Orange light played across Keelynn’s sharp features as her lips tugged into a frown. “Have I told you how jealous I am that you have magic?”
“Once or twice.” We didn’t discuss it much, though; the reality of my lifespan was too hard to contemplate when my sister remained human. I wasn’t sure how I’d cope with watching her grow old and gray while I remained the same. How I would survive when she was no more. Although no one else had brought it up either, I’d seen the tension in Tadhg’s shoulders when he’d looked at my sister, the innate sadness.
How cruel of fate, to pair a true immortal with a human soulmate.
Keelynn twisted away, but not before I caught the glisten of tears in her eyes. “Wonder what’s in here?” she said, turning the knob on the closest door. On the other side, we found a bedchamber fit for a queen. The gold leaf headboard resembled a cresting wave. Blue damask wallpaper with the same pattern continued over the gold-tasseled drapes.
Keelynn lifted the candle higher, banishing the shadows to the recesses of the space. “I did not expect this.”
Nor had I. I loved Ruairi, but he seemed more the type to live in a cave than in a fine house. Even our own estate in Graystones had shown signs of wear and tear. This place was immaculate. Not one chip in the crown molding, fresh candles in the crystal chandeliers and wall sconces. As fine as any lord or lady’s house back in Airren.
The next bedroom across the hall was as grand as the first, decorated in soft violets and pale yellows.
The third door led to a bathing chamber with a claw-foot tub big enough for both Keelynn and me. Rich wooden paneling on the walls concealed compartments with soaps and shampoos, fluffy towels, and thick dressing gowns.
By the time I exited the bathing chamber, Keelynn already had her head inside the next room. She glanced back, her eyes sparkling. “This one must be his.”
Guilt tugged at my stomach. This seemed like an unnecessary invasion of privacy. Ruairi had offered his home as a refuge from the Queen, and here we were, snooping around like children searching for Yule gifts.
Before I could voice my concern, Keelynn disappeared inside.I reluctantly followed. Not to snoop but to keep her from getting into trouble. Not sure what sort of trouble we’d find in a pooka’s empty bedchamber, but it was best to be prepared.
The gigantic four-poster bed boasted a thick velvet canopy. His fireplace had been set with kindling and fresh logs, waiting to be lit. The space had an adjoining bathing chamber, smaller but still as fine as the first.
Keelynn threw open the armoire, revealing serviceable white shirts, plain breeches, and a handful of waistcoats. Giggling, she withdrew one of the shirts and held it against her chest. “Good gracious. I think both of us could fit into one of these.”
I clutched my skirts with clammy palms. We really shouldn’t have been in here. “Probably. Now put it back.”
She rolled her eyes, and her lips pursed into a pout that used to sway me when we were younger. “You’re no fun tonight.”
“This is very different from the last time I found two women in my bedchamber,” Ruairi’s deep voice rumbled from the hallway.
Keelynn squeaked and shoved the shirt back into the armoire, missing the rail entirely, before slamming the doors closed. The pooka standing in the doorway watched her panic with a wry smile.
He didn’t know Keelynn as well as he knew me, and while I couldn’t imagine him getting too upset, I wouldn’t want his ire directed at her. I stepped in front of my sister and offered him a chagrined smile. “I was curious. I’m sorry.”
Shrugging, Ruairi pushed himself off the doorframe. “I’ve nothing to hide except a few too many cobwebs and some dirty laundry in the hamper.”
What was he on about? I hadn’t seen even on cobweb. “Is everything all right at the castle?” I asked, wringing my hands.
His golden eyes seemed to flare at my question. “More or less.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means everyone still has their hearts.” He held open the door, and we exited with bowed heads, caught with our hands in the proverbial cookie jar.
I wanted to go back to the castle right away and make sure Rían was all right, but Keelynn didn’t seem to be in a hurry. When we reached the parlor and found two thick slices of double-layer chocolate cake sitting on the coffee table, some of my anxiety abated.
Keelynn and I threw ourselves onto the settee and reached for the cakes. Ruairi retrieved two silver forks and held them out to us, his smile broadening to a grin.
I’d always been partial to chocolate cake, but what Eava did with chocolate felt sinful on my tongue. So fluffy and yet so moist. And the icing. My head fell back against the cushion as I savored each delicious morsel. If I were to die tomorrow, this would be a glorious last meal.
“Well? Tell us what happened,” Keelynn said around a bite, the fork still in her mouth. “What did the Queen say? Is she going to help us?”
“Ye can ask the lads tomorrow.”
The bite perched on the end of my fork fell back onto the plate, spilling crumbs onto my skirts. “Tomorrow? You want us to stay here tonight?” I couldn’t stay here. I needed to get back to Rían.
Ruairi’s long, blunt fingers drummed against the arm of his wingback chair. “Is my home not good enough for ye?”
