Chapter Three
“The first kiss broke the innocence.”
~Diary of Princess Abela
The cry of a black falcon heralded the arrival of a lone horse, and Abela smiled. Praise Mother Danu. All we require is another. We shall not depart with one horse. Never will I put my arms around Liam MacGregor again. “Can we trouble you for some water and food, Cathal?”
“I would be honored to have ye join me.” The druid extended his arm to her, and Abela accepted it with a smile.
“I suggest we continue on our journey. The land will sustain us,” argued Liam.
She gave him a skeptical look and proceeded to enter the druid’s cottage.
“Grant an old man an hour of your time,” Cathal spoke over his shoulder.
Liam grunted a curse, but complied.
Abela removed her cloak and went to the hearth. She wished to know more about this human who was revered in the realm. Many of the Fae bards spoke eloquently of his mighty deeds in assisting the Dragon Knights and offering his wisdom to the Fenian Warriors.
Whatever was cooking in the pot over the flames caused her stomach to rumble, and she inhaled deeply. “Smells divine, Cathal. What tempting fare have you prepared?”
The druid ambled about, collecting plates and cups from a shelf. After setting everything down, he went to a cupboard and brought forth an earthenware bottle. “A mixture of kale, onions, and wild mushrooms. Though I fear ’tis a meager fare for ye, Princess. The winter can be harsh here in the glen.”
“I favor the hearty meal,” she replied. Smiling inwardly, she waved a hand over the pot, increasing its contents.
“Wine?” asked Cathal.
“Most definitely.” She beamed and made her way to sit at the small table.
Cathal poured some into their cups. “Let me also bring ye some bread. ’Tis wondrous that I made several loaves yesterday.”
“Thank you.”
Liam stood by the entrance, rigid as a stone pillar. How she longed to bring a smile to his features. What had happened to him? Had she expected gratitude for helping him escape his doom? Yes. But that wasn’t what bothered her. When she removed her hood, he appeared horrified to see her. Furthermore, his verbal assaults were the worst. Gone was the Fae of laughter, poetry, and song. In his place stood a hardened warrior. And then Abela recalled seeing her brother Conn for the first time in many years. He appeared to possess the same demeanor. What did these warriors witness for them to lead such cynical lives? Abela could not fathom and her heart wept at the thought.
There had to be a way to crack the exterior of this warrior. Abela smiled and patted the chair next to her. “Please come sit, Liam. We shall not tarry long.” She swallowed, hating the lie she was about to tell. “I have not eaten in over a day, and I find my strength ebbing.”
His features softened, and he nodded. As he took a seat beside her, he stole a quick glance at her.
Abela frowned. “Is something amiss?”
“You should not be wearing trews,” he whispered, taking a sip of his wine.
She bit the inside of her mouth to keep from laughing. So he did notice her female form. Interesting. She waited to respond until after Cathal placed the bread on the table and departed to the hearth. “It would not have been proper dashing about in gauzy gowns.” Abela lifted her cup and added, “I would have been forced to rip the material to my thighs.”
Liam choked on his wine, and she turned her head away to shutter her features.
Cathal returned with bowls of soup for each and took a seat across from them. Bowing his head, he offered a prayer of thanks.
“Yes, all praise to Mother Danu for providing food and shelter,” echoed Abela. She tore a piece of bread from the loaf and dipped it into her soup. Closing her eyes, she savored the flavors.
“Ye favor the broth?” asked Cathal.
Abela opened her eyes and smiled at the man. “I must commend your use of thyme with the other ingredients.”
“You flatter me, princess.”
“And you honor us by sharing. Where is this place?” asked Abela, reaching for her cup of wine.
Cathal settled his gaze on Liam, but continued to eat his soup.
“The Great Glen. Specifically Urquhart land and the home of the Dragon Knights,” replied Liam.
Abela sipped her wine, letting the warmth spread throughout her limbs. The stories of the Dragon Knights were legendary as well. Then she recalled all the stories, especially those of Cathal and deduced they were not in the ninth century. She would not misjudge the next time they went through the Veil.
Cathal settled back in his chair. “Is this your first time in the world of humans, Princess?”
“Yes.” She swirled the wine in the cup, praying the druid would ask no more questions. Let him keep his interest on Liam.
“And ye journey with a Fenian Warrior without a chaperon?”
Smiling sweetly, Abela finished her wine and placed the cup down. “There are different rules within our realm. Women are treated as equals and do not need to have supervision.”
“Truly?”
Liam grumbled a protest. “The Princess was in error not to bring along her attendants.”
Her hands twisted within her lap, longing to rip out his tongue. “And as a princess, I have the right to travel with only one guard.”
“Is this a new rule in the kingdom?” Liam challenged as he reached for the jug of wine and filled his cup to the brim.
She fidgeted within her chair. “You forget your absence has been lengthy. Or has the time of solitude addled your brain?”
Cathal leaned forward and placed his hands on the table. “If I may ask Liam, what happened at your trial? When we last went our separate ways several years ago, ye were in shackles.”
Abela noted the dark fury rising in Liam’s features and body. She never knew the precise time he entered his confinement within the Room of Reflection. The whispers had reached her deep within the temple many moons after she had met with her brother. She had shared too much and now had no wish to bring shame to him in front of the druid.
“Liam has chosen to escort me on a journey of knowledge. It is part of his time spent in serving the royal household. The trial has been delayed.”
Cathal rubbed a hand through his beard. “Interesting.”
“How are the Dragon Knights?” Liam asked, before drinking deeply from his cup.
The druid eyed them both with curiosity. “They are almost done with the building of Aonach Castle and will make the move from Urquhart to their new home come late summer.”
“Perchance one day—”
“No!” Liam cut her off with a wave of his hand.
Why must he continue to spare words with me? She directed her attention to Cathal. “As I was saying, I pray one day the Dragon Knights all find peace in their new home.”
“There shall always be conflict, Princess. But ye are kind to offer your prayers. Surely, Mother Danu listens to ye more than the others.”
Surprised by his last declaration, Abela said, “The Great Mother listens to all equally.”
“Agreed,” he acknowledged.
Liam stood. “Thank you for your hospitality, Cathal.”
“Ye may find my horse in a shelter behind the cottage. Her name is Epona.”
“A Roman name? I am surprised you named her thus,” replied Abela, standing.
Cathal chuckled softly. “She was a gift from another druid and it suits her.”
Liam inclined his head. “We shall return her after our travels here in this time.” He grabbed his cloak and handed Abela her own.
Abela watched as Liam strode quickly out of the cottage.
“’Tis a dangerous path ye are on, Princess.”
She met their host's searching gaze, but refused to divulge their true purpose for being here. The druid was inquisitive. “All journeys are fraught with danger, Cathal.”
“This one can lead to both your deaths.”
A tremor of unease skirted across her skin. His scrutiny was unnerving. “I can assure you no one shall die.”
“A priestess outside the temple—unheard of. What would ye call this path you are on? A pleasant journey in the human world?”
The food in her stomach soured. “I appreciate your concern, but it is not warranted. It is obvious the years have passed here in your world, and you have come upon this knowledge of me as a priestess in the temple from my brother. I have recently left the order and now seek to obtain information.”
He dipped a slight bow. “My apologies. When ye return, give my regards to Prince Conn.”
If he ever speaks to me again. “Of course. It was an honor to meet you. The stories told in my kingdom speak highly of you.”
Cathal gestured her forward. “Ye flatter me once again.”
As they stepped outside the warmth of the cottage, Abela smiled. Not only would they have the use of Epona, but also the stray horse that stood munching on some tuffs of grass between the frozen parts of the ground.
“’Tis good ye have called another animal. And one in fine form,” remarked Cathal.
She lifted her hand in front of the horse. “We shall return him to his master once we are done.”
“Safe journey, Princess, and heed my words.”
“You are very kind, Cathal.” Clicking her fingers, the horse followed her down the path.
****
The bitter cold wind slashed across Abela’s face. How she yearned to return to the cottage. What possessed her to think she could travel with the same endurance as a warrior during the harshness of the human’s wintertime? Yes, she was trained in the art of blades and arrows, but she had not the stamina needed for now or in battle. In addition, what made all her sensibilities flee whenever she was around Liam? Had not her time serving Mother Danu help to temper her tongue and quiet her mind?
All her training, wisdom, and purpose were tossed aside when she drew near him. Never in her life did anyone rile her good judgment like this man. She spouted human curses, stomped her foot in agitation, and dared to push or poke him in the chest.
I am a princess—a priestess! Quiet the mind, still the beating heart, listen to the words of truth.
Abela straightened her back, inhaled the frigid air, and sought to bring warmth into her body and soul. She settled her gaze on Liam’s back. He kept a steady pace as they galloped across the land. Did he not understand why she risked everything for him? “Foolish thought,” she murmured. How could he empathize?
Liam was correct. The years had changed them both. Nevertheless, her heart had maintained a vigil all those moons. What had occurred over a century ago meant nothing to him, but she was unable to banish her feelings. Only when she entered the temple of Mother Danu was she able to seal the chains of emotions she felt for the Fae warrior. At least she believed it to be so. When the whispers of his predicament brushed against her cheeks one autumn day, the force of the words knocked her to the ground. She never knew who sent her the message, but death was not an option for the man who dared to give her a first kiss.
Abela lifted her gown and dipped her toes into the sparkling stream. She let out a sigh. The water was warm, soothing, and eased the strain from her limbs. The exercise with her tutor this morning was rigorous. She insisted on training Abela in her gown. When she tripped for the umpteenth time on the material, her tutor suggested the healing waters of the stream.
“Why not remove your gown and go for a swim?” Liam suggested, leaning against a rowan tree.
She gasped, unaware anyone was in this particular area of the glen. Of all the Fae, Abela was not prepared to be alone with Liam MacGregor. He stirred things within her—made her heart beat wildly, and her skin prickle with heat. His silver blue eyes roamed over her, and she fought the temptation to do what he’d suggested. Liam MacGregor was sinfully seductive, but forbidden to her. She’d heard the rumors he was destined to enter the Brotherhood of the Fenian Warriors, and she refused to enter into a dalliance. Her parents—no her brother would kill him and seek answers later.
Turning her back on the intruder, Abela stepped into the stream. She kept her focus outward and enjoyed the water lapping against her legs.
His footsteps retreated and for a moment, Abela regretted his departure. She stole a glance over her shoulder and gasped for the second time. He’d removed his tunic and rolled up his pants. He strode with intent and entered the stream, halting beside her.
Abela lifted her chin. “What are you doing?”
“Testing the water.”
“Are you jesting with me?”
“Never, princess.”
She studied his profile—one of power and ageless strength. The sun danced off his dark auburn hair, and Abela ached to brush away a lock that was forever falling across his eye and cheek. And his lips, oh my. No man should ever possess such full lips. Abela often fantasized on tasting them. Would they be soft? Or firm?
Liam kept his attention riveted on the stream. “The water is soothing.”
“Agreed.” Her gaze traveled the length of him.
He turned toward her. “Is there something wrong with my body?”
Abela felt the heat rise from her neck to her entire face. “No,” she whispered, unable to turn away.
His hand brushed against hers. “Do you find it…pleasing?”
A tremor of longing to be kissed filled Abela. She should flee this instant, but her feet refused to listen to her mind.
Liam reached out and tucked a stray curl behind her ear. His finger trailed down the side of her neck, and she shuddered. “You have not answered me.”
“Yes,” she replied rapidly.
The smile in his eyes contained a sensuous flame, and she was drawn to him. A soft breeze billowed around them. She ached to press her mouth against his. Just one kiss.
As if reading her thoughts, Liam cupped her chin and stroked his thumb over her bottom lip. “Your mouth begs to be kissed, princess.”
She swallowed and did the unthinkable. “Then kiss me, Liam MacGregor.”
His groan echoed around them as he took possession of her mouth. The kiss sent the pit of her stomach into a wild swirl of delicious sensations. Abela’s body yearned to touch him, so she wrapped her arms around his neck. The contact of his skin against her chest ignited a burning desire for more.
Liam grasped her firmly around the waist with one arm and deepened the kiss. When his silken tongue sought entry, she opened fully to the seduction, tasting wine, apples, and his own scent. His moan resonated deep within her, and she found her body responding to a rhythm as old as the land they lived upon.
Never did Abela imagine the power behind a kiss—seductive, enchanting, shattering, and she craved more.
Liam demanded and Abela surrendered.
When he finally broke free, Liam’s breathing was labored.
“Do not stop,” she pleaded.
His eyes glittered with the light of the stars. “If I continue, I will claim you here upon the ground. I shall take your body and all you have to offer. Are you ready for the claiming?”
The rational side of Abela awoke, and she took a trembling step back. She had no words to give the man. Their destiny was on two separate roads—warrior and princess. He was not hers to claim, and Abela would not surrender her virginity so easily. By the Goddess, how she yearned to be someone else and not royalty.
He placed a chaste kiss on her forehead and turned away, retreating into the trees.
The air cooled considerably, but she refused to leave the water. Her body and mind ached with the loss.
Abela’s mind relived the velvet warmth of his mouth, and she raised a trembling hand to her lips. “Never again, Liam MacGregor.”