She walked over to the wardrobe, running her fingers along the smooth surface of the carved wood, admiring the abundance of decadent gowns, all the colors of Autumn, tucked neatly inside of its doors. Her gaze skimmed over the velvet lined drawers full of jewels and crowns, wondering if her mother ever wore them for special occasions, or if she decorated herself in rubies and black diamonds simply because she felt like it.
Maeve liked to imagine it was the latter.
Her stomach rumbled. If she was quick, she wouldn’t miss dinner. But then one of her mother’s gowns caught her eye. It was two pieces, the skirt was black silk with a strikingly high slit, and the top was cropped, covered heavily with dark purple gems and gold beads. She supposed shecoulddress as an Archfae for the evening. Besides, Ceridwen always wore her finest clothing. Maeve wasn’t sure she’d ever seen the High Princess of Summer in anything other than a stunning gown.
Dressing quickly, she ran her hands through her rumpled hair, attempting to smooth the curls. She cleansed her face, brushed her teeth, then headed back into Tiernan’s room and grabbed her Aurastone from beneath her pillow. Fastening it to her thigh, she gave herself a once over in the mirror.
Good enough, all things considered.
She yanked open the bedroom door and squeaked.
There was Lir, waiting for her. The same way he’d always done. Ever patient. Ever vigilant. He wore all black, except the collar and sleeves of his shirt were trimmed in tiny golden stars. Both of his curved swords were strapped to his waist, and the polished studs on the toes of his boots gleamed in the faint light of the corridor.
His silver gaze roved over her, and he inclined his head. “My lady.”
Maeve lowered herself into a curtsy. “Commander.”
Lir offered his arm and she accepted, allowing him to lead her to the verandah. They walked in amiable silence until she got the distinctive feeling he was watching her.
She looked over at him.
“Does this one have pockets?” he asked.
“Unfortunately, no.” Maeve smiled, and the corner of his mouth lifted in return. “I suppose I’ll have to see if Deirdre can remedy that for me.”
They rounded the corner, and Maeve’s breath caught her in chest. The library was just up ahead.
“After dinner.” Lir veered them away from the engraved doors and Maeve’s smile only widened.
“You should know,” he continued, “we have a visitor.”
Something in his voice set her on edge and her steps stuttered, but Lir kept her upright. “Who is it?”
“Casimir Vawda.”
“What? Casimir is here?” Maeve whirled on him, stopping in her tracks. She clutched the sleeve of his shirt. “Why?”
He regarded her carefully, considering his next words. “He’s been supplying us with information in regards to Parisa’s movements within the Spring Court.”
“Has he now…” Maeve’s stomach dropped, her appetite suddenly evading her. The trust she’d built with Casimir had been broken the moment he handed her over to Parisa. He’dyet to prove himself a valuable ally, and she saw no reason to rely upon anything he said. Especially not when he was still in Parisa’s confidence. “And you believe him?”
He shifted on his feet, resigned. “I’m afraid we don’t have much of a choice.”
“How long has he been here?” she asked as he opened the door to the verandah for her.
“Two hours.”
“Two hours?” Maeve’s voice pitched, drawing the attention of everyone seated at the outdoor table.
Tiernan, Merrick, Rowan, and Casimir were on their feet the second she arrived. Ceridwen remained seated, sipping her tea, while Brynn and Saoirse looked to be having some kind of competition over who could flick their dagger through their fingers the fastest. Their mouths snapped shut, their contest ending, when they saw Maeve standing in the doorway.
The males bowed, and something about their extreme chivalry grated on Maeve’s nerves. She lifted her chin out of spite, sending them each a cool glare, lingering a moment longer on Casimir. His hood was shoved back, his dark eyes hidden beneath a swath of brown hair.
Maeve bristled. “Is there a reason I wasn’t invited to this little party?”
“You were resting.” Tiernan pulled out a chair for her, but she made no move to sit.
Maeve crossed her arms. “And?”
