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If I never saw Cormac Illfinn again, it would be too soon.
I dressed quickly, choosing a pair of hunting leathers one of the selkie maids had included in my pack. I had never worn trousers before. It wasn’t the undine fashion, and they hindered movement under the water. The leathers were made for the land, though Tor and Rainn had many more light-weight pairs. Designed for swimming
Tor helped to tie the straps on either side of my legs, showing a stripe of skin.
I chose a linen shift, not wanting to dress up for the occasion. But wrapped the leather half-corset under my shirt like hidden armor.
I wanted to be able to move if Cormac tried something. I hoped the leather belt would stop a blade if Cormac stabbed me in the back again.
The dinner the previous evening had been rambunctious, and I hadn’t realized how many more nymphs could fit around a single table.
The main meeting hut had managed to cram even more fae under the rafters, including Cormac and several of his guards, as well as Ilaria and what appeared to be her entire family.
Two chairs were set at the head of the table, carved and worn with age.
I hadn’t realized that the engagement dinner would be a ceremony rather than a celebration meal until an older male in robes came in to light the torches—choosing fire over the bobbing faelight to which I had become accustomed.
I recognized the scent of blood wine, though it turned my stomach. Jugs of alcohol were carried about, and every person’s glass appeared full as the crowd waited with bated breath.
Every second felt heavier than the last.
Would it make a difference if I told Shay about Ilaria? About the necklace, which made her appear more powerful than she was.
Maybe her magic didn’t matter much in the grand scheme of things. Maybe Shay had fallen in love with her enough to look past that kind of thing.
I was too preoccupied with my thoughts of Shay’s betrothed that I didn’t notice as the crowd parted and Cormac sauntered through the tent—heading right toward me.
I expected Tor to rise to the challenge, but Rainn surprised me, standing between us, his chin jutted to meet Cormac’s gaze.
“Walk away.” The selkie snarled.
Cormac’s top lip curled. “Protecting your Shíorghrá?” He sneered.
“On my honor, I won’t let you near Maeve. You’ve lost the right to look at her ever since you raised a weapon against her.” Rainn’s voice was delicate.
“Can’t she speak for herself?” Cormac craned his neck, but I looked away, knowing if I met his gaze, I would go for his throat.
I knew I appeared weak, hiding behind Rainn, but I didn’t trust myself not to do something stupid.
“I’d say Maeve’s greeting earlier said all she needed to.” Rainn crossed his arms over his chest, widening his stance to hide more of my body behind his.
Cormac growled, but the crowd hushed before he could say another word, and Shay and Ilaria were announced. The Mer-King shot one more hate-filled look my way before stomping away, no doubt remembering how I’d wronged him after he’d gotten over the shock of my appearance.
Shay Mac Eoin and Ilaria were magnetic, their clothes showcasing intricate beading, which I had never seen before. Ilaria’s golden skin shone, her legs and feet bare. Shay’s skin was darker, more of a burnished hue to Ilaria’s gold. I wondered what their children would look like, and then I felt sick as I tried to banish the thought.
The room pulsed with nymph magic, hot and close to the skin. The sexual energy that demanded to be noticed. A drop of sweat rolled down my throat, and I wiped it away.
Rainn pulled out a chair at the table, gesturing for me to sit before he chose the seat next to mine. Tor took the chair at my other shoulder.
I stared down at the place setting; the atmosphere felt too heavy for a meal. Too grave for a celebration. The magic pricked at my skin with uncomfortable heat.
Cormac slid into the seat opposite mine, his green eyes fixed with challenge.
My fist clenched, but before I could say a scathing word, Ilra swanned into the room, bowing to Shay and her sister before she chose the seat next to Cormac. Moving her long chestnut hair from one shoulder to the next, sending a wave of pheromones across the table.
I wasn’t sure if the nymph had done it intentionally.
I turned to Rainn, ignoring Cormac’s burning gaze. “This is an engagement dinner, isn’t it?”
