The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea - Kerrelyn Sparks Page 0,99

to her. “You’re all right with that?”

“Of course.” Her mouth twitched, and she nudged him with an elbow. “Ye’re blushing again.”

“Am not.”

“What the hell is going on with you two?” Brody demanded.

“Nothing.” Nevis stepped back, then winced when he noticed the disappointed look on Elinor’s face. Dammit. “I realize I’m not worthy of your sister, but—”

“No, you’re not,” Brody said, interrupting him.

Elinor huffed. “Nevis is the noblest man I’ve ever met. He’s brave, loyal, dependable, generous, strong, and handsome.”

Handsome? Nevis gave her a surprised look. He was a bit shorter and stockier than his royal friends, so he’d figured he could never be as appealing as they were. “You think I’m handsome?”

“Of course.” Elinor smiled. “And all those muscles—”

“Enough!” Brody glared at Nevis. “Don’t even think about my sister.”

Nevis sighed. He was doing a great deal more than thinking. His heart had already surrendered, and there was no point in denying it. He was in love.

Chapter 20

It would happen tonight, Maeve thought as she settled into a tub of hot water. After midnight, she would lose her virginity. And not because she needed to avoid a marriage to the Chameleon, but because she and Brody loved each other. No matter what fate had thrown at them, they still loved each other.

The forced wedding no longer seemed to be a problem. The Chameleon was against it as much as she, and Brody, in disguise as the Seer, had bought her more time. Besides, she suspected the Chameleon’s days were numbered. Brody would be facing off with him soon.

Please protect my darling Brody and keep him safe, she prayed to the moon goddesses. He would be all right. He was excellent with a sword. And so good with his hands. Her cheeks warmed as she recalled how he had examined every inch of her body the night before. Goodness, he’d even kissed her all over.

She scrubbed herself clean in case he wanted to do that again. Tonight would be ever better, wouldn’t it? After all, they had bared their souls, shared their secrets, and confessed their fears. Her heart felt as if it would burst whenever she contemplated how his love for her had remained constant in spite of everything he’d suffered at the hands of her mother.

Would he have to kill Cahira? With a wince, Maeve grabbed the soap to lather up her hair. She knew good and well that her mother was guilty, but still, it would be horrible to witness her death. Was there a way to convince her mother to surrender and remove Brody’s curse?

The beginnings of an idea trickled into Maeve’s mind. Her mother was intent on getting the Isles of Moon and Mist back into her domain. What if Maeve told her she wanted to marry a prince from those islands? Then, when Prince Brodgar became king, she would be his queen, and those islands would return to Cahira’s descendants without spilling any blood.

But obviously, doing things peacefully didn’t matter to Cahira. When she blew up King Rudgar’s ship, she thought she’d killed him and both of his sons. She must have thought Brody was just a servant when she’d cursed him. The realization that she’d actually let a prince escape might infuriate her. And if Maeve ended up queen of the Isles of Moon and Mist that might enrage Cahira even further. She wanted the power for herself, not her daughter.

There was no peaceful solution. Maeve would have to help Brody capture her mother. And then she’d endure the accusation of betrayal.

With a frustrated groan, Maeve reached for the bucket of water and rinsed her hair. She’d kept herself busy after Brody’s departure. After locking his room to keep any servants from discovering he was missing, she’d gone to her room to order more food and twelve buckets of hot water. Once the food arrived, she’d arranged all the dishes on the table in Brody’s sitting room. She’d eaten a little, then taken half the buckets of hot water into his dressing room.

Hurry up, midnight. She’d never been so anxious for a day to end before.

She leaned back against the tub and closed her eyes. Would he kiss her breasts again? She smoothed a hand over a breast and felt the skin pebble, the nipple harden. A pleasant sensation, but not nearly as exciting as when Brody had touched her and suckled on her. Just remembering it made her feel hot and needy between her legs. Goodness, the things he had done with his fingers