Chapter Nineteen
“As part of the final preparation into the Brotherhood, a warrior is required to spend one year among the humans without the use of magic. I chose my time assisting Aidan Kerrigan.”
~Chronicles of Liam MacGregor
Urquhart Castle, Scotland ~ Early spring 1209
Conn surveyed the entrance to the home of the Dragon Knights, trying to do his best at containing his fury. His hand clenched the sword by his side, longing to pull it forth and tear out Liam MacGregor’s heart. What possessed the warrior to take Abela? Why would he think to bring shame to her? Had he missed something when it came to the Fae during all their years together?
“Loosen your grip,” muttered Rory beside him.
Conn kept his focus on the portcullis. “Why? Do you fear I’ll harm your brother?”
“Worse. The fire in your eyes tells me you seek to end his life.”
Tightening his hold, Conn smirked. “Do you think to order me?”
Rory stepped into his view. “Yes. You’re letting your feelings for your sister cloud your judgment on dealing with the situation. If you storm into the castle and react on your current emotions, I will be forced to fight you. In addition, our wives will be sorely pissed if one—or both of us are slain. I for one, have no wish to return to Ivy with your dead body over my shoulder.”
Conn arched a brow in amusement. “So, you have already declared yourself the winner of our battle?”
“Of course. I believe my constant training has me at an advantage.”
“Now you insult me further by insinuating my lack of training?”
Rory rubbed a hand over his chin. “When was the last time you were in the Fae lists?”
Conn snorted. “Three days ago.”
“And when Ronan came to fetch me from Aonach Castle, I was sparring with Adam MacFhearguis.”
“A human.”
“A Dragon Knight.”
“Oh for the love of the Goddess, will you both stop this bantering of words,” demanded Taran, pushing away from an oak tree. “I believe the question is, how much longer are we going to stand here gaping at the entrance?”
“I concur,” stated Ronan. “Can ye sense your brother, Rory?”
Taking a step back from Conn, he answered, “No.”
Conn inhaled and exhaled slowly. “Time to pay a visit to the Dragon Knights.”
“Finally,” mumbled Taran.
As he started forward, Conn glanced at Rory. “I give you my word, not only as your prince and leader, but as your friend I will not put my blade into your brother. Yet, do not attempt to thwart me when I take a fist to his jaw.”
Rory’s mouth twitched in humor. “Deal.”
Approaching the entrance, they waited for the Dragon Knights to appear, so they could ask permission to enter. However, the massive iron gate lifted on a groan and one of the guards motioned them forward.
“Strange, we always had to wait for permission to enter from at least one of the Dragon Knights,” declared Ronan.
Conn narrowed his eyes as he spotted Angus MacKay near the entrance of the castle. “Why do I sense they were waiting for us?”
“Liam was here,” uttered Rory quietly. “I can detect a faint trace of his blood.”
“Past tense? Then they are no longer here.”
Conn made quick strides toward the leader of the Dragon Knights. As he approached, Stephen stepped into view, his hand on the hilt of his sword. A glimmer of contempt shown in the man’s eyes. Conn halted in front of Angus and gave a curt nod. “You honor us by opening your gates.”
Folding his arms across his chest, Angus responded, “I would never bar my gates to the Prince of the Fae realm.”
Conn clenched his jaw. “You have seen Liam and my sister.”
“Aye,” replied Stephen and added, “She was forthcoming about her knowledge in regard to Aileen. Mind ye, the shock was great to my wife.”
“That information was forbidden!” snapped Conn, leveling an ominous look at the Dragon Knight.
“Why? Her own father withheld so much, but ye…” Stephen pointed a finger at him. “Ye should have spoken to Aileen.”
“I was not permitted,” Conn argued.
“She is your kin! Did ye not consider it wise in all your discussions to share this knowledge with us? Or with Aileen?” shouted Stephen.
“I could not go against the orders of my king and queen.”
Stephen bit out a curse and stormed off into the castle.
Conn coolly surveyed Angus. “Nothing to add?”
“Ye have not offended me.”
“Good to hear. Now, may we enter and discuss why Liam and Abela sought the home of Dragon Knights?”
Angus shifted his stance. “On one condition.”
Conn tempered his anger. “Which is?”
Starting for the massive oak doors, Angus answered, “Before I give ye an account, ye must make amends to Aileen. I dinnae care what oath ye swore to your king and queen. This is our home—our world, and ye will make this right with her.” Angus glanced over his shoulder. “Ye are fortunate it wasn’t my wife, Deirdre. If it were, I would have taken a blade to your throat.”
“What a warm welcome from the Dragon Knights,” professed Taran. “At least their leader portrays a sense of calm.”
Conn tilted his head toward the Fae. “Let me give you a slight warning. Never underestimate Angus. Regardless of his control over his beast, his elemental power is fire and you were a fool not to notice his eyes were blazing the color of amber.”
A shocked looked registered briefly over Taran’s features. “Duly noted.”
As Conn stepped inside the castle, old memories surfaced of their time here before the great battle with the Dark One and Lachlan. All appeared the same, though he sensed a calm, peacefulness within their home. Approaching the Great Hall, they proceeded toward the long table near the hearth. Aileen stood by her husband’s side, her hands clasped together. Her silver blonde hair and lavender eyes denoted her Fae lineage.
For the moment, he had no words of comfort to offer her. All his life he had known about the human link to royalty in the Fae realm. When the whispers reached the kingdom that Aidan had sired a daughter, his parents ordered a declaration that no one would ever divulge her true heritage to her. And Conn never questioned their decision. Even refusing to be her guardian. He willingly handed over the duty to Liam. He had no desire to forge a bond with her.
Another dilemma to add to the growing lists of concerns.
Aileen broke the tension in the room by stepping away from her husband. Smiling, she walked past Conn and opened her arms to Rory. “I’m so happy to see you. Abela also shared you were happy.”
Rory embraced the woman. “I truly have found happiness, and I’m married.”
She withdrew from his arms. “Praise the Goddess. You must tell me all about her later.” After greeting Ronan, she stood in front of Taran.
The Fae took her hand and placed a kiss along her knuckles. “I am called, Taran MacLean, and I’m honored to meet you. Your father was my mentor as well.”
“So many friends,” she whispered.
Taran nodded and dropped her hand.
As Aileen turned toward Conn, her smile faded. She placed her hands protectively over the babe she was carrying. Conn waited patiently for her to speak. Minutes ticked by in agonizing silence, and the air grew heated with everyone watching them.
Letting out a sigh, Conn held out his arm to her. “Show me your garden?”
After she reluctantly took his arm, he led her out of the hall. Recalling the garden was near the kitchens, he walked along the corridor to the left. Silence continued to linger like an unwanted companion between them. When he pushed open the door leading outside, the cool air and her simple touch helped to ease the tension inside him.
Scents of rosemary, sage, and dill filled his being as they wandered among the kitchen garden herbs. “You have expanded,” he confessed, scanning the rest of the garden.
“Yes, but sadly we have had to halt any further planting,” she affirmed, slipping her hand from his arm. She strolled toward a cluster of chamomile, heady with bees. Plucking a dainty flower, she twirled it between her fingers.
“When will the building of Aonach be completed?”
Arching a brow, she responded, “This year, hopefully late summer.”
“It is quiet,” observed Conn. “Where are the others?”
Grinning, she replied, “Brigid went to assist Nell with a birthing of one of the villager’s horses. Of course, Duncan is there to oversee everything. Alastair and Fiona took all the children for a picnic in the hills.” She paused and narrowed her eyes in thought. “And I believe Deirdre is waiting for Angus to join her along the loch to teach her how to fish. In case you didn’t notice, Angus is upset at having to be detained.”
Tired of discussing the state of the garden and whereabouts of the other Dragon Knights and their families, he approached her. “I was forbidden to speak of our lineage. An order from the king and queen.”
Tossing the flower onto the ground, she faced him. “Did they think I would make some demand to the throne? I find this horribly distasteful. It’s like I was considered a bastard, and the birth brushed under a mat. Did my mother know?”
Conn shrugged. “I cannot answer your questions. Considering how much your father loved your mother, I can only surmise that he did indeed share his connection to the Fae royalty with her.”
She shook her head and crossed the garden to a bench. Taking a seat, she eased back against the bark of an elm tree. “Too many secrets. First my parents and now you. I am finding I don’t like the Fae people. From my impression, they consider themselves above humans. It’s a form of discrimination.” Pausing, she took in a breath and released it slowly. “Let me rephrase, I do adore your sister, my cousin.”
Conn winced at her words. Again, he found himself unable to offer any words of comfort. How could she possibly understand the rules and edicts of their kingdom? An earlier conversation with his beloved Ivy entered his thoughts, and he chuckled softly.
Aileen glared at him. “So now you insult me further with laughter? Honestly, Conn—”
“I was recalling a similar conversation with my wife, Princess Ivy. She would be in agreement with you,” interrupted Conn, strolling near her side. Taking a seat beside her, he leaned his forearms onto his thighs.
“Seriously? Then I’ve added another Fae to my list of those I like.”
“Ivy is only part Fae.”
Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Like me?”
Rubbing a hand down the back of his neck, he responded, “Not exactly. When I first met Ivy, she was human. After an incident where she was near death, I gave her my blood to aid in her healing. As a result, she carries the traits of both—human and Fae.”
“Do you love her?” she asked in a hushed tone.
Smiling fully, he nodded. “With all my heart. Her soul called out to mine, and I accepted.”
Aileen looked at him in amused wonder. “A mere mortal took down the mighty Conn MacRoich.”
“She has been the only one,” acknowledged Conn.
“A pity I can’t meet this woman who has captured your heart. Although, I am curious. Why didn’t you mention you were heir to the Fae kingdom? I can try and process why you kept my lineage from me, but I don’t understand why you wouldn’t say anything about you being royalty.”
Shrugging, he explained, “At the time, I wasn’t the prince. I had given up all rights when I became a Fenian Warrior. In order to save Ivy’s life, I made a bargain with my father, the king. I would take my rightful place by his side and leave the Brotherhood, if he allowed the blood transfer to save her life.”
Aileen gestured outward. “Yet, here you are leading the other warriors.”
His mouth twitched in humor. “Agreements were discussed and renegotiated after.”
She smiled knowingly. “You are ever the diplomat.”
This time Conn barked out in laughter and leaned back.
Aileen stared at him in stunned fascination. “Sweet Goddess…”
“What?” he asked, wiping a hand across his brow.
“I have never heard you laugh.”
He winked at her. “Don’t tell anyone. It will tarnish my image of a hardened warrior.”
Narrowing her eyes at him, she poked him in the arm. “I happen to like this side of you. Goodness, between you and Angus, I don’t know who is worse.”
“It must be the leader qualities in us,” teased Conn.
“At least I know where I stand with Angus. But with you…” pausing, Aileen glanced at a squirrel darting between some of the bushes beyond the garden.
“I shall always be your loyal friend,” stated Conn.
She turned slowly toward him. Wariness reflected within her eyes. “But no more?”
Conn blew out a frustrated breath and stood. He directed his gaze on the shimmering loch below. What he had felt eons ago, no longer applied to the man he was. Love had entered his life, making him see things in a different perspective. “As a Fae, I am honor-bound to uphold the laws of my king and queen.” Turning his attention back to her, he added, “However, as your cousin, I shall love and treasure our bond forever.”
Returning to her side, he knelt in front of Aileen. He placed his fist over his heart. “I pledge an oath to always honor and protect you, Lady Aileen, and your descendants. Not only am I honor-bound by your marriage to a Dragon Knight, but by my right as your cousin. Your blood flows with that of the Fae, especially my own.” Reaching outward, he took a hold of her hand. “Forgive me?”
Tears misted her eyes. “There is no need. I only wanted to hear your explanation. I realize this might be hard to fathom, but I do love you, Conn. You, Liam, and Rory stood by our side during one of the darkest times on Earth. You risked so much. Actually, I was angry, but I am not one to hold grudges.”
Conn stood bringing Aileen with him. Embracing her in a hug, he whispered, “Thank you.”
As they strolled back toward the castle, Aileen remarked, “Your sister is fascinating as well as beautiful. I so enjoyed our brief time together.”
His peaceful demeanor now dampened with the reality of their situation. “Why did they seek out this place?”
Halting their stride, Aileen studied him. “You truly don’t know.”
Conn fought the urge to clench his fists. “Not one bloody clue.”
Aileen placed a hand on her chest. “Oh, my, I thought you did. Though they did express worry if you arrived here. At the time, Abela was not concerned. They had been moving from place to place.”
“For what purpose?” demanded Conn.
“To acquire the Treaty of Feahan, so they could offer an amendment,” she stated softly. “I’d advise holding any further questions for Stephen and Angus.”
His mind reeled. “Shit!”
Aileen rolled her eyes and proceeded him into the castle.
Doing his best to hold his tongue, he followed along in silence. When they entered the hall, Conn stormed to the table by the hearth. Angus sat back in his chair, drumming his fingers over the top of the table. “Have ye made your amends?” the man asked him.
“Yes. He has graciously made an apology,” answered Aileen, taking a seat beside Stephen.
Conn pointed a finger at Angus. “Did you turn over the Treaty of Feahan to Liam?”
“By the hounds,” hissed out Rory.
Taran grumbled a curse, and Ronan stood slowly.
“Aye,” acknowledged Angus.
“Why?” demanded Conn and took a step toward the Dragon Knight.
“He wishes to make an amendment.”
Conn braced his hands on the table. “In order to do so, he should have sought out the first Dragon Knight present at the signing, which is not you.”
Angus arched a dark brow and stood. “They missed the correct year when traveling the Veil of Ages. Furthermore, he did obtain the original from King MacAlpin.”
“Sweet Mother Danu,” expressed a shocked Ronan.
Pushing away from the table, Conn went to the blazing hearth. “What changes is he wishing to make?”
“To alter the one about taking another Fae through the Veil, one not connected to the Brotherhood.”
Conn pounded his fist onto the stone. “He seeks to make right his reasoning for taking Aidan Kerrigan back in time to aid Aileen.”
“Aye,” responded Angus.
“If I recall, humans made a point to put this strict rule within the bylaws of the Treaty, so why would you and King MacAlpin turn over the parchment?”
“Because he has conditions to present to the king and believes they are just. Furthermore, ye ken it was your king that suggested this to be a wise law and was totally in agreement. I don’t believe Liam has a chance with your king, but I would grant him anything after his aid in obtaining victory over the evil druid. As I would with ye, Ronan, and Rory.”
Conn pushed away from the stone and clasped his hands behind his back. “Regardless, he has broken out of prison and as the leader of the Fenian Warriors, I must retrieve him.” He pursed his lips. “But what I cannot fathom is my sister’s involvement.”
“She's in love with him,” announced Aileen, chuckling softly. “In addition, I believe Liam is in love with her, also.”
“I’ll kill him!” roared Conn.