“None taken,” I said, shrugging. “It’s fine. Different strokes and whatever.”
The smile Samantha gave me was shy. “I’m more of a visual person. Painting, photography. I would love to shoot this place with a camera,” she said, looking around.
Several yards up the river, an outcropping of large, flat stones extended from one side of the river to the other, forming a natural bridge. Waterfowl in otherworldly shades of indigo and chartreuse dotted the pools around the stones. They watched as we crossed the river, bowing their slender necks, it seemed, in greeting.
“This must be what Snow White felt like,” Samantha said under her breath as she hopped from stone to stone.
I laughed. “Just wait ‘til you see the squirrels.”
She whipped around, her eyes huge.
“I’m just kidding,” I said, pressing my lips together to keep from laughing.
She studied me for a second before moving forward.
From the river, a stone path led to the base of the mountain. It eventually became a staircase that wove its way up through the trees to the entrance of the Bruidhean. The sky was darkening and small spheres of light, known as fey lights dotted the path.
Niamh led us into the large entryway. The heavy wooden door closing behind us echoed in the empty hall.
“Strange that I can’t hear anyone,” Niamh said, frowning.
“Very strange,” Liam agreed.
I moved in closer to Ethan as we walked further inside. Just being here brought on a wide range of emotions. I’d seen my mother in this gathering room, sane and as clear headed as anyone. I’d been as helpless as a newborn foal when I met both Saoirse and Deaghlan. I’d also learned about the horrible things Breanh was doing to Ethan. I pushed back those memories, trying to keep my head clear for what lay ahead.
Nobody came out to greet us, the place felt totally deserted. Niamh moved faster, holding up a hand, telling us to wait. Her form blurred as she darted off to search for signs of anyone.
When she returned, her face was drawn tight. “My parents aren’t here. Folk are about doing their regular activities. But my mother has gone to the shore to see the damage done to Aoife’s land.”
“Saoirse never leaves the Bruidhean,” Liam said, frowning.
“There’s more,” Niamh said. “Aodhan’s been here. He showed up this morning demanding to meet with the king and queen.”
“What does that mean?” I asked. “Why didn’t he tell us he was coming?”
Liam and Niamh stared at each other, their faces not giving anything away. I looked at Samantha.
Can you hear what they’re saying to each other?
Her eyes flicked up to mine and she shook her head.
No. I can’t get through their mind shields. It’s really frustrating.
Niamh began pacing. “When Aodhan left Liam’s house, he was livid. We just figured he needed some time to cool down after his falling out with my father.”
“This is good though,” I said. “Weren’t we all wondering when your parents would do something about Aoife?”
“I suppose you’re right,” Niamh said, still pacing.
“What’s the best thing to do now?” Liam said.
“We’re going to Aoife’s house, aren’t we?” I said, looking between them.
“Of course,” Niamh said. She took a deep breath and met my eyes.
Slow, deliberate footsteps came from the front entry. We all turned toward the gathering room entrance.
Deaghlan stood in the doorway, a slow smile slipping onto his face.
“And now you’re here,” he said, his arms held wide.
“Father,” Niamh said, her brows furrowed.
“Your hero has come rushing in to save the day,” Deaghlan said with a flourish of his hands.
Niamh tilted her head to the side, but didn’t respond.
“After I came back to see about setting things right, Aodhan showed up and whisked your mother away to see for herself the damage Aoife has done,” Deaghlan said, articulating each word.
“As though Mother didn’t already know?” Niamh said, her brows shooting up.
“Of course she already knew. She knows all, doesn’t she?”
Niamh didn’t respond. Her face was a mask. I could almost see the cracks beginning to form as her all-too-human emotions fought to break free.
“Well, what are they doing about it? I asked Deaghlan.
He turned to regard me, much like someone would regard gum on the bottom of their shoe. I could tell the instant he noticed Samantha by my side.
Ignoring my question, he glided over to us. Samantha took a step back so she was behind me.
“What do we have here?” Deaghlan asked, his voice loaded with charm.