by Sky Winters
“Dreams of a dragon?”
Kareena looked up fast. “How did you know that?”
He smiled. “I’ve been having dreams myself of late.”
“What are they about?”
“A beautiful lass with flaming red hair,” he answered.
Kareena felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. She accepted the piece of fish he passed to her without meeting his eye. “Have you really been dreaming of me?”
“Aye,” Lysander replied in all seriousness. “I thought they were just dreams… and then I saw you in the forests that day and I knew it was you I had been dreaming of.”
“How is that possible?” Kareena asked. “We’ve never met before.”
“Aye,” Lysander nodded. “But perhaps we were always meant to.”
“I never believed in fate,” Kareena said as she chewed on her fish. It was salty and warm and smelled of home.
“I would reconsider lass.” Lysander asked. “Fate is sitting at this campfire between us. How else could you explain our strange meeting?”
Kareena smiled absentmindedly as her thoughts flitted over the last few days. “Perhaps you’re right,” she conceded.
“I am right,” Lysander said as he rose. “And I’ll prove it to you in time. For now, we should get moving.”
“Where are we going?” Kareena asked.
“To Elsick castle,” Lysander replied as he held out his hand for Kareena.
Chapter Seven
Elsick castle was similar to Northwick castle. It had high walls, towers, crenelated battlements and walls that were made of grey stone. The keep was considerably larger however and its construction was slightly more sophisticated. Kareena could tell immediately that Lysander was intensely proud of it.
They walked through the castle’s wide, airy corridors until they reached the apothecary. It was larger than the one that Kareena was used to but it was significantly more disorganized. Kareena walked around the tables and store cupboards realizing that they had been severely neglected.
“We haven’t had luck with our healers,” Lysander explained. “They stay but a moon’s turn and then they’re gone.”
“You’ve got a wealth of ingredients here,” Kareena pointed out. “More than we had at Northwick Castle.”
“It means nothing if there’s no healer here to make use of them,” Lysander said looking around. “Sometimes I wonder if that wasn’t a part of the curse too.”
Kareena turned to him. “I can’t promise to get rid of this curse completely, but I can at least give it my best try.”
Lysander smiled. “Thank you Kareena.”
Kareena dipped her head down in response.
“What do you need?” Lysander asked as he moved closer.
Kareena felt her nerves creep up on her and she wondered momentarily what had given her the courage to offer to come up with a cure for Lysander’s condition. Her own resolve surprised her and she wondered if her infatuation with Lysander’s wild features did not have something to do with it. She shook the thought from her head and focused her attention on Lysander’s warm, brown eyes.
“I’ll need garlic and oxgall,” Kareena replied. “The oxgall will need to be fresh.”
Lysander nodded as he took in her instructions. “What else?”
“Rosemary leaves and anise seeds,” Kareena said after some thought. “I don’t know if I’ll use them… but I’ll need them here if I decide to.”
Lysander shuffled around the space. “I think we have everything but the oxgall.”
“Good,” Kareena said as he handed her a jar filled with anise seeds. “I will have to work blind. I’m going to use ingredients based on the remedies I’ve worked with before. Rosemary to ease pain, anise seeds for resilience and oxgall for physical strength.”
“That sounds… like a difficult job,” Lysander said as he eyed the ingredients Kareena had laid out in front of her.
“Aye,” she nodded. “But there is no other way.”
Kareena spent the rest of the day sorting through the apothecary and arranging everything into their respective store cupboards. Lysander stayed with her, acting as her helper as he spoke about his life and all the complications that came from living with his condition.
“I could never get close to anyone,” Lysander said. “I knew I could never share my secret with them and that meant I spent most of my life alone.”
“I know what that feels like,” Kareena said. “Loneliness is the worst feeling in the world.”
“Aye,” Lysander nodded. “It can easily turn you bitter if you let it. It might have nearly consumed me if…”
He trailed off making Kareena curious.
“If...?” she nudged.
“If I hadn’t started dreaming of you,” he finished, a shyness creeping into his tone.
Kareena wrinkled her brows together. “How long have you been having those dreams Lysander?”
“Nigh on two years now,” he replied.
Kareena could only stare at him in shock. “That long?”
“Aye,” he nodded. “They kept me sane.”
“Is that why…” Kareena said mostly to herself.
“What?”
Kareena looked up. “I feel as though I have known you for years.”
Lysander smiled. “Tis exactly how I feel as well.”
Kareena didn’t bother asking how that was possible. Her belief had expanded greatly in the last day or so. It was amazing how much more mysterious and intricate the world seemed to her now. Around midday, Lysander excused himself and disappeared into his large castle. Kareena tried to ignore the creeping feeling of emptiness that snuck up on her the moment he left the room, as though all the light had been sucked from her world.
Kareena shook her head and chastised herself harshly. Lysander was a Maclver; he was heir to his clan and son of a great Lord. She was just the bastard daughter of one and that difference could not be overlooked. She threw herself into her work, repeating to herself that their dreams meant nothing. It was just wishful thinking on the part of two young people whose loneliness had all but consumed them.
When Lysander came back that evening, Kareena noticed a tired old bag hanging from his shoulder. She darted to him in amazement. “How –
“The delivery party from Kinross just arrived,” Lysander, replied.
“Of course,” Kareena said having completely forgotten about the supplies and horses they were bringing down for Lord Maclver. “How did you manage to get it away from them?”
“I made sure the men had plenty of ale after their long journey,” Lysander replied with a smirk. “They didn’t notice a thing.”
Kareena removed the book from her underskirt and flipped through its pages. She happened upon a remedy that would prevent a foreign illness from taking hold. “I didn’t understand this when I first saw this remedy,” she said to Lysander. “But I’m hoping this is exactly what you need.”
She moved to the table where she had set out all her ingredients and examined everything. “I should be able to make a batch of the remedy in a few days.”
“You’re a Godsend,” he said with a smile. “And I wish I could stay –
“You’re not staying?” Kareena asked in surprise.
His smile grew sad. “The sun will set soon Kareena,” he reminded her.
The reality of his situation settled over Kareena. “I’m going to save you,” she said suddenly, filled with renewed determination.
Lysander came closer. “You don’t understand lass… you already have.”
Then he leaned down and kissed her.
Chapter Eight
Being with Lysander was the single most intoxicating thing that Kareena had ever experienced. It was a frustrating contrast of thrilling passion and choking disappointment. When he touched her, she felt waves of pleasure scale up her body, but it did not last long, for dusk settled over them soon enough and he was forced to leave her side.
The remedy took Kareena long
er than a few days. She stayed in the apothecary, mostly hidden from the eyes of the castle, struggling to find the perfect balance between the book’s instructions and her own experience and instinct. Lysander spent as much time with her as possible and though she loved his company, he tended to distract her from her task.
It amazed Kareena how familiar being with Lysander was to her. From the way he liked to play with her hair while she worked or the way he kissed the nape of her neck in the mornings when he first saw her, everything was new but there was a familiarity there born of a relationship far older than theirs. Kareena was not sure if that was because of their shared dreams or their shared isolation, but the intimacy she experienced with Lysander made her believe in both fate and magic.
The euphoria she felt when Lysander was around, dissipated immediately after he left her side. It was only then that Kareena could think rationally and it was in those moments when she realized that while Lysander’s situation may change, hers never would. If she was successful, Lysander would be the next clan chief but she would always be a Lord’s bastard and that was no fit match for Lysander Maclver of Clan Maclver. Kareena kept her thoughts to herself. She said nothing to Lysander, resigning herself to the inevitable doom of their relationship. She kept her word and continued to attempt to find a cure, but as the days flew by her heart grew heavier.
Chapter Nine
“What?” Lysander asked again.
“It’s done,” Kareena replied. “I think I’ve got the right combinations at last.”
“Kareena…”
“Don’t thank me yet,” she replied gruffly. “First we must see if it works.”
They walked outside into the fading light of the sun. Open meadow and lush green fields surrounded Elsick castle. Lysander and Kareena entered the thick range of trees where they knew they would not be spotted. Slowly Lysander turned to face her and Kareena handed him the vial she had filled earlier that day with the thick grey potion that had taken her almost three weeks to construct.
He took the potion but his eyes were fixed on Kareena.
“Drink it Lysander,” Kareena said softly, hating herself for wishing that it would not work.
He looked like he was about to say something, but then he pulled out the stopper and drank the contents of the vial in one large gulp. Kareena held her breath struggling with competing emotions as the last rays of sunlight disappeared from the Highlands.
Lysander’s eyes lost focus for a moment as he swayed on the spot. Kareena took a step forward but he held up a hand to stop her. “Wait,” he said, his voice sounded different.
Kareena froze in place wondering if she had made everything worse. “Are you alright?” she asked breathlessly.
He leaned forward as though he were in pain. After a short while that seemed like an eternity to Kareena, Lysander straightened and his face smoothed out.
“Lysander?” Kareena said tentatively.
He looked up at her and smiled. “I think it worked lass.”
Both of them looked up at the sky above them. An army of clouds shielded the moon, but a wealth of stars winked at them from their midnight blue canvas. Kareena turned to Lysander with a gasp that was also a laugh. “It worked.”
“Aye,” he said softly. “You did it.”
“It’s will only work this one night Lysander,” Kareena reminded him. “You will need to take the potion for as long as you live.”
He nodded as he came forward. “Tis only a small thing.”
“Lysander –
She was silenced by Lysander’s lips and after a moment she had forgotten what she intended to say. She felt the need to pull away but his arms held her against him in a grip that she could not fight against. Once she was out of breath, his lips moved down to her jaw and then her neck.
“Lysander –
“Hush my lass,” he said softly. “Let us enjoy this night.”
“Yes,” Kareena thought to herself. “Let me have this one night.” She gave herself over to him as they sank onto the musky earth floor entwined in each other’s arms. Lysander pulled off her dress and her breasts became exposed to the midnight air. Her nipples hardened as Lysander descended upon them with kisses. Soon his hands had found their way up her thighs, and she moaned as they entered into her dripping folds.
Kareena had never experienced such ecstasy before and found herself carving him, all of him. She opened her legs and pulled him into her. He unleashed his drawstring and his long shaft emerged from his trousers. Kareena’s eyes widened in amazement, every inch of his body was perfect.
He looked at her with such an intensity she grew dizzy, until finally he penetrated his shaft into her. Tenderly at first, and then quickening with wild abandon. Until finally their muscles release in a unifying orgasm, and Lysander let his seed drip deep inside of her.
Chapter Ten
Kareena was in the apothecary mixing a new batch of the remedy when Lysander walked through the door, his face ablaze.
“What’s wrong?” Kareena asked.
“We have just received word from Kinross Territory,” he replied immediately.
Kareena put aside the motor she was holding and turned to him. “What news?”
“Your father is looking for you,” he said. “They’ve been searching for weeks, now they are asking clan Maclver for help.”
“Why does he even care?” Kareena demanded. “He has his real children.”
“I can’t tell you his reasons lass,” Lysander replied. “I can only tell you what I’ve heard.”
“I do not intend to go back to Kinross,” Kareena said firmly.
Lysander smiled. “I do not intend that you go back either.”
Kareena looked at him carefully. “What is your intention for me?”
Lysander looked around. “This is where you were meant to be Kareena.”
Kareena looked around the apothecary, unable to deny how comfortable she felt there. “Aye,” she nodded. “I would love to stay here and be healer to Clan Maclver.”
Lysander laughed. “That you can be if you choose lass,” he said amused. “But I am not asking you to be my healer.”
“Then what are you asking?”
Lysander reached out and grazed his fingers across her cheek. “I am asking you to be my wife.”
Kareena looked at him in complete shock and she said the first thing that popped into her head. “I am a bastard.”
His eyes flashed. “Aye, and I can transform into an animal at night. These are things we cannot change. My father will leave this world soon and when he does it will be up to me to lead. I can do it alone, but I would rather do it with you by my side. As my wife you will be under my protection.”
“Your father will have no claim on you. Others have determined our circumstances, but this… this is something we can decide for ourselves. This is your choice and mine. And I have chosen you.”
Kareena looked up at his soft brown eyes. He was a handsome man, but what made him truly beautiful was the kindness that fell over his rugged features.
Kareena pushed her past from her mind. She would not allow her birth to dictate how she felt about herself. If Lysander could see past it, then she certainly could.
Kareena took Lysander’s hand in her own. “Then I choose you,” she said with conviction.
Epilogue
The party was small. There were only eight riders in total with her father leading the group. Kareena noticed her stepmother immediately. She sat atop her horse, just behind her husband. She was dressed in her finest silks and Kareena suppressed a smile as to her reason.
“Good day my lord,” Lysander spoke first, pulling his horse to a stop.
Lord McNeil nodded his head in response but there was no smile and no inkling of friendship in his stance. “Whom am I speaking to?” he asked gruffly.
“I am Lysander Maclver, Lord of Clan Maclver,” Lysander replied.
“Lord?” Kareena noticed that her father looked both disgruntled a
nd affronted. “Your father is not yet dead.”
“Aye,” Lysander agreed. “But he has passed the mantle to me. He wants to spend the rest of his days in peace without the burden of leadership weighing on him.”
“So you are the new clan chief?” Lord McNeil clarified.
“Aye my lord, I am,” Lysander replied.
“Reports say that you have my daughter.”
Lysander smiled. “I do not have your daughter my lord,” he said respectfully. “She chose me.”
“What does that mean?” Lady McNeil asked loudly as she rode up on her horse.
Kareena spurred her own horse forward so that she could answer her Lady McNeil’s question herself. The riders parted ways so that she could pass. The moment Lady McNeil’s eyes landed on her they went wide with surprise. Even Kareena had to admit that she looked different, dressed in blue silks and silver furs with her red hair flying loose around her shoulders.
“It means I chose my own path my lady,” Kareena said coming forward. “One where I don’t have to feel ashamed of myself.”
“Kareena,” her father’s voice was booming and filled with shock. “You are not of clan Maclver. You are a McNeil.”
“Actually my lord,” Kareena said formally. “My name is Kareena Saoirse Maclver of clan Maclver.”
She had the satisfaction of seeing both her father and her stepmother share dumbfounded expressions of disbelief.
“It’s true,” Lysander said as he gave Kareena a secret smile that was just for her. “May I introduce my wife – Lady Kareena Maclver.”
The End
Bear Heart
“Why are you crying?” the little boy asked, looking down at the small girl sitting on a rock by the river.
“I fell. My knee is bleeding,” Aileen said, brushing away the tears from her bright blue eyes as she squinted up at him, her vision impaired by the bright sunlight beaming down from behind him. She could see his shock of red hair falling all around his freckled face and wondered where he had come from. He had not been in the village before.
