Trial of a Warrior

by Mary Morgan

  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 as
ked 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.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  “As we venture forth on a new journey, our greatest trials will not be endured alone. We are determined to safeguard each other, bound by the laws of love for all eternity.”

  ~Memoirs of Liam MacGregor and his wife, Abela

  “Do you hear the whisper of the songbird calling your name, princess?” inquired High Priestess, Meena, as she draped the small cloak woven with feathers willingly donated from all the birds in the realm over her shoulders.

  “Yes, High Priestess. She greeted me as the first light of dawn danced across the valley floor of the kingdom.”

  Abela brushed her hand across the delicate softness, marveling at the intricate pattern of colors. Only the palest were chosen, so they would shimmer in the soft morning light. They added a contrast to her ivory gown with amethysts magically sewn around the edges of her sleeves and hem. The back of the gown dipped low, so that all would see her new markings from the priestesses. Ancient Celtic patterns spiraled down her spine, each with a whispered blessing from all the women. Her long tresses were braided and woven around her head in an elegant crown. She allowed one long curl to lie gracefully over the front of her right shoulder, knowing how much Liam adored them.

  The High Priestess reached for Abela’s circlet, fashioned with seed pearls and crystals. The woman secured it firmly on her head and stepped back. “The songbird sings a melody fit for traveling. Your destiny awaits outside of this realm. Your time here was part of your journey. You have served us well.”

  Turning toward the woman, Abela bowed her head. “I ask for your blessing on this new path in my life.”

  The woman stunned Abela by cupping her face and placed a kiss on each cheek. “A blessing from me and Mother Danu. May light and love grace your life, princess. We were honored by your presence during your time within the temple.”

  Abela reached for her bouquet of violets and star jasmine. She had plucked the flowers from the garden by the temple earlier as she watched the new day begin. Slowly allowing her gaze to travel over the valley below the temple, her heart constricted. Never would she be allowed back inside. Once she stepped across the threshold, the doors would be sealed.

  She had asked and been granted one last night within the sacred temple and would treasure every moment. A special feast had been prepared and each of the priestesses bestowed a blessing over her. The lore of the teachings of Mother Danu was safely tucked inside her mind and heart.

  Bringing the flowers to her face, she inhaled their heady floral scent.

  When the bells chimed in the distance, Abela lifted her head and smiled. One by one, the priestesses appeared in front of her. They would escort her to the steps of the Cathedral of Trees. From there Abela would walk the crystal steps to the top. Ninety steps for each of the nine dragons who were among the first that accompanied the Fae to the human world.

  Taking a deep breath in, she released it slowly. “You may proceed.”

  “I shall meet you at the fountain,” stated the High Priestess, and in a whisper of light, she vanished.

  Stepping forward, Abela glanced behind her one last time. Silently, the doors to the temple closed, never to be opened for her again.

  Returning her attention to the path in front of her, she moved along the smooth polished stones down the side of the hill. The procession led her past gardens, teeming with lush foliage. Onward they traveled through the arches and several bridges by the royal palace. She angled her head to view the swans gliding peacefully down the river, oblivious to her or the others. Their feathers of gold, silver, rose, and white glistened in the sunlight. With each step she took, Abela’s heart raced in anticipation.

  “Liam MacGregor.” She uttered his name on a prayer. Earlier she had sealed off her thoughts from him. The time was one of preparation in solitude.

  Her warrior. The only man who had the ability to stir her anger and joy all at the same time. From the moment his lips touched hers, she had given him her heart forever. Yet the journey took much longer than she had anticipated. Once he was lost to her, Liam had gone to another world and path as a Fenian Warrior.

  Now he belonged to her. Heart, mind, body, and soul.

  As they neared the Cathedral of Trees, she noted the banners fluttering in the warm early spring breeze. Winter had thawed in time to welcome the spring growth, and a variety of bluebells, primroses, foxgloves, and sweet peas waved in greeting. Halting before the first step, she slowly lifted her head and watched the priestesses ascend into the cathedral.

  When the first trumpet blared, Abela started forward. Though they were hidden in daylight, she felt the ancient guardians of the night sky surround her. They whispered blessings and brushed warmth over her. The power continued to lift her, and as she made it to the open doors of the cathedral, her skin tingled. Striding down a path littered with rose petals, she acknowledged those who dipped their head as she passed by them.

  The massive oak, pine, and rowan trees towered inside, each illuminated with glittering lights on their branches. In the center was the huge fountain on a moss-covered mound. Generation after generation of Fae had come to this fountain to proclaim their union with another. Some chose to bathe in the waters, others sought to dip their fingers. It was the source of water from their homeland. A sacred place of bonding.

  Abela observed the interior, seeking, searching for one particular Fae warrior.

  Her breath caught, and she clutched her bouquet to her chest when Liam appeared from the side of one of the trees. He gave her a smile that sent her pulse racing.

  She drank in the sensuality of his physique. His pants and sleeveless tunic were also in ivory, yet, the edges were trimmed in silver and green patterns, denoting his royal family of Avieon. His hair hung in soft waves past his shoulders, and she yearned to run into his arms. Abela's gaze roamed his features, taking in the seductive glint within his eyes and full lips that contained a smile only for her. Her face heated, and she fought to keep her hands from touching her cheeks. He was perfection in every way.

  Immediately, she released the barrier between them within her mind.

  “You are a vision that makes my blood burn like the fires of Caldron.” The soft burr of his voice inside her mind had her trembling.

  “With one kiss I can quench your fire, warrior.”

  “No. The satiny softness of your lips will only ignite a firestorm more powerful than you have witnessed. And
I will demand more than one.”

  As her strides led her closer to him, she continued to keep her focus on Liam. “Have you missed me?”

  His growl came swift. “You tortured me all night long with your silence.”

  Abela bit her lower lip. “Absence makes the desire grow stronger, does it not?”

  “You’re teasing me, mo ghrá.”

  “I have yet to begin, my husband.”

  Extending her hand to him, Liam grasped it firmly. He loomed dark and powerful over her. “This will be a quick ceremony.”

  She chuckled low. “Not according to my mother and father who are glaring at us on our left.”

  “You are already my wife. This is merely a formality.”

  Abela regarded him with a speculative gaze. “Then let us proceed, before our king intercedes.”

  Taking her hand, Liam tucked it in the crook of his arm and led her up the steps to the fountain. From the moment he noted Abela striding regally forth through the trees, his heart had slammed against his chest. Her beauty radiated all around her, and he was unable to contain himself. Liam had tried to remain patient, but when his body could no longer stay rooted to one spot, he bolted past his brother and Conn to fetch his beloved.

  He steered her toward the side of the fountain, never releasing his hold on her. As she bent to place her bouquet of flowers on the crystal ledge, Liam’s mouth became dry. Did she understand the markings that traveled from her upper to lower back? “Are you aware of the sensual design within these knots?” he whispered against her ear.

  Her smile was as intimate as a kiss. “Yes, because I asked for that particular marking. It denotes sensuality for my one true love.”

  “I will enjoy feasting my way down your back.”

  A rosy glow splashed across her cheeks. “My skin is already aching for your touch.”

  High Priestess Meena emerged on the other side of the fountain and all passionate discussion ceased. Liam squeezed her hand.

  “You have both come freely to the Mother and to the Fae. We, your people, rejoice in your union. Fenian Warrior and princess stand before us. This is a time of renewal and change. Our world is growing, evolving, and with your unification a new door opens. Each will venture out into the human world.”