by Heidi Hanley
Are you kidding me? She tightened her grip on Nua’s hilt and with both hands, raised the sword to block whatever maneuver Brath had in mind. Dropping his weapon, he reached up and grabbed her hands, pinning her in mid-air. Despite her readiness, she was caught completely off-guard. Nua fell from her grasp. He deliberately walked her back against the wall. One of his hands slid down her arm and ribcage to rest on her waist. She was helpless, but stood steady.
“Checkmate,” he whispered.
His breath felt hot on her cheek. Dizzy from the strenuous workout and the fire in his eyes, she allowed the stone to hold her up. Finally releasing her arms, he moved away, still stabilizing her with one hand around her waist. In a louder voice, he declared, “Guess she really does have my back.”
The knights cheered and fell to a knee, honoring the woman who had proven she was a warrior-queen.
“Oh, stop it,” she said, still trembling. “Time to eat.”
*
Hours later, she was rested, bathed and deciding on a dress to wear to dinner. Gael held up several that didn’t meet with Briana’s approval.
“What’s the king’s favorite color?”
“Oh, so that’s how it is,” Gael said, grinning. “Green.”
Briana pulled out a forest-green gown with gold trim and ruby-red button sleeves.
“Ahh, that would be lovely on you, though the neckline is a wee bit lower than you usually like.”
They exchanged sly glances. “It will do.” The maid chuckled.
The mirror didn’t lie. Wearing the king’s favorite color and keeping her hair down, the way he liked it, she couldn’t deny she’d dressed for him. Gael put away the combs and pots of makeup. Dara stared up adoringly from his post by the door. Briana dismissed Gael. Then she turned to Cailleach, who sat on the edge of the bed, watching with a pleased smile.
“Why am I doing this?”
“Do I need to answer that?” Cailleach replied.
“Please don’t. Thank you, Gael,” Briana said. When the door shut behind her, she continued, “This is crazy. I’m in love with one man and wanting to impress another.”
“I know you’re not looking for an answer, but I am going to give you one,” Cailleach said. “You’re falling for Brath. He’s going to be your husband and I must say, I’m relieved you’re attracted to him.”
Briana muttered something under her breath.
“What did you say?”
Her cheeks grew rosier. “I am falling for him and…”
Briana was interrupted by a knock at the door. There was Brath, raising the color in her cheeks another shade.
“You look lovely,” he said, taking her in, from her slippered feet to perfectly coiffed hair, lingering briefly on the neckline of her dress.
“You look, um, handsome,” she said, surprised by how vulnerable her voice sounded.
“May I come in a moment?”
“Of course.” She stood back to admit him.
“Oh, hello, Cailleach”
“I was just leaving, Your Majesty. Briana, I’ll see you downstairs.”
“I have something for you,” Brath told Briana. “Actually two somethings.” Nestled in his palm were a teardrop garnet necklace and matching earrings.
Briana’s eyes widened. “They’re beautiful.”
“Not nearly enough to do you justice, my lady. But they were my mother’s and she would want you to have them. And they match the dress you’re wearing. Green. My favorite color.”
She met his eyes. “I know.”
She saw him take a deep breath before stepping around her, and replacing the necklace she was wearing with the garnet. His fingers finished with the clasp and rested momentarily against the skin on the back of her neck.
Heart beating fast, she willed his fingers to explore further. Slowly they moved down the slope of her shoulder and around its curve to trace a line across her collarbone. His hair tickled her neck as his lips lightly followed behind his fingers.
“We should go down,” he said, softly. Sighing, he stepped away.
“As Your Majesty wishes,” she said, disappointment mingling with relief.
“Oh, I almost forgot! I have another gift for you.”
“Another? Brath, the jewelry is more than generous.”
“Darling, the jewelry is something you need, as the queen. I am well aware it doesn’t hold any particular value beyond that for you. I heard you say how meaningful Shannon Abbey is to you. What I am giving you is your own little castle in Evalon.”
She gasped.
“More like a cottage, really, and one that has stood empty for close to a hundred years. The last time I was there it was livable, but in need of some attention. Obviously, I can’t actually give it to you now, but when we can safely get to Evalon, you’ll see it. I know it will mean more to you than any necklace would.”
She was stunned, unable to find any words adequate to the moment.
“It used to be known as Kailen’s Castle…” At her inhale, he smiled, knowing full well the import it had for her. “But you can rename it anything you like.”
“I don’t know what to say, how to thank you.”
“Thanks are unnecessary, Briana, but if you were inclined to kiss me, I wouldn’t be opposed.” He looked pleased to have done something to make her happy. She willingly went to him.
Throughout the evening they stole glances at each other, laughed at small, private jokes and shared opinions on everything from food to Silas’ telling of the prophecy.
Briana could almost believe she was falling in love until Sir Glendon said, loud enough for everyone, including Silas, to hear, “You two are destined to be in love.”
She choked on the wine she was drinking and caught the bard’s eye. He was as unreadable as he always was these days. She tried again to convey regret, but met with only a passive smile.
“Is it the wine, my lady?” Sir Glendon asked.
“No, the wine is wonderful. What is it, anyway?”
“The Taranians’ personal recipe of plum wine, my lady,” Brath said. “We make a select few casks of it each year and drink it on special occasions. I’d like to serve this at our wedding feast, so I had Reilly serve it tonight for your approval.”
“Excellent choice. I wholeheartedly concur,” she said, twirling the goblet for effect.
Later, Briana preceded Brath upstairs to their chambers.
“I’m not tired,” Briana said, with a slightly intoxicated giggle.
“I was hoping you’d say that. Neither am I. Would you care to sit out on my balcony for one more cup of wine? It’s a clear night and…”
“I’d love to,” she interrupted, hoping he wasn’t about to deliver a soliloquy about the night, the stars and whatever else he could chatter on about.
He ushered her in. Just before the door closed she heard him say, “Good night Sigel. Silas.”
She grimaced, unaware the two men had been behind them. I’m sorry, Silas, she thought, then shook her head. This is impossible. I’m going to be married in a week and he’ll see us coming and going through these doors every day. I can’t keep feeling guilty about it.
She went to the balcony, where a small table, two chairs and a decanter of wine awaited them. “Are you trying to be a boy scout?”
“What’s that?”
She explained and he shrugged. “I suppose I am, then. I do like to be prepared.”
He was right about the night. Stars twinkled and a half moon offered soft light. It was warm enough to forgo a wrap, with a gentle breeze that made it comfortable.
He poured them both wine while she settled in. She picked up the goblet and raised her glass to him. Surely one more cup won’t hurt.
“I so appreciate nights like this,” Brath said. “Did you notice what…”
She lost track of his words, her gaze focused on the red canopied bed behind him. The bed seemed to grow larger and more inviting. Was the room growing warmer? She licked dry lips. A feeling like molten
lava began to pool in her pelvis. She squeezed her legs together to ease the ache that was becoming beautifully bothersome.
“Briana?”
“Hmm… huh? What did you say?”
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I just…” Words were failing her, but her eyes kept going to the bed. He turned and followed the trajectory of her gaze. When he looked back, she noted his pupils had grown larger and darker.
“Briana, what’s going on here?”
His voice sounded huskier. Sexier. “I was thinking maybe we should get it over with.”
“Get what over with?”
She nodded toward the bed. “You know…”
He coughed. “Briana, are you asking me to take you to bed?”
“I think so, yes,” she said, lifting the goblet to relieve the dryness of her mouth.
“Sweet Maker,” he croaked. Watching her drink from the cup, his expression turned from surprise and excitement to chagrin. “Briana, you’ve never had plum wine before, have you?”
“I don’t think so, but I have to say I love it. It’s…”
“An aphrodisiac, according to legend.”
“Oh. Well, that explains it.”
“Yeah, it does.”
“Still…”
He stood and sighed. “No, Briana, that is not how it will be our first time. Come on,” he said, reaching out to her. “I’ll take you to your room.”
She took his hand and tried to draw him closer. “You could at least kiss me.”
“No. Not a good idea.”
He led her firmly to her room, where Gael had the bed turned down and sat by the hearth, waiting for her mistress’s return.
“Glad you’re here, Gael. My lady has had a reaction to the wine and could use your help preparing for bed.”
He pried Briana’s hand out of his, and turned it over to the lady’s maid. “Good night, my lady. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Wheeling around, he left the room.
“Damn,” Briana said, staring at the back of the closed door. “I have fallen for him.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Comings and Goings
Bright sunlight on Briana’s face made her groan and throw the blanket over her head.
“My lady?”
“Go away. Let me die.”
“Cailleach left some medicine for your headache.”
“Is that what this is?” she said, from under the bedcovers. “It feels like a 7.9 earthquake in my head.”
“Briana?” asked Brath.
“Go away, Brath. You may want to find a new bride because I’m dying.”
“Come on, my lady, rise and shine.”
“You tried to poison me, didn’t you?”
His silence bothered the deep recesses of her mind and she slid the covers down over one eye to look at him. He looked as though he’d eaten thunderbolts for breakfast.
Pulling a chair near the edge of her bed, he sat down in front of her.
“I was only kidding, Brath. I know you didn’t try to kill me.”
He turned to Gael, hand outstretched. She handed him a cup. “White willow bark that will help with the headache.”
Briana eased herself up on one elbow, moaning again when the simple movement created an aftershock in her head. “What time is it?”
“Past breakfast, though I doubt you care about eating at the moment. The Winges arrive today. Soon.”
Covering her face with her hands, she sighed. “Okay. I’m up.” She slid the covers back and tried to sit on the edge of the bed, but dizziness overwhelmed her and she wobbled forward. Brath caught her by the arms and supported her as she regained her equilibrium.
“I am truly sorry about the wine, Briana. I honestly didn’t believe those stories. I’ve never seen anyone else react like that.”
Regret tightened his face. Bracing herself with one hand, she used the other to stroke his cheek. “I’ll be fine. Just go away, please, and let me pull myself together.”
She watched as he rose from the chair, lips pressed tightly together, shoulders drooping.
“Brath, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
“No, wait, something’s bothering you. Please don’t worry; I’ll be fine.”
He paused, looked at Gael and nodded toward the door. The maid left. Brath sat back down, looking at his boots for a long moment. Then he raised his eyes. “Do you remember what happened last night?”
She flushed. “Yes.” When he didn’t respond, she added, “Brath, I’m sorry. I realize queens are supposed to behave with more…”
“I’m not mad at you, Briana.”
“No? Good, because I didn’t mean to…”
He nodded. “That’s what bothering me. You didn’t mean to.”
She studied him, trying to understand. He cleared his throat and ran the fingers of one hand through his hair which, she noted, was impossibly perfect at this hour of the day. Well-put-together and… Sexy as hell. However, she was struck more by the emotional vulnerability she sensed in him. She waited for some sort of explanation.
“I was thrilled when I thought you actually wanted me. When I realized it was only the wine talking, I was deeply disappointed.” His hands fell into his lap.
She wanted to remove the hurt that shone in his eyes. Yet to do so would move her a step away from Silas. The image of the crossroad above Ard Darach flashed in her mind. Suddenly, her headache vanished, leaving her clear minded and determined. She took his hands in her own.
“Brath,” she said, softly, “I do want you. The wine may have lowered my inhibitions, but the inclination was real enough.” She let him search her face, knowing he would find nothing but her desire for him.
Visibly relaxing, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the tips of her fingers. “In that case, I’m not sure I can wait another week.”
She smiled. “Sorry, Your Majesty. Queens must be pure when they come to the king’s bed. Now, if you don’t mind, I really need to get dressed and be ready to meet our guests when they arrive.”
“Do you want me to have Gael bring food?”
“No. I would like you to give me fifteen minutes to get presentable and then you can bring me some food.”
“As you wish, my lady.” He bent in an exaggerated bow and left.
Briana skipped lunch. She was wondering when the Winges would arrive when she heard the pounding of horses’ hooves. Briana raced out of the castle to greet them, Dara barking at her side. Epona flung herself off Aquila and into Briana’s arms.
“I’ve missed you,” she said.
“It hasn’t been that long, Epona.”
“Long enough. I can’t wait to hear what’s happened since we left.”
She went from Briana to Silas, who had just arrived, and gave him a bear hug. Sigel greeted her, as well. When the king arrived, Epona, with perceptibly less cheerfulness, dipped one knee in a quasi-curtsy. “Your Majesty.”
“I’m so glad you’re here. I know Briana has been looking forward to having you back.”
When Brath’s arm went around Briana’s waist, she responded in kind.
Epona’s brows furrowed together, giving Briana a what-the-hell look.
Briana returned her stare with a reassuring smile.
“Welcome, Sir Thomas and Lady Isabella,” Briana said. “Rooms are ready for you. We hope you’ll be comfortable during your time at Ard Darach.”
Sir Thomas raised an eyebrow at her formality. “Thank you, Lady Briana. The pleasure is completely ours.”
Lady Isabella executed the perfect curtsy and nodded, repeating her husband’s words. “And now that we are assured that you are taking on the role of lady of the manor quite satisfactorily, might we dispense with all the stuffiness?”
Briana grinned and hugged them both, realizing for the first time how much she’d missed them. “Oh, I am so happy you’re here.”
“We’ve missed you too, Lady Briana. The mansion’s been rat
her dull lately. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must greet our king properly.”
Brath greeted his guest with a bow and an affectionate kiss on the cheek. “How wonderful to see you again, Lady Isabella.”
“I thought you’d shift and fly here,” Briana said to Sir Thomas.
“Where would we pack all the dresses, trinkets and important accouterments for a royal wedding?” He winked at Briana.
“Did you run into any difficulties or see any movement from the Grays?” asked Brath.
“Unfortunately, yes. I hate to be the bearer of bad news at such a…” he glanced at Briana, “happy time, but the Gray Military is on the march toward Dromdara. I suspect Inis Fail is their target.”
Brath looked grim. “We must stop them.”
“As soon as possible. They’ve already cut down several more faerie trees and burned out a village.”
“Casualties?”
“The people escaped and are headed for Inis Fail. A contingent of crows has been sent to set up a barrier, but we’ll need more men, Your Majesty.”
Brath nodded, thought for a moment and turned to Briana. “I don’t think we can wait a week for the wedding.”
She made sure he was the only one who caught the gleam in her eye when she said, “Well, I suppose it can’t be helped.”
“What happened with Artanin?” Sir Thomas asked.
“He’s being kept under close observation,” Brath said. He summarized what they discovered during the interrogation. “Briana wants me to bring him up, but I don’t trust him. The man put this castle under a decade-long sleep. Ten years of our lives – gone! What’s to prevent him from doing so again?”
“Valid point, but I do agree with Lady Briana on this one. He holds critical information about Shamwa and the Gray Military that might help us out on the battlefield. It’s hard to predict how the battle will progress and what we might need to know in the moment.”
“Having his magic would be helpful, too,” Briana said, imploring Brath with her eyes.
“He could just as easily use that magic against us.”
Sir Thomas turned to Briana. “Speaking of that, how is your magic coming, my lady?”
She shrugged. “So-so. I’ve been kind of busy with running the household, practicing for battle and planning a wedding.”
