Fragile Eternity
Page 22

Added to that were tensions from Aislinns refusal to be a proper queen and Keenans ongoing relationship with Donia; the court was stronger, but it was not healed.
Seth knew it would change with timeespecially as the mortals Aislinn loved aged and diedbut Keenan was openly dissatisfied by any weaknesses that could endanger Aislinn. The strengthening faeries frustrations with their monarchs choices made Keenan worry about what would happen as those faeries grew bolder. That worry for Aislinn was one of the few things that Seth appreciated about the Summer King. Keenan did treasure Aislinn. He wanted to keep her safe and happy.
He also wants to keep her to himself.
You ought to step away, Keenan. I see what youre doing. Ive watched you play these games for centuries. Nialls voice was suddenly smoke and shadows. Try thinking about what others need for a change.
I dont believe what I do now is any of your business. Keenan maneuvered so that he was farther from Aislinn and facing Niall. In doing so, the Summer King had put his back to the brick wallassuring that no one could come up behind him.
If you hurt SethNiall shot a smile at Sethit will be.
He isnt of your court.
Derision dripping from his voice, the Dark King said, Only an ass would think that matters. Leslie is lost to me. Your queensfriend , and you let her be corrupted
By the Dark Court,your court, Niall. Keenan glanced at Aislinn, at Seth, at the various mortals in the room. In the dim alcove where they stood, the conflict wasnt attracting any attention yet.
It is my court, and with all Ive learned from the two twisted kings Ive loved and lived for, it wont ever bow to yours. Dont try me, Keenan. Niall stalked toward Keenan, closing the distance, menace clinging to his skin. Hurt Seth and youwill answer to me.
Keenan didnt speak.
Tell me you hold no ill will toward him, Keenan. Nialls voice had dropped to a low growl that Seth hadnt known resided in his friend. Beside the Dark King, the abyss maidens took form and swayed; their bodies were tongues of black flame, twisting and undulating. Seth knew they were capable of devastation if let loose, but he wasnt sure if that was a good or bad thing. In a part of himself he tried to keep hidden, there was rage at Keenan and excitement at the thought that Niall would slap Keenan down.Which isnt cool. Seth kept those urges in check these days. Hed worked hard at becoming the person he was now. He didnt indulge in fights or one-night stands; he didnt get stupidly drunk or set out to try things just because they were forbidden. He was calmeven when it wasnt his instinctual reaction.
Niall? Seth let go of Aislinn and stepped around the abyss dancers. Chill.
He doesnt speak, does he, Seth? Niall had curled his hands into fists.
I know where I stand. Seth knew Keenan had mixed feelings. He hadnt acted to injure Seth, but it would be a surprise if he hadnt considered it.At length. Probably with Tavish advising him on the risks. Seth wasnt going there, though; it didnt help things. I dont need to hear his answer.
Ash does. Nialls posture was still, but shadows rippled out from him onto the brick wall behind Keenan. The black bars could solidify into a cage. Back away, Seth. Please.
Seth moved farther from the small space where the two kings stood glaring at each other. After seeing the conflict with the raven-faery, Seth was aware that standing between these two was a bad idea.Mortals are too fragile. The thought disgusted him, but it was true.I am too easily broken by them. By allof them.
Keenan wouldnt hurt Seth, Aislinn murmured. She came over and took Seths hand. I wouldnt forgive that, and he knows it.
Niall spared her a censorious glance. Really?
Sunbeams flickered around her as she became irritated with Niall. Yes,really .
They all paused at a commotion in the doorway. Summer Court guards were attempting to refuse entrance to a group of heavily decorated faeries. It didnt work. Gabriel, the Hound who was the left hand of the Dark Court, sauntered in. With him were six other Houndsincluding Chela, Gabriels rough and strangely sweet mateand Gabriels half-mortal daughter Ani. The tread of Gabriels feet reverberated through the floor. The wave of fear the Hounds brought in their wake rippled across the room.
And Seth was once more grateful for the anti-glamour charm Niall had given him. He might be breakable, but he was not susceptible to the Hounds fear, to any of their glamours. Donia had given him the Sight, but that only allowed him to See them. Niall gave him protection from the way they could toy with his emotions.
Gabe, Seth said, not sure if the Hounds arrival was good news or not. They werent known for counseling caution or calm. Good to see youI think.
Gabriel laughed. Well see.
Chela winked. Mortal.
Niall didnt look away from Keenan. You hurt Seth, and I will not forgive you. Hes my friend, under the Dark Courts protection.
Keenan is not going to hurt Seth, Aislinn interjected. And our court keeps him safe already. He doesnt need you.
Keenan gave a bland look to Niall and then asked Seth, Do you offer fealty to the Dark Court, Seth Morgan?
No.
Do you offer it to the Summer Court?
Seth felt Aislinn tense beside him. No, but I wouldnt turn down friendship with either if its offered.
Theres a cost. Keenans guileless expression was disingenuous, a sort of lie. Pain, sex, blood, there are many horrible prices the Dark Court can demand. Are you going to be willing to pay whatthey ask for to buy protection?
Seth? The worry in Aislinns voice was real. She was the only one in the room who might believe that Keenan was trying to help Seth.