Odran was seated in front of the fire with Maura, his arm around her and the two of them nestled close to one another. He didn’t see any sign of Ciara, leaving him to assume that she was standing watch. As far as he knew, they’d seen no signs of mercenaries over the last few days. He sat up slowly, managing to disturb Rhew in the process. The white wolf down at his feet grumbled, letting him know that while he might be ready to get up, she was not.
He ran a hand through his tousled hair, trying to ignore the itchiness of the days’ worth of stubble on his face. Though it wasn’t nearly as bad as it had been, the dull pain in his side made him keenly aware that he was lucky to be alive, especially after dealing with an infected wound. Odran had done an admirable job of tending to the injury, though he suspected the delay in treatment would leave behind scarring.
Over the past few days, Niall had tried not to dwell on the events that had taken place in Sionnach, but it was almost impossible not to. He hadn’t just been betrayed by his brother, but by his own people. They had never accepted him as Ri and he was beginning to suspect that they never would. And yet he couldn’t bring himself to leave them at the mercy of Bleddyn. He couldn’t bring himself to be his father and run from his responsibilities. His stomach clenched and his shoulders slumped, his anxiety over returning to the castle building. Spirits only knew what would await him there.
Movement caught his attention near the edge of the camp, pulling him from his dark thoughts. He briefly tensed before he recognized the shadow as Ciara. As she walked over to the fire, her longbow in hand, he found that he couldn’t tear his gaze away from her. She looked every inch the warrior. Bleddyn might have tried, but his brother hadn’t been able to break the one thing that Niall loved most about her: her spirit. She had risen beyond the dark place that Bleddyn had brought her to and Niall hoped that she would never again try to make herself less just to appease another.
She and Maura exchanged a brief word before the other woman got to her feet and grabbed her own bow. Maura disappeared into the darkness while Ciara walked over and laid her weapon near her pile of blankets. She looked Niall’s way, their gazes locking, and he couldn’t hold back his smile. More often than not over the past few days, she had been at his side. It had given him hope that perhaps they could come back from the hurt he had dealt her. She returned his smile, hesitating for only a moment before walking over to him. He cast a sidelong glance at Odran as she approached, noticing that the other man had gone to lie down on his makeshift bed on the other side of the fire.
“How are you feeling?” Ciara asked, taking a seat beside him.
“Better,” he answered, stretching out the sore muscles in both his shoulders and back with a wince. “More like myself.”
She nodded, her gaze on the flickering flames a few feet away. “Odran thinks you’re healing well enough that we should be able to start traveling again in another day or two.”
“Have there been any signs of mercenaries yet?”
“No,” she answered with a shake of her head.
Silence fell between them and he twisted his ring. There was so much left unsaid between them, more questions than answers. He was unsure if she would even want to rekindle what they had once felt for one another now that she knew what he was. He had been a fool in withholding the truth from her, but the past few weeks had made one thing apparent: No matter how much he fought, it would always be her.
He heard her take in a deep breath before she shifted, angling herself toward him. She bit her lip, dropping her gaze for a moment before looking up at him again.
“I know…” She paused, clearing her throat, “I know that you have your misgivings and I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, but I want you. I want us.”
His stomach clenched and he started to speak, but she held up a hand to stop him.
“I don’t care that you’re a seer,” she continued, lifting her chin. “I’m tired of holding back how I feel. I love you. I don’t care what the future looks like; I just want it to be with you.”
He took a sharp intake of breath. “You don’t care about what I am?”
She gave him a soft smile, shaking her head. “I don’t care.”
“I love you,” he whispered, unable to stop himself from leaning toward her. “I always did.”
He searched her face in the low light of the fire as he angled his head down toward hers, looking for any sign that told him she was uncertain, but she only closed the distance between them, bringing her lips up to meet his. This kiss was gentle at first, tentative, but before long she angled her head and he deepened it. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her even closer. Her hand splayed across his back and he cupped her face, kissing her in the way he had wanted to for months now.
She parted his lips with her tongue and he got lost in the passionate moment between them. His free hand began to roam her body and she let out a low moan, jerking him back to his senses. He deeply desired for things to go farther and she had given every indication that she wanted that too, but this wasn’t how he wanted their first time together to be. It had been a difficult road for both of them to reach this point; they needed time and he needed restraint. He didn’t want there to be any regrets on either side. He made himself ease back from her, both of them breathing raggedly.
“Not here,” he murmured, stroking the side of her face. “Not like this. But when we get back to the castle…”
She nodded, swallowing hard. His chest tightened as he looked down at her, not wanting her to have misread his words. He didn’t want her to think that he didn’t want her. Nothing could have been farther from the truth. When she gave him a soft smile, his tension eased.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
He took her hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. “The last thing I want to do is to rush any of this.”
They weren’t strangers, but they had spent months apart. Much had changed, for the both of them. He wanted to honor that and, in truth, the ache in his side was helping tamp down his racing desire. She glanced over at her makeshift bed before biting her lip and looking back at him.
“Would you— I’d like to sleep here tonight,” she said, fidgeting with her bracelet. “With you.”
He laid a hand on her arm. “Any time you’d like.”
She smiled at him before brushing a kiss across his cheek. It might yet prove to be the most reckless, foolish choice he had made, but the Spirits were right: He did need her. He was tired of being a prideful idiot who denied it. He lay down and she curled up next to him. As he pulled the blankets over them, Rhew got up from where she was nestled at the edge of the blankets to curl up next to Ciara. She stroked the wolf’s back as Niall wrapped an arm around her. For a few moments, the world was blissful and as he drifted off to sleep, he longed for this to be the sort of future that was before them.
Chapter 30
Binding Oath
Ciara woke up next to Niall, her back pressed up against his firm chest and Rhew curled up against her stomach. For a few moments, she remained where she was, relishing the quiet of their camp as the sun rose in the sky, painting it in hues of orange and pink. Turning her head, she looked over at Niall, his expression peaceful as he slept.
Something about being with him felt more right than being with Bleddyn ever had. She hadn’t chosen to confess her feelings to Niall out of a sense of obligation or brokenness. She had expressed them because she wanted to; because she wanted him. With Niall, she could be herself. She didn’t have to change who she was to fit his idea of perfection.
And I want him to feel the same, she thought, her gaze falling on the few swirls of his tattoo that were peeking out from the neckline of his shirt. He couldn’t help what he was and he didn’t deserve to be treated differently because of it. Her heart had felt as if it might explode when she had confessed her love to him the night before, but those few moments of bravery had been worth it.
The underlying tension that had been between them for week
s had vanished the second his lips had pressed against hers, and their kisses were certainly something she wanted to repeat. Rhew stirred beside her, drawing Ciara out of her thoughts. The wolf got to her feet, giving a yawn and letting out a full body shake. The noise woke Niall and he rubbed his eyes before leaning over and kissing her cheek.
“I think I could get used to waking up like this,” he murmured when he eased back from her.
Before she could reply, Rhew wedged her way between them, demanding Niall’s attention.
Ciara let out a quiet laugh. “I’m not sure if Rhew agrees.”
“She’ll get used to it.” He smiled, affectionately rubbing the wolf behind the ears.
There was movement behind them and Ciara glanced over to see that Odran and Maura were up and about. When Maura looked her way and gave her a subtle wink, Ciara could feel her cheeks flush. Niall took her hand, giving it a squeeze.
“I know this is what I want,” he said, holding her gaze. “But I want to be sure that this is what you want.”
The vulnerability in his eyes was impossible to miss. As always, he wanted it to be her choice. She leaned over and pressed a tender kiss to his lips, his simple statement precisely why he was the man she was willing to entrust her heart to. To Bleddyn, she had been only an object. To Niall, she was a human being.
“Yes,” she told him. “This is exactly what I want.”
He captured her lips in another kiss, finally pulling away with a heavy sigh at the clangs Odran made as he noisily started breakfast.
“A repeat of this later,” Niall quietly said. “I promise.”
“I’ll hold you to it.”
She wanted to linger with him under the warm blankets, but dawn brought with it the reminder that they weren’t safe yet. They got to their feet, Niall still moving slowly but better than he had in days. After they ate, Odran checked Niall’s wound, deeming it healed enough for him to ride, something that Ciara knew relieved them all. They were a two-day ride from the castle and she was more than ready to be safe within its walls.
They made quick work of packing up their camp, the four of them working together seamlessly after their time in the wilderness. Ciara was strapping her saddlebags to Rhosyn’s saddle when she noticed something had caught Rhew’s attention. The wolf’s ears were pricked toward the surrounding trees, her body rigid and her hackles raised. Niall noticed as well, unsheathing his sword as Ciara armed herself with her bow. She scanned the edge of the clearing, her muscles tense and her pulse quick. The pounding of hoofbeats soon reached them, a lone rider at least, judging by the noise. Ciara nocked an arrow and the four of them gathered around the horses, Niall calling Rhew to his side.
Before long, a horse burst through the trees at a swift trot. Ciara almost loosed at the intruder, but Niall shouted at her to stop. Maura broke away from the group, running over to the rider just as Ciara recognized that the warrior bore Blaidd’s attire. Niall and Rhew were right on Maura’s heels. When the warrior dismounted, Maura embraced the stranger. Ciara cast Odran a sidelong glance and he shrugged, looking as confused as she felt. Maura and the warrior stepped back from one another as Niall called Ciara and Odran over. The stranger was tall, with a strong resemblance to Maura in both his green eyes and his facial features, though his hair was much darker than hers.
“One of my warriors,” Niall said, motioning to the man. “And Maura’s cousin, Cathal.”
The tightness in Ciara’s chest dissipated and Odran visibly relaxed.
“Though it is good to see you alive, Ri Niall, I’m afraid that I don’t come bearing good news,” Cathal said with a grimace.
Ciara’s stomach clenched and Niall’s brow furrowed.
“Let’s hear it then,” Niall replied, his jaw tight.
“Castle Clogwyn is no longer safe.” Cathal’s shoulders slumped as he spoke, his expression pained. “Ri Bleddyn arrived with not only his war band, but mercenaries from the mainland as well. The castle was overrun and now he sits in the Great Hall, claiming himself the rightful Ri of both Blaidd and Seabhac.”
A chill settled over Ciara and she swallowed hard. Niall’s eyes had widened, some of the color draining from his face. She took his hand, trying to offer what comfort and support she could. Her stomach turned at the thought of what lengths Bleddyn was apparently willing to go to get what he wanted.
“What has become of Suibhe?” Maura asked, her voice wavering.
“She’s dead,” Cathal said, averting his gaze. “I’m sorry.”
Maura’s chin wavered ever so slightly and Odran slipped an arm around her shoulders.
“I’m one of the few who escaped. Many in the war band and the castle have been killed.” Cathal paused, turning his attention to Niall. “Bleddyn has claimed that you tried to kill him, kidnapped his betrothed, and abandoned the clan.”
Niall’s eyes hardened and Ciara tensed.
“That is a lie,” Niall said. “Bleddyn is the one who tried to kill me, with the help of Prince Regulus. Ciara and Odran are the only reason that Maura and I are still alive.”
“And no one kidnapped me,” Ciara added, lifting her chin. “I’m here of my own choosing.”
“I had worried that Bleddyn’s words were not true.” Cathal let out a long sigh. “But many of the villagers have sided with him. I’ve been traveling from village to village for weeks now, searching for you and hoping that you were still alive.”
Niall ran a hand through his hair, making a frustrated noise in the back of his throat. “How many men would you say that Bleddyn has at his command?”
“Last I knew, at least a hundred,” Cathal replied. “And there are rumors of more at Castle Ciall under the command of a man named Gwilym.”
Ciara grimaced at the mention of Bleddyn’s lackey, a sour taste filling her mouth. Bleddyn had perfectly planned his despicable scheme.
“Far too many for the likes of us,” Maura said, her expression pinched.
“There are still some loyal to you, Ri Niall,” Cathal said. “Mostly in the eastern part of the clan, near Ioliare, from what I have gathered. Not all have willingly thrown their lot in with Bleddyn.”
Niall brought a hand to his forehead, his chin dropping and the tension in the air thick. For what felt like the thousandth time, resentment built in Ciara toward the man she had almost called husband.
Niall let out a heavy sigh before looking between her and Odran. “This isn’t your fight and I won’t ask or expect either of you to be a part of it if you do not wish to be. We can go our separate ways, here and now.”
Odran’s hold on Maura tightened and though he spoke to Niall, his gaze was on her. “If it’s Maura’s fight, then it’s my fight too. Not to mention that you are my kin. Bleddyn has betrayed our family as much as he’s betrayed you.”
Niall blinked rapidly before giving Odran a low, respectful nod. “Thank you.”
He turned to Ciara, taking both of her hands in his.
She lifted her chin, holding his gaze. “There is an us now, and that means that I am with you every step of the way.”
The tension left his shoulders and he pulled her into a tight embrace that she eagerly returned. He hadn’t abandoned her and she wasn’t going to be so cruel as to abandon him when he needed her most.
“Thank you,” he murmured, kissing the top of her head.
He stepped back, keeping a hold of her hands and taking a deep breath, his gaze passing to each one of them.
“From the sound of it, we’re headed east,” he said with a slight grimace. “We’ll need more than five to confront Bleddyn.”
They all nodded, Cathal voicing his agreement. The warrior of Blaidd pulled himself back up onto his horse and the rest of them returned to their own mounts. Ciara swung up onto Rhosyn, guiding the mare to fall in line behind Niall and Gealach as they pushed their horses into the dense forest. Bleddyn might think he had won, but as Rhosyn carried her deeper into the mountains, Ciara silently vowed that his betrayal would not go unchalleng
ed. Not while she still drew breath.
∞∞∞
The horses plunged headlong through the night, Fiadh riding at Bleddyn’s side once more as they approached Regulus’ camp. He had allowed his rage to fuel him since they had left Clogwyn, and adrenaline coursed through his body. Fiadh’s raven had brought her the news of Regulus’ failure in Sionnach a day and a half ago. The time for games was past. It was time that he saw to his brother’s death personally.
Shouts of alarm rang out when they thundered into the encampment that was positioned along the Weindio river near the village of Glas. Once they were recognized, the commotion from those standing guard ceased and Bleddyn signaled the warriors around him to pull their horses to a halt. He swung from Mawr’s back, pleased when the movement elicited no pain in his hand. His mark had almost completely healed, leaving him with a black scar that now mirrored the one on his palm. A warrior took his horse, leading the sweaty beast away while Fiadh swung off her grey mare and joined him. Two of her birds were on her shoulders, the creatures eying the camp with interest. In moments, two tent flaps opened and Regulus stalked out with Kyros at his heels. Regulus’ face was flushed and Kyros wore a scowl as the two men approached them.
“What is the meaning of this?” Regulus demanded.
“It seems that you cannot be trusted to bring about Niall’s demise without some sort of supervision,” Bleddyn answered, curling his lip. “So I’ve come to see to it myself.”
“With your damned sorceress in tow to keep us all in line,” Kyros muttered, shooting Fiadh a scathing look.
Before Bleddyn could even rebuke the man, Fiadh narrowed her eyes and Kyros grimaced, his face paling before he mumbled an apology.
“We were close in Sionnach,” Regulus said, fixing Bleddyn with a glare. “We had the villagers’ cooperation. I only need more time.”
The Betrayer: Tales of Pern Coen (Legacy Book 1) Page 23