Princess of the Emerald Valleys

by Cassandra Finnerty

  “I don’t understand why you defected to the dark side. You had everything.”

  “It wasn’t enough.”

  “Why not? Your own kingdom, wealth, power?”

  “It’s easy to grab more, if you know where to look.”

  “And now?”

  “I must say you’ve done an admirable job fighting against me, but it’s too late to save your prince, I’m afraid. The ball is already in motion. And no matter what you throw at me, I’m resilient, like an animal in the wild.”

  “More like a cockroach, if you ask me.”

  “Come, come, I thought this was a cordial conversation.”

  “Thank you for the information. Now that you’ve provided me with updates, I’ll return the compliment.”

  “Meaning what?” he asked, as he scowled and moved closer.

  “You’ll find out very soon that a lot of your vile efforts will be blocked. I won’t spoil the surprise. Suffice it to say that you no longer have free rein to inflict damage on others.”

  “And who’s going to stop me?”

  “I’ll let you discover that for yourself. From this moment forward, you won’t possess any magic.”

  He flashed a reptilian smile. His eyes were cold and hard. Aisling could tell that he was going to explode with rage, at any moment.

  “What makes you think you’ll be successful?” he snapped.

  “Because I destroyed your brother, Floe, and he was superior to you, in every way.”

  He roared in defiance, lunging at her with all his might. But when he pushed against her, the image turned to air. Gardari hit the deck with a thud, and screamed in fury. He ran to the other side of the ship, in an effort to hunt her down.

  She was already gone.

  Back on the Saoirse, the prince gave the order.

  “Destroy the vessels from Insula,” he said.

  A short while later, nothing remained of the enemy fleet, except smoke and a pile of smoldering wreckage.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  FORTUNE

  Aisling stood on the deck with her spyglass in hand. She smiled as the Irish coast came into view. They were approaching Cork, and she was looking forward to a visit to town.

  It had been over a week since the confrontation with the King of Insula. Aisling had used her magic to project a life-sized image of herself, tricking him into believing that she was physically on his ship. His wrath and outpouring of hate at the end of their meeting made her realize how much damage he inflicted on others.

  Although she was angered by his admissions, she felt able to put some of the past behind her. She thought about her parents, and realized that her final act to defeat the King of Insula was not just for herself, but for everyone that he had affected, including her beloved family.

  The sun was shining, and a warm breeze swept across the River Lee.

  Aisling and the prince disembarked with some soldiers and crew. She was excited to say hello to her cousin, Sean, whom she hadn’t seen since their departure from Sweden.

  The prince and princess made their way through the city, stopping to admire the shop windows. As they navigated across the bridge, the scent of spring flowers permeated the air.

  After a few hours of exploring the wharf area, they crossed the stone bridge and headed for the exchange building, where they planned to meet their friend.

  They walked into the bustling crowd. The prince spied Kyle Hurley at a back table, who stood and waved them forward.

  “It’s wonderful to see you both,” he said. “I can’t wait to hear about your trip.”

  Aisling updated him on their visit to Gothenburg.

  “How is Elias?” asked Kyle.

  “He appears to be doing well,” said Aisling. “Before we left, he placed an order for our sails, on behalf of the Swedish East India Company. We’ll need your help to source some of the materials, if you’re still interested.”

  “I’d be honored. You know, Aisling, your father would be very proud.”

  “Thank you. I hope so too.”

  The three of them chatted for hours, catching up on news.

  As the afternoon sun faded, Aisling and the prince said their farewells and headed back to the ships. When they approached the dock, the princess summoned a ship’s assistant to deliver a message. A few minutes later, Sean appeared.

  “Is everything all right?” asked her cousin.

  “I need a favor. Please ask the prince to sail on the Cara on the way back to Cathair na Mart.”

  Sean looked at Aisling’s expression and decided not to press the issue. “What excuse should I give?”

  “Perhaps something to do with security, the armory, or cargo.”

  “All right, I’ll take care of it,” he said, as she waved and headed to the Saoirse.

  After saying goodbye to the prince, Aisling retreated to the Captain’s Quarters and rang for an assistant.

  “Please summon Patrick for me.”

  Within moments, the surgeon appeared at the door. His brows furrowed as he looked at her pained expression.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “I didn’t want to alarm the prince, but I’m in labor.”

  “What, now?” he asked, his eyes widening.

  “I know, it’s a month too soon, but I’ve been having contractions since this morning.”

  “How far apart?”

  “A few minutes. I’m hoping we can make it home in time.”

  The doctor reached out and grabbed her hand, checking her pulse. “We’re lucky if we make it to the Cliffs of Moher. It looks like you’re going to have the baby onboard.”

  Aisling paled.

  “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. I’ve brought some pain medication with me.”

  “I’d like to keep this between us. I don’t want the crew to know.”

  “All right. For now, take deep breaths. If you feel faint, lie down.”

  “I’m not sure what to expect.”

  “I’ll guide you through it.”

  “Thank you in advance. I sent the prince to help out Sean, because I knew he would fret. It would have made me more anxious.”

  “I understand. I’ll need to make a quick trip to the sick bay, but will be back in a few minutes.”

  “I’m not going anywhere,” said Aisling, flashing him a weak smile.

  As the surgeon headed out for supplies, she grasped the side of the desk and tried to think about happy memories.

  The next day, the ships approached Clare Island. Aisling peered out the window.

  “We’re almost home,” she said.

  There was a noise behind her. She laughed as the tiny face peered in her direction.

  Her thoughts were interrupted at the knock on the door. She looked up as Patrick entered.

  “How are my patients today?” he asked.

  “We’re both well, thanks to you,” said Aisling.

  The doctor hovered over the makeshift crib. “Despite the early arrival date, the baby is in fine health. But you, I must caution. Get some rest before you resume your whirlwind schedule. Otherwise, it will make recovery more difficult.”

  “I will heed your advice, Patrick. I’m grateful you were here.”

  “It will be quite a shock to the prince, no doubt, but I suspect that Ryen and Sean may have guessed your secret.”

  “You may be right,” she said. “When everyone departs, please let Drayaen know I’d like to see him.”

  “Very good. I’ll check on you in a few days.”

  As the doctor left the chamber, she picked up the baby, and thought about how much her life had changed.

  The ships sailed across Clew Bay. Families crowded on the dock, waiting for a glimpse of their loved ones. There were cheers as the sailors rushed to the railings, in search of family and friends.

  They dropped anchor. Aisling watched the men disembark. A short while later, the prince appeared on the deck. She smiled and picked up the baby.

  He barreled through the do
or, and stopped, stunned.

  “I’d like to introduce you to your daughter,” Aisling said.

  He stood for a moment as if to process the news, and then rapidly crossed the room. He looked down at the baby, who gurgled. He ran his finger over her small cheek.

  “I love you both,” he said, “more than anything.”

  Aisling handed him their princess, and the three of them left for home.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  PROSPERITY

  There was a collective gasp when Aisling and Drayaen appeared with their new addition. The staff and crew crowded around to admire the latest member of the family.

  She was christened in the chapel, and named Honor, after Aisling’s beloved grandmother.

  After a few days of rest from their journey, the estate bustled with activity. The prince accompanied the colonel to Clare Island, to look at their planned development. Drayaen had seen a view of the work from a distance, but was surprised to see how much had been accomplished in his absence.

  As the prince toured the island with Lex, he was curious about a third participant. It seemed that wherever their new estate manager went, Maehwa was not far behind. This was further confirmed when Aisling, while taking the baby for a stroll around the grounds, stumbled across Sean, Hanu, Lex, and Maehwa on a picnic.

  One summer night, Aisling and Drayaen sat in the garden, looking out at the water.

  “Where’s Honor?” asked the prince.

  “She’s with her new nanny. Erin expressed interest in the position, and I trust her.” Before her trip to the East Kingdom, Erin had served as Aisling’s loyal maid.

  “I’m glad you have some help,” he said.

  “It seems like we’re both busy these days,” said Aisling.

  “The colonel is doing a great job with the development. It should be ready around the end of the year.”

  “I wonder, Drayaen, are all the plans finalized?”

  He smiled at her. “Do you have a request?”

  “I was thinking that you may want to have a conversation with the colonel and Sean, about their wedding plans.”

  “What?” he asked, as he reared back and stared at her.

  “I believe that the colonel wishes to marry Maehwa, and Sean is in love with Hanu.”

  “Have they said something?”

  “If you see them together, you will know.”

  “How would that alter our plans on Clare Island?”

  “We may want to consider building them a house there. Hanu and Maehwa are very close. Or it may be that Sean wants to live at Maológ’s estate. In any event, you may want to ask about their preferences.”

  He reached over and hugged her. “Even without your magical powers, you see much more than I do.”

  She leaned over and kissed him. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” he murmured.

  It was still dark when Aisling woke.

  A soft rain pattered on the roof, before it drizzled down the windows. The sound reminded her of the storms on the ocean. She missed the smell of the salty mist and the motion of the ship as it careened through churning seas.

  The princess started to sit up, but the arms wrapped around her waist tightened.

  “Where are you going?” he asked, in a low, mesmerizing voice.

  “Nowhere, it seems.” She laughed.

  “Good answer,” said the prince, as he propped himself up on one elbow and rubbed his thumb across her cheek.

  She smiled as he began moving his lips along her neck. “If you keep doing that, we may never leave.”

  “That’s the idea,” he said, as he kissed her with an intensity that took her breath away.

  The colonel paced as he waited for Maehwa. They had grown close over the past year, ever since her illness in the Kingdom of Lions. He looked up as she came out of the cottage, with Sean and Hanu close behind.

  The colonel helped Maehwa mount the horse, and together, they rode off in the direction of the bay. But instead of turning toward the water, the officer steered the horse in the direction of the cliff.

  “Where are we going, Lex?” Maehwa asked.

  “You’ll see,” he replied.

  His throat was dry. He struggled to make conversation, and was happy to let his companion chat away. It took the burden off of him, he realized, and gave him more time to prepare.

  Waves of self-doubt washed over him. What if she refuses me, he wondered. It may be awkward for us to be in such close proximity if that were to happen. The closer they came to the destination, the more he brooded.

  At last, they came across a cliff, with a glorious, panoramic view of the water. As seabirds soared overhead, waves pounded the towering stones. The sun turned into a ball of fiery red, casting a pink glow over the roaring waves.

  He had practiced for weeks, and knew what he wanted to say. Somehow, though, when the time arrived, he was at a loss for words. Lex grasped Maehwa around the waist, and helped her dismount. She smiled at him, and retrieved the basket of food.

  “This was such a nice idea,” she said. “You’ve picked a wonderful spot.”

  They laid out the blanket and sat as the sun faded into the skies. After a few minutes, he turned to her.

  “You are very beautiful,” he said.

  She could feel her cheeks flush. “Thank you,” she murmured.

  “I’ve been drawn to you since the first time I saw you.”

  “You have?” she asked, as her eyes widened.

  He nodded. “When you and Hanu went missing earlier this year, I thought I’d never recover if something happened to you.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “There’s no need. I’m telling you this because I love you.” He scanned her expression. “I’m hoping that perhaps you can love me too—if not now, then maybe in the future.”

  “I love you too, Lex.”

  He could hear his heart pound, but her declaration gave him hope. “Do you think you could be happy here, with me, as my wife?”

  She smiled and nodded, and flung her arms around him.

  He kissed her and vowed he would cherish her always.

  The colonel and Maehwa were married in the chapel, which was packed with friends, and decorated with ornate flower arrangements in lush colors. The bride was radiant in a beautiful silk gown that she and Hanu had designed, in shades of red and blue.

  As Maehwa walked down the aisle, she glanced at the crowd, but focused her attention on the groom. As she approached, he held out his hand, and held a steady grip through the ceremony.

  After the service, Aisling and Drayaen hosted a wedding breakfast, with an elaborate array of foods, including culinary delights from Ireland and the East Kingdom.

  Then the couple left for their honeymoon. Maehwa had always wanted to visit Paris, and it was decided they would stay there for a month. After their return, they planned to live at Uncle Maológ’s estate with Sean and Ryen.

  Maehwa hoped it was a sign that Sean would soon propose to Hanu.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  HOLIDAY SURPRISE

  The drawing room sparkled with lush decorations. Red and green wreaths with berries graced the windows, while garlands hung in symmetrical rings around the hearth. The fire crackled as guests laughed and chatted. Outside was frosty, but the inhabitants within the chamber were cozy and contented.

  Aisling and the prince greeted an array of family and friends, along with many from the merchant company. Kyle Hurley made an appearance, after traveling from Cork, and Aisling had also welcomed a cousin from the Americas, named Jared Duncan. He was regaling the crowd with tales of freedom fighting.

  The princess surveyed the festivities. There was a lot to be thankful for, she realized. The Clare Island compound had been completed. The sail-making business now had more customers than they had envisioned. Everyone was in good health, including baby Honor. She and the prince even introduced her to King Yi, through the use of her expanded powers.

  She glanced over
at Sean and Hanu, who had just announced their engagement. The couple beamed at each other as they sat in a corner and whispered in quiet tones.

  Aisling smiled as her daughter entered the room with Erin, and noted with interest that Ryen was not far behind.

  A few hours later, when the guests had dispersed, she motioned to the prince. He retrieved her cloak, and they headed out the door, into the dark night.

  The treehouse was aglow. Earlier in the evening, Aisling had sent servants over with platters of food, wine, and candles. They had decorated the chambers and lit the fires. The interior was toasty, despite the outside winds and swirling snow.

  They sat in an oversized chair, Aisling leaning against the prince. He ran his fingers through her hair, as they watched the embers in the hearth rise and fall.

  “This has been quite an eventful year,” he said.

  “It seems like ages ago when we fought with Queen Vila.”

  “Or running for our lives in the pirate camp. I think that was the worst moment of my life, when I saw that you’d been kidnapped.”

  “What about the treks to India and Mauritius?”

  “It’s amazing what Remy has accomplished. His recent letter was encouraging. It sounds like many have found refuge in his new settlement,” remarked the prince.

  “Along the way, we’ve met so many interesting people.”

  “I never thought I’d meet other royalty, but since our marriage, we’ve interacted with the Kings of Spain, the Realm of Ice, Insula, and Penge.”

  “What was your greatest surprise this year?” she asked.

  “Baby Honor, by far.”

  “It was fun to see the look of shock on your face.”

  They both laughed.

  “What about you?” asked the prince.

  “There were a few marvels. Seeing you come to my rescue off the coast of Norway. Finding out about my expanded secret powers.”

  “What do you think lies in store for us in the year ahead?”