A twinge of unease ran down Cuan’s spine. “The area around Aodhan’s oak is protected by wards, but I still do not like to leave you alone and unguarded.”
“I won’t be alone. Motley can keep me company.” She jerked her chin at the departing Aodhan. “Look, I wouldn’t be much use in a magic faerie library anyway. You go. See if you can find out anything useful.”
“Research is not my strongest point,” he admitted. “My role is likely to be limited to bracing ladders and carrying stacks of books. But I will endeavor to cajole Aodhan into turning his mind to solving your problem.”
He hesitated, wanting to say more. To do more. She seemed so brave and alone, standing there in the shadow of the great tree. It struck him as uncomfortably similar to how she had looked in the midst of Maeve’s court, when he’d first set eyes on her.
“Tamsin.” Hesitantly, he laid a hand on her shoulder. “Be of strong heart. One way or another, I swear that we will break this curse.”
She smiled up at him, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I know. Go on, now. Before Aodhan changes his mind and locks you out.”
Since that was indeed a distinct possibility, he had no choice but to bow and take his leave. Yet as he hurried after Aodhan, he couldn’t shake a nagging, heartsick feeling that he had lost Tamsin’s trust.
And that, he discovered, hurt even more than losing her.