Epilogue
Abela tossed another blackberry into her mouth in between regaling Liam with yet another story she had heard—about how upset the king was over their early departure from the wedding feast. True, he did have his brother Rory arrange for their early exodus. But Liam judged he had done his best after one full day of feasting, drinking, and storytelling. King Ansgar should have been proud of him for his endurance.
He stretched out upon the ground and leaned back against the ancient oak tree bordering the river adjacent to his parents’ home, fascinated with every aspect of his wife. Her gossamer lavender gown did nothing to hide her satiny skin underneath, and he found himself growing hard once again.
She gestured her hand outward in annoyance. “Did you know he even ordered Conn to bring you back? Mind you, he never said anything about me, but I’m positive there was a message in there somewhere for Conn to escort me back to the wedding table.”
“As if Conn would agree,” he replied dryly.
She snorted. “Clearly you know him well, since he ignored our father and escorted Ivy to the dancing along the royal lake.”
“It has been eons since we have danced along the water,” he admitted, trying to change the current topic of conversation and put the focus on them.
Her mouth opened and then snapped shut. Sprawling out on the lush grass onto her stomach, she reached for another blackberry from the silver bowl.
An array of tempting delicacies was spread out on trays and bowls. The empty bottle of honeyed ambrosia set in a chilled container, and Liam pondered fetching another one. Nevertheless, of all the enticing dishes set out before them, there was only one who had him craving a delicious sweet nectar. Abela.
Holding the tiny morsel out in front of her, she remarked, “Do you remember the fresh strawberries and blackberries we gathered on Beltaine? Then made ourselves nauseated by smothering them with thick, sweet cream that we made ourselves?”
He smiled knowingly. “If I recall, you were not feeling well the next morning. My recollection was the night before. Do you remember the game we played?”
She bit down on the blackberry and some of the juices stained her lips. “Yes,” she answered in a rush.
“After dipping a variety of fruits in the sweet cream, I fed them to you when you answered each of my questions correctly.”
“And then licked the leftover cream from my lips,” she added in a throaty whisper.
The image of that provocative evening came slamming into his thoughts. “I have a confession.”
“Do tell,” she purred.
“I almost took your virginity that evening.”
Rolling over, Abela sat up. “I’m shocked, Liam MacGregor.” A glint of humor shone in her eyes.
Swiftly diverting his attention to a pair of wild geese gliding across the river, he added, “Yet, we were not ready so long ago.”
“True words spoken.”
When he glanced back at her, her smile had faded and she appeared crestfallen. “That was the night I fell in love with you.”
Liam held out his hands to her. “Come here, mo ghrá.”
She scrambled over to his waiting arms and curled up in his lap. He tugged at the loose curl from the braided mass around her head. With deft skill, Liam removed the crystal pins securing her braids in place. “A lot of work—” she explained.
He placed a finger over her pouting lips. “Shh…allow me the pleasure.” After dropping the pins on the ground, he went to work unraveling each braid.
Sighing in obvious pleasure, she leaned her head forward against his chest as he massaged her scalp.
“Feels good,” she mumbled.
Cupping her chin, his gaze roamed over her features. “There shall be no more unhappiness when we speak of the past. It was our journey. Regardless of the obstacles, and near death situations, we overcame them all. You are here with me. Those trials of the past are gone. We have our entire lives to map out. I shall love and cherish you forever.”
Abela wrapped her arms around his neck and straddled his thighs. “Oh, Liam, my heart is full with love. Thank you for reminding me. There is much to do in the human realm. First, I wish to visit Aileen and the other wives of the Dragon Knights. Since Aileen is a healer, I consider it wise to have the Master Apothecary accompany us on our first official business.”
Liam arched a brow. “Have you spoken to Aelish about this new venture?”
“Yes. At our wedding feast. Actually, she was the one who approached me and inquired about Aileen. She regretted not being able to assist the woman in the Fae healing practices. This will be a welcomed opportunity.”
“And I have no doubt Aileen will appreciate the mentoring from the Master Apothecary and the chance to see you, as well.”
Abela trailed a finger over the markings on his chest. “Exactly. But we should not concern ourselves with leaving for the human world just yet. This is a time of rest.”
Liam’s gaze dipped from her luscious lips to the pert rosy nipples pressing against her sheer gown. “I concur. We should take this time to indulge our fantasies and treasure the time alone.”
Leaning forward, she nipped along the vein in his neck. “Fantasies? I am intrigued.”
He cupped her full warm breasts. “Would you like to visit the waters of Delfina?”
She rocked slowly over his swollen erection. “I have heard that making love within the waters brings exquisite pleasure.”
“Unspeakable passion. More heady than within the stars. You can feel the fervor of the other person you are with, increasing your sensitivity.”
Her eyes glittered with desire and as Liam bent his head for a kiss, she whispered, “Take me there, my warrior.”
“With pleasure, my Fae minx.”
And with a wave of his hand, they vanished in a soft mist of light and love.