Chapter Six
“I allowed my twin brother to be birthed first into the realm, so he could prepare my entrance into our world.”
~Diary of Princess Abela
The torches flickered and snapped as Abela and Liam made their way along the narrow corridor to the main living area of King MacAlpin. She had never experienced the human world and so far, this experience lacked in design and hospitality. Yet, their visit with the Druid was cordial. The guards had left them outside the gates far too long before allowing them to enter. Abela had read the tales of the great king and the humans in the Library of the Ancients. Excitement had flared inside her at meeting this honored man. However, her spirits sagged when he chose not to present himself at the gates. Perhaps she expected more from this human male. She thought it best to reserve any further judgments until they had spoken in person.
Nevertheless, it did not prepare her for the reality.
As they entered the long narrow passageway, the area opened to reveal a blazing fire centered in the middle of the room. Abela lifted her gaze and watched as smoke trailed out of a small hole in the roof. Benches and tables flanked either side of the fire pit and several dogs slept on the ground. She scanned the rest of the area, searching for the king. Shields adorned the walls around them, and Abela was intrigued. Some held carvings of deer, horses, and Celtic symbols.
When she tripped over some carcass on the floor, one of the animals let out a low growl and raised itself. Horrified, she lifted her hand and sought to bring reassurance to the dog. She was not here for his meal and made it known within his mind. The beast let out a sigh and slumped back onto the ground.
Abela twisted her hands in front of her. After the guards departed, she turned her displeasure toward Liam. “Is this how the great king lives? Along with the animals? Where is his grand castle? Why is he not present to greet his guests?”
“Either he is returning from a hunt or bedding his current mistress. This is his meeting room.” There was a trace of laughter in his voice
Abela’s stomach lurched. “Hunting…as in animals?”
Liam leaned near her. “Humans like to eat meat.”
She swallowed and put a hand over her stomach. “Barbaric.”
He shrugged and bent to ruffle the fur of one of the dogs. “It is their custom. There are a few humans who I have encountered who only eat what the land provides—fruits, grains, and vegetables.”
“Then I can assume those individuals have evolved into higher beings. All animals are sacred to the Mother.”
Liam coughed into his hand and turned from her.
Abela wandered near a giant chair at the back of the chamber. Its regal position spoke volumes within the space. Large armrests depicted two dragons and she smiled. She traced a finger over the Celtic spirals that were carved into their backs, marveling at the craftsmanship.
“Do ye favor the beasties?”
Startled, Abela turned abruptly. The man’s commanding presence surrounded her. His dark eyes bore into hers as they twinkled with mischief.
She inclined her head in respect. “You have done justice to our dragons, King MacAlpin.”
He took a hold of her hand, and Abela fought the urge to pull away. “Ye grace us with your beauty.”
Liam emerged and placed a comforting hand on her elbow. “May I present Princess Abela.”
The king’s eyes widened. “Truth?”
“Yes,” Abela confirmed.
His thumb brushed over her knuckles. “Why would a princess dare to leave their world?” He settled his gaze on Liam, refusing to release her hand.
“She desired to make the journey with me, before the princess becomes my wife.”
Abela quickly took the lead. “I yearned to learn more about the world my future husband has spoken so highly of.” She pulled away from Liam and smiled demurely. “It has always been a wish of mine to meet the honored king and Dragon Knight.”
“Only half,” corrected King MacAlpin. “My mother’s kin were related to the knights.” He steered her away from Liam. “Surely you would not be traveling without guards, Liam. Not with such a precious cargo as the princess.”
She tapped him on the arm. “They are by the entrance to the giant rowan tree bordering your lands.”
“Do all the Fae females speak for their men?” He asked tersely.
“Only this one,” Liam replied in a dry tone.
King MacAlpin roared with laughter.
Abela grimaced. “Forgive me. I am not schooled in the laws of…human males.”
“I have overlooked the manners. Your striking beauty allows for the misgivings.”
By the Goddess, she fought the barb settling on her tongue. The man thought himself a charmer, but in reality, he was a brute. With a single thought, she could reduce his size to one of his dogs. “Where are we going?”
King MacAlpin paused by the entrance and released her. “Nowhere.” He closed the massive door to the room and folded his arms over his chest. “Why are ye here, Fenian Warrior?”
“I have come for the treaty. I am proposing an amendment to one of the laws. As you are aware, I cannot present my case to the King of Fae without your copy and those of the others.”
“Aye. But which law?”
Liam clasped his hands behind his back. “That in a harsh time to both worlds, a Fenian Warrior may escort another Fae or human through the Veil. There will be no profit, merely to protect.”
The king blew out a curse. “Did we not argue over this many moons ago? Why would I agree to this change?”
Abela held her breath. Human males were as stubborn as their Fae counterparts. She stole a glance at Liam.
“It shall only be used during troubled times and would apply to both worlds.”
“The same law, only different words.”
“But one that is important. Think of those in the future.” Liam’s expression was tight with strain.
Abela noted the censure in the king’s eyes. He was indeed shrewd. Liam had not presented his case. It was weak. Liam required something more to stir this man.
“Nae. I cannae agree and hold firm as I did at the signing.”
Liam’s eyes blazed, and he shook his fist at the king. “I fought the battle with the Dark One, along with some of my other brothers. Good men on both sides of the worlds—Fae and human died. And it wasn’t only the one battle. There were several over a period of many moons.”
The king straightened from the door. “The outcome?”
“The Dark One and his companions have been vanquished. The evil that plagued the worlds has been destroyed for another thousand years. I cannot share anymore. Nevertheless, I thought you would value the account.”
King MacAlpin scratched his beard, moving away from the door. He traveled along the length of the room staring at the fire. “I have heard the bards weave the tale of the last battle with the Dark One. Even some of my hardened warriors grew pale listening to the account. If I give ye my treaty, ye ken I must sign it last, after the others have added their mark.”
Abela let out a sigh of relief. Her Fae warrior had done well.
“I give you my word I will return the treaty with the others’ marks. I understand the formality.”
King MacAlpin retrieved a jug off the table by his chair. He returned with two cups. After filling them, he presented one to Liam. “Your pledge as a Fenian Warrior.”
Liam took the cup. “My vow to you.”
The king took a sip. “Ye ken the battle ye might have with the others?”
Great Goddess, she was merely an ornament here. The man ignored her completely. Your manners are horrid. “Who are they?” she asked.
The king’s expression was one of pained tolerance. “The MacAoidh in the Great Glen, Niall across the sea, and your own people.”
Liam regarded her over the rim of his cup. “The Niall is part of the great O’Neill clan.”
Abela nodded in understanding.
King MacAlpin placed a foot on the stone near the fire. “Ye may find getting Niall's mark challenging. He has changed.”
“Are you at war with him again?” Liam drained the contents of his cup and placed it on a nearby table.
“Nae. He has welcomed a traveling monk and is learning the new religion. We are now thought of as heathens.”
Liam scowled. “Then gaining entrance might prove thorny.”
The king took a fist to his chest and let out a belch. “Aye.”
“Nevertheless, the journey must be made.”
King MacAlpin settled his gaze on Abela. “Traveling is dangerous.”
She lifted her chin in defiance. “We have the protection of the Goddess, Mother Danu.”
His eyes roamed down her body and then returned to her face. “’Tis a pity ye cannae prolong your stay.”
Liam drew her to his side. “Our time is short, since the princess must return soon to prepare for the wedding.”
“Ahh…the work of a woman. Allow me to go fetch the treaty.”
Abela gritted her teeth as she watched the king leave the room. The fire snapped, the blistering sound mirroring her mood. “Rude man.”
Liam placed a finger over her lips and leaned near her ear. “The man has spies everywhere. Wait to speak until we are free from this place.”
The breath of his words warmed her face, and she glanced into the fire, praying he did not notice her reaction. Quickly composing herself, she made ready to depart. “A pity we cannot snap our fingers and vanish.” She turned toward him. “Any objections?”
“Sadly, it is not to be done.”
She clucked her tongue in disapproval.
Fortunately, they did not have to wait long. King MacAlpin returned and handed Liam the rolled parchment. “Remember your vow, Fenian Warrior.”
Liam tucked the treaty inside his cloak. “Thank you.”
Abela gave the man her most charming smile, though she doubted it reached her eyes. “Long life and good fortune, King MacAlpin.”
The man dipped his head. “And a good marriage bed to ye.”
“I can hardly wait,” she responded, happy to see his smile replaced by one of astonishment.
Liam gripped her arm and escorted her from the castle. As soon as they cleared the gates and entered the woods, Abela yanked herself free from his grasp.
She hurried down through a narrow path. “Infuriating man! He did nothing but leer at me the entire time. Not once did he ask us to sit or offer us food.” She halted and held up a finger. “Banish the thought of food. I’ve witnessed the floor. Yet, I would have enjoyed some wine. At least you were offered a cup.”
Fisting her hands on her hips, Abela tried to bring her breathing to normal. After several moments, she glanced over her shoulder. Liam was leaning against a tree, trying to contain his fits of laughter. “Men,” she muttered, fighting the smile forming on her lips.
With a wave of her hand, she magically replaced her gown with trews, tunic, and a cloak. Snapping her fingers, her unbound hair became two braids once again. Folding her arms over her chest, she waited for Liam to compose himself.
As he pushed away from the tree, he raked a hand through his hair. “Oh, princess, you are in the world of humans. Contrary to how we treat our women, the men here view their females as those to be bedded and provide heirs—especially in this century. And your quick words about longing for the marriage bed only whetted his appetite for you.”
Her face heated as Liam moved closer. “I was not about to be the one shocked. In addition, I thought I did well in controlling my tongue. The comment was merely a parting barb.”
He stroked a finger over her cheek. “Are you truly longing for the claiming? The marriage bed?”
Shocked by his words, Abela smacked his hand away and turned from his smoldering look. You will never know how I yearn for you, Liam. “Once, but no longer. Furthermore, you know what I meant when I spoke those words. I had no wish for him to shame me.”
“Then you will never marry?”
She swallowed and twisted her fingers around one of her braids. “What is the point? When I return, banishment will be my future. I have brought dishonor to my family, the temple, and Mother Danu.” Walking over to a pine tree, she placed her hand on the rough bark. “Even now, she refuses to acknowledge me. In time I pray she will forgive me, along with everyone else I may have wronged.”
“We both walk the path of unknown futures, Abela,” Liam added, and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Even in the darkest moments of my life as a warrior, Mother Danu was always there. Out of all our people in the kingdom, you should understand this wisdom.”
Tears misted Abela’s eyes. “This is why my grief is so great.”
Liam wiped away a tear that spilled down her cheek. “You should not have freed me.”
“If given another chance, I still wouldn’t have deviated from my original plan. Death was not an option for you,” she protested softly.
He took a step back. “It was not your decision to make. Eventually, we all end up on death’s path.”
“But not today.”
His smile was as intimate as a kiss. “For now we live and continue together on our quest.”
She pushed away from the tree. “Where to now? The MacAoidh?”
Liam chuckled. “Yes. Let us travel to the home of the Dragon Knights. You will find their manners more hospitable. Alexander is the current leader.”
“I favor meeting them. I’ve heard so many good tales about these men.” She lifted her head as they emerged forth from the trees. The sky was blue, and a warm breeze brushed over her face. She glanced at Liam. “Would you rather walk back to the standing stones?”
“Are you sure, princess?”
Abela rolled her eyes. “I am fully prepared to make the trek back. If you recall, Aidan Kerrigan trained me. His grueling hikes through the rugged hills of Locheesh were ones I mastered.”
“Did you know Aidan was forbidden to train you?”
Abela kept a steady pace with Liam. “Yes. One of several heated arguments with my father alerted me to that fact. He considered it unwise for a princess of the realm to be training with a Fenian Warrior. Although, I did argue that Aidan was their leader. The battle of words with my father lasted for several days.”
“Why did you wish to endure harsh training? For what purpose? Insight into the warriors?”
Snorting in disgust, she responded, “I sought to learn why the Brotherhood held interest for Conn. I never dreamed he would enter the prestigious group. He was the prince—our next king. Another item you forget, Liam, I am Conn’s twin. In many ways, we are a reflection of the other. I might be female, but my power, strength, and stubbornness can rival his on any day.” Abela slowed her steps. “I am in error. His brute strength is vastly superior to mine. Yet, magically…” She shrugged and picked up her pace.
“Aidan was one of our greatest warriors,” he uttered softly.
“The entire kingdom felt his loss keenly. I still find it difficult to reason he is no longer with us. We—my parents and I, never met his wife. I have heard his daughter, Aileen, is a beautiful and kind human. This knowledge came from Conn.”
“Yes, she is. I was honored to be her guardian. How long did you train with Aidan?”
“Not long. After Conn entered the Brotherhood, I went through a phase of mourning. I then sought out a female to spar and train with during those dark days.”
Liam sighed. “I never knew.”
Abela darted a glance at him. “You and I discussed other items of interest. Conn was not on the agenda.”
He halted in front of her, causing her to stumble and slam into his chest. “What exactly was on your agenda, Abela?”
“You didn’t have to step in front of me,” she protested, embarrassed by his question. Not sure how to answer him, she stepped around him and proceeded toward the stones.
However, the man was swifter and reached for her hand. “Was it a game for you in the beginning? Was that your agenda? If you couldn’t train with a warrior, why not toy with one?”
Abela tried to pull free. “Game? I don’t know what you’re referring to. We teased, flirted, and enjoyed each other’s company, then simply moved on.”
Liam’s expression stilled and grew serious. “So I meant nothing to you?”
She squirmed under his gaze. The man asked too many questions she was unprepared to answer. “I’d like to reach the stones before nightfall.”
He dropped her hand as if he had been burned. “By your refusal to answer my question, I can assume I speak the truth.”
“Can we not discuss our past, please? It was so long ago. You left for the Brotherhood and I…well, I became a priestess.” She tried to soften her reasoning and reached for his hand. “Let us not quarrel, Liam. Not only is time fleeting, but precious. The past is gone—”
“For us,” he interjected sternly. “And we had no chance to write a future. Let me be clear, Abela. I teased, flirted, and enjoyed only the sexual contentment of other Fae in the Pleasure Gardens. That is where I played my games. It meant nothing more. As for you, let me say that we shall never find where the road might have led.”
Abela released his hand, the pain of his words opening a wound she thought scarred over and healed. She knew about his time in the Pleasure Gardens. She knew about his sexual tastes and prowess.
And she knew Liam MacGregor was the only one who could fulfill her every fantasy. Had she meant more to him than she perceived?
A pity their relationship had ended too soon.