by Heidi Hanley
Lady Isabella spoke up. “Oh, have you not found someone to run the castle for you?”
Briana saw the hint of amusement in her eye and lifted her chin. “Actually, I enjoy working with our staff. And they are quite self-directed, as I hoped they would be. And I do need to work more on developing my magic skills at some point.”
“After the wedding,” said Cailleach, as she joined the group.
“Brath, maybe we could release Artanin to the keep under guard,” said Briana. “So he doesn’t develop pneumonia and die before we learn all we can from him.”
“Very well,” he said, taking her hand in a gentle squeeze, “but if he does us all in, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Ask the staff prepare a room in the keep for him. Sigel, arrange for some guards. I’ll have another chat with him. Does that satisfy everyone?”
Everyone but Sigel nodded.
The Winge family was taken to their rooms to unpack and rest a few hours before dinner.
“Rest, nothing, I want to hear every single thing that has happened to you,” Epona said to Briana, as she passed.
“Take a few minutes to settle in. I’ll come to your room later,” Briana promised.
Silas and Sigel followed her and Brath into the great hall. “Must be nice to see Epona again,” Silas remarked, winking when she turned to look at him.
“Very,” she said, smiling. “I’m glad she decided to come.”
“Was there some question she wouldn’t?” Brath asked, sitting down at the long table.
“Not really,” she answered quickly, sitting beside him. “I didn’t know if she’d leave the stables.”
“Briana, I know you and the staff already planned for this evening’s dinner, but now they also need to move up plans for the wedding and preparations for troops. Can you bring them up to speed while you’re making the arrangements for the druid’s chambers?”
“Of course. I also wonder if I should make a visit to Evalon and alert the faeries. I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet,” she said, looking at Silas and Sigel, “I uncovered the portal to Evalon in the garden.”
“Do you suppose they’d be willing to attend a council meeting the day after we’re married?” Brath asked.
“Teaguen said they’d want to meet soon after our wedding. I guess it depends on what the faeries mean by soon. I’ll ask.”
Underneath the table, his hand found hers and squeezed. “Not much of a honeymoon, I’m afraid. I’ll make it up to you, Briana.”
She shook her head with a smile. “That’s the last thing you should be worrying about.”
“You will always be the first thing I worry about,” he said.
“All right, enough pillow talk,” Sigel said. “I’ll set up guards for Artanin and advise the troops that we march in four days. Silas, can you be ready for a wedding the day after tomorrow?”
“Everything is in place,” he said, not looking at Briana.
The meeting was adjourned. By the time Briana could connect with Epona, she was in the stables. The two horse masters were discussing the advantages of breeding the Winge and Taranian horses when Briana entered the barn. Riordan nodded at Briana and took his leave.
“I thought I would find you here,” Briana said.
“Interesting guy!” Epona said, tossing her hair back. “Knows his horses.”
“That he does.”
They wandered away from the barns. Epona carried on a soliloquy, reiterating how dull things were at Winge Mansion without Briana. “No parties, no adventures, no wondering who’s sleeping with who…”
“You’re awful, Epona.” Briana chuckled.
Epona’s dark hair bobbed with the shrug of her shoulders. “No, just lonely and bored.”
“Well, you could always come here. I assure you, there is never a dull moment at Ard Darach.”
“Seems so,” Epona said. “What’s up with you and the king?”
“We’re getting married.”
“Yeah, I get that. But you left Winge Mansion totally in love with Silas and a mere two weeks later, you’re arm-in-arm with a man you swore to hate. Quite the change of heart, isn’t it?”
Stung by her words, Briana said, “You’re being overly dramatic. First of all, you’re the one who kept insisting I was in love with Silas. May I remind you that I told you I was going to marry the king? Secondly, I never swore to hate anyone, nor have I had a change of heart. The only difference is that I discovered that Brath is not an ogre, but a kind, intelligent, witty, visionary, and to be honest, really great guy.”
Epona put a hand up. “Hey, I’m sorry, Briana. I didn’t mean to suggest…”
“That I’m fickle and disloyal?”
“I didn’t mean that. I’m just surprised.”
“Welcome to my world. I’m more than surprised at the way things are turning out, but I’m trying to make the best of it.”
Putting an arm around her friend, Epona said, “I’m not the most sensitive person in the kingdom. Sorry.”
Briana shook her head. “Forget it, but please, Epona, don’t mention it. We’re working very hard to do the right thing.”
“Okay, but I’m still confused. Are you pretending to be all about Brath, or do you really feel something for the guy?”
Briana smiled. “Epona, he is absolutely impossible not to like. And,” she said, “if you haven’t noticed, he’s handsome as hell.”
“Guess that answers my question.” Epona laughed, and hugged her friend. “Okay then, you have my full support. But, what about Silas?”
“He’s sad but supportive and says this is all in the best interest of Uisneach.”
“So damn self-sacrificing, the lot of you.” She sighed. “Well, I’ll do what I can to support him, as well.”
“I’d be grateful for that. We obviously don’t have time before dinner for a ride, but would you like to see the gardens?”
What was left of her afternoon was spent chatting with Epona. Brath came to escort her to dinner.
“As always, you look lovely, Briana.” His kiss felt genuine but controlled, leaving Briana somewhat disappointed.
Applause erupted when Brath entered the great hall with Briana at his side. She was wearing a black and burgundy Empire gown of raw silk, with long, loose sleeves. The bold, low-cut neckline showed off the garnet necklace and earrings.
Wine and ale flowed, though Briana only sipped at hers. Laughter bubbled up and around the room.
“You would never guess we are about to go to war,” Briana said.
Brath sat beside her, looking elegant in forest-green trousers and a matching surcoat over an almond-colored tunic. A mantle lined with otter fur hung over his back and shoulders. At his waist, a wide burgundy belt secured a small functional sword. For the first time, he was wearing his crown. Tonight, more than any other night, he was their king and she, their soon-to-be queen.
“That’s fine with me,” he said. “This should be a time of celebration. Even if it only lasts for a couple of days, I’m glad of it. We’ll all be in battle mode soon enough.”
“Is Artanin settled in?”
“He is. I hope I live to be proven wrong about him.”
“You will. Trust me.” Dara nudged her hand, wanting his head scratched.
“I do trust you, Briana, with my life.”
She wanted to be worthy of the sincerity she saw in his eyes. Dara pushed beyond her hand to lay his head in her lap.
After the meal, Briana danced until her feet ached and smiled until her jaws threatened to lock up. Finding herself in the arms of Sir Thomas, an exquisitely graceful dancer, she thanked him again for coming.
“Travel is dangerous and I appreciate the risk you took. I regret that people from other parts of the kingdom won’t be able to join us.”
He tilted his head slightly and looked at her. “Feeling celebratory, are we?”
“Yes, I am. I admit I didn’t expect to, but nothing here has turned out as I expected.”
He smiled. “Spl
endid. You deserve to be happy. I believe he will make you so.”
Her head turned to see Brath watching her, a dreamy smile on his face. “I believe so, too,” she said, quietly, wishing she was in his arms.
As though reading her mind, he appeared at her side.
“May I cut in, Sir Thomas?”
“Please do.. I grow too old to sustain lengthy dances.”
“Yeah, right,” Briana chided him. “There isn’t an old bone in your body.”
“Nevertheless, I gladly hand you over to the arms of your fiancé.”
Brath drew her close and waltzed her around the floor. “Is it too early to call an end to this?”
“Why would you want to do that? Everyone is having such fun.”
“Because I want to be alone with you. I desperately want to kiss you.”
Heart fluttering, she looked around the room and then back at her partner. “Well, it is too early to end the party, but I do believe we could sneak outside for a breath of fresh air. Surely no one would question that.”
“Excellent idea, my lady.”
He whirled her covertly toward the door of the great hall and the next thing she knew, she was breathing in the cool, apple-scented night air. She shivered.
“Cold?” He put his mantle over her shoulders.
“Thanks.”
They stood gazing silently at the burgeoning moon in a clear sky.
“I believe you brought me out here for a reason,” she prompted him.
“I did.” He turned her to him and studied her face, running a finger along her cheek to her ear, where he cupped her face. “I wanted to do this all day.” He lowered his face and took her lips in a kiss, carefully controlled and nowhere near enough for Briana.
Opening to him, she sucked his tongue deeper into her mouth. He groaned and the dam burst. As they had battled with swords in the yard the day before, they now battled with the desire building between them. Arching into him she welcomed the heat of his body imprinting on hers. A noise startled them apart, both breathing heavily and shaking with unsatisfied need.
“Milady?”
The youthful voice from around the corner trembled with concern. Only her frustration kept her from laughing. “Mr. Stark! What are you doing?”
“I was worried when I couldn’t find you.”
“Did you not notice I was gone also?” Brath asked, trying to sound casual, but struggling to regain his breath.
“Your Majesty! I didn’t know. Oh, Maker, I am so sorry. Forgive me.”
“Forgiven,” he said. “Now go back inside. My lady is in capable hands.”
“Indeed,” Briana whispered, into his chest.
“Yes, sir. I’m sorry, sir. Milady.” He bolted back inside.
Briana looked up at Brath and wound her arms around his waist. “Where were we?”
He eased her away from his body. “I think we had best go inside, darling.”
“What! Now?”
He kissed her forehead. “The lad’s interruption might have been an act of providence. I’m not sure I can make myself stop at kissing you.”
She took his hand and slid it to her hip. “Did you hear me say anything about wanting you to stop?”
“No, but as you’ve mentioned on previous occasions, the queen is supposed to be pure when she comes to the king’s bed. I think we can manage to wait another two days.” He laughed at the throaty noise she made. “I promise to do my best to make it worth the wait.”
“As though that statement does anything other than fuel the fire,” she said under her breath, earning her another chuckle.
*
Only Sigel and Cailleach accompanied Briana and Brath to the faerie portal the next morning.
“If this goes the way it did before,” said Briana, “I’ll just sort of fall down and sleep for a little while.”
She took a step toward the stone door.
“Wait!” Brath stopped her.
“What?”
He moved to her side and took her in his arms. She saw the fear in his eyes. “Are you sure you’ll return?”
“Promise,” she said. “Stop worrying. I’ll be fine.”
“Just in case,” he said, lowering his mouth.
She returned the brief kiss then moved away toward the door and opened it before he had the opportunity to stall any further. The next instant she found herself staring at Teaguen.
“Hello,” said the faerie. “You found the portal!”
“I did,” Briana said. She hugged the sprite. “Ahh, it’s good to be back,” she said, drinking in the color of Evalon. She was barefoot once again, shimmering, and dressed in the midnight-blue gown, adorned with a crown and peacock feathers. She cocked her head, just making out the faraway sound of Uilleann pipes and drums. “Is this a party?”
“There is always a party!” Teaguen giggled. “Your arrival gives us an extra special reason. However, I assume there is a purpose to your visit.”
Briana nodded. “We need to talk.”
Teaguen led the way along the pearly steps down the hill to the lake, where Briana was hailed by the talking swans and an assortment of other magical creatures, all welcoming her like a long-absent family member. Sitting together on the green marble bench, Briana explained the Gray Military’s march on Dromdara, the accelerated timeline of her wedding, and Brath’s interest in a council.
Teaguen nodded eagerly. “I can speak for Evalon. This is something we have waited a long time for. We will come. With bells on,” she said with a wink, but then frowned. “Goodness, you will not even have time to settle into married life.”
“I don’t mind. We need to stop this maniac, and I’m ready to help Brath do that.”
“How are you and the king getting along?”
“Much better than I ever thought possible. Hey, is this where you say, ‘I told you so’?”
The tinkling laugh was infectious. “No, I would not say that, but I am glad to hear things are going well, especially since…”
“Since?”
“Briana there is something you need to know.”
“I’m listening.”
“Do you remember what happens in the prophecy when the king and queen are married?”
Briana scrunched her face. “Something about the wedding breaking the cat.” Teaguen nodded. “The queen is surprised, an ancient symbol is taken and two worlds collide. Oh, then a lost treasure… I can’t remember what happens with the treasure.”
“The cat must find it.”
A sick dread uncoiled in Briana’s stomach. “I don’t understand.”
“Yes, you do. Who reminds you most of a cat?”
“Silas.” His name thudded between them like a stone. “I always called him my ‘great cat.’ So Silas is going to find the treasure. What treasure? Where?”
“Where two worlds collide,” Teaguen said. “This world, and the world you came from. The treasure is the Evalon Runes.”
Briana sunk her head into her hands. When she looked up again, tears flooded her eyes. “Silas is leaving.”
Teaguen nodded.
“When?”
“Soon. He does not know it yet, but when it comes up at the council, he will volunteer.”
A million thoughts ricocheted through Briana’s mind. He’s going to leave me. I’ll never see him again. It might be for the best. He won’t have to stand by and watch me make a life together with Brath. He might find someone in Ireland and fall in love. He might die getting through the tree. He could meet Mom. He won’t be here. He won’t be here.
She held her midsection as though in pain. “Why are you telling me this now?”
“To prevent this very response. We felt you should be ready for this when he announces it publicly. He will need your help.”
“Teaguen, sending him into my old world is not a good idea. If he even survives the crossing, what he’ll find there could destroy his sanity.”
“You will prepare him as best you can and send him to others who will
help.”
“My mother.”
The faerie nodded. “We need the runes to complete the circle and bring magic into Uisneach.”
“Why?”
“Four treasures must be present in Uisneach to bring the relationship between humans and faeries full circle and restore magic. The first is the Uisneach Tree. The second is the Sword of Uisneach, which you have in your possession.”
“Nua? Nua is a national treasure?”
“Yes, and it is a great responsibility to wield it. It can only belong to a tuathla of Evalon. The third treasure is the Evalon Runes, which were taken to the world you came from, and the fourth is the Flaming Arrow, which will be given to Silas when he returns with the runes.”
“So, he will come back?” Briana relaxed a little.
“We hope so. If he does not, then Uisneach and Evalon will continue to be separated and evil will remain a constant threat. However, he could fail in his mission, or he could choose not to return. There are always choices to be made.”
“Yeah, tell me about it.”
“You have fought a hard battle of the heart.”
“One that is far from over,” she said, frowning.
The faerie shrugged. “Perhaps not, but even though it may not seem so, you are winning.”
Briana didn’t feel like a winner. Not because the battle wasn’t leaning in her favor, but because people were hurt by her choices and too many secrets still hid under the surface.
“People are waiting for you on the other side, High Lady. Do you think you can go back now?”
She nodded. “Not sure how I’ll face Silas.”
“Remember, you must not tell him. It must come from him.”
“I understand. Thank you, Teaguen for telling me ahead of time.”
They walked back up the hill to the tree, Briana with much less enthusiasm than when she arrived. Teaguen hugged her. “Be at peace, my lady. Focus on your wedding and your new husband. Everything will turn out right as the wheel of life continues to turn. Trust in that.”
Briana woke in Brath’s arms. His face was pale, his eyes, large hazel discs of worry. “Are you okay?” Brath stroked her hair. “You were crying.”
“That didn’t happen the last time,” Sigel said, nervously.
“It was emotional.” She sat up and focused all her attention on Brath. “They’ll come.”
