by Mary Morgan
“Rose,” he uttered in a garbled voice and lowered his head, trying to bring forth her image once again.
Golden light spilled inside the chamber and Aidan cried out in pain, closing his eyes at the intensity.
Soft fingers brushed across his temple, forcing the pain to recede. “It is only temporary, Aidan, but use this time we have together wisely to regain some strength.”
He blinked, trying to focus. “Too bright,” he complained and closed his eyes again.
“You’re speaking as a Fae and not as a warrior, my brother.”
“Nuala,” he croaked out, opening his eyes. When his vision cleared, he sighed heavily. “You should not be here.”
She snorted in disgust and wiped away the matted hair from his face. “As if they could keep me away.”
“Is the king aware you’re down here in this pit of horrors?”
“Yes,” she stated with conviction. “It was a parting gift for both of us. After today—” She swallowed and looked away.
“I am sorry,” he uttered softly.
She glanced sharply at him and placed a palm upon his chest. “Do not be, Aidan. Remember, each path led to destruction.”
“Or change,” he countered.
“True.” Smiling weakly, she added, “But love has found you, no matter who she is.”
He nodded slowly. “Yes. But I do not agree with this form of slow methodical punishment to purge my body.”
A tear trickled down her cheek. “Nor I. At present, I am not speaking with Ansgar. I argued fiercely against this barbaric form of punishment. The Fae council regarded your life as forfeit and wanted the guards to end your life above. This was the only alternative form of punishment they’d considered. Regardless, I can share that your actions have fulfilled a promising prophecy. In time, I pray you come to terms with how this was done.”
Aidan laughed and immediately regretted the action. Great spasms wracked his body, and he coughed up blood. Again, Nuala placed cool fingers across his brow.
“It is almost over,” she whispered.
“How long have I been here?”
“Two weeks, one day.”
“Over a month in the human world,” he admitted gravely.
“If she loves you, Aidan, she will wait.”
“Rose’s love extends within this chamber. I have felt her essence.”
Nuala cupped his cheeks. “Then her love is honorable and steadfast. She has my love—always.” Stepping back, Nuala held out a small vial and removed the stopper. “Drink this, Aidan. It will diminish part of the pain, allowing this procedure to hasten to completion.”
An inner strength of power seemed to grow inside Aidan. Doing his best to straighten from the wall, he shook his head slowly. “No. If I become weaker, I might succumb to the alluring temptation to call forth the barge to Tir na nÓg, ending my life.”
“But the elixir will only lessen your pain, enabling you to continue,” she pleaded, resealing the vial.
Aidan fisted his hands. His spark of anger gave him inner fortitude. “I want to be fully conscious when the last remnant of power is stripped from my body.”
Gazing upward, Nuala leaned her head to the side as if listening to another. “My time here has ended,” she whispered.
Grief and despair flooded Aidan. He gazed upon his beautiful sister one last time. “Your beauty and wisdom are a boon to our people. I shall miss you and our conversations.”
Nuala lowered her head, her eyes blazing like a trillion stars as she stared at him. “If ever you should need me, seek out the well near Balleycove. Wild violets are sprinkled around the stone in protection. Call out my name and I will hear your words, dear brother.”
Stunned, he asked, “How do you know about my home?”
Her smile was one filled with sadness. “I gathered my information well about your life above. Never shall we be parted. No matter who rules the kingdom, our blood ties are more powerful. Remember, Aidan, all that you’ve been taught prior to becoming a Fenian Warrior. This room may alter the very fabric of you, but not your blood. You are a Fae, descended from the Royal House of Óg. Your deeds and name shall be remembered.”
On a choked sob, Nuala embraced Aidan and placed a kiss on his cheek. “I will love you forever. Be well—live the life you yearn to have with Rose.”
In a soft blur of multi-colors, his sister vanished, leaving him to his misery and torture.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“Even a beautiful flower possesses the ability to bring about death.”
~Society of the Thistle
Rose paced furiously around the giant oak on the Hill of Tara, surveying its bark for any signs of decay or weak areas. She scanned high and low, but found no evidence of flaws in the massive giant. Picking up a fallen tree limb, she smacked the branch against the rough bark.
“Give me your blade, Lily.”
“For the tenth time, I will not have you engage in a destructive manner against the tree. Did you not tell me you made a promise not to harm this ancient oak?” Her sister huddled beneath a plaid on the ground. Pulling forth a thermos, Lily proceeded to pour some hot liquid into a cup. “Here, drink some tea to help calm your nerves.”
Rose gave the tree a passing glance as she went to her sister’s side. Slumping down on the blanket next to her, she draped part of the plaid wrap around her shoulders. “Bloody cold day for summer,” she muttered, taking the offered cup.
“We should not be out here,” complained Lily, replacing the lid on the thermos. “How many days have you visited this spot?”
Rose sipped the warm liquid, letting it settle within her body. “Two months.”
“What do you expect to accomplish?”
Glancing at her sister, Rose saw the skepticism across her features. “Still having doubts about who Aidan Kerrigan is?”
Lily hugged her knees to her chest. “No. I fully believe everything you’ve shared. I told you there was something different about the man the first time I shook his hand. I want to know how being out here will help to bring him back. Since this is a sacred tree to the Fae, I don’t think it’s wise to do it harm. Furthermore, why do you believe Aidan will come through here from his world?”
Rose held the warm cup to her chest and gazed outward. “I can’t explain it, Lily. I actually feel closer to him when I’m here.” She swallowed and let out a sigh. “I need to be here when he returns.”
“From what you’ve shared, it may be many months. What if they don’t let him back into our world? What if his punishment is to remain forever locked below?”
The tea left a bitter taste in her mouth, and Rose tossed the remainder in her cup onto the ground. “I refuse to think on those scenarios.”
“You always were the stubborn one in the family,” scoffed Lily, lifting the cup from Rose’s hand.
Lowering her head, Rose fought the wave of emotions. Each day, she battled the onslaught of tears—going from wracking sobs to quiet sniffling. Her eyes were constantly red and puffy. Food no longer tempted her. On the contrary, she had trouble keeping anything down. “Please Lily, only positive thoughts and prayers.”
Her sister placed a comforting hand on her head. “Then let us offer up another prayer to Mother Danu and Brigid for his safe return to us.”
Rose exhaled softly and raised her head. “Yes—thank you.”
Her sister’s voice lifted in a melodic lit. “Our beloved Brigid of the triple flame and daughter of the Mother, hear our heartfelt prayer to watch over Aidan Kerrigan. Ease his suffering and comfort him in his time of darkness.” She nodded to Rose.
“Permit my love to enter his heart and keep him strong. Remind him of our bond during his long days and nights. Comfort him…” Rose trailed off, choking back the words. Wiping a hand over her eyes, she quickly added, “Until he returns to me. We thank you for your healing and wisdom.”
Lily smiled. “Good. I’m sorry, but I can only stay one more day, and then I must return home.”
Reaching for her sister’s hand, Rose squeezed it lightly. “You have no idea how grateful I am that you halted everything these past few weeks to be here with me.”
She nudged Rose. “A sister’s bond is powerful, too.”
“Have you shared anything about Aidan with the others?”
“Only Maeve. I think it’s best if we keep a tight circle around the true Aidan Kerrigan. Even though we all believe in the old ways, this might be too much for some of them.”
Stretching her legs out, Rose nodded and removed the plaid covering. Securing it more firmly over her sister’s shoulders, she focused her attention on the tree. “He will come back to me. He must. And then we’ll have a proper wedding ceremony.”
“We’ll include a handfasting,” suggested Lily. “We’ll hold it at the Society or wherever you want.”
“Yes.” Images of their lovemaking and words of love they declared to one another came back in a rush. Rose clasped a hand over her heart. “However, in our hearts and souls, we are wed. Forever.”
“When you do return to his home, start making lists of everything for the ceremony. This will help to keep your mind from wondering what’s happening.” Lily huddled more under the covering. “I never did ask, but how is his home managed without staff or anyone to care for the horses?”
“His castle,” corrected Rose. “All done with magic. The animals have a never-ending supply of food and water.”
Lily chuckled. “And the man has two castles. Is he rich?”
Snapping her attention to her sister, Rose gaped at her in astonishment. “I don’t know,” she mumbled.
“Then let him pay for everything.”
Rose narrowed her eyes. “You’re wicked.”
“Aren’t we both?”
“Of course not.” Rose winked and embraced her sister. “Thanks, sis, again. I love you.”
“And I love you.” When Lily drew back, she frowned. “Please don’t spend the entire day out here. Come every other day and only for a few hours. This is draining you.”
Rose bit her lip and looked away. A squirrel scurried around the base of the tree, and she watched its playful antics until it dashed up the trunk.
“Promise me, Rose,” demanded Lily sternly.
“I promise.” She may have said the words out loud to her sister, but Rose knew in her heart, she could not make the commitment to stay away.
Never from the Fae who held her heart.
****
Thunder crashed over the rolling hills, inching its way across the sky toward the Hill of Tara. Rose huddled against the base of the giant oak, bringing her bent knees to her chest. Her sister’s words from a week ago came slamming back into her.
The moment Lily’s car had been packed, and she gave her tearful farewells, Rose found the keys to Aidan’s jeep and returned to Dublin. Quickly securing a hostel, she traveled to the site daily. She no longer concerned herself with making the long arduous trek back to Croí Dragon.
Now with the threat of an approaching storm, Lily’s words of caution about daily visits became her conscience.
Rose leaned her chin on her bent knees. “Sorry, sis. But I cannot leave him.”
An ache of longing filled her. “Can you hear me, Aidan? How I have missed you.” She placed her palms on the ground. “Sense my heartbeat. Feel my love. Come home to me.”
The wind lashed across her face, mocking her. Or was it the Fae?
Shoving a fist into the air, she shouted, “Our love is real. Powerful! I used to love the Fae. Now I despise you for what you’ve done to us.”
Her despair turned to anger, matching the thunder, and Rose stood. She brushed the leaves and dirt from her clothes. Rubbing a hand over her forehead, she tried to ease the dull pain behind her eyes. Lack of sleep and little food were ebbing away at her patience. She wanted to scream at these people. Confront them in their own world. Regardless of their vast power and knowledge, her respect for them had diminished.
Turning abruptly on the tree, Rose pounded her fists against the rough bark. “Does anyone hear my pleas? Do you sit on your mighty thrones and laugh at us humans? What have you done with the Fae who I love?”
The deafening roar of thunder silenced her shouts, and she glanced over her shoulder. Ominous dark clouds spiraled above her. She swallowed as she slowly moved away from the shelter of the tree.
The wind grew fierce, howling like a banshee. Her braids whipped across her face, and Rose pulled the hood of her coat over her head. Lightning flashed all around her, leaving her skin prickling from the energy. Clenching her fists by her side, she stood in defiance of the approaching storm.
Had the Fae heard her rants? Steadily moving forward, she stared at the darkening sky and halted. Her love for Aidan held her rooted to the ground, daring anyone to cast her aside.
With a thunderous boom, the ground beneath her shook violently. Rose stumbled forward, landing on her knees. Fury took over her senses and she quickly stood. “How dare you!”
When the first drop of rain splattered across her cheek, Rose shook her head. “You can unleash the mightiest storm, but I’m not leaving!”
“Cease bellowing at the Fae and help me!” demanded a familiar male voice behind her.
Turning abruptly, Rose gasped. Liam MacGregor was going through her belongings, but it was the man at the base of the tree who caught her attention.
“Aidan!” she screamed, running to his twisted form. Slumping to the ground beside him, she feared to touch him. His battered body was mottled with bruises, and his hair matted against his face.
“Where are your car keys?” shouted Liam.
She barely registered the man’s voice. “What?”
“Keys,” he demanded.
Digging into her coat pocket, she fumbled for them. “Here.”
After snatching them from her, he sprinted away.
Rose placed a hand on Aidan’s forehead. Heat flared into her skin. “I’m here, my love.” Swallowing the lump in her throat, she swiftly gathered her items. Removing the plaid blanket from her bag, she wrapped it over Aidan to protect him from the torrential downpour.
Her fingers trembled as she pushed away the ebony locks from his face. Shoving a fist into her mouth to stifle her cry of protest, Rose fought the bile in her stomach from heaving onto the ground. His features were drawn and ashen. Gone was the mighty warrior she knew. It was as if he had aged tremendously the last few months.
And her heart grew heavy with guilt. “They did this all because you loved me.”
The sound of an approaching vehicle snapped Rose out of her anguish. Liam had somehow managed to bring the vehicle up the hill. When he appeared in a flash in front of her, she blinked. He firmly gripped her shoulders. “No questions, Rose. Not until we get him back to the Croí Dragon. We have to get away from here.”
She gave him a curt nod and stood. After Liam had secured Aidan in the vehicle, Rose dumped everything in the back and got in the passenger side. Her hands shook as he maneuvered the car away from the giant oak. Several times, lightning seared across their path, challenging their mad exodus. Yet, the farther they traveled, the more the storm lessened. Glancing out the side mirror, the entire Hill of Tara seemed to bear the brunt of the tempest.
When the first tear slipped down her cheek, Rose promptly brushed it away. There would be none. Not in front of Liam. No, she would not let the man she loved hear her weeping. Rose would harbor no weakness. She would become Aidan’s strength and help to heal him.
For the next several hours, Rose made a mental list of all the supplies—from healing herbs, teas, broths, and any bandages she might need for Aidan. And when the gates of Croí Dragon appeared, she had steeled her nerves.
Liam drove the vehicle up to the front entrance. They both hastily exited, and Rose pulled out the keys to the castle. She watched as he lifted Aidan from the car as if he weighed nothing.
Once inside, Liam ascended the stairs. Dumping her bag in the entryway, Rose followed hi
m to Aidan’s chambers. She swiftly removed her coat and shoes.
After he had settled Aidan back against the pillows, Liam stood back.
Rose scanned his body. “Are there any wounds that need tending to?” Her voice betrayed her turbulent emotions.
“No.”
Unable to hold back the tide of questions, she turned on Liam. “What did they do to him? Where are the tattoos on his chest and back?”
Liam visibly swallowed. “They altered him.”
“Altered?” she hissed. “In what way?”
Liam’s eyes flashed with fury. “Sadistic and agonizing torture. He no longer is the Fae he used to be. What’s left is his soul and blood. They stripped him of everything. The only visible signs left are the markings on his arms. Those denote his former royal house.”
Rose clutched her stomach. No weakness. Not now. She stiffened in an attempt to hold back the tears. “Remove his pants and help me to get him under the covers.”
Without a word, Liam assisted her.
Brushing his hair back, Rose placed a kiss on his forehead. “Rest, my love.” She lowered herself next to him on the bed. Taking his hand within hers, she willed the love she bore for the Fae into his body. Feel my touch. Hear my words. Let my love heal you.
Rising slowly, she turned to face Liam. “I need you to do me a huge favor.”
“By Fae law I am not allowed to be here.”
Rose pointed to the door. “Then leave us! I’m sick to death of hearing about your damn laws.”
Blowing out a frustrated breath, Liam shifted his stance. “What do you need?”
“I don’t care how you manage to get there, but I require the healing knowledge of one of the members of the Society.”
“There is no cure, Rose,” he admitted hesitantly. “I’m shocked he’s still alive. No Fae has ever survived.”
Fisting her hands on her hips, she glared at Liam. “Then let Aidan be the first Fae to survive. Because he will.”
He glanced at Aidan’s lifeless body. “Whom do you need?”
“There is a woman by the name of Aelish. I require her skills—”