never considered this fae a friend.
Okay, well… good.
Lachlan, Duncan, Laura, and Godrik were all standing along the side of the throne room with the courtiers of Temris. Most of the curious onlookers were fae, but there was a good mix of unicorns in the mix and a fair number of humans wearing green sashes. Carys guessed they were diplomats from Éire.
There were no dragons other than Cadell. And no wolves save for Godrik.
“And Naida.” Dru’s voice softened. “It has been too long since a healer of your skill has visited my court.” He looked at the silent and watchful fae. “All of you, bow to the healer Naida of Gwenlais, for she saved the life of your king.”
Oh shit.
After a second of hesitation that had the fae king leaning forward on his throne, the entirety of the high fae court bent and took a knee, bowing their heads toward Naida as she stood before Dru’s throne.
This is appropriate.Cadell was quick to speak to her mind.He is making a statement. This makes me like him slightly better.
Naida is going to hate the attention.
This is only partially about her.
“Our gratitude, Naida of Gwenlais, for your service to the throne,” Dru said in an eerie voice. “The court of Temris honors you.”
Naida spoke cautiously. Her eyes were narrowed on Dru. “I am pleased to see the king has healed so well. No doubt your decisive victory over your brother has added to your health.”
She is more skilled in politics than she realizes,Cadell said.
She’s not wrong though.
Dru had never looked more powerful. Though he’d always held a mysterious aura, even in the Brightlands, now the magic fairly oozed from his pores. While Carys could feel power among the watching court, it was dwarfed by the wild strength of the sea god’s son.
Cian’s magic had been refined and controlled. Dru’s felt like he was barely keeping his in check. Even the stones beneath her feet held a decided hum.
Fae magic was elemental in nature, which was why they detested most metal and hated forged iron in particular. Something about it blocked their power. The castle around them was built of stone and wood. Vines grew around the pillars that held up the gallery and crawled across the vaulted ceiling.
“Rise and leave us, courtiers of Temris. I have dealings with this dragon lord and this healer.” Dru waved a hand. “I do not need your counsel today.”
An older fae with long silver hair stepped forward. “My lord, the Kingsguard?—”
“Is not needed.” Dru was quick to answer. “Not even when a dragon has come to call.” He looked at Carys and smirked. “I know this wyrm of old, Rowan Dún Nath.”
The old fae bowed. “My king.” He backed out of the gallery, following the other whispering fae courtiers and humans.
