by JK Ensley
Her sobs abruptly stopped, her words were muffled against his broad neck. “My beloved? Father, what are you talking about?”
He chuckled. “Your good husband, wee Princess. Perhaps Finnean will spare a night here and there just for the two of us. But certainly not on your wedding night, my child.”
She wiggled down from her royal father’s loving embrace. “Finnean? Wedding night?” She looked from the white warrior back to the King, confusion ruling her thoughts. “I admit to loving Lord Finnean, yes. When first we met, we connected in some bizarre cosmic way. I cannot and will not deny that, ever. He is more beautiful than I, more valiant than a Guardian, and owns a giant piece of my heart. All these things are true.” She glanced back at her snow-crowned friend. “Yet, I have no intention of taking a husband. Not right now. Not so soon. I don’t have the best of luck in that regard. Besides, I am eternally bonded with Daichi. This I told you, only just. And even God will not sever our tie. I came here, back to Val Hal, to spend time with you, Father. I will give Finnean as much of me as I can. But I returned for you.”
Both men stood frozen, staring at the milky-skinned owner of their hearts.
Brodder tenderly placed his hands upon her shoulders. “Gealach, do you not understand? I upheld the vow I made to this warrior when first you were stolen from us.” He searched her confused eyes. “I married the two of you as soon as you were reunited. As I had sworn to do. Your union was witnessed by our whole clan and we have feasted until the dawn.”
Finnean took her hand, locking their fingers. “I said the words, my love. As did you.” He smiled softly, lovingly. “We swore the words and the palace trembled with applause. Do not destroy me on the happiest day of my life.”
She could only stare at him, openmouthed.
“Gealach, daughter of my heart, I said the words that joined you.” Brodder took her again by the shoulders, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Before you were taken, when we were yet happy, Finnean claimed you and you claimed him. Remember you not?” He chuckled softly. “I will never forget it. Remember? Right after you spit blood upon his chest and busted his perfect lip.” He cut his eyes toward the blushing warrior. “Which he deserved, I might add.” He met her troubled gaze once more. “We all bore witness to your mutual vow, wee moon. No one goes back from that. Here on Val Hal, we understand life is short. And we don’t take a single moment for granted. We live hard and love ferociously. Vows are not made lightly and commitments are honored for a lifetime. We have no law capable of undoing what has been done, Princess. Only death can accomplish such a thing. Finnean would have never said the words if he didn’t mean them with every fiber of his being. You now carry an equal responsibility to each other. If you want happiness, you spend day and night making your mate happy… thus guaranteeing your own. Finnean will do everything possible to please you and you will do everything possible to please him, simple as that.” Brodder sighed heavily and ran his large hands down his weary face. “Perhaps… if I explain to everyone how you didn’t understand… No, they would take you for an oath breaker,” he mumbled.
Finnean bowed his snowy head as he spoke. “I will tell the clan I forced your vow minus your knowledge of our ways. I will explain it to everyone on the morrow. Fret not, Princess Gealach. I will tell your father’s people how I made you promise your heart while you were yet spellbound. No one can find fault with your honor if I tell them thus.”
The King only stared at the beautiful man who was sacrificing everything for the sake of his only daughter. Brodder’s noble heart crumbled.
“Gealach, if Finnean does this thing, you will be free to go without dishonoring our royal name. No one will be able to call into question my reign or your nobility. Yet… he will not be released. This brave man knew exactly what he was doing when he swore to you his only forever. Until your death, Gealach, he will belong only to you. No one will touch him, for he is taken.”
She swayed. Rational thought was no longer possible. Jenevier stared at the giant of a man who named her his only kin, and then to the beautiful warrior who had once claimed her heart. She was lost.
Once again, you play the bloody fool, she thought. Valencia was right. You traipse in and out of people’s lives… leaving only death and heartache in your wake. She sighed heavily, resigned. So be it. I made this ripple by my own actions, my own words. Intentional or not, it comes back to me. As it should.
The silence in the throne room was deafening. Each of them stood perfectly still, their breath withheld. She sent out a little prayer for needed strength.
“Finnean, my dear husband,” she whispered.
The valiant man’s head snapped up at her gentle words, his eyes widening. Jenevier was bowing to him—face down, eyes closed.
“Forgive me for… everything. If you can ever find it in your amazing heart to accept me after such horrible behavior and thoughtless words, I would be honored and truly humbled to be your loving life mate.”
From where Brodder stood, he could see her pinched tears, hidden from the younger man. How can my old heart swell to bursting with pride, yet completely shatter with regret at the same time? he thought.
“As my father has said, I will spend day and night on seeing to your complete and utter happiness, dearest Finnean. Nothing in this universe is more important to me. This I vow.”
“I do not deserve you,” Finnean whispered as he lifted her chin and embraced his new wife. “I have not lived nearly good enough to be blessed so.”
*****
This unexpected new life would end up being the most amazing miracle imaginable.
Jenevier couldn’t see through the pain now stabbing her heart, pain mostly for betraying her Blessing less than a day after he returned to her, held her, and healed her. Daichi deserved so much better. But she was being made accountable for some of the ripples she had created when she fell upon this noble layer. The consequences would be heartbreaking for one man and heart-healing for another.
Such is life, she thought.
“Without you, my love,” Finnean whispered, his nose brushing her ear. “Tomorrow would be torture, and yesterday wouldn’t even be worth remembering.”
He handed her a light green tunic. Soft as kitten fur, it was. She breathed in deep, inhaling his deliciously intoxicating scent from the cloth.
“Aye, Lass, give me your rare red dress. I will hang it together with my garments and we will don them again a year from today.”
She quickly changed clothes and watched as he took delicate care storing away the magical dress Vittorio had gifted her.
“Hop into bed, Lass,” Finnean said softly. “Your eyes are closing where you stand.”
That night—it was actually morning before they got to bed—the newlyweds tossed and turned, restless. Finnean was a perfect gentleman. He did not demand physical attention, even went so far as to say he didn’t expect her to fulfill the carnal part of their marriage.
“Gealach, do not worry, Princess. I know you are also bonded to another, and I respect that bond. I will not touch you, Lass. I know how I would crumble if our roles were reversed, if I was the one to gain you and then lose you in almost the same breath. I will not rend another’s heart so. Besides, I am gloriously happy just being the one blessed with your presence now. I know you didn’t expect this… marriage was not your intent. And I will never pressure you or force you in that regard. I need no other affection, my wee rabbit, save that of your lovely smile.”
Still, she could not find rest. Severe exhaustion mingled bitterly with her nervous guilt. Her eyes were closed, yet sleep hid from her.
Finnean placed his warm hand upon her shoulder, ceasing her squirming. “My mother once told me… If you cannot sleep, it’s because you are awake, dancing through someone else’s dreams. Find peace in that thought, Gealach. Know that someone special is dreaming about you right now.”
Poor Daichi, she thought.
“Come now. Let me sing your worries away, wee lamb.”
; He gently pulled her to him, his warm chest relaxing the knotted muscles in her tense back. He gave her a tiny squeeze, buried his nose in her curls, and began his sweet lullaby.
It was late afternoon before her eyes opened once more.
*****
“Rise and shine, Princess.”
Jenevier rolled over. She yawned, shielding her still sleepy eyes… and saw Brodder standing at the foot of her bed.
“Remember, Gealach. Your first dance tonight is mine,” he said, smiling. “And I may claim many more before this night is through.”
“Tonight?” She yawned. “We dance again tonight?”
“Aye, that we do. Three days, Lass. Every royal wedding lasts three days.” He pinched her toes through the covers. “Drostan has sent word. The evening meal is upon us. Hop up, my wee darling. Shall I draw you a bath?”
“No thanks, Father. I can manage.”
She stretched and yawned again, reaching for Finnean. He was gone.
“Aye, Lass, your husband has been up most of the day. Gone on a hunt, he is,” Brodder said. “No need to fret. He will be back in time for the feast. He would never miss such a thing, little one. He loves you too much to stay away for very long.”
“Gratitude, Father,” she said as she collapsed back onto the pillows.
“Come now, Lass. It’s time to wake.” He smiled knowingly. “Did that high-strung Hand of mine keep you up too long? Did he steal all your sweet rest, Milady?”
“Exactly the opposite,” she said through another yawn. “He sang to me. I fear if anyone went without sleep, it was him.”
“What did you just say, Lass?” The lines on the King’s forehead deepened. “He sang to you? Tell me. Is everything all right, Gealach?”
“Yes, Father. All is well.”
Jenevier wearily climbed out of bed, stretched, and yawned again.
Brodder studied her colorless face, searching her black eyes. A bride should wake smiling, he thought. Yet she has the same strained, unhappy look my white warrior has worn all day. What has dampened their hearts so? Has joyous love fallen to the wayside once bound by vows?
“Is there anything else, Father?”
He jumped when she spoke, focusing back on her watching eyes. “Umm, yes there is, little one.” He cleared his throat. “You have company waiting for you. Shall I see them in?”
“Very well,” she said through another yawn, disinterested.
Brodder returned with two women in tow.
“I believe you met these lovely ladies yesterday,” he was saying as he entered.
Jenevier smiled. “Yes.” She held out a welcoming hand. “Kenzie, Allina, how very nice of you to drop by. Apologies. I have been lazy and have yet to dress for company.”
“Oh, never mind all that,” Allina said with a wave of her hand. “Actually, that’s why we’re here.”
“Because I’m not dressed?” Jenevier asked, one brow lifted questioningly.
Kenzie giggled. “Well, sort of.” The younger woman began to speak in hushed tones. “We heard the men talking. Seems like perhaps you didn’t realize you would be staying on here.”
It wasn’t really a question so Jenevier didn’t answer. She only looked at the other woman, waiting for the rest to spill out.
When Kenzie didn’t go on, Allina cleared her throat and stepped in front of the blushing girl. She sort of rolled her eyes at the younger woman before smiling at Jenevier.
“We have come to take you shopping, Princess,” Allina said. “The marketplace is holding its doors, waiting especially for you. So, when you’re ready… just say when.”
“When,” Jenevier said.
“Let’s go, then,” Allina said with a smile.
“Like that?” Kenzie asked, looking at Finnean’s crumpled tunic hanging loosely from her thin shoulders.
“Oh, you’re right.” Jenevier pretended to gasp, placing her hand over her heart. “I should probably get dressed first. Hmm… I wonder which outfit I should wear today.”
Kenzie only smiled and stared blankly at her.
Allina snorted out a laugh and looped her arm through Jenevier’s. “You’re gonna do just fine here, Lass,” she said with a smile. “Sarcasm and pointed jests—my weapons of choice as well.”
Jenevier chuckled. “I can definitely understand that. If I had to spend my days with Sir Luag, the dry and humorless, I would drive him mad with teasing.”
“Why do you think he wears a constant frown?” Allina winked at Jenevier and both ladies giggled.
*****
The shopkeepers were overly friendly and she couldn’t help but buy something from each of them. Yet, almost everything she purchased was black or dark green or deep purple. The lighter, happier colors held no place in her troubled heart.
Jenevier had changed into proper clothing at the first shop and now carried numerous bags of lovely wrapped packages.
“Wow,” Kenzie said. “It must be nice, being the only daughter to the King. You but look at something and they hurriedly wrap it up for you with a smile.”
“Well, His Grace did tell them to give her all she desired,” Allina said. “Besides, he finds himself with a full grown daughter he hasn’t had to spend a single coin upon.” She winked at Jenevier. “He has lots of catching up to do.”
She snorted out a laugh at the other woman’s words. Jenevier knew she and Allina would be fast friends, always.
“Fear not, wee lamb,” Jenevier said as she smiled at the younger of their trio. “I’ll not be draining the royal treasury on clothing and frilly things. What I get today will last me many years.” A wry smile crossed her face then. “And don’t be all self-righteous with me, Lass. I am certain Eògan denies you nothing.”
Kenzie blushed, and the three new friends enjoyed a few laughs along with their hot spiced ale.
Several times Jenevier found her attention had strayed to the hills beyond the castle.
Are you still there, old friend? she thought.
I am here, Naga. Always am I here, Nilakanta answered.
I have made a fine mess of things this time, Dragon. Seems Fate hates me above all creatures.
Perhaps, perhaps not. I have seen you smile more today than ever I have in the past. We were drawn here for a reason, Kagi Naga. Enjoy your days of normalcy for a change. You haven’t been blessed with many of those in your life. Why don’t you try forgetting yesterday for a little while and just live in today? Who knows, you might find it to be the peace you have long sought.
Wise words from the noblest of creatures. She chuckled in her thoughts. I will heed your counsel, Brother. Perhaps Val Hal is where I will find my laughter once more.
Warm hands gently squeezed her shoulders. Only then did Jenevier realize her company had fallen silent and were staring with wide, admiring eyes to the man now standing behind her. Tender lips left a gentle kiss upon her crown.
“Has there ever been such a vision of loveliness? Nay, not upon this realm.” Finnean gave her shoulders another little squeeze as he spoke.
Kenzie’s face burned crimson and she sighed dreamily, fanning her burning cheeks with frantically waving hands.
Jenevier only rolled her eyes.
Tilting her head back, she looked up at her fair-crowned husband. “You are far lovelier than I could ever hope to be, Lord Finnean. Ask any woman within the kingdom if you doubt my words.”
He bent down and placed a sweet kiss on her waiting lips and then her forehead. “Aye, and you can ask any man the truth of my words as well. Only just today, I caught Brian and Gráda in a heated debate over whom you would choose once you tire of my rash temper and fiery passion.”
She giggled. “Truly? And whom did they decide upon?”
“I’m not certain.” He kissed her again. “Seems it would come down to a duel, best I could gather.”
“Then let their swords remained sheathed, my love. The only way I will part from you is when you choose to cast me aside. Until then, dearest husband, I fear you a
re stuck with me.”
His grip upon her shoulders grew painfully tight. “I love you more than I have the words to say,” he whispered against her ear.
Her breath hitched, causing his knees to weaken. “Then we are of like-mind,” she whispered back.
They stayed like that for a moment, lost in the amazing sensation of just being near each other, touching, each breathing in the other.
Finnean cleared his throat, breaking the spell. “Come,” he said, looking up at the other two women. “Dinner is served, and many bellies now growl awaiting the arrival of our happy faces.” He helped Jenevier up, taking her many packages as he did. “Shall we go, Milady?”
He bowed toward her dramatically, causing her giggles to spill out.
“Lead the way, most handsome of warriors. I will follow you anywhere, Milord.” She lowered her voice for his ears alone. “Besides, the view from back here isn’t too bad.” She giggled again. “Not too bad at all.”
He stopped and she nearly bumped into him. Turning around, he had a daring smirk upon his face as he whispered, “Continue to play upon this deliciously dangerous path, Milady, and you may find our previous agreement revoked.”
“Perhaps that was my intent, Lord Finnean.” She matched his smirk. “Would it be so bad? Having to spend hours by my side, wrapped in these deceptively wicked arms, pressed against this snowy flesh. Will I remain your nightmare? Or will you let me become your wildest dream?”
He quickly wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her hard against him. She saw the fire burning in his passionate eyes. It made her tummy do flips, caused butterflies to war within her.
“Oh, beautiful lady, I have no doubt you could fulfill my every fantasy. My dreams have been of nothing but you since the moment I first laid eyes upon you. Were your resolve to weaken only slightly as we lay down to slumber, I fear I may not live through such bliss. My heart would burst within me… if your desire matched my own. Tempt me not, Milady. My mind is already filled with reasons and excuses to touch you every moment we are near.”
