Fragile Eternity
Page 69

Happiness. Peace. Home.It was tinged with an unending ache for Aislinn and a new sorrow that hed be leaving Sorcha at the end of the month. His choice to be a faery had given him everything hed soughtand other gifts he hadnt dreamed he could ever have.
The thought of leaving Faerie was frightening.
He channeled those emotions, desires, and fears into his art. Mostly, hed been painting. The room was littered with half-finished canvases. He tried to work with the metals that had appeared in the side room as well. Hed completed a few tolerable things, but nothing worth hernothing that met his goal.
Seth? Sorcha was beside him. Are you able to pause for a bit today?
For?
She smiled and wiped a bit of paint from his face. You have a guest, dear.
Guests. He couldnt leave, but he could have guests if Sorcha allowed it. His heart was thundering. A guest? Ash? Shes here?
Not her. Sorcha sounded almost sad as she said it.
The Dark King appeared out of nothingness behind Sorcha. I see my advice was completely ignored, he said.
Seth embraced Niall. Aside from seeing Aislinn, nothing else could please him as much as seeing the Dark King. He stepped back and said, You were wrong.
Niall laughed. More arrogant alreadyyouve been spending time with the wrong court, little brother.
The High Queens tense expression relaxed ever so slightly. Ill leave you to roam with Niall then. Ill be in the dining hall after. To Niall, she only said, Return to me when youre ready to talk about other matters. Mayhaps we can discuss regrets.
Seth couldnt help but watch her as she left. He could count the heartbeats between each movement. He had: they never altered. The rhythm of her motion was one of perfection. When her hand lifted to open the door, it was with the same arc each time she reached out. If he measured the distance, Seth knew shed match it with precision. Today though, she hesitated for a heartbeat extra on several steps. The beat of her movements was imprecise.
Shes upset, Seth said.
What?
Seth explained the counting and added, Like music. Her song is not as it always is. He glanced at Niall. You unsettle her.
Nialls gaze went to the doorway through which Sorcha had left. The flickering dancers surged forward as if they would step from his eyes to pursue the High Queen. Its a natural antipathy.
Perhaps she would be pleased by your attention. If it would please her, maybe
I dont know if you realize it or not, but your sudden devotion to her is creepy. Niall shook his head.
Seth bit his lip ring, thinking the words over before he answered. My closest friend rules the court of nightmares. My girlfriend is the embodiment of aseason . Im not sure you can really call this creepy. Sorcha makes me feel peaceful. I like it.
There are going to be consequences.
I made the right choice. This is what I want.
Niall shook his head. Lets hope youre still saying that later.
Seth walked over to the window that led to his garden. He pushed it open. Come on.
When Niall followed, Seth resumed speaking. I find a different sort of peace in Sorchas court. Its taken years of meditation to reach the calm I had before, and it felt like it was going to slip away every time I saw Keenans influence growing strongerbut in one moment, one promise, complete peace. One month a year with her and I can have everything I need. Out there, I will be as you used to bewith faery weaknesses and faery strengths. I can be with Ash forever. I can be there for you forever. Dont you see? Its perfect.
Except for the month here. Just come with me. I took you into my courts protection andmy court is the one that balances hers. We can take you home now.
Iam home, Niall. Aside from missing Ash Seth stopped himself. Why do you know Im here but she doesnt?
Seth Niall dropped his gaze.
What?
Keenan hasnt told her. He knows.Everyone knows.
Except her. Seth swallowed the words of anger and fear that rose up. Panic wasnt the answer. He was in Faerie; he had peace; and hed have forever with Aislinn. Why?
Come home with me, Niall repeated. We can go to her.
Keenan is taking advantage of my absence. Seth said the truth that Niall was avoiding. Already? Ive only been here a few days. Thirty days without me isnt going to change everything.
Devlin appeared in the path in front of them. Tread carefully, Niall. Sorcha will not be pleased if you say what you would reveal. To Seth, Devlin said, Sorcha requires that you do not pursue this matter.
And just like that, Seth was unable to continue the conversation. I believe we need to talk about something else.
Is that what youwant ? Give me the word Niall glared at Devlin. Think, Seth. If you choose to, you can resist her wishes. Its harder with her. Harder in Faerie, but I know you can
Shes my queen, Niall. I want what she wants. She gave me the world.
Do you have any idea how disturbing you are? Nialls expression was raw. Youre myfriend , Seth, and youre vacant.
Im not vacant. Im justSeth shruggedat peace.
I think I should go.
It would be best. I have work yet, and she is oddly possessive of my attention. Theres a door you can use. Seth gestured toward a thorn-hidden doorway in the distance, one of the openings from Sorchas demesne into the mortal world.
Be safe.
I am. Im happy here. She knows things. Everything makes so much more sense when she explains it. He let his thoughts wander to the late-night conversations theyd been having in the garden. Philosophy, religion, so many things were clear when he spoke to his queen. Thenbrimming with art and passion and epiphanieshed return to the studio shed given him and create until he could barely stay upright.