Chapter Thirty
“I heard the call of the songbird, and Abela emerged forth from the water. My soul sought hers, but our minds were wary.”
~Chronicles of Liam MacGregor
Pacing the grand foyer of the king and queen’s chambers, Liam pondered what he would say to Abela’s parents. He had claimed Abela as his wife, without permission from his king and queen. Their daughter was royalty. Worse, she was a priestess from the temple, and he considered if he should have gone there first to speak with the High Priestess.
But none of it mattered now. Abela was his wife. Nevertheless, there was the subject of a ceremony, which his mother had pointed out after he made his apologies last evening. He never thought to ask Abela. Their reunion was a passionate one, exploring each other, and renewing what they both believed lost.
He raked a hand through his hair and straightened his tunic. Brushing his fingers over his armband, he then exhaled slowly. What he had endured was far more painful than this moment. His love for their daughter consumed his every waking moment. Her name was on his lips upon waking, filling him with a peace and contentment he had always yearned for in his life.
Smiling at his reflection in the gilded mirror suspended on either side of the entrance, he let go of the fear and embraced what he knew. I love you, Abela.
As I love you, too, Liam.
Her voice floated within his thoughts as he advanced toward the doors. Clasping his hands behind his back, he waited. Time could never diminish what was in his heart, and he was prepared to wait all day in the foyer, if necessary.
However, his stay outside the chambers was short, and the amber doors opened.
Queen Nuala crossed the expanse of the room, holding out her hands toward him. “It is good to see you again, Liam.”
Unprepared for the welcoming gesture, Liam knelt on one knee in reverence. “My queen.”
She tapped him on the shoulder. “There is no need, Liam. Please rise.”
After he complied, the queen placed a kiss on each of his cheeks. “Welcome.”
Her informality left him without words to offer, so he gave her a weak smile. Lifting his gaze to the king, Liam understood there were going to be repercussions from Abela’s father. The queen might have forgiven him, but his king reflected hesitancy in his stance and features. Recovering his voice, he inclined his head. “Thank you, my queen.”
Her eyes held mirth. “Nuala.”
“As you wish.”
The king snorted but made no motion to move forward.
Queen Nuala took Liam’s arm, and proceeded to lead him toward her husband. “Do not be rude, Ansgar.”
The king placed a hand over his heart. “Me? If it was not for this warrior, our daughter would not have been placed in danger.”
“Might I remind you that I set Liam free,” argued Abela, striding forth from the inner chamber. She went directly to her father, and placed her hand in the crook of his arm. “I find your brusque behavior unappealing and not like the king I understand so well. I have given my full account to you and mother.”
His features softened somewhat. He patted her hand. “You risked a great deal, Abela. The priestesses were within their power to cast you out of the kingdom.”
She lowered her head on a sigh. “As you have stated repeatedly, Father.”
“The warrior should have returned you to the realm at once.”
“And I gave you my reasons,” she argued, darting the king a furious glance.
Liam grew weary of the sparring of words. Had they not been down this road of discussion already? He had no desire to watch a debate with his beloved as the target, as well as himself. He understood her father’s devotion, but Abela was now his to guard and protect.
Removing the queen’s arm from his, he walked over to Abela and her father. “If I may speak with you in private, King Ansgar, there is a matter which needs to be discussed.”
The king regarded him for several moments and then gave a curt nod. “Follow me.”
Liam grabbed Abela and kissed her soundly, trying to reassure her. “All will be well.”
“Be careful,” she whispered against his cheek.
He winked. “Always.”
“Do not keep me waiting, warrior!” shouted the king.
Striding quickly down the corridor, Liam’s steps slowed as the king took him into another area. Short circular steps led to a vast chamber, lit with candles. Books and scrolls lined the shelves all around him. He paused to take in the immeasurable collection of the king’s library. His appreciation for the Fae King grew.
“I am impressed,” Liam blurted out, unable to contain his exuberance.
“I have heard mentioned you are a scholar,” remarked King Ansgar.
“Yes. I was appointed a scribe on my first assignment to the mortal world as a Fenian Warrior.”
“Do tell,” encouraged the king, removing a scroll from his desk.
Liam relaxed his stance. “It was during the early reign of King Brian Boru. He required someone who could give precise details during meetings with other chieftains. I remained in the background and committed to memory all words spoken, including observing reactions during the conversations. Afterward, I sat and wrote everything down on parchment for him.”
The king tapped a finger on the parchment he held. “He was a great king, so I’ve been told. A wise man, indeed.”
“Agreed. And I believe he would have found favor with you.”
“Sprinkling me with compliments, warrior? It will not grant you any from me.”
Liam arched a brow in amusement. “Never, my king. If I may speak freely?”
“Can I stop you?” The king wandered over to a massive golden globe of the Fae realm, supported by three uniquely carved oak dragons.
Liam straightened. “I have loved Abela for decades. I will guard, protect, shield, and cherish her forever. What has happened is in the past and cannot be undone.”
The king eyed him skeptically. “Unless I undo the past.”
“Not even you would dare to tamper with our threads on the loom of life.” He hesitated and then continued, “And I would not allow you to take her from my heart.”
“You would fight me on this, warrior?” His tone held a note of warning.
“With my life.”
King Ansgar smiled and gestured Liam forward. “I have waited for the right warrior to claim my daughter. Only the strongest can stand by her side. She is destined for a future, one even she is unsure of at the moment. Regardless, she requires the strength, guidance, wisdom, and love of someone who will understand her. In addition, she requires a warrior who can profess to his king and her father his willingness to fight for her.” Unfurling the parchment on his desk, he tapped the four corners to keep the document open.
Liam strode forth, overcome by elation within. He gazed upon the document, scanning the names. “A new order of Fenian Warriors?”
“Yes. You will be among the elite warriors. There is also another whose name I shall add. Yet, she will only be able to travel with her husband.”
“Abela?” Liam wiped a hand over his brow, tentative with this news. “She is unable to survive in the human world, so how is this possible?”
King Ansgar leaned against his desk. “After much deliberation with Conn, the elders, and Abela, we have concluded that it is time she enters the world to aid those in our teachings. She will continue to possess the Stone of Ages with you as her guardian.”
Stunned by the news, Liam could not help but be concerned. The king had formally acknowledged and accepted him as Abela’s husband. He’d hope to enter into another position within the kingdom after leaving the Brotherhood. The possibility of traveling into unknown dangerous situations, especially with his beloved, left him unsteady. Though it was a great honor, he pondered why Abela would have accepted. How could she think of returning to the human world when she almost died there?
The king shoved away from the desk. “I sense you have questions. Conn is waiting in the other room to speak with you. May I call him forth?”
Liam gave the king a slight bow. “Yes, please.”
Conn magically appeared within the chamber. “About bloody time, Liam. I thought you’d never confess your love and fight for Abela in front of my father.”
Folding his arms across his chest, Liam replied, “He may be your father, but he is my king. Did you suffer the same conflict with Ivy?”
The prince of the Fae narrowed his eyes and rubbed his chin in thought. “Good point. No.”
“Has Abela agreed to these additional terms? Will she become part of the Brotherhood? I must admit to you both that I am uncertain of this new role, not only for myself, but my wife.” He tried to keep the irritation out of his words and failed miserably.
Conn went and tapped a finger on the parchment. “Her name will never be included within the Brotherhood, though Abela will be linked. She is an exception. Since her husband is a Fenian Warrior—”
“What role shall I take part in this new order? Will I merely be a guard to accompany her on these missions?” He drew in a shaky breath. “What if something happens again? I will ask you once again, has Abela agreed to these terms? Because if she did, then I must speak with her first.”
“If you had allowed me to finish, I am confident you will be in agreement. We require scholars in the human realm to assist Archie. There are many other kingdoms and with the threat of another division, the King of the Milesians and the Fae have agreed to combine knowledge for the good of all realms. Abela will be speaking to others about the Fae, but your position will be one of searching for rare documents and keeping an ear to the pulse of the land. We may have squashed the threat of war, but be assured there are others who will take their place.”
“A spy and scholar,” stated Liam, his curiosity now ignited.
“Precisely.” Conn shifted his stance. “Furthermore, the king and queen have granted additional powers to Abela that will allow her to remain in the human world without suffering any harm. And to answer your main question, your wife will not move forward with any plans until you have given your consent. If you both do so, then there will be a private ceremony here in the king’s chambers.”
The thought of this new position was tempting and exhilarating. However, the past wounds of losing his beloved were still raw. All he wanted to do was protect Abela. Keep her safe from the growing tensions in the human world. Nevertheless, his wife was born a princess, served as a priestess, and became his warrior wife. She had proven countless times her strength and resilience on their journey.
As Liam tried to comprehend the new knowledge, he wove a single thought outward. “If I agree to this new position from the king and Conn, will you obey my instructions when we are in the human world?”
She chuckled softly within his mind. “Obey is a strong word, husband. Can you choose another?”
“Follow, comply, abide, conform? Which do you prefer?”
“Why don’t you add submissive to your horrid list as well?”
Fighting the urge not to shout within her mind, he moved away from the prying eyes of Conn and the king. He braced his hands on the back of the massive chair by the hearth. “Will you promise to listen to my instructions?”
There was a lengthy pause. “Yes. But I may have to interject my own from time to time.”
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Then we are in agreement?”
“Of course. And I will never venture out of the kingdom when I am carrying our child.”
He gripped the chair fiercely. “Ch…child? Are you telling me…”
“No. Not yet.” Her laughter of tinkling bells lingered long after she left his thoughts.
“Is all in agreement?” asked Conn, placing a hand on Liam’s shoulder. “You look like you’re in shock.”
“Does Ivy do the same? Twist your guts into knots with the simplest words?”
Conn spared his father a glance, and then they both burst out in laughter. After giving Liam a firm shake, he stepped away. “Welcome to the world of wives and marriage, my friend.”
“Thanks,” he muttered, though it was good to hear Conn refer to him as a friend.
King Ansgar waved his hand outward, and the doors to the chamber opened. The queen entered, followed by Abela. His beloved’s face glowed with happiness. She immediately went to Liam’s side and clutched his hand.
He brought their joined hands to his chest. “Are you sure?”
“As long as you are by my side, yes.”
Leaning near her cheek, he whispered, “Always, beloved.”
“Since this is a unique position, we are going to perform the ritual here in the king’s chambers,” stated Conn. “There will be another official one at the Brotherhood.”
Liam brought their hands to his lips. Kissing her softly, he asked, “Ready?”
She nodded and smiled. “I do have one question which I’d like resolved before we proceed. It is for my mother and father.”
The king eyed her warily. “Another request? Have we not granted you a pardon for breaking a law and freeing Liam from his prison? Or taking the Stone of Ages with you into the mortal realm, or using the powers gifted to you from the priestesses—”
“Forgive me for interrupting all my recent misgivings, but this one question has disturbed me greatly and I’d appreciate an explanation.”
“What is your question, Abela?” asked her father.
“Why did you forbid anyone in the kingdom to inform Aileen Kerrigan—now MacKay—of her true heritage to the Fae? As you are aware, she knows the truth.”
The king darted a glance at the queen. She moved across the room to his side. A silent communication seemed to pass between them, before he returned his attention to Abela. “When news reached the realm that Aidan had sired a daughter, one who was destined for greatness, we deemed it best at the time to enforce a mandate that no one should profess any knowledge of her link to the Fae.”
The queen touched her husband’s arm. “If I may add further?”
Smiling, he nodded.
“After I had a profound vision, I consulted the seer. She had seen the same future for Aileen. We worried that if she knew about her heritage, she would want to explore the kingdom. If Aidan had wished for his daughter to have this knowledge, he would have shared it with her. In my heart, I knew he never would. His last words were spoken tersely, and he vowed that his offspring would never know his true identity. He wanted to protect her from a people who had banished him from his world. Aileen’s future was destined with the Dragon Knight, Stephen MacKay. We could not risk having her follow another direction.”
“He did break part of his vow, but never mentioned he was royalty. Aileen believes he knew his time was coming to an end,” explained Abela.
Queen Nuala’s eyes misted with unshed tears. “I know.” She looked at her husband. “As much as we all have regrets with the decision to have Aidan leave the realm, his path was chosen. He forged a destiny for each of you standing in this room. Remember this well, especially when the king must ratify a new edict. There is always a purpose.”
King Ansgar cupped his wife’s chin and kissed her softly.
Silence lingered for several moments, and then he returned his attention to them. “Fenian Warrior, Liam MacGregor, and Princess Abela, please kneel.”
After they both complied, Conn brought forth a blue crystal dagger. Tapping Liam on both shoulders, he then spoke the ancient words from their homeland. The power entered Liam, resonating in every cell of his body, and he lowered his head. The dragon guardians spoke to him within his mind, giving their approval with a breath of fire. The blazing truth of knowledge entered like a shaft of light, illuminating him with more wisdom, along with his Fenian powers that had been stripped from him by the king.
He barely registered the words spoken by Conn as he turned toward Abela. Lifting his head, he watched in awe as the prince wielded the additional power over his sister. Her head was bent, and her body enclosed in a sphere of pale blue light. When Conn asked a question, Abela responded in a voice he barely recognized. Not only would she be allowed to keep the powers from the temple, but also additional ones were bestowed on her today.
The air hummed with energy, swirling in a tempest of colors around them both.
King Ansgar proceeded forth. “By this declaration, I have witnessed, sealed, and approved this initiation. Rise Fenian Warrior and Princess of the Realm.”
Liam brushed a kiss over her lips, yearning to escape to a more intimate area.
The queen approached and took Abela’s other hand. “I believe it’s time to leave, daughter.”
Abela slipped free from Liam’s grasp. “Yes, Mother.”
Frowning, Liam started forward. “Where are you going, wife?”
She blew him a kiss. “To plan a wedding and feast.”
He watched her vanish in a twinkling of lights. “But we are married!”
“Not formally within the kingdom,” she whispered within his mind.
“Can the ceremony take place tomorrow?”
“Mother says in a week, and I cannot see you until then. I am the princess of the Fae and must have a formal wedding.”
“You’d better be in my chambers, specifically my bed come the first star of the evening sky, wife.”
“Is that a demand? What if I don’t obey?”
“Then you will be punished.”
“Hand, feather, or ice over my skin?”
Desire shot to his groin. “All three.”
Her seductive laughter touched Liam, filling him with visions of yet to come.