Page 125 of Atop the Faerie Throne
The Goddess is pissed.
Fine.
So am I.
“I pledged my body, my magic, and my soul to the protection of Nicnevin Rhoswyn,” I retort. “You were there. You remember. I’ll keep my oath or break the world trying.”
Danu’s chuckle is dark, her amusement edged with threat. “You tread a dangerous line, Huntsman. I set my terms, and they were unmet. If you were so adamant about protecting your mate, you might’ve tried this hard to trust Caedmon.”
Does she think I don’t know that? “You set him an impossible task.”
“You mean, I setyouan impossible task,” Danu tuts. “It was not. I wished to ensure my beloved daughter was surrounded by males who could work together to protect her. A true Guard to support her in the face of her battles.”
“And in the process, you’ve destroyed her.”
The pressure on my spine lets up, and I feel her retreat. “I did not grant you an audience for you to cast aspersions to distract from your own shortcomings.”
She’s leaving, I realise with dread. “No. You didn’t. You granted it because you want her happy, and you know she can’t be what you need like this.”
Danu pauses, but I don’t dare look up or try to guess at what she’s thinking.
“I have what I need. Even without Caedmon, my Nicnevin will do her duty. When all is done, and she returns to my side,the unity between Fae and Fomorians remains assured through Praedra’s line.”
“You can’t truly want that.”
“It is done.”
“Well, undoit!”
The pressure returns, doubled, until my spine cracks from how hard she’s forcing me into the stone. “The terms were set, and they weren’t met. It is out of my hands, Huntsman. There is nothing I can do.”
“Extend the deadline.”
Am I imagining the touch of sorrow in her voice as she answers, “It’s not so simple as that.”
The silence stretches on, the scent of wild meadows lingering teasingly in the air, reminding me of Rose’s own sweet floral scent. My eyes slide closed, and all I can see is her blank stare as she’s lowered into the bath like a doll.
“Please,” I whisper.
The warmth of the Otherworld is fading. Danu slipping away. “Caedmon broke his oath,” she says. “This is simply the consequence of his choices.”
“She needs him, and Faerie needs her. You know that!” I shout after her, desperation tinging my tone as my hands fumble to find my head. “Goddess, please. Just listen?—”
Damn it. She’s getting farther away. I can feel her absence like a breath of fresh air.
Desperation pulses in my veins, and I finally manage to make my fingers work. I face her at last, my eyes going wide as I yell, “I’ll make a bargain!”
Forty
Rhoswyn
Idon’t remember much of the last few days. After waking up, everything is a blur. I tried to fight it, tried to break through and speak, at the very least to alleviate the worry that’s pouring down my remaining four bonds.
Yet, every word turned to ash in my mouth.
I should be down in the city, continuing the rebuilding efforts. Or in the war room, looking over our plans one last time. Instead, I find myself drifting in and out of consciousness.
My mates deserve better. My people need me to be better. I know that. I was prepared for this outcome. Or at least, I thought I was.
