by Mary Morgan
She hugged him fiercely. Tears she thought spent returned with a vengeance. After several moments, she wiped her eyes. “Can you move? Do you hurt anywhere? Would you like some water?” she asked between bouts of hiccupping.
“I have no pain, though weak. Water, please.” He lifted his hand and reached for a strand of her hair. “How I have missed you, mo ghrá.”
And when Aidan smiled at her, Rose melted at the sight.
Her lip trembled. “And I you, my dear warrior husband.”
He chuckled softly, and she collapsed against his chest, letting the light of happiness fill her soul.
Chapter Twenty-Four
“I once stood on the shores of Tir na nÓg, but the song of love lured me back to the land of the living.”
~Chronicles of Aidan Kerrigan
Surveying his gorgeous wife in the gardens, Aidan leaned against the stone pillar. He breathed in the late summer air and relished in the energy of the land beneath the soles of his bare feet.
He had spied Rose earlier in the day from his window attempting to coax a rabbit from the vegetable garden. Hours later, she continued to work and chatter to the animal. Little did she know the rabbit had a burrow and was content to live and eat from the full bounty of vegetables. If she thought to banish him from the area, she would be the loser in this sparring match.
Even a simple task of watching her brought him joy. He’d heard her words daily from the haze of life and death. It was those very words that kept him reaching out toward her and not retreating to the other side. Though the pain was excruciating, he fought to return. In truth, it was her final words when she spoke of their child that brought him fully to consciousness. However, since that day over two weeks ago, Rose had not mentioned the child she now carried in her womb, and he pondered why she kept the knowledge to herself.
“The battle has been fought before and Sir Rabbit has declared victory,” he announced, enjoying the view of her bent over as she snipped some chives.
Rose gave a startled cry and dropped her basket. Turning around abruptly, she glared at him. “What are you doing outside? And how did you manage the stairs?” Pointing to his bare feet, she added tersely, “And without shoes? No shirt?”
“My strength has returned tremendously, thanks to the healing care of you and Aelish. And since the air is warm there is no need to wear clothing and shoes.” Though, he would never admit to gritting in pain as he stumbled down the last few stairs.
She eyed him skeptically and sauntered toward him. “So there was no pain?”
“Slight,” he lied.
“Tired of your bed?”
He arched a brow seductively. “You were not there naked beside me.”
She teased her tongue out along her upper lip and stepped closer. “You know the rules.”
“I have no rules when it comes to you.” Without giving her time to protest, Aidan reached out and grasped her around the waist. Crushing her to his chest, he nuzzled the soft spot below her ear, inhaling her floral scent mixed with the earth.
Rose gripped his shoulders with a moan. He plundered her mouth, devouring the sweetness he craved.
After several moments, he broke free. “Let me make love to you.”
She gave him a skeptical look. “Are you strong enough to carry me upstairs?”
“That was not the bargain,” he argued, cupping her heavy breast through the flimsy material of her blouse. He lowered his head against her forehead. “If I was able to make my way down the stairs, you can allow me to give you pleasure.”
“As much as I have missed you, I believe we should wait.” Rose pulled out of his embrace and wandered over to a bench beneath the shade of an elm tree. She patted the place beside her.
Strolling to her side, Aidan refused to sit. He might be in a weakened condition, but he refused to let this pampering continue. Clasping his hands behind his back, he let his gaze travel out beyond the garden. The trees swayed gently in the breeze.
She tugged on his pants. “I have something I’d like to tell you and don’t want to hurt my neck by looking up at you.”
Aidan smirked, doing his best to keep the humor from showing, but failing miserably. “Then stand beside me. I have been in a prone position far too long.”
“It’s good to see your stubbornness has not diminished with your time in a coma,” she chided.
He lowered his head to look upon her beautiful features. “Nothing about me has changed, except for my magic. My strength is returning. You were wise in taking me away from Ireland.”
Rose stood on top of the bench and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I know you’ll miss Ireland, but what about the magic?”
He sighed heavily, noting the wariness in her tone. “No. Though it will be an adjustment.”
Trailing a finger across his torc, she then placed her palm on his chest, “I’m glad a few of your tattoos have remained.”
“The ones on my arms denote my lineage. They can never be removed.”
She exhaled softly and glanced away.
Taking a hold of her braid, he slowly unraveled the mass.
“What are you doing?”
“Waiting for you to make your announcement, so I can carry you up to our bed chamber.”
Rose tried to push away, but he held her firmly in his grasp as he continued to unravel her hair.
“I don’t know what you’re referring to.” Her face took on a rosy glow as she stared at him.
“Liar.”
Her defiant stance faltered. “You seem to have all the answers, so why don’t you tell me.”
Fear seized him. Was something wrong with the babe? Aidan could no longer remain silent. He cupped a hand over the soft swell of her abdomen. “Is…there something wrong with our child?”
Her face transformed into one of horrified shock. “No! Absolutely not! But how did you know about the baby? No one knows, not even my sister.”
Aidan cupped her face gently. “I heard your confession while you were trying to get me to wake. Why have you not said anything?”
She sighed. “We never discussed children. I wasn’t sure of how you would take to my sudden pregnancy. Frustrated, exhausted, and attempting to make one last plea to get you to wake, I blurted out the confession.”
Dropping down to his knees, Aidan placed his ear against the growing womb. “I am happy beyond words.” Even without his magic, he could make out the strong heartbeat of his daughter. His Fae senses remained intact.
He stood, brushing kisses across her face. “You have given me the greatest gift besides your love. I shall cherish this forever.”
“I was torn for many weeks. Scared, unsure.”
He gripped her chin firmly. “After what we have both been through, never be afraid of anything, beloved. I pledged my body to protect and shield you. My love to carry you to the stars.”
“Aidan, you endured far more pain. You were stripped and made mortal. I can’t even imagine.”
He snorted in disgust and moved away. Fisting his hands on his hips, he settled his gaze upward. “Regardless of the life span of a Fae, we do eventually die. What my body went through was a shortening of my life threads. The quantity of years does not matter. It’s how you spend them and with whom.” He turned and faced Rose. “With you by my side, these shall become the best years of my life. I have no regrets loving you.”
She stepped off the bench and went to his side. Reaching for his hand, she placed a kiss inside his palm. “Make love to me, my husband.”
Rose let out a startled gasp when Aidan lifted her into his arms. “Never underestimate my strength again. And never set down rules on when I can cherish your body, mo ghrá. You will always lose.”
****
Light drizzle blanketed the land as Aidan watched a pair of geese sweep down to the river below. He’d spent most of the day cherishing and loving his wife’s body, and reassuring her he was capable of fulfilling his husbandly duties. Peace and contentment filled the void which had
been present in his life. There were no misgivings on loving Rose.
This is now my destiny.
Folding his arms over his chest, he smirked at the intrusion behind him. “Good evening, Liam.”
“By the hounds, I thought your magic was stripped within your torture chamber,” protested the warrior and coming to stand next to him.
Aidan shrugged dismissively. “The magic is gone, but not my Fae senses or what flows through my veins.”
“I cannot fathom why they had to go to extreme measures to torment you,” stated Liam tersely.
“To set an example, so no other will attempt to thwart the law.”
“Many remain loyal to you.”
He glanced casually at Liam. “They must be persuaded to transfer their loyalties to Flynn. I chose him as the next leader. You can guide the others to accept their new leader. Speak first with Conn and Rory.”
Liam rubbed a hand over his chin. “The council will not accept him, and the warriors refuse to acknowledge another leader chosen by the nine members. It has become a heated debate on both sides.”
Frowning, Aidan turned away from the window. “Has the Brotherhood ceased to function?”
Wandering over to a chair, Liam sat. “No. On the contrary, we continue to complete missions given to us by Flynn. We have an emissary to handle the liaisons between the Brotherhood and the council.”
A tremor of unease settled inside Aidan. He had no desire to see the Brotherhood fail on his account. “Who is the new emissary?”
“Elder Loran.”
Curiosity replaced worry. “Why would he step into a heated position?”
“To honor your last requests. Even if the council disagrees with Flynn, Loran has acknowledged his desire to have the Brotherhood continue with the honorable codes you set in place. He’s determined to keep Flynn there until another is chosen.”
“Officially, many years shall pass before the chosen one steps into his role as the leader,” confessed Aidan.
“What do you know?” demanded Liam, leaning forward in his chair.
Aidan realized he had shared too much. Nevertheless, he wanted to reassure Liam. Pulling out a chair from his desk, he sat down. “Prophecies yet to be fulfilled.”
A shadow of annoyance crossed Liam’s face. “The Queen has shared her visions with you?”
“No. The High Seer did long ago. And do not ask me anymore. It was privileged information in my early years. There are moments in life when sacrifices are required, so that future events are established for a greater purpose.”
Liam nodded slowly and sat back in his chair.
Silence hovered in the room like an unwanted companion between the two warriors. Aidan had no more words to share with the Fae. Their actions and deeds were separate. No longer would he concern himself with the laws of the Fae kingdom. They did not pertain to him. His future belonged here in the mortal realm. This was now his world—one where he could forge a new path with Rose and their child.
“What are your plans here in Scotland, specifically at Balleycove?” asked Liam.
Barely registering the warrior’s question, Aidan blinked, bringing his focus to their current conversation. “I plan on continuing my work with the university. There is a position on the board, which I’m contemplating on filling. I already have an office there, but will gladly be able to work from my home, too.”
“An interesting prospect. Care to have an assistant with you?”
He studied the warrior from across his desk. “What are you proposing?”
“There is much I can learn from you. If Rose is now under my guardianship—”
“Only if I die,” corrected Aidan and quickly added, “The Brotherhood will not allow you anywhere near me.”
“On the contrary, the warriors are all in agreement. This is the reason for my visit. Call it a partnership. I can use the excuse I am Rose’s guardian.” Liam gestured outward. “I can keep the digs to within the parameters of information, and in doing so this will prevent another incident.”
“Like the one with Rose and the Standing Stones,” concluded Aidan, folding his arms over his chest.
“Exactly. Besides, do you not wish to keep your pulse against the vein of the Fae realm?”
“I’ll never return to Ireland. Therefore, I cannot fathom keeping up with the intrigue of the kingdom.”
Liam held up his hand. “There is no need. I can always share what is happening there with you, and send messages to certain family members. Bring you any herbs, medicines from the kingdom.”
Aidan smiled wistfully. “How does my sister fare these days?”
“She sends her love.” Liam produced a pouch from thin air. Tossing it onto the desk, he said, “Some herbal remedy to help with the headaches. And before you ask, she did not share why you are suffering from these maladies.”
Arching a brow at the warrior, Aidan fingered the delicate package. “It’s the residual effects from the cleansing of my body. My sister understands much.”
A glint of humor shone in Liam’s eyes. “Sorry, but I refuse to pass along the kiss she gave me as well.”
“And what of King Ansgar?” asked Aidan, leaning back in his chair.
“In seclusion,” responded Liam quietly.
I have failed you, my king. For that, I am sorry. Forgive me, but love triumphs over even your great reign.
Pushing away from the desk, Aidan stood. “I would welcome your aid. We might be able to garner you a position on the staff at the university as well. You’d have to provide credentials and other materials.”
Shrugging, Liam suggested, “Or I can be your assistant?”
“Why don’t you consider being an intern, learning from a scholarly professor,” added Aidan, moving toward him.
“Always the leader, right?”
Extending his arm toward his friend, Aidan replied, “Will this pose a problem?”
Liam gripped his forearm. “Until you pass from this earthly realm, I shall honor you as my leader.”
Aidan gave his friend a curt nod. “Then may it be a long and prosperous arrangement, Fenian Warrior.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
“I have no desire to unwind the past to the day of that extraordinary eclipse. Only a determination to press forward in the knowledge that true love can conquer anything.”
~Diary of Rose Kerrigan
Brushing a hand over the silken snowy material of her gown, Rose smiled at her reflection in the long mirror. “A splendid day to get married,” she uttered softly.
Her hair shimmered in the early morning sunlight streaming in through the window of Aidan’s chamber. Lily had taken over an hour to braid a variety of flowers with ribbons into her hair. Never could Rose have imagined she could look so beautiful. And it was all for the Fae she loved.
She fingered the moonstone pendant around her neck. Aidan had presented her with the gift two nights ago, after he had made exquisite love to her. He admitted it was a gem he had kept for thousands of years. As their quaking bodies settled from their lovemaking, he drew it forth from under a pillow and slipped it over her head. Her body tingled at the sensual memory.
Heat flushed her face as she crossed to the window, searching for the elusive Aidan Kerrigan. Since her sister and all the women from the Society descended on Balleycove several days ago, they had banished Aidan to another set of rooms far away from the one she now occupied.
Rose leaned against the window ledge, recalling Aidan’s stern expression and verbal lashing. He even threatened to toss them all outside the gates of Balleycove if he was not able to be with his beloved. If not for her soothing touch, Rose believed he might have made good on his words.
“Are you waiting for your knight to come parading by?” asked Lily, entering the room.
Rose laughed, but not before stealing one final glance in all directions for her Fae lover. Moving away from the window, she reached for her bouquet of red roses with baby’s breath tucked in between the flowers. “So whe
re is he?”
“Where he’s supposed to be. Waiting for you at the far end of the garden overlooking the river with the druid.”
“Wonderful. We were fortunate to find Bryan at this time of year. Usually, he’s making a pilgrimage to sacred places in Scotland.”
“Doesn’t he retreat at Samhain to one of the Standing Stones in Northern Scotland?” asked Lily, moving to her side.
“He chose a farther place off the mainland. I hear he’s venturing to Orkney this year.”
“A rugged, but dramatic landscape. Good for him.”
Lily fussed over her hair one last time and checked all the buttons that trailed down the back of her gown. “I can hardly wait to see Aidan’s face when he sees you.” She started to giggle and clasped a hand over her mouth.
“And why is that so funny?”
Her sister gripped Rose’s shoulders. “Because he’s going to have a fit trying to pry apart the tiny seed pearl buttons from your gown with his massive hands.”
Rose sighed in delight. “Perhaps he’ll rip it from my body.”
Letting out a gasp, Lily wagged a warning finger in front of her. “After I spent hours hand-sewing each one on? You would not dare permit him. When you’re ready to leave the celebrations, come find me, and I’ll help you out of the dress.”
“Absolutely not! I’m not going to have you prepare me for my wedding bed like they did in medieval times,” quarreled Rose.
Lily opened her arms wide. “Look around you, Rose. You’re living in a grand medieval castle. Except your brawn knight is a Fae.”
“Yes, it is a stunning castle.” She paused and touched her sister’s face lightly. “Thank you for everything. Dear sister, where do I begin? Let’s start with my dress, which is straight from a medieval time-period, to preparing food, decorating the Great Hall—and far too many others to count. I love you.”
Lily’s lips trembled. “Do not make me cry. If you have not noticed, I’m wearing make-up.”
“Of course, I did. And you’re beautiful. Although, I must confess you’re a beauty without any, Lily.”
A lone tear trickled down her sister’s cheek. “See, now I’m ruined.”
