One kiss to remind me what it felt like to be his.
Rían peeled my hands from his body as if he could no longer stand my touch. When he spoke, his voice came out cold and emotionless. “When I see you again, I expect you to be able to hold your glamour.”
When he saw me again? He couldn’t leavenow.“Rían, please—”
“Wear it every day from the moment you wake until you go to sleep. Do not let it fall.”
And then he vanished, leaving me there to burn alone.
15
KEELYNN
Songbirds flitted through the air,dancing high above us. Despite his size, Ruairi’s footsteps were almost silent compared to my own.
He glanced sidelong at me, his golden eyes sparkling in the sunlight. “I can carry those if ye’d like,” he said, gesturing to the red wicker basket in my arms.
“Would you mind? It is awfully heavy.” I handed Ruairi the basket laden with mince pies that Eava and Aveen had baked earlier this morning. This time of year always made me think of snow-dusted fields and barren trees. Pine garlands and shuddering candles. Cold, red noses and thick scarves wrapped around your chin.
None of that existed in Tearmann. Every day in this land ruled by magic felt like a balmy summer’s kiss.
Still, a mince pie would be delicious no matter the season.
Ruairi’s elbow nudged against my arm. “Ye seemed to have settled in well at the castle.”
There hadn’t been much settling required. I’d moved straight into Tadhg’s chambers, and Aveen slept only down the hall like she had at home. Ruairi was always good for a laugh, and Eava was an absolute delight. Rían was still making everyone miserable, but at least he’d been helping Aveen with her magic. Although lately, he’d insisted on teaching her in the middle of the great hall with at least one other person present. Not sure what that was about. When I’d asked Aveen, she’d claimed it didn’t matter. I’d done my best to prod for an honest answer, but my darling sister remained as tight-lipped as ever. Would she ever learn to lean on me the way I’d always leaned on her?
I frowned up at the wispy white clouds high above. “I’m finding my way.” Overall, life inside the castle was better than I’d expected.
Life outside those wards, however, left something to be desired.
Back in Graystones, I’d rarely left our estate, and that sheltered life had turned me into a fearful, ignorant woman. I was determined not to let the pattern continue and slip into the same habits here. So I went into the courtyard every day, introducing myself to the farmers bringing crops to fill our stores. Although a handful had been welcoming, most of the Danú regarded me with understandable wariness. A few had glowered with outright disdain, but I refused to let them taint my view of this beautiful place.
Two men leading a donkey up the hill stopped to stare as we passed. When Ruairi tipped his head, the men mirrored the greeting. I waved, but neither waved back.
Rude.
I dared a glance over my shoulder, only to find the men still watching us. An unwelcome, heavy feeling settled in my stomach. Hopefully that wasn’t some sort of bad omen for today’s mission.
A tiny cottage the color of peonies came into view, one that hadn’t been there two days ago. Tillie Thatcher was one of the many who had been displaced by the terrible blight. I found the small woman bent over some gardening tool, sweat glistening on her brow and a patch of tilled earth beneath her mucky boots. Dirt smeared the apron she wore over her brown cotton dress.
I offered our newest neighbor a friendly smile. “Good morning, Ms. Thatcher.”
Her unkempt brows slammed down over dark eyes.
“My name is Keelynn—”
The woman’s fist twisted on the tool’s handle. “I know who ye are. Another one of the prince’s many whores.”
My molars ground together. Did she not notice the emerald engagement ring I wore? “I wanted to see how you were faring on your new plot. And to give you this.” I flipped the checked cloth from the top of the basket and withdrew one of the pie boxes.
She stared down at the box as if it were covered in worms.
I didn’t have time to stand here all day waiting for her to accept my gift. Melody would be at the castle in a few hours for my first fitting.
“Eava made it,” Ruairi said with a tight smile, his sharp canine teeth on full display.
The woman’s creased lips lifted into a genuine smile. “Thank ye, Ruairi. Ye always were a good boy.” She dropped her tool, took the pie, thanked him again, and retreated into her tiny house.