Chapter Thirty-Three
“The prince bestowed the princess with a crystal pendant of his tears as a wedding gift.”
~Prince Conn’s gift to his wife, Princess Ivy
Ivy glanced at the reflection of the woman staring back at her from the looking glass. Gone was the frightened girl who arrived in Ireland months ago, and in her place was the future princess of the Fae. Gowned in a shimmering white sleeveless dress with pearls and crystals, she looked ethereal as the dress flowed down her body, trailing behind her. Her Fae attendants had woven more tiny seed pearls within her hair, and her face glistened with a rosy color, making her eyes more colorful.
There are those who say faerytales do not exist. They are only for the young, but Ivy now knew better. She’d stepped into her own tale of adventure. Unbelievable? To some, yes. Even in the early hours of dawn, she’d had her own doubts of the world she’d entered. However, one glance at the man—the Fae lying next to her, banished all her fears. He was her prince and soon to be husband. In this life and the next.
Glancing down, she placed her hands over her abdomen. “My wee Sorcha. I so love your father, and you already fill me with such happiness.”
Turning away from the mirror, Ivy went to brush her fingers over her cloak. Queen Nuala had presented the item to her earlier in the morning. The material was woven from a special thread used by the Fae and adorned with white rose-tipped feathers. Many hands had worked on the cloak, infusing their love inside with each stitch. When she brought it out, the material shimmered.
Giddy with happiness, Ivy slipped her feet into the soft satin slippers and walked toward the open doors to the balcony. Soon, the attendants would return and escort her to the Cathedral of Trees.
“Conn,” she breathed his name on a sigh.
Noting the first star in the evening sky, the air grew warm around her. The colors in the garden became distorted—muted, and she rubbed her eyes. In an arc of bright colors, a young woman in white appeared on the steps of the balcony. Her ebony hair flowed around her in soft waves to her waist. A silver circlet of vines surrounded her head. The woman radiated beauty, love, and the looks of another.
Startled, Ivy blinked. Recognition flared inside her, and she took a step forward. “You’re Conn’s sister.”
The woman smiled fully and came toward Ivy. She inclined her head slightly. “Yes, and you’re the woman who captured my brother’s heart.”
“I’m delighted you’re here. Conn mentioned you, but stated you weren’t able to leave the temple.”
Her musical laughter filled the place. “As if anyone could keep me away from my brother’s wedding. Please call me Abela. If you would permit me, I would like to escort you to the Cathedral of Trees. When a Fae is given to her intended, the priestess leads the procession. I have asked for the honor. In addition, the other priestesses will follow us inside the cathedral.”
Overcome with emotion, Ivy nodded.
Abela lightly touched Ivy’s cheek. “Oh, little sister, how I have longed to see this day. It is a celebration like no other. You have given my brother the greatest gift. Your love and in doing so, filled his soul with love. Now here is my gift to you.”
Ivy stared at the crystal teardrop pendant dangling from a silver chain. Various colors of blues and pinks sparkled inside. “It’s exquisite.”
Placing the pendant over Ivy’s head, she then stood back. “They are Conn’s tears. Never before had I heard him weep. When a Fae weeps, we all mourn or celebrate in joy. Since we are twins, our bond is much stronger. I made this gift, so you will always understand the depth of his love. It is eternal. Forever, Ivy.”
Swallowing, Ivy held the teardrop up to the light. “From this day forward, all his tears will only be of joy.”
The woman moved away from Ivy. “I am blessed to see this day. My heart is full.” Raising her hands outward, a bouquet of flowers appeared in her arms. They were woven together with vines of ivy.
Abela presented them to her. “Roses and gardenias. I heard they were a favorite of yours.”
Ivy clutched them to her chest and inhaled their heady aroma. “Lovely.”
The first bell sounded in the distance and both women turned their heads.
“It is time,” announced Abela.
Ivy went and retrieved her cloak. Fastening the material around her shoulders, she clasped it closed with a Celtic brooch. Taking one last look at herself in the mirror, she picked up her bouquet and nodded to Abela.
As they descended the steps, the song of many voices filled the air. A sense of peace surrounded them as they made their way through several archways alive with flowers. Onward they continued, past the flowing stream where swans glided across the blue water oblivious to the celebrations.
Pausing before the bridge, she took a deep breath and released it slowly. The glittering cathedral steps loomed before her. The blare of the first trumpet heralded their arrival.
Abela glanced over her shoulder. “Have no fear, little sister. You’re now infused with Fae blood. You will be able to manage the steps.”
Nervous laughter bubbled forth from Ivy. “Reading my mind?”
The woman arched a brow, similar to her brother. “Never.” Yet, her mouth twitched in humor.
As they reached the steps, Ivy cleared her mind of fear and doubts and followed Abela upward. With each step, strength infused her and soon she was at the top. Her heart beat rapidly, but she knew it wasn’t from the climb. No, it was only for one reason. Conn. Her nerves prickled with anticipation.
Clutching her bouquet of flowers, Ivy held her head high and stepped into the cathedral. Beauty and song filled her. The Fae tossed out flower petals along her path, and some blew kisses her way. Each step drew her closer to the only one she ached to see. Starlight dusted down upon everyone, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Abela’s voice rose in joyous song with the others and onward the procession continued. As the crowd parted, Conn stood at the center. Magnificent in his royal golden tunic and pants, he radiated pure masculinity. Smiling fully, his one look seared a path straight to her heart. “How can a heart have so much love?” she whispered.
Abela nodded to her brother and took her place beside the king and queen.
Conn moved toward her. Everyone else faded from her view as she took his outstretched hand. Strong, warm, safe. Ivy smiled.
Bringing her hand to his lips, he whispered, “You are a vision. Beauty beyond words.”
“And you steal my breath,” she uttered softly.
Lightly brushing his fingers across her pendant, he regarded it with a glint of wonder. “Need I ask whose tears?”
“Abela gave it to me as a wedding present.”
“Hmm…I favor a conversation with my wee sister.”
Ivy clutched the pendant. “Are you angry with her?”
Conn took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. He then led them to the center underneath the vine-covered trellis. “Not in the least. It is my gift to you, too. But there are times when I wonder if my sister has made a wise choice in following the path she is on.”
“Remember, it’s her journey. You and I have already taken ours.”
Taking her hand, he brushed a kiss along her knuckles. “Before we say our vows, we shall kneel for Mother Danu’s blessing.”
She nudged him lightly. “Your mother informed me of what to expect. I will hear or feel her words.”
“You are not frightened?”
“Never, with you by my side, Conn.”
As they both knelt upon the moss-covered ground, the area warmed considerably, and the roof of the cathedral opened to reflect a starlit night sky. Moonlight swept down on them encasing them both in her radiance. The power of the Goddess wove through Ivy and around Conn. Her love entered Ivy’s soul, whispering her approval of the union. Joy infused Ivy’s spirit as she closed her eyes on a prayer.
Upon opening them, they waited for the High Priestess to come forward. Conn took her hand as they both stood before the woman. A twinkle of moonlight caught his eyes as he glanced at her.
The priestess’s words echoed within the place—ancient and mystical.
“You have both come freely to the Mother and to the Fae. We, your people, rejoice in your union. Prince and warrior stands before us. Both shall remain in your lineage and travel through your descendants along with a new bloodline. A time of renewal and change is on the horizon.”
The priestess turned to Ivy. “Child of the humans, we welcome you. Your strength, courage, and love radiates within and throughout the realm. We welcome you—your gift, and the new seed of life you carry within your womb. May your union be fruitful, multiply, grow in wisdom and love. Even in death, your souls shall remain sealed with your thread of love for the other.”
Retreating to the other priestesses, she bowed before them.
Ronan and Taran approached. Each made a slight bow. Ronan was the first to step forward. Kneeling on one knee, he withdrew his sword and placed it on the ground in front of Ivy. Confused, she glanced sideways to Conn.
“What are you doing?” Conn inquired his gaze intent.
“As I am the guardian of the princess—”
“Wrong,” corrected Conn. “She is mine.”
Ronan’s expression stilled and grew serious. “That may be, but as a Fenian Warrior and former guardian to the princess—to Ivy, I am bound by honor to pledge my sword, loyalty, and life to her. Ye already have my allegiance, my friend. This I ask of your wife.”
Conn held his arm outward. “Granted, old friend.”
Ronan grasped it firmly. “Thank ye.” He regarded Ivy with kind eyes. “Will you accept my pledge, Princess Ivy?”
“Yes,” she uttered softly.
Standing, Ronan gestured to the other Fenian Warriors who had stepped forward. “We have come to witness this union and pledge our vow.”
A gasp echoed throughout the cathedral as the Fenian Warriors knelt in front of Ivy. She glanced outward at the gathering, unable to form any words. Hundreds of warriors in a display of loyalty bowed down to her. As one voice, they uttered their pledge as Ronan had done. Rising and lifting their swords, they all saluted Conn and then vanished.
“Impressive,” mumbled Ivy.
“Indeed.” Conn squeezed her hand. “Walk with me.”
Smiling, she complied and he led her to a quartz fountain, the water gently bubbling up from the middle. He took her flowers and set them on the ledge.
Taking both of her hands within his, he placed them on his chest. Her gaze never wavered as she stared into his silver eyes. “Until the mists descend and I depart from this life to the next, you shall always have a part of me. I weave my love freely—blood to blood, my heart to yours. Blood to blood, my soul to yours. Blood to blood, my body shall forever shield and protect you in this realm and to the next. I bind you with these words to me always.” His voice raw with emotion, he added, “We shall walk into the land of forever as one love.”
No longer could Ivy hold back the tears. She let them fall freely. “My love for you resembles a Celtic knot. There is no beginning. No ending. Time will pass. Worlds will crumble and fade away, but you will always be with me. My love is eternal.” She paused and stepped closer. “My love is as vast as the universe from which you descended.”
Conn placed his forehead on hers. “I will show you the stars, mo ghrá.”
Her lip trembled as she placed her hand on his cheek. “But you already have, my Celt.”
His lips came crashing down on hers, stealing the breath and moan from her lungs. Ivy clung to him, lost in a dazzling world of light and sensations. His tongue plundered deeply, and she surrendered.
She barely registered the rousing shouts of the gathered Fae. Bells chimed, along with trumpets, but they faded as Conn swept her away with his passionate kiss.
When he broke free, Ivy swayed from the emotions. Wrapping a strong arm around her waist, he teased the vein along her neck. “After the first round of toasts and the main feast has ended, I am taking you to our chambers.” His eyes roamed over her body. “This gown hugs parts of your skin where I desire to taste.”
She eyed him skeptically. “Your mother has informed me the celebrations will last three days. I don’t expect she’ll be happy if we leave after a few hours.”
Conn tipped her chin up with his finger and winked. “Ask me if I care?”
Ivy rolled her eyes. “I’m doomed if we have sons that mirror your stubbornness.”
Lifting her high, Conn roared with laughter.