Page 52 of Raven Rebel (Sablewood #1)

Brenna sucked in a startled breath as she stepped into the room and the door clicked shut behind her.

Plush carpets in shades of peach and gold covered the stone floor.

The bed rested against the wall with sheer curtains surrounding it, fluttering in a salty breeze from the open balcony door.

Beyond, the river sparkled as it fed into the sea.

Chairs and a sofa surrounded an ivory hearth already crackling with a young fire. A tray of refreshments awaited her on the table. Fresh flowers overflowed from vases on every open surface.

“This is too much,” she breathed. She had become accustomed to luxury in the Autumn Court, but this chamber should belong to a queen. Gold gilded the trim on the furniture, surprising her when the rest of the castle was done in silver and sparkling white.

Stomach grumbling, she settled into a plush armchair and tucked into the meal.

Little tarts she recognized from the autumn court were made with a different, milder cheese.

She finished the serving and began eating the fruit when a knock startled her.

A servant held bags of her belongings. Her brows shot up.

Emrys had sent so many of her things, he must have sent someone to pack up the belongings she had left in the Summer Court.

The attendant placed them on the bench along the wall and bowed before disappearing.

She moved to the washroom. Mirrors covered the walls so she could see herself from every angle as she turned.

Dirt smudged her plump cheeks. The massive marble tub took up an entire wall, big enough she could have swam in it.

She might just do that later. For now, she washed her hands and face in the sink that was a piece of art with detailed carvings.

Flowers climbed up the pedestal and vines wrapped around where the gold faucet extended.

The towels were incredibly soft as she dried her hands and returned to her room.

While she waited for news, she unpacked her dresses then resorted to pacing the room. She would need books if she was to wait in Court Tara for any length of time, or some other distraction from her worries. Otherwise, she would wear a path into the floor or chew her nails bloody.

The afternoon light began to darken when Emrys returned.

He had changed into a silken shirt the color of charcoal which made his pale skin luminant.

His smile was lopsided, a piece of his hair falling over his brow.

This relaxed version of Emrys felt familiar and warmer than the polished facade he normally wore.

“Any news?” she blurted, going to him.

He swept her up, folding his hands at the small of her back as she gazed up at him. “No, Meara is not here, nor has she arrived in the Autumn Court yet, but I expect we will locate her soon.”

“Where could she have gone?” she murmured.

“Brenna.” Her name was a prayer. “Let me take you for some dinner and distract you from your worries.”

Her eyes glistened as she looked up at him. “I feel terrible enjoying such luxury while my sister is a raven flying around the wilds, perhaps lost, and our people are preparing for war.”

“Those were not your choices. You bear no responsibility for them.”

Sniffling, she nodded. Emrys brushed a curl behind her ear. Smirking, he made a show of looking around the room. “Besides, this seems an appropriate amount of luxury for you.”

“Emrys, this room is fit for a queen.”

“Yes.” His russet eyes glowed as he stared into her soul.

She shifted uncomfortably, opting to change the subject instead of facing the intensity of his stare. “Still, I don’t want to sit around being pampered when I could be helpful.”

“You are helping,” he said, lowering his mouth to kiss her temple.

She tipped her face back to give him access, and he kissed her brow and then her cheek.

“I have a lot of responsibility to handle, and having you here gives me peace of mind. You are supporting my work and enabling me to manage our forces.”

Her cheeks flushed. She had never heard such a confession from anyone and she did not know what to say. Instead, she cupped his jaw and kissed him on the mouth.

His kiss was familiar now, and her lips parted eagerly. The slide of his tongue against hers sent jolts of pleasure through her limbs. His grip on her waist hardened, keeping her pressed against his muscular frame. She sucked on his bottom lip and released him.

“Is there anything else I can do? I have my magic.”

Emrys ran his tongue over his bottom lip slowly, his eyes darkened with want. “If you are truly set on doing more, we can see if your magic lends itself to healing. Many faeries with light craft can heal.”

“I would like that,” she said, smiling at the thought. If she could heal, she could help with the war.

“Good. We can see about that for tomorrow. Tonight, you need to be fed, and I need more time with you.” Reluctantly, he released her so she could take his arm and join him in walking to dinner.