“I have no idea where to even start. How about our home?”
“Our home?” She looked surprised.
“Yes.” I pulled her to me. “I like to see where I’ll be living—where I will spend my time ravishing my attractive wife.”
“Oh,” she whispered with a blush. “That would be down there then.” She pointed to the castle.
“You seem hesitant. Is something wrong?”
She smiled nervously. “I’ve just never thought of it as our home.”
“Well, now you can. Let’s go there, and you can show me anything else you desire along the way. Whatever we don’t see tonight, you can show me tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day . . . .”
“And the next day,” she added with a grin. “I just thought you’d want to see things tonight, while there were less people around. That way you won’t have to keep up pretenses.”
I glanced around realizing for the first time that there were not people milling about. I hadn’t noticed in my initial awe.
“Is it normal for the city to be so empty at night?” It seemed almost eerie to me in a place of this magnitude.
“On the outer walls, yes, most people tend to stay to the interior portions at night, though occasionally you may see a couple of lovers strolling out this way. They sneak to the gardens to make love under the trees.” She smiled and I winked at her.
“I can’t imagine why anyone would want to do that.” I brushed my lips against her forehead. “So people are free to come and go as they choose?”
“For the most part. There are always guards and sentinels watching over the place. Things are well protected.”
I glanced around. “Well, I certainly haven’t seen any guards.”
She smiled wider. “That’s the whole point. Trust me, they’re there and watching us right now.”
I ran one hand into her hair and kissed her hotly, moving my lips over her with a familiarity that surprised even me. My other hand roamed freely over her lithe frame, exploring her slender curves. She gripped my shoulder, allowing my tender assault, and when we broke apart she was panting.
“What was that for?”
“You said I needed to keep up appearances. Just doing my job. Was I besotted enough?” I laughed.
“Oh, is that all it was?” She looked disappointed, turning to walk away.
I grabbed her and pulled her back. “No, that’s not all it was.” I kissed her again, and she giggled against my mouth, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“I thought you wanted to go home.”
“This delay isn’t so bad.”
“We can do this—and more—at home.” Her eyes were twinkling.
“You’re right. Lead the way, my princess.” I stepped away and gave a formal bow.
“Very nicely done. It’s nice to see you have manners,” she teased.
“I’m not a complete heathen—only a partial one.”
“I hope you will never change. I love you just the way you are.” She smiled softly, her love radiating through her eyes, and also something that looked like hurt.
I felt bad that I couldn’t offer her the sentiments she desired to hear, but I was positive they would come with time. While I was obviously extremely attracted to her, I honestly enjoyed her company. She was kind, thoughtful, and easy to be around. I liked her—of this I was sure—and we were married. Certainly, love would follow.
Despite my earlier resolve, a moment of regret over Ceridwen stabbed me again. I wished something could be done to help ease the pain she must be going through. My honor wouldn’t allow me to let it go completely. I hated that I was moving forward in my life without her. I hated that I had just disappeared and couldn’t send word and explain my feelings to her. I hated that even if I could send word, my message would hurt her just as badly.
There wasn’t even the possibility of blaming fate for all of this. No, my conscience would never be clear. I only had myself and Eirian to blame for everything. I’d made the choice to come. She’d made the choice to enchant me. It seemed terribly unfair that we would be the ones trying to get the happy ending at the expense of Ceridwen.
“You miss her.” Eirian was crestfallen.
I didn’t reply. I wanted to be able to say something that would comfort her, but there was nothing but the truth.
“Will you always feel this way?”
“Eirian, I’ve loved her since my youth. That’s a long time to love someone. It will not be easy to forget her.”
She stood still, biting her lip before she spoke again. “You weren’t always faithful to her in your youth.”
I closed my eyes, thinking of the things in my life she must have seen.
“No, I wasn’t. She was younger than me—a child still—when I came into my manhood. I grew impatient, and I let the ways of my physical nature and curiosities overtake me at one point. Another beautiful woman caught my attention, and I went to her. It was wrong of me.”
“Was it?” she asked. “That young widow you were with greatly enjoyed the company you gave her. You were good to her—good for her—and helpful as well. I think she was in love with you.”
I chuckled softly. “I was but sixteen summers. She was three years my elder.”
“What does age matter to love? Ceridwen is nearly three summers less than you, and you adore her.”
This was true. I stopped and really thought about what she was saying. Could the young widow have been in love with me? She was certainly doting upon me—always wanting me to do things with her. I shook my head. “It matters not. She is happily married to another now and expecting a babe of her own.”
She glanced down. “And soon you will be too.”
“Yes, soon I will be too.” It was unreal how fast things could change.
“But not with the girl you were expecting.”
She wasn’t going to let this go.
“No, but with a girl more exquisite than any I’ve ever seen. A girl who’s opened the windows of my imagination and shown me there’s so much more to believe in. I am here with you just like you’ve always wanted, and that’s all that matters. Will that be enough for now?”
Eirian’s eyes filled with tears, and she nodded. “It will be enough—for now.”
I reached for her hand and we started walking together again, maneuvering through the sculpted paths and stairways—gradually descending lower.
She didn’t speak, or explain things as we walked, and I didn’t press her to. I knew our conversation was weighing heavily on her, and I wasn’t sure what was upsetting her. I wasn’t going to press for answers though. If she wanted to tell me something, she would.
I quietly observed everything as we passed—trying to take it all in as I thought of the craftsmanship and trades I’d love to learn from these people. Those thoughts brought me pause, though, causing me to wonder how I would provide a living for myself and Eirian. Granted, she was a princess, but I still wanted to keep busy.
My father reared me in lessons of farming, and raising strong, beautiful horses. People came from miles around to purchase from our stock. I’d intended to continue on in the same grain, but as I looked around, there were no fields to tend, no places for horses to even be used. It was as if everything I’d been taught in my life was for naught, and it worried me.
“What will I do to support us?” I asked Eirian, bringing her out of her current musings.
“Hmm? You mean like work?”
I chuckled. “Yes, that’s exactly what I mean.”
She waved her free hand in the air, as if to brush the subject off. “You needn’t worry of such things anymore.”
“But I do. I’m a laborer. It’s the only life I’ve known, and I want to be productive. Even if my skills are not useful here, I’m teachable. I long to learn new things.”
“I understand, and I know you can accomplish anything you put your mind to, but I’m saying it’s not necessary. I’m royalty and all our needs are taken care of. It would be unseemly
for you to get your hands dirty.”
I laughed. “Then what, pray tell, do you do around here?”
“Whatever we want.” She smiled. “The Fae have always been suited to creativity and learning, but we relish pleasure as well. The servants will take care of our needs, leaving us to enjoy the pursuit of the finer things in life.”
“Which are what exactly?”
“Things like lovemaking and merriment.” Her eyes sparkled vividly, as we reached the water level. “Don’t worry, Bran. I promise to keep you busy!”
Chapter Seven
There was no bridge that extended from the canyon walls to the glowing, thin-spired castle mid river. Though the water seemed smooth from above, I could tell there was a swift undercurrent farther out. Several of the anchored boats bobbed up and down, some of them bumping together occasionally with a hollow thud as they shifted.
Eirian let go of my hand and stood on the end of the pier.
I looked around, and seeing no one, began to loosen the rope of the closest boat.
“Wait,” she commanded without turning. She continued to stand still.
“What are we waiting for? I can have one of these boats loose in just a second and row us over.”
“We already have one.” She pointed toward the distant shore. “One of the guards is on his way.”
I felt bad that someone was coming to fetch us when I could have easily taken us over. “It was no trouble to row you.”
She smiled. “This is the way things are done, Bran.”
I clenched my teeth and closed my eyes for a moment while I waited for the shivers that moved over my skin to pass.
“Join me.” She beckoned. “Now is the time to begin your charade.”
I stepped behind her, slipping my arms around her waist, and bent to kiss her throat. “I won’t have to pretend, Eirian.”
She shuddered, just as I hoped she would, and leaned back into my embrace, caressing my arms.
“Your highness,” a voice called from the approaching boat as it came along the dock.
A tall, Fae man in a burnished shade of armor reached toward Eirian.
“Allow me,” I said, helping her into the slim craft.
I followed after, standing behind her small seat, my hands on her shoulders. The guard paid me no further attention but instead turned the boat back in the direction he’d come.
Aside from the occasional “clunk” of the oars, we slipped silently through the water. As we got closer to the castle, I could see a large metal gate looming ahead of us. The silver crisscrossing slats gleamed with perfection despite the close contact with the water. It spanned the width of a large stone archway covered in trailing vines that ran up the wall and disappeared over the other side. When we were almost upon it, the gate lifted, dripping little rivulets of water as it emerged. Sprinkles rained down upon us as we slipped through, and it shut immediately behind us, hardly making a sound.
We were now in a moat, traveling in what appeared to be a perfect circle inside, channeled by a short stone wall that ran nearest the castle. This time I noticed the guards everywhere, standing by lit torches of burning faery fire, mounted on both the low inner wall of the moat, and the high walls overhead, with weapons ready at hand. We pulled up to a large, stone landing platform jutting out from the castle wall. There was a small detail of guards standing there, and what appeared to be a few maids-in-waiting. The ladies quickly rushed to the edge of the dock, carrying a robe and slippers. One of the guards leaned forward to help Eirian from the boat, and I followed up behind her.
“You are dismissed,” she spoke in an authoritative voice to the women. “I have no need of your services this night.”
“Milady,” one spoke with a bow. “Your father requested that we prepare a special suite for your arrival. He would like you to send for him as soon as you’ve arrived.”
She held the regal robe and slippers up to Eirian again. “Very well,” Eirian replied with a sigh, allowing them to add to her wardrobe. “You may tell my father I am here now and will see him when he’s ready.”
A distinguished looking Fae man approached from the castle. “Milady, the king has noticed your arrival and awaits you in the prepared chamber.”
Eirian nodded.
No one said anything to me, and other than a few cursory glances, paid little attention to my presence. I stepped closer to Eirian, grasping her hand. “You look divine, my love,” I whispered, just loud enough for the others to hear, and I bowed to kiss her wrist.
“Welcome to Castle Naveen, Bran of Glynshire.” Eirian smiled.
“I am most happy to be here with you, your highness.”
“Please. I dislike all the formalities. Call me Eirian.”
“With pleasure, Eirian.” I couldn’t help my sly smile at her maid’s attempt to disguise her abrupt laughter when Eirian shivered.
She punched me. “You did that on purpose.”
“Yes, I did, and that was not very well mannered.” I chuckled as I rubbed my arm, amazed at how strong she was. “Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it.”
She blushed, turning away to head for the castle. I hurried next to her and slipped my hand into hers, giving it a squeeze before looking over my shoulder at the guard detail that was surrounding us. The guards stopped at the door, but the ladies-in-waiting followed.
I couldn’t help gazing around in awe at the vaulted ceilings, cavernous in their magnitude. The numerous stone pillars curved into pointed, elegant archways and were intricately carved to mimic the ivy-covered exterior walls. I wanted to lean in for a closer look and touch them—to study their workmanship in depth.
A soft pressure on my hand brought my attention back to Eirian and her meaningful glance reminded me I should be intrigued by her, not the castle. I would have to save my exploring for another time.
Slipping my arm about her waist, I leaned to whisper in her ear. “Your home is very lovely.” I kissed her lightly on the cheek.
She nodded and smiled, turning to lead us up a giant stone staircase. “It is. I’m glad you like it. I hope you’ll be pleased by the rest.” She kept her voice low enough so our words were only heard between the two of us.
I hugged her closer. “So I’m about to meet your father. I’m assuming he was the fierce looking man sitting on the throne next to you at the celebration. Is there anything I need to know about him?”
“Show no fear. He expects you to be enchanted, so he will assume your actions before him are of someone who is longing for his daughter. He’ll expect you to stay close to me. Don’t speak unless he addresses you, and if he does, only answer his question directly. Do not elaborate. Keep your attention on me—mostly noticing what I do. If you’re observing other things too much he may know that something is wrong.”
“Understood. Are we going to your room then?”
She shook her head. “No. My maid said he requested a special suite prepared. It’ll be in the highest tower with the best views of the city.”
“That sounds nice.”
“It is beautiful up there, but I warn you, you’ll probably need a rest after climbing all the stairs.” Her laugher tinkled in the air. “It’s not a trip for the faint hearted.”
“I’m up for the challenge.” I released her waist, slipping my hand back into hers.
I quickly learned she wasn’t joking. We climbed up three floors worth of steps before we reached the circular staircase that wound through the center of the tower.
“Which room will we be in?” Eirian asked her maids.
“The topmost, milady,” came the reply from the lead maid, and I figured she must be in charge.
I stared up the center, noting that the stairs circled up into darkness so high that the farthest point seemed the size of a small stone. We began climbing again in silence—around and around—passing several narrow landings that were lit with bright burning torches of faery fire. Our breathing was somewhat labored from the exertion of reaching the top. Two guards stood on e
ither side of very large, carved, double doors.
Eirian stopped and the maids rushed in front of us, dabbing our foreheads and face with cloth to remove any sheen, and then fluffing and spreading Eirian’s dress. Once her hair was smoothed and shining, one of them produced a beautiful twisted wreath of intertwined vines and small flowers I didn’t recognize and placed it upon her head.
She looked noble as she straightened herself and nodded once. The guards opened the doors with a flourish.
I tried to keep my expression neutral, not giving away that this was the most lavish room I’d ever seen in my life. I briefly glanced over the dimly lit, plush surroundings of fabric draped bedding, and furniture. The giant wall of sculpted arches beyond those looked out to the fabulous view of the lit and glowing canyon around us. My perusal halted as my gaze rested on the king standing near one of the windows, looking out into the night.
He was just as majestic as he appeared the first time I laid eyes on him. His form was lithe and agile, and he probably would’ve appeared much younger if it weren’t for his long hair and lengthy pointed beard. He stared at us, his eyes narrowing as he studied me.
I turned away from him and smiled at Eirian, taking a step closer and brushed the side of her cheek with the back of my free hand. She smiled at me briefly before returning her attention to her father.
“So, this is the lad you fancy.” His voice was deep, but his words had a musical lilt to them.
“It is,” Eirian replied, and I noticed her hand was trembling in mine.
“And has he proven worthy to your task?”
I found this to be an odd question.
“He has.”
“How many times have you lain with him?”
“Twice.”
He grunted and turned back toward the window.
My body tensed, and I clenched Eirian’s hand tighter. I wasn’t sure what custom dictated, but I couldn’t see how this was any of his concern. My anger must have been noticeable, because Eirian turned to me with an anxious look.
“Bran, please go lay on the bed and rest.”
It was a command. I struggled with the desire to reply, but I bit back my words and nodded, going over to the large wooden platform that was laden with an overstuffed mattress and excessive amounts of pillows and fabric. I reclined, tucking my hands behind my head in a gesture of relaxed ease, as I continued to watch the exchange.
Midsummer Night's Fling: Belinda Boring, Kamery Solomon, Lacey Weatherford Page 22
