by JK Ensley
“Aye, Brother, you caught me.” She sighed. “And yes, I did—fall in love with you all over, that is.” She winked. “No worries, good Finnean. It seems I do thus many times throughout the day.”
His breath hitched with her casual admittance. If she is lying, I don’t want to know the truth of it. Dear god, I love this woman, he thought.
She chomped into her apple and started speaking before she had swallowed. “Actually, I was just thinking you were as lovely as a rare maid.”
“A maid?” He reached for her mouth. “Gealach, you are as a child.” He wiped the juice from her chin. “Don’t talk with your mouth full, Lass.” He leaned in closer. “And just what about me, reminds you of a maid?”
She crinkled up her nose at him and smiled. “Your lovely skin is tanned by the sun, yet completely flawless.” She touched his cheek. “And there’s not a creature within any realm who boasts hair as glorious as yours.” She ran her fingers through its length. “I know why all the women are powerless to your charms.”
“Oh? And why’s that?” His ice blue eyes sparkled in the sun.
“Because, dearest Finnean. As beautiful as you are to look upon, you’re even lovelier on the inside.” She touched his chest as she spoke. “You are the first person I’ve met who can rightfully claim such a thing.” Aside from my own sapphire son, she thought.
He leaned in close enough for her to feel the warmth of his breath on her face. Her pulse quickened.
“Aye, yet there is one maid who cannot be swayed by my charms nor my beauty,” he whispered. “And she’s the only maid I desire.”
Jenevier closed the couple inches still separating them. “Ahh, but you have her, Milord. And for all time, no less.”
Then, she kissed him.
Finnean’s eyes went wide. So shocked was he by her action, he almost didn’t respond, almost. He closed his eyes and melted into her, holding her so tight he feared he may break her. They had been married for months now, and she hadn’t even so much as voluntarily held his hand as they walked. He marveled in her gentle touch, delighted in the feel of her soft lips, savored the sweet taste of her tongue.
By the gods, I never wish this moment to end, he thought.
Once their lips had finally parted, the snow-crowned warrior of Val Hal remained motionless, eyes closed. His breathing was heavy and deep, yet controlled.
“Milady, I love you,” he rasped.
“Forgive me, Finnean,” she whispered. “I did not mean to be a burden to you. I know the physical part of our marriage vows doesn’t exist. Yet… I desire…” her words trailed off.
He slowly opened his eyes.
She sighed, looking down. “I was weak. I shouldn’t have forced myself on you like that. I know it was selfish of me.” She met his gaze. “But I just couldn’t help myself. I wanted the feel of your lips pressed to mine, your sweet taste of honeysuckles filling my mouth.”
He had to wait a moment before he could respond. His heartbeat echoed in his ears, racing so fast he feared he might faint.
“Aye, Lass, you give my heart wings. If my lips are your weakness, then I pray you will be selfish more often.” He rubbed her back, keeping her pressed to him. “Please… be selfish more often,” he whispered.
She smiled shyly and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. He blushed.
For the better part of that day, they simply held each other, gently, lovingly. They lay the bow aside and practiced gazing into each other’s adoring eyes, tasting the other’s sweet lips.
It would be weeks before they would be blessed with another perfect day, such as this.
Chapter 40
Finnean
(FIN-yan)
When they had been married for half a year, King Brodder called for the entire kingdom to join him in a special celebration honoring his precious daughter and her fair husband.
“These two valiant souls standing before you now are the greatest treasure imaginable. One I have raised from his youth, accepted him as my own son. And the other I have claimed as my only daughter and heir. They are the stars in my crown, the breath in my lungs—the future of this great kingdom.”
Jenevier heard him sniff, and it was all she could do to stand facing the crowd. She wanted nothing more than to turn to him, wipe away his tears, and hug his giant neck.
After a moment, the King continued. “As you all know, my childhood sweetheart and the only woman I have ever loved, was snatched from this world only days before our wedding. If not for that accursed storm, she would be with me now—bestowing these powerful amulets, draping them about the necks of our future.”
The silversmith approached them then, an ornate box held open in his hands. Jenevier looked at the deep red velvet lining as he knelt before them and held the treasure up for his King.
“With these,” Brodder continued. “I bestow a great magic upon the two people I love most in this world. For my son-in-law and Hand, I present the Warrior’s Shield.” He hung the amulet around Finnean’s neck. “This protective shield was designed by the Ancients. The four Celtic knots upon it represent the four corners of the world, the four winds, the four elements, and the four angelic Guardians of this realm. The three rings gracing its center are called the Magical Trinity. They invoke the three Fates and nurture perfection in thought and deed, enhance power, and bring about needed wisdom.”
Brodder held Finnean’s head in his large hands, turning him from side to side, kissing each cheek before coming to stand in front of Jenevier.
“And for my lovely Princess…” He smiled brightly through his tears. “I am proud to present a first among our people. The Dragon Shield, Milady,” he said as he hung the intricate amulet around her neck. “This magical protection contains eight Dragons, four of which face outward, guarding you from all points, north, south, east and west. The other four are facing in, preventing any enemy who may slip past the first four from causing you troubles within.” He winked down at her. “The powerful necks of these majestic creatures overlap in the center and form our Celtic knot. An ancient symbol used to confuse, mystify, and defeat our enemies.” He smiled and held her face in his hands, lovingly stroking her cheeks with his thumbs. “The runes carved about the encompassing circle read… Courage forges a path through all obstacles, banishing fear—the thief of dreams.” Brodder blinked away his tears. “Dragons have been here since the dawn of creation, little one. Long before man set foot upon the ground, they ruled this universe. May they protect you always and ever keep you safe within their mighty wings.”
The King kissed her forehead as cheers and shouts went up from the gathered assembly.
After being greeted by what seemed like the whole kingdom, Jenevier winked at her loving husband as she slipped from the main hall. He sent her a knowing nod and turned back to face his brothers.
“And just where is that rare creature heading off to?” Gráda asked, bumping Finnean’s shoulder with his.
“She has someone she wishes to share this with,” Finnean said. “Fear not, Brother. She will return before dark.”
“Best see that she does,” Brian said. “There are fierce creatures that roam the night.”
Finnean chuckled. “None quite so fierce as is my lass,” he mumbled to himself. “Ease your heart, Lord Brian. Weren’t you listening? She wears the strength of eight Dragons about her neck. She’ll be just fine.”
*****
Well, I suppose it’s nice… as far as trinkets go, little Naga.
Nilakanta hmpft’d and snorted in her mind. She chuckled.
Exactly what you need, tiny Guardian, another talisman. Don’t they understand? You have all the Dragon protection you will ever require, sitting but a hundred yards from their back door.
“I know, Brother.” She giggled softly. “It’s hard for people who have never seen a real Dragon. Perhaps you should come down and visit me sometimes.”
Perhaps I will, he snorted.
Jenevier smiled as she sat atop her Dragon’s massive b
ack, tenderly rubbing her thumb across the shiny silver amulet, admiring it.
He loves you too much, Nilakanta said.
“Who does?” she asked absently.
Your father, he said. His whole life is tied up in you now, Little Fire. Take care that you do not break his noble heart.
“I strive every day to make certain that never happens,” she said, smiling softly.
*****
“…now…loose.”
She let fly the arrow. It found its mark. Not the center, but much better than before. At least she hit the target this time.
He slid his arms around her waist, holding her from behind, resting his chin atop her head. “Aye, wee Gealach, very soon you will be deadly with that bow.” He kissed the side of her neck and whispered in her ear. “Come, Lass. It’s time to fetch and continue.”
*****
The fire popped and cracked, hissing like a heart’s last beating.
That’s a day I will never forget, she thought. For more reasons than one. That’s the day my old life encroached upon my future. Dammit to hell… literally.
She stood before the pyre, numb from the heart down. The erratic cherry glow danced vividly across her milky skin, bitter flames casting their blush upon her snowy cheeks.
These last seven years seem like a dream. Nay… a fairytale.
Distant bagpipes echoed their hauntingly sorrowful tune, viciously boring a gaping hole right through her tormented soul.
Her mind drifted back to the merry songs those pipes had once produced… the magical night Finnean had twirled her around the dance floor. An enchanted evening, she later found out was her wedding night.
Her black eyes glassed over as she recalled how nervous she had been when her charming husband led her to their prepared bed chamber that first time. Nothing had happened between them. Instead of unbridled passion, he had sworn a vow of celibacy.
She chuckled softly. Damn fool. He nearly killed me with all his bloody honor and nobility… god, I love him.
*****
Finnean playfully swatted her bottom. She giggled and took off running toward the trees.
“You only have to find ten this time, Princess,” Finnean yelled as he pulled the arrows from the bale. “Two found their target.” He chuckled, shaking his head.
“That makes six,” she mumbled to herself as she pulled one from the ground, wiping the dirt off across her backside. Scanning the trees, she stopped a few feet to her right. “Ah, and you make seven.”
She smiled as she yanked the arrow from the nearby tree, inspecting the tip for damage.
“Seven is a lovely number, is it not? So perfect, so whole.”
Jenevier spun around, looking for the owner of the bone-chillingly cold, disembodied voice. She saw no one.
“Show yourself, devil dog,” she said in a hushed hiss. “I remember you well.”
The feeling of fingers in her hair sent a chill down her spine. Turning, she found Ahriman leaning against the same tree from whence she had just retrieved the arrow.
“Devil dog, is it? Do you now deny you once loved me?” he cooed.
“She may have loved you. I hate you with a fire that ever grows within me.” Her gaze was fierce, threatening. “You are the creature who stole my happiness. You’re the very one who removed my bliss, filled me with darkness. I will never forgive you for that, Vybius.”
“Guilty as charged, Milady.” One corner of his mouth twitched up in a sardonic smile. “Yet here you are.” He spread his arms wide. “Living in the very birth place of said stolen happiness. And married to the warrior of your heart, no less. Tell me. How have I wronged you, tiny Angel?”
“You know full well how you’ve wronged me,” she spat. “Since the beginning of time, men like you have found ways to lock women away—mentally, physically, or both. Why do you have such an insatiable desire to control, to dominate, to own?”
“Are you saying that I own you, Little Fire?” He touched her chin, and then ran his nail down the laces of her bodice, slicing them with ease. “Are you saying I locked you away and kept you for myself?”
She only glared at him.
“No. This is one thing you cannot say about me. Hate me all you like. Yet I have never bound you, heart, body, or soul… no matter how badly I have wanted to. You, Jenevier Embarr, are the one creature that yet eludes me.” He lightly ran his fingertips out the length of her collar bone and back to her neck, where he grasped her, tightening painfully. “And why is that, Guardian of Dragons?” he whispered in her ear. “Why is it you are so impervious to my spell?” He loosened his grip around her throat and then kissed her there.
“Because I continue to evolve, to grow,” she hissed. “I become ever stronger, Vybius. In spite of you and your darkness.”
“Ah, yes you do. I am amazed at how easily you can morph from one existence to the next. You are a strong woman, my love. Magical and powerful and wickedly fierce… in a tempting little porcelain doll sort of way.” He sucked in air through his teeth and gave a quick yank to her sliced laces, watching as the silver-boned bodice fell away. “Yet, as you grow and evolve… so too do the games I play with you. You should be honored, tiny Angel. My undivided attention is a rare gift indeed. None have been able to claim it before you.”
“Gift?” She half laughed. “Your gift is a curse, one which haunts me daily. I will never be free of your dark gift, you damn soul-eating lizard.”
“Ah, yes… my gift. Well, we all have our little burdens we must bear, do we not?” He smiled and lightly kissed the corner of her mouth. “It’s only fair you share in this all-too-common struggle.” Ahriman began circling her, taunting her. “You wished for normality, did you not? I only granted your wish, my love. All normal people must fight with a little darkness now and then. They each have their own demons they must battle. I just happen to be yours, sweet Jenevier. You’re lucky like that, baby Angel.”
She didn’t turn to follow his movements as he circled her. She kept her eyes focused on the torn place her arrow had recently left in the crumbling bark.
“Your dark touch ravages my soul,” she said through gritted teeth.
“Is it only my touch that ravages your delicious little soul? Is that what you’re saying?” He pulled her curls back and kissed her neck. “Well now, it appears I’m not the only creature of darkness who has been recently blessed with the pleasure of touching you, of gifting you.” Ahriman’s cold finger traced the length of her cerulean scarred cheek. “How is it your sapphires have returned, tiniest sister?”
She cut her eyes toward him then, yet spoke not.
“Tell me how you came to be in the Nether, little one. Tell me,” he whispered. “Who can kill the Angel of Death?”
His words landed cold upon her soul, as his lily scented breath warmed her ear.
“Gealach? Are you all right in there?”
Her husband’s shouts caused her to jump. “Y-yes, Finnean. No worries, my love. I’ll be right out.” Her voice cracked nervously.
Ahriman ran the tip of his finger down her arm, leaving little goose bumps along its icy path. “Mmm… His voice alone causes your heart to race.” He sniffed the air around her. “I think I hate him.” He grabbed her, burying his nose in her curls. “Tell you what, Princess. If you answer my question, Jenevier, I promise not to eat his soul.”
He heard her breath catch an instant before her palms flashed, blindingly bright.
“Nilakanta!”
Her cry echoed through the trees as she gripped tight the glowing hilts. Spinning fiercely, she savagely attacked the amethyst-haired fallen Angel beside her.
Finnean heard her shouts, and then the blood-stopping sound of clashing blades… only a heartbeat before he was knocked off his feet by the jarring thud of a landing Dragon.
Nilakanta tore through the trees as if they were twigs.
Unsheathing his sword, Finnean raced toward the splintering forest and the gut-wrenching sounds of the battle ringing within.
Jenevier only answered his questions with deadly might and lethal precision. Both her blades were bloodied when her bonded Dragon made it to her side.
“This isn’t over, Angel,” he hissed. “You haven’t seen the last of me, little one. I will not give up so easily. That’s just not how this little game will ever be played out between the two of us. You have no choice but to dance with the devil, my love. And one day, one day very soon, I will take the lead… and you will melt in my arms. This I vow.” The silver-eyed soul-eater disappeared with those words.
Chest heaving, nerves heightened, Jenevier spun toward the sound of quickly approaching footsteps, blades readied… just in time to catch a glimpse of her dear husband, before she was locked tightly within his relieved embrace.
Finnean kissed her face a dozen times before he gripped her shoulders, pushing her back so he could examine her for injuries. His gaze locked on the dripping ethereal blades in her hands. His searching eyes were full of questions, but he only released a heavy sigh and pulled her back to him.
“Oh, my love.” He squeezed her ever tighter. “I thought I’d lost you again. My heart ceased beating until I caught sight of those gorgeous curls.” He kissed her ear as he whispered there. “I would end my life if anything were to happen to you. I swear it.”
His lips fell hard upon hers, his now unbridled passion evident in his hungry touch. Finnean pulled her tight against him, locking her trembling body to his.
As her fear was erased by his deepening kisses, her adrenaline was replaced with desire. She melted into him, surrendered completely to her loving warrior.
I see there is much you need to tell me, Naga. Nilakanta chuckled inside her head. Come to me at sunset, little Guardian. Too long have you kept your secrets.
