her chair, she gave Nevis an assessing look. “My daughter has explained the situation to me. Ye believe Maeve and perhaps Brody have gone south in search of an island.”
“Yes, the Isle of Secrets.” Nevis had told the princess everything on the way to Lessa Castle, including Maeve’s theory that there could be an Embraced army on the island.
“I suggest ye return to Eberon so ye can alert the king and queen,” Esther announced. “I will dispatch a ship to search for the island and missing persons.”
Nevis winced inwardly. “I will gladly send Captain Shaw back to Eberon with the news. However, with Your Majesty’s permission, I would appreciate it if you would allow me to travel with your ship. Maeve’s well-being is my responsibility, and I cannot shirk that duty.”
Queen Esther’s eyebrows rose. “Are ye sure ye wish to go? Rumors have been rampant for years that any ship approaching the Isle of Secrets will be destroyed.”
Nevis swallowed hard. So the queen knew about the gossip on the docks. “I still need to go. I have to bring Maeve safely home.”
The queen nodded with an approving glint in her eyes. “I see ye are a man of honor. I will grant you permission, then, and if ye don’t mind, I would charge you with another duty to fulfill.”
“It would be my pleasure to be of service, Your Majesty.” Nevis bowed his head. “The king and queen of Eberon would be delighted if you consider us an ally.”
Queen Esther’s knuckles turned white as her hands tightened their grip on the back of her chair. “Then I will ask, nay, I beg of you—-bring Brody back safely.”
Brody again. What was the relationship here? Nevis cleared his throat. “You seem to be well acquainted with him.”
The queen lowered her head as a pained look crossed her face. Princess Elinor gave her mother a comforting pat on the shoulder, then turned to Nevis. When she gave him a brief smile, the sight was so beautiful he almost fell over.
“This is Brody’s home,” the princess said.
The queen raised her head, her eyes shimmering with tears. “’Tis been almost a year since I last saw him. Bring him home to me. Please.”
“Then he—” Nevis dragged a hand through his hair. “No offense, Your Majesty, but I heard at the convent that you lost both your sons.”
“I did.” A tear ran down the queen’s face. “I lost my husband and eldest son to the sea. As for Prince Brodgar, I lost him to a curse.”
* * *
Brody had tossed and turned most of the night, his sleep haunted by memories of a naked Maeve in his arms. Good goddesses, he was tempted to go back. She had confessed that he was the one she wanted, so what was stopping him?
The curse, dammit. He couldn’t be a husband when he was himself only two hours a day. Neither could he be a king when he spent most of his time as a dog. The people on the Isle of Moon deserved better. Maeve deserved better.
But at least he had convinced her to stay at the convent. Knowing that she was safe, he had finally been able to curl up in dog form to sleep.
It was almost noon when he woke. After shifting into the Seer’s form, he fed the cat, then settled down at the table with a cup of tea and the Seer’s journal. He thumbed through the pages to where he had stopped the day before.
Spring, Year 680.
I am thrilled beyond the moons! Today, when Cahira came to see me, she had the most glorious news! She is with child!
Surely I am the most blessed man in all of Aerthlan. I have the love of the most beautiful woman, and together, we will have a child. We are both thrilled and saddened, knowing that this precious child will be the last full-blooded descendant of our race.
Once again, I asked Cahira to marry me, but once again, she declined. I cannot blame her. She has an island to rule, the last remnant of the great kingdom of Aerland. Why would she want to share my lonely existence here? Besides, she is working diligently to find us allies on the mainland, so I can bring peace and prosperity to the world. I am so happy at the thought that our child could grow up in a world of peace.
The next day, Spring, Year 680.
Last night I had a dream of our child. I saw her growing up,