by Mary Morgan
Her robe of white flowed in gentle waves across the ground. She approached Erina, presenting her with a bouquet of white roses. The woman inclined her head. “These are from the royal garden. A request from Rory.”
For a brief moment, she felt the kiss of Rory’s lips across her cheeks. Extending her hand, she accepted the flowers from the priestess. “Thank ye,” she murmured, inhaling their potent floral aroma.
“My name is Priestess Talena. I shall escort ye along with the princess to the Cathedral of Trees where you will be joined with Rory MacGregor from the royal house of Avieon. I understand it is difficult for you to walk, so I will transport you part of the way.”
Joy filled Erina. Everyone had been so kind and welcoming. Her life with Rory was truly beginning.
She pressed the flowers against her chest and lifted her head. “I am ready.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
“In any belief…in any world, love will always heal and banish the darkness. For love can illuminate the darkness with hope.”
~Chronicles of the Fae
Erina trailed her fingers over the vines of ivy snaking around the pillar before the bridge. She had not been in this area of the realm, and the sight that greeted her was a heady mix of opulent foliage and floral scents. A river flowed under the bridge, its sound similar to tinkling bells. White swans passed by her in a graceful procession, and she marveled at their rose-tipped feathers.
With each step she took, her body tingled with anticipation. As she lifted her head, her mouth dropped open in awe. The Cathedral of Trees was unlike any place she’d encountered—a jewel glistening against the sapphire sky. Banners fluttered in the soft breeze from the four crystal turrets, each depicting a dragon. Her grandmother had prepared her for this vast, exquisite vision, but her words were nothing compared to the glorious view in front of her.
Bells continued to herald her arrival. Reaching the grand staircase, she placed her hand on Priestess Talena’s outstretched arm. The woman nodded to her and Erina closed her eyes. In a whisper, she was brought inside the cathedral. Upon opening her eyes, she gazed at the crowd gathered. Inside the darkened interior, giant trees towered to a ceiling that mirrored the night sky. Their branches were decked in twinkling lights, casting a serene glow throughout. Moonlight danced within the cathedral and beauty surrounded her.
Yet, there was only one she longed to see.
Her breath hitched as her gaze swept the area and landed on the man standing on a raised mound in the center. “Rory,” she uttered his name on a sigh.
His smile was a beacon of love, renewal, and new beginnings, and she moved across the lush ground toward him. Many tossed out garlands and flower petals along her path, offering words of endearment and approval. Her heart swelled in gratitude for these people. They had come to accept her in such a short time, including her daughter and the many gifts they had presented to her.
There was nothing but love in this realm.
Erina’s smile grew more when she spied her sweet cherub waving to her from her grandmother’s arms. Their daughter would be safe here. There would be no threat because she was different. Hatred did not belong in this beautiful world.
Rory’s mother stood on the opposite side beaming at her as well. She stepped forward and took Erina’s hand into hers. “Before you proceed, I have a gift for you.” Reena lifted her hand upward and a thin circlet appeared inside her palm. Tiny seed pearls wove around the silver band.
“I have nae words. ’Tis lovely.”
“This was a gift from my mother. Since I bore no daughters, it shall be passed down to you. It will bind you to the royal house of Avieon.” She secured it on Erina’s head, and then kissed both her cheeks. “Welcome, my precious daughter.”
Erina embraced the woman. “Thank ye.”
Reena withdrew a silk cloth and dotted Erina’s eyes. “Joyful tears to present to my son. Go forth, dearest.”
Before leaving, Erina went and kissed her daughter. “I am so happy ye came into my life, sweet child.” Angelica giggled and brushed her nose against Erina’s. After giving her grandmother a kiss, Erina drew her gaze to the man who held her heart.
Rory had always made her knees weak and her mouth dry, but the man she was heading toward made her blood burn. Never before had she witnessed him in such finery. He wore ivory trews that shimmered with silver, and his tunic was the same, though, the edges were woven with some of the markings on his arms and back.
Her pulse quickened, and a song of joy poured forth from her lips as he extended his hand toward her.
“Ye are the light that banished the fire and darkness. A ripple across the wave of time, ye sought me out and took me as your own.”
Rory’s harmonious voice echoed rich and firm. “And with your love, ye quenched my thirst and awakened my soul. A love forged by fate. A love destined to overcome death.”
When her fingers grasped his, the warmth spread in a hundred tingling sensations across her skin.
Rory brought her hand to his lips. She tasted of an intoxicating scent of spices, and he found his senses reeling from the touch. The moment Erina had entered the cathedral he found himself motionless, unable to take his eyes from her. Her beauty rivaled any within the kingdom. The gown of silken pale green clung to every curve, and his mouth salivated in memory of feasting on her skin. He made a note to thank whoever had chosen such a delicate material for his beloved. How he yearned to pull out all the crystal pins keeping her tresses atop her head and run his fingers throughout. She radiated a beauty—within and out.
He slowly guided them toward the center of the moss-covered ground. Leaning near her ear, he whispered, “If ye wish, we can ask for Mother Danu’s blessing standing.”
Erina angled her head around. Her lips brushed against his, sending shards of pleasurable fire through his veins. “With your help, I would like to kneel,” she uttered softly.
Smiling, Rory placed a firm arm around her waist and brought her slowly to the ground. Moonlight encased them in a prayerful sphere as they lowered their heads. The air warmed considerably, and the Goddess brushed a kiss over the lovers. Her words of approval resonated deep within Rory, and a final thread of healing wove its way into Rory and Erina’s hearts.
As Rory lifted his head, he gazed at Erina. Love reflected in the depths of her eyes, and he realized she had experienced the same touch from the Goddess.
Gently, he brought them both to standing and led her down to the High Priestess.
She lifted her arms outward, and her ancient voice echoed within the cathedral. “Welcome, warrior and healer. Fae and human. You have both come freely to the Mother and the Fae. We, your people, rejoice in your union. May love, light, and wisdom be the strength beneath your feet as you journey together as two, but joined as one for all eternity.”
The priestess held her palm upward and blew across, sending stardust over Rory and Erina.
“Walk with me to the fountain of life and love,” offered Rory, placing her hand in the crook of his arm.
They descended the path toward a rose quartz fountain. The water bubbled gently forth from the center in various shades of lavender, pink, and rose.
“The water is stunning. May I?” Erina asked, while she held her hand outward.
“Aye,” Rory encouraged and took her flowers, placing them on the edge of the fountain.
She let out a giggle when her hand passed through the bubbling water. “’Tis a tingling feeling that is spreading over my skin—warm and soothing.”
Rory deemed no one in the realm had ever asked to run their hands through the sacred waters. He could deny Erina nothing. This was her home now. One to explore and learn. He’d grant her anything to bring happiness to her life.
“I ken everyone is watching, but thank ye.”
Reaching inside the pocket of his tunic, Rory drew forth the ring he had chosen for her. Taking her wet hand, he said, “I give ye this ring, Erina, as a part of my love for ye. The circular silver band
has etchings similar to my armband, and the red stone is from my homeland of Taralyn within the stars.”
Her eyes grew wide, and she gaped in awe when he slipped it on her finger. “Beautiful beyond words.”
“The ring mirrors your own beauty, mo ghrá. Ye are my stardust and moonlight. Ye are my anchor when the world is filled with chaos. My life began when my soul touched yours. The threads of our destinies have been rewoven.”
Erina’s smile was a moonbeam of promises. Her fingers reached into the bodice of her gown, and Rory’s groin tightened. It was his turn to be shocked into silence as she withdrew a gold band with Celtic engravings.
“When Conn came and explained everything, I asked for several weeks to prepare and say my farewells. Everyone thought I was leaving for the islands in the north, which I was going to originally.” She twisted the band within her fingers, but her eyes held his as she continued, “I wanted to bring ye something from my world. Graham bought the gold, and Ewan had one of his men fashion the piece to my specific instructions.” Taking his hand, she first kissed his finger and then placed the ring on. “I hope ye do not mind.”
The ring was warm against his skin, and he held it up to the starlight. On impulse, Rory brushed his hand through the water, sealing their love and bonding the metal to his finger. He cupped her cheeks. “Ye honor me with this gift. ’Tis now sealed forever on me.”
Her eyes bore into his as her voice wavered. “Love cannot be found in a simple charm, nor in a casual glance. It requires nurturing like a tiny seedling. Ye have shown me how sacrifices in the name of love are powerful. But I can tell ye this, Rory, the stars shattered the day ye stepped forth—be it on the shore by a river, or between ancient trees. My heart opened to love the day we met. When dark clouds threaten to burst around us, let us seek the shelter of our love for protection. We will fill our home with joy, laughter, and many children.”
“Many?” he echoed. “I like your idea.”
Leaning up on her toes, she nibbled on his chin. “Aye.”
Rory had no desire for the final portion of the ceremony to be witnessed by the gathering. It was a private, sacred bonding—one which he had yet to explain fully to Erina. Nevertheless, the rite had to be completed. All he required was assistance from another.
After giving a nod to Conn, he waited for the prince to seal them inside a sphere of golden light, shielding them from the others. Only when the act was done would Rory unseal their enclosure.
Rory stepped back. He removed his tunic and placed it on the ledge near her flowers. “There is one more part of the ceremony. ’Tis one where I was given permission by the king.”
Erina eyed him with apprehension. “Ye are not considering making love—”
“Nae,” he reassured, and brought her to his side. “I am asking your permission to extend your life with mine in the realm. Ye are human, Erina.”
A frown skittered across her features. “I never thought…” Her voice trailed off filled with confusion.
“In truth, the aging process will slow inside your body as you dwell here. I wish to further your lifeline.” As if sensing her thoughts, Rory added, “Our child is already part-Fae. All our children shall live long lives.”
“Then ye desire to make me part of your people? How?”
“Do ye trust me, mo ghrá?”
She laughed and the sound filled him. “Always. Have I not stated several times?”
Rory burst out in laughter. “Aye. A question I fear that will be repeated.”
“What needs to be done?” she inquired.
Lifting his hand upward, a small silver dagger with a crystal blade appeared within his palm. He placed the tip centered to his heart and made a tiny incision. Reaching for her hand, he did the same across her palm. Then, Rory pressed her hand to his chest. “Blood to blood, my soul to yours. Blood to blood, my body shall shield ye in this realm and the next. Blood to blood, yours is now mingled with mine, and the Fae people who descended from the stars thousands of years ago. I bind ye with these words for eternity.”
Erina let out strangled gasp as the union of their blood forged a greater bond. The ground rumbled beneath their feet and mists surrounded them inside their golden enclosure. She closed her eyes and leaned against him. “I feel dizzy, but oh, so wonderful.”
Rory uttered soothing words in his ancient language. He longed to whisk her away to a soft patch of wildflowers and make love to every inch of her skin. Never did he expect the bonding to be so potent and arousing.
“I love ye,” he declared and swiftly took possession of her lips.
She slipped her arms around his neck, taking the kiss deeper. When she rocked against his erection, he fought to break free. Holding her back, Rory tried to calm his breathing.
Her eyes glowed with desire. “I dinnae think I can endure three days of feasting.”
With a groan, Rory released her and stood back. “Though we are shielded, we are not alone.”
Erina’s cheeks turned a rosy glow, and she grabbed his tunic, handing it to him. “Please dress, before I change my mind. Ye are too tempting standing there partially clothed.”
“What are ye tempted to do?” As he started to pull the tunic over his head, she halted his progress.
“Wait!” She reached out and traced a finger over his heart, where only moments before he had made the incision. “’Tis already healed.”
“Of course, as well as your hand.”
She snapped her gaze to her palm. “Astonishing!”
Bringing her back to his side, he nuzzled her neck. “Welcome to my world, wife.”
With a flick of his wrist, Rory let the golden shield shimmer back into the ground, and he turned them toward the crowd. Trumpets blared and those gathered sang out as one. Their song echoed throughout the cathedral and kingdom.
Epilogue
Leaves swirled in a magical dance around his beloved as she splashed her feet in the water. Laughter bubbled forth from her as Thane bounded down the edge of the stream, barking at the swans. Her treasured animal thrived in the realm and this made Erina happy. Rory would do anything to keep her contented. No more pain. No more tears of sorrow.
A new beginning.
He was held captivated by the scene. She filled his heart with joy, along with their wee daughter.
After the ceremony, the feasting began in earnest. Nonetheless, Rory had made a promise to Erina they would endure no more than one full day. The tension, private looks, and stolen touches between them almost undid him. After Conn informed him he’d ordered the entire Brotherhood to appear and swear their allegiance to Erina, Rory considered it wise to whisk his wife away from the feasting. The warriors could swear their loyalty of protection over her another time.
He had magically created a banquet along the stream. It wasn’t far from the royal palace and boasted the most bucolic scenes in the realm. A perfect wedding picnic—one his wife proudly commended him on after she changed out of her wedding gown.
He deemed the realm could continue with the celebrations. In all his recollections, he had never known a wedded couple to last more than a few hours without secretly leaving.
Kneeling on one knee, Rory placed his palm on the ground. The Goddess greeted him on the whisper of a gentle breeze, and the warmth of her love infused him. “Thank ye. I shall and always will be your warrior. Ye were correct, as always. Love is our foundation and the greatest power of all.”
Rory stood and went to his wife, who was now basking in the sun on a quartz bench. Her eyes were closed, and he could make out every curve under the gossamer rose-colored gown. Desire swelled instantly as he bent to place a kiss on her lips.
“Hmm…ye taste like cloves and wine,” she murmured and opened her eyes.
“How did Thane find us?”
Erina shifted on the bench and he joined her. “When ye left to go fetch some wine and food, he came charging through the trees. I am beginning to think this is his favorite spot. The air is warm and the gras
ses lush. He always did like the water and a comfortable spot under a tree.”
“Would ye like me to send for your sheep? He can resume his duties here.”
She shielded her eyes from the sunlight, watching the animal continue with his antics. “Nae. Let him roam free.” Erina turned her attention to Rory. “Although, why not take him to your mother’s home? He enjoys watching over Angelica. Since your mother has graciously agreed to care for our daughter while we have some private time together, we can send him there. I dinnae ken why I had not thought of this alternative plan.”
Rory cupped her chin. “Because your focus was elsewhere.”
Erina scooted closer to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Do tell,” she encouraged.
He could make out the swell of her ivory breasts, and his hand brushed across her pert nipples. “Did I tell ye I love ye, wife?”
Erina narrowed her eyes in thought. “Nae. Not for several hours.”
In a flash, Rory brought her onto his lap, nudging his swollen cock against her. “For shame. Should ye punish me?”
Giving him a saucy grin, she replied, “With pleasure.”
“Before I let ye have your way with me, there is one gift that was given to both of us by Aelish.”
Erina drew back. “My grandmother has given us a gift? Why did she not mention it at the banquet table?”
“Because part of her message regarding the gift was for me. Several months ago, I asked permission to see the Master Apothecary to bind my scar. Do ye ken what I was told?” He sighed and looked away. “Return when your heart has healed.”
“Your heart is now healed, my husband,” she acknowledged.
“But not the scar on my side.”
Erina traced a finger over the puckered skin on his side. “Nor are mine.”
Rory held out his hand and a golden pouch appeared within his palm. “This is her gift to us, mo ghrá. To heal the remainder of our wounds.”
Erina regarded the pouch in confusion. “I dinnae understand.”
“Your grandmother, Aelish, has visited the healing caves of Graecove. She has procured the ancient stones and made a powder. Only the Master Apothecary has the power to use these magical gems that were brought from our homeland.”
