A bronze chandelier floated overhead, illuminated by faerie light. Rowan occupied one of two leather chairs by the hearth, watching her every move. There was a large, burgundy sofa that looked as though no one had sat on it in years, and a wire basket full of blankets in the corner. Along one wall was a small desk, an onyx paperweight the only thing sitting on its surface. There was a single drawer and the one time Maeve tried to open it, she found it locked. No matter how many times she stood in the library, it still felt as though she was invading someone’s personal space.
Her gaze slid to the oval table where she expected Rowan to have set out a book or two for them to analyze for information regarding the Dawnbringer and the Nightweaver. But there wasn’t anything there. No papers, no books.
She crossed her arms, annoyed. “I thought you said we were going to research.”
“We are. It’s a rather fascinating story.” He reclined in the chair, tucking his hands behind his head. “And I’m going to tell it to you.”
“And were you there during the time of the Dawnbringer and the Nightweaver?” she asked, skepticism hanging off every word.
“No. But it’s a story I know well.” The barest of shadows stole into his eyes. “It’s one my mother used to tell me when I was a child.”
“Oh.” Maeve didn’t know what else to say. She knew Rowan had parents, but he never spoke of them. In fact, he rarely talked about his past at all. It was slightly jarring to realize exactly how little she knew about him. If anything at all.
“Okay.” She settled into the chair next to his. “I’m listening.”
ChapterFour
Tiernan woke up aching.Everywhere.
He was quite certain the last time he awoke with such a throbbing erection, he’d been a careless youth, determined to remedy it with the first willing female he could find. This was no longer the case, seeing as the only female he desired was in another realm entirely. Even if he wanted to beat himself while picturing Maeve writhing beneath him, he didn’t have the energy. Today was the first day he finally felt well enough to get out of bed since Aed ripped the power of destruction from him.
Not only that, but he was furious with himself. It had been days since he’d been able to reach Maeve through their bond and when he’d connected with her, all he heard were her breathy whispers of need. His cock had hardened so swiftly, all he’d wanted to do was help her find pleasure.
He should’ve asked her if she was alright.
He should’ve found out if she was still safe, should’ve told her he loved her, and he was working on a way to bring her back to Faeven. Though he had to admit, hearing her whimpers and gasps of relief helped to ease the tangled web of doubt Aed attempted to spin in his mind.
For now.
Shaking off the apprehension brought on by the god of death, Tiernan climbed out of bed. The wooden floor was cold beneath his bare feet. He stood in the solitude of the hour, alone, listening. The silence emanating from the room next to his was deafening. The double glass doors leading to his balcony were partially open, and though the air was warm and comforting, gray blanketed the skies. A hazy overcast had fallen over the entirety of Niahvess and a heaviness seemed to smotherthe Summer Court.
Maeve was gone, and the sun had fled with her.
He dressed slowly, taking his time while his body continued to recover. He’d just finished rolling the sleeves of his shirt when a gentle knock sounded against his bedroom door.
“Enter,” he called, his voice rough and far deeper than usual.
The door creaked open a few inches and Ceridwen appeared.
“You’re up.” Her eyes widened in disbelief.
“I am.” He adjusted his boots, then straightened. “Barely.”
Golden hair spilled down her shoulders, and though her smile was bright, there was no mistaking the blotches of exhaustion and worry beneath her eyes. She fiddled with the beading on her bright blue gown, and he inclined his head. Ceridwen never fidgeted.
“How are you?” he asked, stepping closer to his twin.
“Things are well enough. Everyone is managing as best they can. The Spring fae are in good spirits, despite all that’s happened.” Her gaze drifted past him to the city beyond the palace. “There have been a few dark fae sightings but no attacks, though I expect Lir has a full report waiting for you.”
Tiernan clasped both of her shoulders. “I asked aboutyou, not everything else.”
Her red lips pressed together, but he could’ve sworn they quivered. “I’m fine.”
He arched a brow. “You’re lying.”
Something else very much unlike his sister.
Ceridwen shifted, unwilling to look him in the eye.
