As we approached the bridge to the courtyard, none of us dared say a word.
A lone figure stood at the base of the castle, dwarfed by the monstrous doors. Dressed in finery, made of a fine weave of netting that floated up like the fins of a beta fish.
She looked every inch the Undine female I had grown up with, simpering smiles and annoyed patience.
Elaine Cruinn.
Balor.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Maeve Cruinn
It was hard to focus. I couldn't remember what Balor had said, or why we were moving through the castle as honored guests, on her heels.
The dining hall often hosted most members of the Esteemed Undine Court. Those of King Irvine’s inner circle, and those who held titles older than the lake sediment.
With four long tables that extended the length of the expansive room, a platform at the front was reserved for the royal family.
I’d never enjoyed eating in the dining hall. Despite its size, it was easier to draw the attention of the gossip than it was to hide in the large hall. I’d stuck to eating in the kitchens or my room after my mother had died. The dining hall had always instilled a level of discomfort that made every hair on my body lift—something screaming, 'I did not belong.'
When Balor had invited us inside, I had wanted nothing more than to scream in her face. Somehow, we all ended up agreeing to a meal, despite our desire to turn Balor to foam.
Dagda’s staff sat in my tunic, pressed to my skin with bandages. I couldn’t let her see it, but I didn’t trust myself to be without it.
I turned, following the scrape of a plate, and the sharp wood brushed against the top of my arm. My mind cleared, and I saw the truth that Balor’s glamour had hidden.
I glanced over at Cormac, Shay, and Rainn, finding their eyes coated in a shining film. Their expressions blank.
My jaw ground together, and my fists clenched as my simmering anger lit up my chest like a roaring fire.
They had been enchanted before. Sent to the harem at Balor’s behest. She had taunted me with that information before torturing me. I hadn’t expected any sort of respect, but to see the evidence of her enchantment,again, in the flesh, felt like a blow to my identity as their mate and a Cruinn.
Balor had not paid any mind to Arden, though I doubted she knew who he was. She hadn’t even glanced at Liam, though he was her son.
Everyone pulled their chairs from the table, sitting down in unison. My movements were out of synch, as Balor noticed as she stood at the head of the table and watched us take our seats.
When everyone was seated, the enchantment lifted. An exhale, as the light came back to their eyes.
One moment, they had been at the castle doors, and the next, at a place setting in the dining hall. Ready to be served a meal.
“What thefeckwas that?” Cormac spoke first, blinking furiously.
“Trust the Mer to be most uncouth,” Balor replied smoothly, but a fixed grin never left her face. The expression was too unnerving. As if her happiness was too much for her slight body to contain.
Balor, or rather, Elaine Cruinn, waved over her shoulder to one of the servers. A moment passed before trays descended on the table, laden with jugs filled with Fion Fola, and plates groaning with fish.
None of us moved as the servers began to fill our plates. As if we were guests instead of prisoners.
“Where’s Tormalugh?” I demanded, my clenched fist resting on the table. “You said he was here.”
“I did, didn’t I?” Balor replied coyly, lifting the jug and pouring herself a glass of blood wine. “Don’t worry, Maeve. Once you give me what you stole, I’ll return your Kelpie to you. My word as bond.”
“And Nuada?” I pressed.
Balor tittered. “The Siren Queen?”
“You took Nuada.” I continued. “I’d like her returned as well.”
