by Mary Morgan
Abela gave him a sideways glance. “Can you prepare yourself, or would you like me to do the honors?”
Liam took in his appearance and with a wave of his hand transformed his ragged clothing into those of his homeland.
“Are you ready?” she asked, holding out her hand once again.
Liam stepped in front of her. “One rule to commit to memory is a Fae never appears by magic in any king or chieftain’s castle.”
“Duly noted. Have you considered the speech you will present to the king?” she asked, moving to his side.
He had little time to ponder what he would say to King MacAlpin. Yet, one thought came thundering through his mind. It was a preposterous idea, but would provide the necessary argument. The only problem he foresaw was Abela might contest the plan.
“Yes. Before we enter through the gates, I require your acceptance in this scheme.”
She let out a groan. “Pray continue and don’t keep me in anticipation.”
Liam squared his shoulders as if preparing for a speech. “My reasons are simple. We have come to amend a law and require the original treaty.”
“That’s your explanation?”
He kept his attention on the keep. “In order to amend the treaty, not only do I require the original, but the other three copies. This is only the first step. If I speak the true reason, the king will not part with the treaty. I must pledge a vow to return it to him.”
“So what untruth are you going to spout?”
Liam turned his gaze to Abela. “I am requesting a marriage contract with the Princess of the Fae and have been given a quest from our council.” She gasped, and he continued, “I seek to rewrite the laws of the Fenian Warriors, specifically the one about traveling through the Veil of Ages for certain gains. I wish to make an amendment in the case of an extreme emergency, so other Fae or humans can travel the Veil with the assistance of the Fenian Warriors. Of course, I would present this in a language the king would comprehend.”
“Surely, you have gone mad.” Her tone was one of astonishment. “Why would the king consider your reasoning?” Abela rubbed at her temples. “I am not prepared to accept this falsehood about a…marriage contract.”
Liam waved a hand outward. “Think, Abela. Never before has a Fae female entered the mortal realm of men. King MacAlpin is shrewd and calculating. He will want to know why you are at my side. In addition, he might favor your pleasing company and grant my request.” He folded his arms across his chest. “Or you can stay behind in the trees while I visit with each human who holds the treaty.”
“Absolutely not!”
“Good, since I judge it wise to not separate. If you sense the smallest vibration of another Fae, we must flee immediately.”
This time Liam held out his hand to Abela. She hesitated briefly and then grasped his fingers. Her touch was warm, soft, and he fought a wave of emotions. This was all an act. A lie. Never would the Princess of the Fae realm belong to a renegade Fenian Warrior.
Slamming the door on his heart, Liam escorted them toward the gates.
Chapter Five
“My entire life was based on truths and beauty. But I would spout any lie for the Fae who ignited a firestorm with one kiss.”
~ Diary of Princess Abela
Fae Realm ~ Gardens of Prince Conn, leader of the Fenian Warriors
Conn lifted his daughter into his arms, smiling as her laughter brought forth all the hummingbirds to swirl in a colorful parade around them. “Do they sing a song of praise, lovely Sorcha?”
She babbled in her own language and held out a tiny plump finger. One of the smaller hummingbirds landed serenely, and she bent to blow a kiss over the delicate bird. He watched in fascination, until they all circled in a crown over her head and then spirited off to the flowers.
“You are their queen,” he uttered softly, and placed a kiss on her forehead.
Slowly, Conn made his way through the peaceful garden, heading toward the balcony and his wife, Ivy. An open book lay in her lap as she slept. The sun shimmered off her features, and his breath caught. He never tired of seeing the lovely vision of his beloved.
He gently placed Sorcha in her carriage. Turning toward his wife, he knelt beside her. Her eyes fluttered open, and she smiled.
Yawning, she whispered, “It was difficult to keep my eyes open.”
Conn stroked a finger across her cheek. “The sun beckons one to rest. You are still recovering from your birthing.”
Ivy closed the book on her lap and attempted to sit. “Humph! Might I remind you, I healed in no time many months ago. You are pampering me far too much, my Celt.”
“I call it loving my wife,” he argued and kissed her soundly.
She moaned as he slipped his tongue inside the warmth of her mouth. When he broke free, her eyes darkened with desire. “You can pamper me with kisses anytime.”
His hand skimmed down her arm. “Would you care for—” He paused and stood abruptly.
“What’s wrong?”
He hissed out a curse and closed his eyes.
Ivy grasped his hand. “You’re scaring me, Conn. Talk to me.”
His anger barely contained, he shook free from her embrace. “Liam has escaped from his prison. I am to appear before the Fae council immediately.”
Standing, Ivy muttered, “Oh, my stars. How?”
“Unknown, but he had to have assistance.”
They both turned at the pounding on their chamber doors. As Conn quickly made his way to the entrance, the sky darkened, and thunder rolled in the distance.
“I’ve never witnessed that color in the sky before,” observed Ivy.
He glanced over his shoulder. “Nor I.”
She bundled Sorcha into her arms and entered the chambers with Conn. When he opened the door, Ronan and Taran stood there with grim looks and dressed in battle clothing.
“May we come inside?” asked Ronan.
Conn stepped aside and gestured for them to enter. “What—”
Taran shook his head and placed a finger against his mouth as he passed by Conn.
As soon as Conn closed the door, he turned abruptly toward the two Fenian Warriors. “Explain.”
“The news is spreading throughout the kingdom,” replied Taran. “We had no desire to speak in the hall.”
“Yes, I’ve received the message that Liam has escaped. I am ordered to appear before the Fae council immediately.”
Thunder crashed all around them, and Ivy stumbled. Conn grasped her firmly to his side.
“There’s more,” stated Ronan in a hushed voice.
“More?” Conn snapped and settled Ivy and Sorcha in a nearby chair.
Fisting his hands, he glared at the warriors. They both looked at one another before turning their attention back to him. Conn noted the hesitation and feared his next question. “You know the name of Liam’s accomplice?”
Ronan shifted his stance. “Before we divulge the name, ye must swear an oath ye will not kill Liam.”
Uneasiness settled within Conn. Had he not worked tirelessly to find a solution for Liam? “Your request makes no sense. I would never bring harm to Liam. He’s escaped, not committed a crime against me.”
“Then I shall take that as an oath of confirmation.”
Once again, thunder roared above them, and this time Sorcha screamed. Conn swiftly glanced at his wife. Ivy’s sight had shifted to one of a seer—pale and unfocused, and he went to her side. Kneeling down, he placed a soothing hand on his daughter’s back. Her cries soon turned to soft whimpers.
“Can you share your vision, mo ghrá?”
“You must not interfere with the destiny. A new beginning has been forged across the realms. You may long for his death, but it is not yours to take. War has begun. Battles will be fought. What you deem in the name of justice will only incite both realms, human and Fae. You, Conn MacRoich, Fenian Warrior, Leader of the Brotherhood, future King of the Fae, must do battle with both. Protect the innocent.”
&
nbsp; Ivy blinked and wiped a hand over her brow. “Mother Danu has spoken.”
Confused by her words, he grasped her hand. “Why does she not speak to me? To the Brotherhood?”
Tears misted her eyes when she lifted her gaze to Conn. “Her heart is broken.”
“Is this the reason for the darkness and thunder?”
She nodded and clutched Sorcha more firmly against her chest.
Conn kissed her lips and stood. Anxiety clawed inside him. “Is she angry with Liam? Us?”
Ivy’s lips trembled, and she looked away.
He began to pace the room, trying to understand his wife’s words, Liam’s escape, and the disturbance with Mother Danu. Conn halted and lifted a single thought outward to another for answers. He waited, attempting to curb his growing rage when his sister did not respond. When silence greeted him, he turned toward the warriors.
“Who assisted in Liam’s escape?” His question came out in a growl.
“Remember your vow,” warned Taran.
Conn pointed a finger at him. “Name!”
“Abela,” offered Ivy softly.
An anguished cry ripped forth from Conn, and he staggered from the blow of his sister’s name. The pain of betrayal sliced deep into his heart. His friend had allowed his sister to help him escape. Allowed a priestess of the temple to do the unimaginable. Allowed this transgression, knowing the pain it would cause within the kingdom. Liam should have halted this horrific plan. He was no longer a brother. No longer a friend.
Ronan moved toward him, and Conn’s eyes blazed with ferocity. “Do not take another step.”
The warrior clasped his hands behind his back and halted his progress.
Conn turned from them and braced his hands on the stone mantel. His body shook with fury and it took all of his control not to unleash it outward. He burned to cleave out the heart of the Fae he once considered his brother. “How did you come upon this knowledge?”
“The king sent for us,” Ronan responded. “They—the king and queen—were notified immediately when Abela’s presence was no longer felt within the temple.”
“Does the Fae council know?”
“No. And the king has requested the information to be kept in silence.”
“Good,” he gritted out, turning to face everyone.
“The king has asked for you to join him in his inner chamber.”
“No. The Fae council awaits, and I judge it wise to squash their effort to form an army to pursue Liam.”
Taran stepped forward. “What do you recommend?”
Conn tried to temper his sizzling anger. “We will go after him. Order Rory to return. He’s currently at Aonach Castle with Adam and Meggie MacFhearguis.”
“A grand idea,” Ronan proclaimed. “His blood brother can track him.”
Conn started for the door. “Agreed. Since he will be the only person who can keep me from taking Liam’s life.”
Ivy’s gasp lingered within his mind long after he left their chambers.
****
As Conn stood before the nine Fae council members, he tried to calm his breathing. Presently, three things disturbed him—having his wife witness his fury, Liam escaping with his sister, and returning to a room that made him nauseated. Yet this time he was not the one on trial, though, he sensed they would argue otherwise.
Per Conn’s earlier request, he had asked the council to give an alternate form of punishment for Liam, instead of the death sentence. He petitioned and reminded them of the request to spare the lives of himself, Rory, and Liam made by Meggie MacKay MacFhearguis after the final battle with the evil druid, Lachlan. They argued for days, concluding they required more time to offer an alternative punishment for Liam.
He laughed inwardly at the irony. If they had acted swiftly with another sentence, he would not be standing here before the members.
Conn glared at them as they continued to whisper in hushed tones, ignoring him. His patience was lacking and their behavior unjust. He judged it prudent to take control. “As we are all aware, Liam MacGregor has escaped his prison in the Room of Reflection. I have assembled a group of Fenian Warriors to go after him.”
The leader of the Fae council, Seneca, eyed him skeptically. “We are not ready to hear your account.”
Conn dared to take a step forward. “Regardless, I am done with standing here while you proceed to talk in muted voices. I am not on trial here. I came at your request, so either you speak now, or I shall take my leave. The king has requested an audience with me.”
“How dare you—” objected one of the council members.
Seneca silenced the Fae with her hand. “Enough.”
The Fae slammed his hand onto the marble table. “Must we be subjected to this intolerable lack of respect?”
Conn despised the council member known as Tulare. He slowly turned his attention to the Fae. “And why must the members continue to show their lack of respect for the Prince of the Realm? You kept me waiting for an hour outside this chamber. Furthermore, once summoned inside, you refused to acknowledge my presence.”
Seneca stood. “Clarify. Are you here as our prince or the leader of the Fenian Warriors?”
He arched a brow in mock severity. “Both.”
Several of the members gasped but remained quiet.
She tapped her finger on a golden leaflet. “We are at an impasse on what to do. We must work together for the good of both worlds.”
“I concur. If there is nothing else—”
“You will take five of the council guards with you,” interjected Seneca.
“We are not searching within the realm,” he countered. “You can have the guards sent to the royal household. They can assist them.”
She narrowed her eyes. “And where are you going?”
“To the human world. Unless something has changed, I believe only the Fenian Warriors can travel through the Veil of Ages.”
“Are all your warriors accounted for?” Tulare demanded.
Conn gave the man a heated glance. “Yes. None from the Brotherhood freed Liam MacGregor.”
“Any thoughts on the accomplice?” asked Seneca.
“None,” he lied.
As Conn turned to leave, Seneca’s voice sent a chill down his spine. “It is the determination of the council members that when the warrior is found, his trial will be swift and death the punishment. I realize there might have been an argument to spare his life and issue him another punishment, but now that will not happen. There will be no argument, Prince Conn. Do you understand my words?”
He refused to comment and did the unthinkable in front of the members. With a wave of his hand, Conn vanished.
Appearing in front of his father’s royal chambers, Conn proceeded along the corridor to the right. He tried to calm his breathing. Being among the council members had only increased his agitation. Since he was unable to fathom his father's reaction, he deemed it best to temper the beast within his own soul. As he took the crystal steps leading downward, he pushed aside his emotions.
Coming to a halt before the massive door, Conn lifted his hand and pressed his fingers over the smooth wood.
“You may enter.” King Ansgar announced within Conn's mind.
The door opened, and golden light spilled out. Conn stepped inside and closed the door with a single thought. Warm mists surrounded him as he followed the path to the inner chamber. He ducked through the hollow of an ancient oak tree and emerged inside. His father stood leaning against his desk, staring at the giant map on the wall of the Fae realm.
Conn’s heart clenched. It looked as if his father had aged overnight. The gray at his temples was more pronounced, and lines he'd never witnessed before now creased his brow. He paused before the desk and waited patiently for his father to acknowledge him.
“Once long ago, the prophecy spoke of a time when the Fae would welcome the arrival of twins to the kingdom. They heralded this as a sign from the Gods and Goddesses. Light and dark—a balance for both worl
ds. It would bring about a change of enlightenment. Never did I consider they were foretelling our destiny.” His father’s laugh was bitter. “I’d love to hear what the Fates have decreed with this new path, especially the one for your sister.”
“We will find Abela,” reassured Conn.
King Ansgar slammed the wall with his fist. “Not in this world!” He turned away from the map and leaned his hands on the desk. “Has she gone mad? She left the temple of Mother Danu without consent. And what possessed her to free the warrior and enter the human world?”
“What are mother’s thoughts?”
He raked a hand through his hair—something Conn had never witnessed from the great Fae. “When word reached us about Abela’s absence from the temple, your mother left immediately. She has yet to return. And before you ask, I do not know where she went.” Letting out a heavy sigh, he approached Conn. “I can only surmise she went to visit the Seer.”
“Then perhaps she can give us insight as to where Abela has fled.”
“And the warrior,” snapped his father. “I believed him to be honorable! Why would he risk escaping with Abela? Does he not understand her predicament?”
Conn shifted his stance. “Sadly, since Abela is royalty, he might reason she is able to dwell in the mortal world. He is unaware the Brotherhood and the Master Apothecary are the only Fae able to live among the humans and travel the Veil of Ages. Even for a time, I thought all Fae could travel to the human world.”
“A poor assumption on any warrior’s part,” the king protested. “This is why I entrusted the Fenian Warriors with the ability to travel through the Veil. I considered it wise to have only one group of trusted warriors with this power. I removed the ability from the Master Apothecary centuries ago, yet, they are permitted to live above in order to obtain herbal knowledge and pass on their lore to humans who are gifted.”
