Chapter Twenty-Six
“Shards of glass make for a beautiful prism when held up to the sunlight.”
~Chronicles of the Fae
Beautiful, soothing music floated around Ivy. Buoyed by a sense of peace, she drifted within the warm waters of bliss. Contentment filled her being, and she longed to stay in this place. There was joy, happiness, laughter, and love. She danced and sang, lifted high above the stars and then flew back down. All of these emotions radiated throughout her body, but there was something missing.
It was fleeting each time she paused to ponder its meaning. When the thought was almost within her grasp, it floated away, as if someone snatched it from her mind.
However, she couldn’t forget the voice. It beckoned her on several occasions—filling her with stories of long ago. Tales of giants and dragons. Kings and queens. So many questions burned within her to ask, but the words refused to emerge.
So, Ivy happily went on her spiritual voyage, until one day she heard him sighing. Oh how agonizing the sound was to her ears. She longed to reach out and give comfort. His torment ached within her, and Ivy became restless. Sadness entered her serene world.
Her fingers stretched and the feeling was unnatural. Heaviness engulfed her as she slowly attempted to open her eyes. The effort tired her, but she waited and calmed her breathing. On the fourth endeavor, Ivy managed to open her eyes fully. Blinking several times, she took in her surroundings. The room was magnificent—reminding her of being in a forest. A huge armoire graced one side of the room with etchings of animals carved into its wood exterior. On the opposite side, an array of multi-colored lights spilled in from a large window through beautiful crystal panels. Her fingers brushed over the soft velvet green cover. And the bed was one fit for a giant. A massive four-poster. She squinted, trying to focus on the post’s design, but finally gave up.
It was a simple, but elegant room. But where was she?
Memories flooded her mind, and she cried out in pain, clutching her head.
“Here, drink this,” ordered the man, his voice soothing.
Ivy took the goblet. “Too…too many thoughts,” she muttered in a hoarse voice and closed her eyes.
“It is to be expected, though you have been asleep longer than we wished.” He nudged the cup to her lips. “Drink,” he urged.
“What is it? Tastes like cream mixed with almonds and cinnamon.”
“A healing tonic.”
She snapped open her eyes. “Why am I not in a hospital? Where am I?”
“If you drink the rest, I will tell you.” He pulled a nearby chair to her bedside.
“I’m in no mood for negotiating.”
The man’s mouth twitched in humor. “I now see why he chose you.”
Realization slammed into Ivy. “Conn. What happened?” She rubbed a hand over her brow, trying to organize the images. The encounter with Mike Banister. Being shoved into his car. The horrific pain at being impaled. Darkness.
“You are in the Prince’s chambers. He brought you here after you were injured.”
Ivy took another sip of the cool liquid, finding the man’s words unsettling. She looked down at her body. “I don’t know any prince. Again, why am I here and not in a hospital? Are you a special nurse?”
“It was the only way Prince Conn could save your life.”
Gripping the goblet firmly to keep her hands from shaking, she looked directly at the man. “Prince as in prince of the Fae realm.”
The man smiled. “Precisely. And my name is Kaelan.”
Ivy drained the last of the liquid and handed the goblet back to him. “I thought he was a Fenian Warrior?”
“Ahh…so he has shared his status with you.”
Ivy blushed. They had shared so much together. Yet, in their time and discussions, Conn never mentioned he was heir to the Fae realm. “Yes, but not his lineage.”
Kaelan frowned in concentration. “I deem he withheld this knowledge, since he did not consider himself a prince. Once he took the oath of a Fenian Warrior, he renounced his right to one day rule our world.”
Weariness swept through Ivy. “Where is he?”
The healer rose. “He is attending to his duties with the king.”
“I’m confused. I thought you said he gave up his right to rule.”
A shadow passed over Kaelan’s features. “He is no longer a Fenian Warrior. In order to save your life with his own blood, he agreed to leave the Brotherhood and take his place by his father’s side.”
Yawning, Ivy tried to sit up more fully. “Why are you telling me this and not Conn?”
Kaelan shrugged and left the room.
“Wait, I have more questions.”
“Sleep,” he ordered, his words echoing in the room.
“I think I’ve slept enough.” Yawning once again, she slid down among the pillows. “What was in that drink,” she mumbled, slipping into a deep slumber.
****
Warm lips touched hers, and Ivy bolted awake. She rubbed her eyes and then looked around the darkened place. Bringing a shaky hand to her lips, his scent lingered—one of the woods and all male. A lone candle burned low on a nearby table, yet, no trace of the physical man in the room.
“Where are you, Conn?” she blurted out, tears misting her eyes.
Frustration seeped inside of her as she dug her fingers into the soft velvet blankets. She had no concept of time or day. Her reality was skewed, and the man she loved elusive.
Deciding to take charge, she eased out from the covers. She marveled at the lovely pale rose-colored gown she wore. However, Ivy’s first task was to inspect her injury. Her feet dangled over the edge of the massive bed. Feeling unsure, she opted to slip the gown from her shoulders. Taking a quick look to her left, she proceeded to shove the fabric farther down.
“Sweet Brigid,” she gasped, running her fingers over her smooth skin. No bandages. No scars. No pain. Nothing. No physical evidence of her injury.
Stunned, Ivy quickly pulled the garment back over her body. Reaching for the matching robe, she struggled to put it on. Taking in some deep calming breaths, she eased her feet onto the floor. Her balance was shaky, so she used the side of the bed for support. Inching her way along the bed, she finally made it to the end and clutched the bedpost.
“You can do this, girl. If you fall, there’s always crawling.”
Taking several small steps, Ivy moved ahead. Her steps remained steady and with each one, strength infused her. Reaching the double doors to the other room, Ivy pushed them open. Light spilled into the room from the blazing fire, and she glanced around in all directions. Conn’s bedroom was stark in comparison to this one.
Beauty filled her eyes as she slowly made her way into the room. Crystals, amethysts, and various other gemstones dotted several tables, each engraved with Celtic designs. A striking carved hutch filled with glassware, silver goblets, and decanters lined one wall. Mahogany bookcases—their shelves lined with gild-covered books extended down a long corridor, and her fingers itched to touch them. On the walls were vivid colored tapestries depicting scenes of animals and great warriors, clothed in dazzling material.
A large round oak table rested near a window. Her stomach growled when she spied a silver bowl filled with apples, pears, and pomegranates on top. Taking measured steps, she went and retrieved an apple.
Making her way to the fireplace, Ivy paused to inspect the two beautiful chairs flanking the hearth. Carved out of wood and polished to a luster, their armrests resembled stags. Embroidered cushions in hues of green and gold complemented each chair. “Fit for a prince,” she whispered, trailing her hand over the high back.
Leaning against the chair, she lifted her gaze. Above the fireplace mantel was a display of armory, mostly swords and shields, but they were magnificent. The room reminded Ivy of a mixture of ancient and fantasy—a blend of both of Conn’s worlds.
With a sigh, Ivy wandered slowly to the crystal double doors, her strength increasing with each step. Pushing them open, starlight filled the area, along with the glow of the full moon. Its beam so radiant, Ivy could make out the silhouettes of the trees and landscape. She detected a waterfall nearby, its soothing music filled her, and she stepped outside.
Inhaling deeply the cool, fragrant air, Ivy hugged her arms around her body. Lanterns were placed on either side of the stairs leading downward. She was tempted to cross the marble terrace and descend into the place, but decided to sit in one of the wooden chairs.
Sinking down into the cushions, she took a bite of her apple. “What a magical world you live in, Conn. Why would you ever want to leave?”
Tucking her feet underneath her, she ate in blissful silence and tried to determine the constellation of the stars. They shone mightily in the inky blackness—ones she’d never seen before. Ivy counted over twenty dragons, their outlines blazed more than the other lone stars. “So dragons did exist?”
This was a world within another world. Or maybe it was all in one, and the Fae realm had a touch more illumination? Question upon question built within her mind, and she made a mental list to ask when she saw Conn. “Whenever the man…Fae prince decided to appear.”
She giggled and leaned back in the chair. Soon, sleep beckoned and dreams of Conn returned.
****
The scent of sweet aroma stirred Ivy awake. Opening her eyes, she tried to adjust to the intense brightness inside the room. Colors of the rainbow danced along the golden floor through the crystal panes. Confused at her surroundings, she tossed the covers off and sat. Rubbing a hand over her brow, she shook her head. Her last waking memory was of sitting on Conn’s terrace and falling asleep. Yet, her dreams were filled with him. Her face heated at the images of their lovemaking, and she longed to hold him.
“Did you bring me back to your bed, Conn?” she asked quietly.
Glancing to her right, she saw a gardenia floating in a large bowl. Its heady perfume filled the place. Lying next to the bowl were soaps, lotions, and combs.
Stretching her arms over her head, she longed for a shower or hot soak in a tub. Surprisingly, her body felt rejuvenated after everything she had been through. Catching sight of the beautiful pale green gown at the end of her bed, she scooted off. Fingering the stunning, soft material, she gathered it into her arms along with a rose-scented bar of soap. Spotting the matching slippers, she opted to go barefoot.
Making her way out of the room, Ivy shielded her eyes from the shimmering daylight. Blinking several times, her eyesight soon adjusted. Walking out onto the terrace, Ivy stood mesmerized at the vision below. Never had she beheld such beauty. Colors so vivid they stole her breath. A golden hummingbird flitted nearby, its wings glistening in the light. Lush trees, flowers, and birdsong filled an entire valley. It wasn’t a garden, but paradise.
“What a wonder it would be to paint this bucolic scene,” she whispered.
Hearing the sound of water, Ivy took the marble steps leading downward, sighing when her feet encountered the downy softness of the grass. Taking flight like a child, she continued on her journey until she found the waterfall, spilling into a small circular lake. Stone rocks dotted around the area with sunlight touching each of them.
Placing her gown on one of the larger boulders, Ivy stripped from her other one. Leaning over, she dipped her hand into the water and let out pleasurable sigh. “Heated.”
Sliding into the water, Ivy closed her eyes. The sensation was exquisite, and soon she found herself swimming to the other side. Giddy and lighthearted, she backstroked to where she had left the soap. After cleansing her body and hair with the rich lather, she swam to a larger flat boulder and hoisted herself on top. Fully stretching out, she let the warmth of the sun dry her body.
Happy and content with her bath, she curled to her side. Ivy glided her fingers in the water. “Did you bathe in these waters, Conn?”
Sitting upright, she hugged her knees to her chest. “Where are you?”
Her stomach growled, and Ivy removed herself from the stone and quickly got dressed. The material flowed in gossamer waves down to her ankles, hugging all her curves as well. Running her fingers through her hair, she made her way back to the chambers.
Upon entering, Ivy halted. Sitting in one of the chairs was a striking woman. Her golden locks cascaded around her body to her waist. The woman’s pale features were accented by the hue of her lavender eyes, and a thin silver circlet of vines surrounded her head. Her pale blue gown shimmered with the light of a thousand stars. She inclined her head to Ivy and stood slowly.
Were all the Fae so tall?
Ivy could have sworn the woman glided across the floor toward her.
“I bid you welcome, Ivy Kathleen O’Callaghan.”
“Um…hello and thank you.”
She gestured to the large table. “Are you hungry?”
Ivy turned her sight to the table. An array of breads, sweets, cheeses, and fruits were spread out on silver trays. “Oh, my.”
The woman’s mouth twitched in humor. “I assume that is a yes?”
Smiling, Ivy nodded. “Will you join me?”
Her smile lit up the entire room. “How kind. Yet, he did mention this quality of yours.”
“Let me guess. The elusive Conn MacRoich?” Ivy pulled out a chair for the woman.
She let out a sigh. “Yes. My son is attending to his duties with his father.”
Stunned and embarrassed, Ivy gripped the chair. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know…this is all so new. Besides, I think he owes me an explanation.”
Moving toward Ivy, the woman placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “There is nothing to apologize for, Ivy. Let us start over. I am Queen Nuala, but please call me Nuala. I have come to see how you are healing. Please sit.”
Ivy took a seat next to her and tucked her grass-stained feet under the chair praying the woman didn’t notice. No matter what Nuala had stated, she was in front of royalty—a queen and the mother of the man she loved.
Nuala handed Ivy a plate. “Are there any questions you wish to ask me?” The queen placed some breads and cheese on her own plate.
Ivy reached across and plucked a small loaf of warm bread, cheese, and grapes. So many burned within her mind. How could she spill them out for the queen? For Conn’s mother? In the end, she deemed simple questions the best tactic. “How was I healed?”
“My son’s blood helped to replenish and bind your wounds.” Nuala poured some wine into a glass and handed it to Ivy.
Taking a sip, Ivy placed it down. “Why didn’t he take me to the hospital? They would have been able to do a blood transfusion there.”
The queen shrugged. “A question you must present to him.”
Ivy nibbled on a piece of cheese, trying hard not to snort. “And when can I expect to see him?”
The woman gazed into her wine glass. “I cannot say.”
Her words came across to Ivy as something else. “Is there more you wish to tell me, Nuala?”
Sadness passed over her features, but only briefly. Meeting Ivy’s stare, she answered, “For the moment, Conn is preparing for the coronation that will make him heir to our world.”
He doesn’t want to see me. Now that he’s returned to his own world, I’m nothing. Does he visit me while I’m sleeping and have regrets? He can’t even tell me in person. Reaching for her glass, Ivy drained the contents. The wine left a bitter taste in her mouth, and her hand trembled as she placed the glass on the table.
“His chambers are stunning, but might I have another room until I’m healed?”
Nuala folded her hands in her lap. “Forgive me, but these chambers are the only ones for you. My son has ordered you to remain here.”
Ivy grasped the arms of the chair. “Ordered?” Seething with anger, she glanced away from the queen.
“It does seem harsh,” stated Nuala.
This time Ivy snorted in disgust and looked at the woman. “If you would be so kind as to inform Prince Conn that if he doesn’t show himself in his chambers by nightfall, then I wish to have someone escort me back to my home.”
Nuala smiled slowly. “I shall pass along your message.”
“Thank you.”
Standing, she cupped Ivy’s face. “For now, I have placed a Fenian Warrior near your door. His name is Ronan—a dear friend to my son. If you so wish, he is here to show you our world.”
Stunned, Ivy asked, “Is Conn aware of this situation?”
Releasing her hold on Ivy, she waved the door open. “No.”
“Going against your son’s orders?”
Nuala laughed, the sound similar to chiming bells. “You forget, Ivy, I am the queen. All serve me, including my son. Furthermore, he can’t object to you wandering the grounds, or the library of the Fae kingdom while you’re healing.”
She grasped the woman’s hands. “Thank you. I would enjoy seeing your world before I leave.”
Ivy stood and watched as the queen glided out of the room. What if Conn MacRoich decided not to answer her summon? Questions only he could answer, might not be possible. Confusion, hurt, and anger filled Ivy like shards of glass, each one piercing her heart.
Her earlier happiness now overshadowed by the thought of leaving and never seeing her Celt again.
“Hear my words, Conn MacRoich, and hear them well across the winds. You were my friend first, lover second, so please do me the honor of explaining what happened.”
Striding toward the door, she flung it open and stared upward into the face of Fenian Warrior, Ronan.
“After you take me on a tour, please show me where Prince Conn is hiding.”
He gave a curt nod. “I will see what I can do.”