army general to do?”
He stiffened. “There are always bandits. And pirates. I think I really should become a general.”
She gave him a frustrated look. “Why?”
“It might make me a worthier suitor.”
“Worthier?” She scoffed. “Ye really should show more confidence than that.”
“Ha! You know good and well that you outrank me.”
“Does that really bother you?”
“Yes! Elinor, I grew up in the army. Rank is extremely important.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Very well. Since I outrank you, I order you to stay with me.”
He huffed. “Y-you think you can order me around?”
“Yes.”
“Ha!” He pounded a fist on the stone balustrade. “On a cold day in hell.”
“And I order you to marry me.”
He jumped back with a start. “You . . . what?”
She shrugged. “Forget I said it. Ye’ve already told me that I can’t order you around.”
“Would you marry me?”
She blinked. “Are ye asking me?”
“No, I’m begging you. I know I’m not worthy—”
“Are ye saying ye’ll be an unworthy husband?”
“What? No!”
She lifted her chin. “Will ye be below average in the bedroom?”
“Hell, no!”
She lunged toward him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Prove it.”
He snorted. “Are you asking me . . . ?”
“No. I’m begging you.”
He laughed. “In that case . . .” He pulled her close and planted his mouth on hers. By the Light, they hadn’t known each other very long, but he knew she was perfect. A treasure he would always cherish . . .
“Ahem.”
Nevis broke the kiss and glanced to the side. Brody was standing in the doorway, glowering at him. “Ah, hello, Brody. Nice weather we’re having.”
Brody arched a brow. “It’s not the weather you appear to be enjoying.”
Nevis gave him a wry look. “It’s good to see you out and about, instead of moping all alone in your room.”
Brody snorted. “I see you’re well acquainted with my sister now. Even though I told you to stay away from her.”
She smiled. “Actually, he was complaining that we’re not acquainted well enough.”
“You dog,” Brody muttered.
“Look who’s talking,” Nevis replied.
Brody’s mouth twitched. “True. I’ve been thinking about it, and I’ve decided it really wasn’t all that bad being a dog. I mean, if I don’t have any choice in the matter, I might as well enjoy it.”
“Now you’re talking.” Nevis gave him a thumbs-up.
Brody snorted. “People used to think I was Nevis’s pet.”
“Really?” Elinor gave Nevis an amused look.
Nevis shrugged. “Brody needed a place to sleep and shift and change clothes, so I let him use my tent.”
Brody nodded. “He was always grumbling at me for bringing in fleas.”
Nevis grimaced. “I hate fleas.”
Elinor grinned. “And bats, crabs, spiders, and roaches.”
“So are you going back to Eberon?” Brody asked.
Nevis glanced at Elinor. “I’m not sure. Are you going to the Isle of Moon to become king?”
Brody sighed. “How can I be king when I have only two hours a day in my real form?”
“Don’t worry,” Elinor assured him. “Nevis and I will help you. I’m sure Maeve will, too.”
Brody winced. “She’ll be the queen here. I don’t think she wants to be with me anymore. She still hasn’t come out of her mother’s workroom.”
“She just needs time to adjust,” Nevis insisted.
“I’m sure she’ll be all right,” Elinor added. “Rupert should be arriving any minute now with her sisters. They’ll help her feel better.”
“Help her feel better about the fact that I can never live as a human?” Brody muttered.
“Brody.” Nevis clasped him on the shoulder. “You’re as human as any of us. Even more so, I would say. Your time is shorter, so you value it more.”
Brody closed his eyes briefly. “Actually, Nevis, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather see with my sister.”
He stepped back with a shocked look. “Then you’ll approve if we . . .” He reached a hand toward Elinor.
With a grin, she grabbed onto his hand. “We want to get married.”
Brody nodded, giving them a sad smile. “That’s good.” He limped down the hallway, mumbling, “At least someone will have a happy ending.”
* * *
When all four of her sisters knocked on the door and begged to be let in, Maeve unlocked it.
Her sisters barged in.
“Are ye all right?”
“What have ye been doing?”
“Do ye know how worried we’ve been?”
Luciana grabbed her by the shoulders and looked her over. “You look like you haven’t slept at all.”
“I haven’t.” Maeve shut the door behind them and locked it.
“What the hell is going on?” Sorcha demanded. “Do ye know how terrified I was yesterday when ye wouldn’t see me?”
“I’m sorry.” Maeve motioned to the worn-out chairs surrounding an old