planning on wearing it to Beltain. It would have to be shortened from
what I understand, but I’m sure she would alter it for he
r queen.”
Cian smiled. If it pissed off Liadan, then so much the better.
“Excellent. I’ll take it. Tell the seamstress to let out the bodice as
well. My Meg’s got a lovely set of breasts on her. And Flanna, we
should prepare the village for the influx of Fae coming to pay their
respects to my Queen.”
“But, Ci, Beck told me to keep her presence here quiet.”
152
Sophie Oak
Cian’s eyes narrowed as he formed a plan. “Beck wouldn’t be
able to contain the rumors. He either bought her or he fought for her.”
“It was an open tourney,” Flanna confirmed.
“Then the vampires know about it, too. They’ll think there’s
something wrong with her. They’ll think that the king is ashamed he
had to take a human wife if he doesn’t demand proper respect be
paid.”
“That isn’t why he’s keeping it quiet,” Flanna corrected him.
“Beck is worried about your uncle’s agents. The pretender closed Tir
na nÒg because he’s worried Beck will steal onto the plane and
assassinate him. He has been waiting for the two of you to fade. After
you’re gone, he’ll be able to open the homelands and reestablish trade
and contact. You can’t think Torin wants the borders closed. He’ll be
furious when he discovers you’ve married. The queen is now a
target.”
Cian shook his head. “She’ll be a target no matter what. I’m sure
Torin knows about her even now. I have no illusions on that. He has
his spies as we have ours. It doesn’t change the fact that she will have
a hard time being taken seriously if we don’t treat her that way. The