by Nikki Landis
“No, I was surprised but not upset. It makes sense he was involved. He leads the Guardian army. I never put it together in my head but I guess I should have. Did you know?”
“Yes, I didn’t want to say anything in front of your grandparents and then I forgot about it completely. I would have told you. It wasn’t a secret,” he assured me.
“I know. I’m not upset. It’s been a very surprising day but I am happy Kellen. I have family, I have people who love and care about me. It means a lot,” I told him softly.
“I know it does Rhiannon. Come here and kiss me darling. It’s late and you need to sleep.”
I sat up and he pulled me close, kissing me for several minutes. I fell asleep in his arms, drifting off in contended dreams. When I awakened the next morning, he was gone. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and stretched, blinking against the early morning light. I could hear noises in the house and I knew people were moving around and starting their day.
I almost called for Kellen but decided against it. It wouldn’t look right for him to come into my room unchaperoned while I was in my nightgown. Funny, it didn’t seem that way at his home in Karmelo. His family knew Kellen was a gentleman and nothing would happen. They knew we loved each other. It was the only place I felt comfortable enough to do that, even Gran would not approve.
I got up and changed my dress, glad that I had packed an extra one. I curled and twisted my hair as best I could and added some of the flowers from the vase in my room. Finding perfumes on the vanity, I dabbed some on my throat and wrists. I added the charm bracelet and my mother’s opal ring, feeling some small connection to her with it in my possession.
I bundled up my belongings and put them back in the saddlebag. When I opened the door, Kellen was seated there with his back against the wall, his head cocked to one side and his eyes closed. I smiled, knowing he wasn’t really sleeping.
“Good morning Kellen,” I whispered, watching his face.
He grinned and opened his eyes. “Good morning my love.”
He stood quickly and took my hand, leading me into the dining room. I sat down while he walked outside to pack the horses and saddle them after their night in the stables.
“Are you hungry dear?” Grandma Jean asked.
“Yes, famished, thank you,” I replied.
Sully and Glenna were still there, having spent the night too. Glenna helped Grandma Jean make a large breakfast consisting of eggs, ham, and biscuits. There was fresh goat’s milk and orange juice as well as homemade preserves. When I told Glenna I loved the preserves, she made me take several jars home in the saddlebags. I thanked her, they were delicious.
All too soon, we were saying goodbye. Kellen stood back with the horses, giving me privacy.
Grandpa Fergus said goodbye first. “Come back to us soon. We will miss you. Be safe.”
He hugged me, just letting go when Grandma Jean threw her arms around me too. She was too choked up to say much but I understood. My grandparents, Sully and Glenna, who insisted I leave off the grandparent title, seemed very reluctant to let me go. I knew they were haunted by the past and were afraid for me. I pretended not to worry and gave them both big hugs, smiling brightly.
Kellen and I left minutes later, waving until they were out of sight. I made a promise to visit them the next time I crossed the portal. I had family now. I wanted to make the effort to see them every chance I got. The only way to flourish and grow this relationship was to cultivate it. That would require effort. I was more than willing to try.
It was a pleasant morning and journey back to Kellen’s home. His family didn’t seem worried that we spent the night away from the house. I was with my Guardian, and we didn’t venture far. Kellen knew his home well. I doubt he could ever get lost, even if he tried.
Kayleigh greeted us at the door. “Where did you go? I’ve been waiting forever to see you!”
I giggled and let her lead me away, Kellen laughing behind us.
“See you when she’s done monopolizing you.”
Later that night, as I lay in his arms, I thought about my family again. I wanted to thank him.
“Kellen?” I whispered, wondering if he was asleep yet.
“Yes, my love?”
“I want to thank you, for everything. It means so much to me that I found my family and that you brought me here. I will never forget this time we had together,” I told him softly.
He rolled over until he could see in my eyes. “You’re welcome, Rhiannon. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you. Nothing that I wouldn’t give. All you have to do is ask.”
I looked back into his eyes, touched by the sincerity. I nodded and kissed him, feeling his arms tighten their hold around me. I lay back down with my head on his chest, content as always, to hear the familiar beating of his heart.
I had gotten used to the sound. It anchored me to the world. Now the beat lulled me to sleep, consistently thrumming beneath my ear until every other noise drowned in comparison.
Chapter Twenty
On our last night in his house, Kellen held me tightly to his chest and looked down into my eyes.
“Rhiannon, what would you say if I asked you to stay here with me right now and never leave?”
I had been leaning against his shoulder with his arm around me. We sat with our backs to the headboard, watching the small fire crackle in the fireplace. It had turned a little cool here tonight, unusual for this time of year. I loved the idea of the fire. It was so romantic.
Kellen pulled me into his chest even tighter and I could tell something was on his mind.
“Rhiannon,” he said my name like I had not heard but we both we knew that I did.
“Kellen, I love you,” I looked at him curiously. His voice had been tight, slightly emotional for him. “I’d love to stay with you here. This place has felt like my home since the second I arrived. It feels right to be here. But my Gran…”
My voice choked up a little and I couldn’t finish. His eyes filled with understanding. He wasn’t surprised at my answer. I was a little surprised that he asked me that though. A part of me never wanted to leave Karmelo or the Monterro Valley. I thought about it for a few minutes.
What was he really asking me?
“Kellen…what is it? What do you really want to know?”
His eyes suddenly looked distant and far away. It worried me and I placed my hand against his cheek softly. After a moment, he looked at me intently again. His face was very serious.
“Rhiannon, what do you want? Out of life? For your future?” He sounded…nervous.
“I want to spend the rest of my life with someone who will love and cherish me and be my partner in life. I want to have a family someday. I want to marry and grow old with the one I love. I hope to share those things with…you,” I told him shyly.
“Do you really? Are you sure?” He sounded hopeful.
“Yes, I’ve never been more certain,” I told him, blushing.
He smiled at me happily and I realized he was asking me this on purpose. I was slightly confused as to why he was doing this right now but it was the truth.
“Rhiannon, thank you for telling me the truth. I love you, my rose.” He bent his lips to mine and kissed me lovingly, sweetly for several minutes. “It’s time for you to rest now. We’ll have a long day of travel tomorrow.”
“Ok…Kellen?” I asked, curious about his questions.
“Yes?”
“Are you worried about something?”
“I…it’s nothing to concern yourself about. I just have a feeling…things will be different when we return. My instincts tell me to be cautious. I am apprehensive. The feeling is making me edgy tonight. Don’t worry, darling, it will pass.”
Would it?
The way his voice sounded, full of uncertainty and doubt, and with an edge of concern, made a tiny drop of fear run down my spine. It bothered me. Whenever he asked me not to worry, it usually meant he thought there was something to worry about.
&nbs
p; I said nothing more about it. I didn’t want his mind to linger in these thoughts, whatever they were, and cause any issues between us. Enough had happened in these last weeks. There was no point in rehashing past wounds or plaguing questions. Even though I had plenty to ask regarding Baylor, I let it go, for the time being. I kissed his cheek, watching his eyes lose the distant look he had.
We lay down on the bed together and I snuggled close to him, resting my head over his heart with my hand on his stomach, tracing the lines of his muscles. I loved to lay this way, feeling safe and adored. Absently, I traced my fingers along, spelling out his name. I sighed contentedly, nestling deeper and hugging him tight. I felt his arm squeeze me back lightly. His gentle breathing lulled me to sleep as I slipped into pleasant dreams.
All too soon it was morning and I felt warm lips against my neck. Strong arms were holding me tightly against a well-muscled chest. I smiled and rolled over. Green eyes, deep and full of love, gazed into mine. Kellen smiled back at me softly. No matter what his emotions were he always managed to never lose that look of devotion and desire, at constant war within his eyes.
I knew he was sad about leaving. So was I. This magical place already held more memories than the last six months combined. I sat up and pulled him with me, yanking on his arm until he climbed out of bed.
Laughing, I blew him a kiss. He grabbed it out of the air and brought it to his heart, being overly dramatic as he fell back on the bed. I giggled and sauntered my way back over to him, swaying my hips.
His eyes darkened with desire instantly as he rolled over on the bed, sitting up. I lowered myself slowly onto the bed on all fours and growled slightly. He grinned playfully and leaned toward me. I pretended to catch him, swiping at the air with my hand. His grin got bigger.
“Come here, she cat. Put your claws away…I have something better in mind.”
His voice was low and provocative as he reached me. His lips touched mine briefly before he suddenly flipped me over, holding my arms back against the bed.
“Naughty boy. You aren’t allowed to switch the game. I’m the one who is hunting.”
“I have already found my prey. Too late my love. You are forever imprisoned within my embrace.”
I laughed lightly. “Oh, I am afraid it is quite the other way around. You are forever imprisoned Kellen…and I can prove it.”
I took my foot and ran my toes along his leg and upward toward his thigh while I pressed tiny little kisses to his chest. Kellen started breathing heavier and his lips crushed mine as I felt his control slip just a little. His kiss was hard and demanding. It didn’t hurt but was deep and passionate, much more than I would have thought, but since I had returned he had been extra affectionate.
We always ended up this way. Our bodies responding before our minds could control it. My hands caressed his back and I called his name as his lips moved to my throat.
“Rhiannon, I love you.”
He pulled back from me and I saw his eyes were searching my face, like he was concerned about my feelings, about the future, and something was making him wary. More than that, he was unusually edgy. Cautious. Even in his kiss I noticed the loss of control was quick but so was his recovery.
I smiled and hugged him tightly. I would pretend I did not see it.
“I love you too Kellen.”
He suddenly squeezed me tight and held me for a long time. I lay there, perfectly content to never leave his side. I ran my fingers softly through his tousled hair. Today we were going away, back across the portal. The extraordinary memory filled days of my brief visit to Karmelo and Cornell were over.
I felt an unexpected and abrupt sadness fill my heart. The overwhelming feeling of trepidation lodged itself inside me for no apparent reason. It seemed like I would not be here again for a very long time. Coupled with Kellen’s apprehension from last night, I became slightly afraid for a moment. Hiding it from him, determined to keep things light, I decided to ignore it.
Kellen sat up and pulled me with him. “It is time to get ready love. Let’s get moving.”
We were packing to leave, gathering everything we needed for the journey home. We would go on horseback this time. The journey would be much faster and less arduous. I was both happy and sad about that. I liked the idea of not having to walk all that way but it also meant less time alone with Kellen.
I packed my backpack, remembering to add the jewelry box and the preserves from Glenna. I wrapped some clothing around the box carefully, hoping it wouldn’t get harmed. I would be very upset if it received the slightest scratch.
His family was quiet as they helped us get ready to leave. Mairwen packed food for the journey which Kellen had put in a knapsack tied to the saddle. I noticed his sword and armor on the horse, clearly within his reach. It had been safe while we were here at the house the last couple of days and with my visit to my grandparents in Tarin. I had almost forgotten the dangers that existed. I added my backpack to the horse, tying it on securely.
Kayleigh said goodbye first, hugging both of us tightly. She turned to me. “I’m going to miss you so much. I love you like a sister already.”
“I feel exactly the same way as you,” I told her, returning the embrace, “I’ll try to see you soon.”
Kedehern hugged his son tightly and took my hand in his, patting it softly.
“We’ll be careful, Father. I’ll take care of her. We’ll send word when we can. If anything new happens, you’ll know right away,” Kellen assured him.
“Yes, I know. We’ll be fine here. You take care of the both of you,” Kedehern replied.
I turned to Mairwen. She held her arms open and hugged me close. I placed a kiss on her cheek as I pulled away. Both of our eyes were bright. When Kellen hugged her, the tears in her eyes ran over. She didn’t let go for a few seconds. Then she smiled and pushed us toward the horses.
“Good bye, Mother. I love you,” Kellen told her, slightly choked up himself.
“Good bye and thank you for such a wonderful visit. I will always remember it,” I told them honestly. Their hospitality and acceptance had meant the world to me.
“Bye, safe travels. Come back to us when you can, Rhiannon. We’ll miss you both,” Mairwen told us.
Kellen helped me mount the horse. I sat astride it this time. I was in riding pants and boots for the journey. This wasn’t a time for dresses and side saddles. Kellen looked me over with a slight grin. I knew he liked the outfit. He hopped up on his horse and we were ready to go when the sound of several riders stopped us.
Tristan, Seasnan, and three other guard members came galloping up. Their horses were packed with swords, armor, and camping gear. Even the horses themselves were fitted with battle armor. This was no joy ride. They were prepared to fight. I looked at Kellen with my eyes wide. He just smiled and I realized he wasn’t surprised. He knew they were coming with us. I guess he hadn’t wanted to mention it or he had forgotten. Intentionally?
We waited as Tristan said good bye to Kayleigh. They kissed and she waved him off, tears in her eyes. It made me wonder if she knew how long he would be gone. We rode away together, Kellen and I bringing up the rear. He was behind me for protection, the last rider. I waved to his family until they were out of sight, watching as the stone wall of Karmelo faded into the distance...
Chapter Twenty One
We kept at a consistent but normal pace. Kellen brought his horse up to mine and we lagged behind the others for a bit. I knew he was keeping me from Seasnan’s line of vision and I said nothing. I enjoyed the lovely view of the scenery as we rode by. I wanted to remember every detail, knowing it would be a long time before I returned. After a while we stopped and Kellen led me over to a shady bunch of trees, helping me dismount. I was grateful since my lower back was aching a little.
I drank some water and stretched my stiff muscles. Before I had a chance to sit down, Kellen grabbed my hand in his, walking around the flat grassy plain, stretching our legs. He suddenly pulled me in his arms and twirled
me around, laughing loudly, feeling happy and carefree. I smiled at him as we leaned against a nearby tree, seeking shade in the unbearable heat.
He brushed his fingers along my cheek and stared into my eyes.
“I think we have traveled long enough today. Why don’t we spend the night here?”
“Sure, if you think that is best,” I said a bit unsteadily. His eyes were making me dizzy.
“Oh, I do. I think you really need to stay off the horse for the rest of the night. You could use a break,” he insisted softly as his lips touched my collarbone and made their way up along the right side of my throat.
“I think…that sounds…good,” I answered him, gasping and distracted.
His hands were at my hips and made their way up and around my waist. He kissed the spot beneath my ear, the moist heat making me stifle a moan.
“I’m glad you think so. I’m going to set up the tent. Are you hungry?”
His lips made their way back up to my chin as he kissed my cheek and looked in my eyes. I saw that his eyes were hungry and not in the food sense. My heart rate accelerated and my breathing became heavier. He noticed my reaction and grinned wide.
I blinked several times trying to figure out a coherent response. “Um, what?”
He threw back his head and laughed hard. “Oh, Rhiannon. You surprise me yet again.”
I looked at him, confused, reacting much like that dinner in the restaurant we had months ago when he was so distracted he became offended and I laughed.
He kissed me, oblivious to my internal chaotic thoughts, and then explained.
“I was surprised by the desire and warmth in your eyes. Sometimes I get lost in your eyes but this was the first time I noticed you getting lost in mine.”
His voice was thick as he spoke. His lips were moving along my jaw line again and back to my earlobe. I shivered.
“I better see to that tent…and some dinner. You’ll need the energy.”
“Kellen, I…please…I can’t concentrate.”
