Page 7

“Ah, he negotiated with you to babysit me, is that it?” She laughed and shook her head. “I love that man to the ends of the universe, but I’ve taken care of myself for years, through Chase’s pregnancy and the obstacles tossed my way, and survived just fine.”

“Chase was not a Fae child,” Rihanna reminded her quietly. Although Shaye’s attention to Chase and the manifestation of dormant magic within the boy, his human lineage created a barrier to development even her brother couldn’t penetrate. Moira rubbed her belly thoughtfully as Rihanna continued, “Our young take much from their mothers while growing within the womb, and will grow faster than human infants once born. The demands on you are far more, whether you realize it or not. Shaye is merely looking out for your wellbeing, understanding how stubborn you can be.”

Moira shot her a wide-eyed glance. “Stubborn? That’s the pot calling the kettle black. if ever one could use that phrase with impeccable accuracy.” She snickered. “I wouldn’t have him any other way.”

“You and Shaye are a Goddess-given blessing to each other. A perfect balance.” She observed Moira as her sister watched Chase pick pieces from the center of the puzzle and drop them into the box. “Should anything happen to you in his absence, I fear he would have little control over himself facing Horano or Thierry. ’Tis why I’m here. Besides, I enjoy our eves together.”

“That”—she raised a finger between them and smiled—“I agree with. However, he came pretty close to pitchingyou across the room on Horano’s heels the night he discovered the depth of your deception. Meanwhile, I still remain quite impressed you two pulled off such a ploy in the first place.”

That eve six months ago replayed in Rihanna’s mind as if it happened just yester eve. ’Twas a life-or-death gamble, despite the months of planning and strategizing to finally bring Daeanna, Dagda’s murderous daughter, down and free her brother from the evil woman’s enslavement. Accusing the Seelie king’s daughter of atrocious crimes could have easily backfired had they not won the favor of Dagda’s trusted second-in-command, Liam.

Not a soul in the Court dared to tread Shaye’s memories from over two centuries prior to learn the truth. Nay. They believed the word of Dagda’s daughter, and nearly sentenced an innocent man to death. Had it not been for Daeanna’s interference—a very calculated step to gain complete control over Shaye—he would have been dead, and the truth buried with him.

Despite the reasons behind the deception orchestrated by his sister and his friend, Shaye’s fury cut deep that eve. ’Twas the first time in all her life Rihanna actually feared her brother. Not his punishment.

Nay.

’Twas the crackle of raw, intense power she’d sensed in his spirit. A power she’d never before experienced. Something new and extreme and…frightening.

All because hefearedfor Moira’s safety.

Ultimately, Shaye would have sacrificed himself if it meant Moira would live. ’Twas the way of her brother, his heart, his dedication to his wife. Hisanam cara.

That, Rihanna understood more than anyone. If she could have sacrificed herself to save Mikhail…

She cleared her throat before her emotions bubbled up from their tenuous confinement.

“His fury was well deserved. We deceived him and our plan could have ended tragically if we weren’t careful each step of the way. As it stood, you were kidnapped and placed in extreme danger. However, my brother understood why we carried out the plan. Horano bore the punishment for us both. Never would Shaye harm a woman. ’Twas why he suffered such great pain and humiliation at Daeanna’s hands. He loathed the beast, but could never bring himself to harm her. Justice was his only salvation, and it came.”

A knock on the door interrupted Moira as she began to speak. Killeny, one of two cousins who lived within the castle with their families, wiggled her fingers in greeting, her cheeks flushed and her dark red hair tied upon her head in a messy knot. Flour smudged over one of her brows and the scent of sugar and spice wafted around her.

“Good eve. I’m preparing the children for bed. Would ye like me to take Chase?” Killeny asked, her multi-hued green eyes glittering with adoration as Chase bounded toward her.

“Aunt Killeny! You smell like cake!”

Moira caught her son’s shoulder before he could bolt into Killeny’s waiting arms. Rihanna laughed, steadying Moira from the force of Chase’s jolt.

“Ye know I always smell like cake.” Killeny giggled. She dropped to her haunches and spread her arms wide. “Come ’ere, child. Time for bed.”

“But the cake—”

Moira released her son as Killeny tsked.

“On the morrow. ’Tis too late for sweets. Besides, it needs to cool.”

Chase dropped into her arms with a hug. “Is it the cake with the crumbly top?”

Killeny laughed as she stood, hoisting Chase off his feet with ease. “Aye, child. Uncle Lorren even brought back a special harvest of berries for the topping this morn. ’Twill become your new favorite cake. Now, go give your mum a kiss good eve and I’ll bring you to bed.”

Killeny placed Chase back on his feet and the boy hurried to bid his mother good eve, followed by a hug and kiss for Rihanna.

“Mommy, Shaye won’t forget to kiss me good night, right?”

Moira grinned, but it didn’t touch her eyes. She combed her fingers through his thick hair and nodded. “Of course, honey. When he gets home, he’ll kiss you good night.” After another kiss to his head, she nudged him toward Killeny. “Go on. Off to bed. I’ll see you in the morning. Love you, little man.”

“Love you, too, Mommy!”

Rihanna watched Killeny herd Chase from the room and close the door behind them. Moira clasped her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, bringing Rihanna’s attention to her sister.