Total pages in book: 130
Estimated words: 121008 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 403(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121008 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 403(@300wpm)
It looks like he’s finally taking his true place as their leader, as one of them. It’s everything I feared would happen if he managed to find a bondmate. Beck is cool and holds himself back. Cian is too soft. People love him, but they don’t see him as a person who can truly lead. I’ve always known if they could bridge their minds Torin will be in trouble.
If Torin is in trouble, my sisters are in trouble as well. I’m in trouble.
“How can anyone feel sorry for Queen Meg? She has two gorgeous, strong husbands,” Bri argues.
The brown-haired friend shakes her head. “My mum says that the queen must be sore all the time. I don’t know why. Do you think they make her work the fields with them?”
I stifle a laugh. I’m pretty sure the girl’s mum is right. Now that Beckett Finn has given in to his bride’s charms, I’m certain little Meg has her fill of men jumping on top of her. Beck was polite and careful with me physically, but he’s a big man, and he can last forever. I felt his possession for days after that first time with him. I can’t imagine having to sexually satisfy both of them.
Queen Meg sits on one of the brother’s laps. I think it’s Beck from the arrogant way he holds himself. His arm is firmly, possessively around the woman’s waist. He adjusts her, and I can see he’s pulling her firmly against his groin to hide his erection. Cian leans over with a knowing smile and whispers something to their wife. The queen laughs with far too much enthusiasm for a royal lady and kisses Cian full on the lips. The easy affection disgusts me. The human comports herself with all the subtlety of a tavern whore.
“The queen doesn’t work the fields,” Bri says smugly. “That is King Cian’s duty. He’s the Green Man.”
I feel my face lose its mask of cool indifference for a moment. They can’t possibly take the old myths seriously. I close my eyes and call on my inner calm. I need to be practically invisible tonight. I move back into the shadows.
It’s worse than I thought. If these idiots begin to believe the twins have gained true triad powers, Torin’s rule will come into question from more than mere Finn Loyalists. Even our alliances will be shaken if that rumor gets out. The Fae have not seen a true triad for a thousand years. The last set of symbiotic twins to bond with a strong enough mate took over Tír na nÒg, and their line ruled for hundreds of years.
I don’t believe for an instant that Cian is a Green Man or that Beck has incredible reserves of strength. They’re mere sidhe, but the idea that they could be something greater will cause as much trouble as it actually being true.
The political ramifications alone are awful. If the vampires become involved, Torin will have a fight on his hands. He’s already forced to deal with a rebellion every few months. If word gets back to the home plane that the twins are alive and have ascended to virtual godhood, there will be no stopping the citizens.
They will come for Torin, and his army of mercenaries won’t be able to stop them. To keep Torin on the throne, the twins must die. The first thing I need to do is get rid of the bitch in Beck’s arms. It’s the simplest way. Cian will fade quickly if his beloved abandons him. Megan Finn needs to leave her husbands. I have only found one way to make that happen.
I need to place a call to a very specific deliveryman. Unfortunately, I can’t send a note and ask him to call upon me. I need something to tempt him. Little Bri will work perfectly well. There’s no way that idiot isn’t a virgin. Demons highly prized virginity for some insane reason.
This is a favor that will cost me my soul, but then I haven’t had much use for it anyway.
There’s a purring sound at my feet, and I sigh in delight. Ain always knows when she is needed. I reach down and pick up the black cat. I hold the familiar to my breast, enjoying the purring sensation along my skin. Ain has been with me since I was a child. The familiar has always been a strong presence, reminding me of her unique talents in a world of mundane idiots.
The cat’s huge eyes glow in the dim light.
“You know who I want?”
The cat licks her lips and purrs contentedly. She knows what to do. I wink at my familiar and place her back on the ground.
“Bring her to me.” I don’t need to add the admonition to be careful. Ain is always careful. She will work her magic and lead the miller’s daughter to the proper place at the proper time. No one will suspect that I have anything to do with what happens next.