Highland Fires

by Donna Grant

  “You can try and hide it, but I know what you feel.”

  “You don’t know anything,” he said right before he pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

  Ahryn threaded her fingers in his long blonde hair as his tongue plundered her mouth. Moisture gathered between her legs, and she began to pulse with need, a need only he could quench.

  “Nay,” he said and wrenched his mouth from hers. “Ahryn, you do not belong here. What is going to take place is dangerous, and I want you as far away as you can get. Go home,” he said just before he turned on his heel and walked out of the room.

  Ahryn took a deep breath and touched her lips. Despite his words, he still desired her, which was evident by his devouring kiss and thick rod that pressed against her stomach.

  She shook herself and quickly left to make sure there was food and drink for Rufina when she woke.

  ~ ~ ~

  Rufina looked at the ceiling and thought over all that she had witnessed. She had never seen Lugus so protective, but what puzzled her more was his obvious need to be rid of Ahryn. Did he think he wasn’t worthy of love?

  She couldn’t wait to speak to him and learn exactly what had transpired between him and Ahryn, because the feelings Ahryn had for him ran deep--very deep.

  To her surprise, she heard her door open. She raised her head and saw Lugus step inside. “I thought you had left?”

  He shrugged. “I knew you wished to speak to me. It’s better to do it now so you could rest easier.”

  She looked at her brother-in-law and saw the haggard look in his eyes. How she wished he wouldn’t have lost his immortality, he deserved to be on the Fae realm. “Tell me,” she said and sat up.

  He walked to the bed and moved aside the curtains to sit on the edge. “First, I want you to know that I haven’t returned to take over as ruler. The role of king belongs to Theron now.”

  “But it’s rightfully yours.”

  “Maybe, but you know as well as I that regardless of who I am, the Fae would never accept me as king. Not now.”

  She placed her hand atop his. “I’m so sorry, Lugus.”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  But she knew it did. “If you haven’t come to take over, then why have you? You barely survived the Realm of Shadows the first time.”

  “I have to. He’s my brother,” he said softly, his blue eyes intense as he stared at her.

  “I cannot lose both of you.”

  He gripped her hand in his. “You won’t lose Theron. This I vow to you.”

  She sighed and closed her eyes a moment. When she opened them, she gave him a smile. “You always were a good man. Now, tell me about Ahryn.”

  “There’s nothing to tell,” he said and rose from the bed to pace in front of her. “I helped her escape Earth and return here.”

  “Is that all?”

  “That’s all there can be,” he admitted softly.

  Rufina swung her legs over the bed and walked to him. She placed her hand on his arm to stop him. “Lugus, don’t turn aside the love Ahryn willingly gives you.”

  “She only gives it because she has no idea of what kind of monster I am.”

  “Then tell her. Let her decide. Don’t wait for some fool to blab it to her before she’s had a chance to hear it from you.”

  He gazed at her a moment before he nodded. “I’ll think on it. Now, I want you to rest. Theron will have my head if anything happens to you and the babe.

  Rufina allowed him to sit her back on the bed, but she wasn’t fooled. She knew he cared more for Ahryn than he let on. It was in every word, every movement, every look. And she was going to do whatever it took for Lugus to find happiness.

  ~ ~ ~

  By the time Ahryn returned to Rufina’s chamber, the queen sat at her small table and stared out the balcony doors.

  “Are you hungry, my queen?” Ahryn asked.

  Rufina jumped slightly and smiled sadly. “Hello, Ahryn. I’m not hungry, but I must look after the babe that grows in my womb.”

  Ahryn sat the tray on the table and took the opposite chair. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

  The queen smiled and nodded. “I need something to take my mind off my helplessness.”

  “I will gladly do anything you would ask.”

  “Then tell me about Lugus.”

  Ahryn grew very still. “What do you wish to know?”

  Rufina sighed and popped a piece of fruit in her mouth as she leaned back in her seat. “I have known Lugus since I was a small child. He was always quick with a smile and his sharp wit, but he would anger at the slightest thing, especially with his father. They fought daily. The Lugus I saw today isn’t even the same man I saw five years ago.”

  “He doesn’t smile much,” Ahryn admitted. “Though I did manage to get a few from him when I tried.”

  The queen smiled. “That is good to know. He needs laughter in his life.”

  “He does, though he won’t admit it. He actually thought I had come to kill him the first time he saw me.”

  Rufina’s brow furrowed. “I had hoped that giving him a second chance at life that he would embrace it.”

  Something in Ahryn’s face must have alerted the queen of her ignorance.

  “You don’t know, do you?” Rufina asked her.

  Ahryn shook her head. “I asked him many times, but he refused to tell me.” “Is that why you came here instead of returning to your home?”

  “I knew my grandfather would tell me the truth.”

  “Why do you want to know?” Rufina asked. “Would it change how you feel about him?”

  Ahryn shrugged. “I know he occupies my thoughts constantly. He risked his own life to save mine when he could have easily turned his back on me. He also lost everything in aiding me. The second chance you gave him is gone.” She licked her lips and asked, “Will you tell me what I seek?” The queen met her gaze. “Nay. Lugus is my family. If he does not wish you to know of his deeds, I will respect that. If he wants you to know, he will tell.”

  Ahryn had hoped Rufina would impart something, and she couldn’t help but be disappointed in discovering the queen was as closed mouth about it as Lugus.

  “A piece of advice,” Rufina said as Ahryn rose to her feet. “Don’t go behind Lugus’ back. Give him time and he will open up for you.”

  Hope bloomed in Ahryn. If anyone knew Lugus, it was Rufina, so she took the queen’s words to heart.

  ~ ~ ~

  Lugus hurried to his chamber. He slammed his door and leaned against it as his heart pounded and his rod begged for release. He wanted Ahryn with a desperation he had never felt, a need so intense that he nearly couldn’t breathe.

  And it was because of that emotion that he refused to allow her near him. He would only bring her pain and heartache.

  With heavy steps he walked to his balcony and threw open the doors. The sweet air brushed against him, and he inhaled deeply as he closed his eyes.

  He had never thought he would get to see his beloved land again, and to return and discover his brother was in grave danger took away any excitement he felt at returning. He was no fool though. He would enjoy every moment he had before he ventured into the darkness to find Theron.

  Lugus braced his hands on the railing and dropped his head to his chest. How ironic it was that he had fought so desperately for millennia to be free of the Realm of Shadows only to return.

  It just proved to him that he should never have left. It was where he belonged. And it was where he would stay.

  He swallowed and lifted his head to the city below. His beautiful city, a city he had nearly destroyed, he would never see again.

  Ahryn.

  Lugus cursed and pushed away from the railing. No matter what he did he couldn’t get her out of his head, and his body wanted only her after he had gotten a taste. Even now his desire for her outweighed everything.

  A knock on the door thankfully brought him out of his thoughts. Lugus strode to the massive door and ope
ned it to find Aimery before him.

  “Has something happened to Rufina?” Lugus asked at Aimery’s grim expression.

  The Fae commander shook his head. “May I come in?” Lugus stepped back and allowed his old friend to enter. “What is it? You usually hide your emotions well, yet it’s plain to see something bothers you.”

  “I just fear for Theron and Rufina’s life,” he said as he slowly walked around the room.

  Lugus shut the door and crossed his arms over his chest as he waited. He knew eventually Aimery would get to what he came for.

  “Thank you for volunteering to go after Theron,” Aimery said and turned to face Lugus.

  Lugus shrugged. “He’s my brother. Did you expect me to ignore that?”

  “In truth, aye,” he admitted. “Tane assured me that you would find Theron, but I had my doubts.”

  “You still have your doubts,” Lugus said as he walked to the table near the balcony and poured two drinks. “I know what you and the rest of the Fae think of me, and I would never have returned if it wasn’t for....”

  “Ahryn,” Aimery finished.

  Lugus nodded and handed him a glass. “I want you to take her from here.”

  “I’ve already tried.” “Try harder,” Lugus shouted. He closed his eyes and raked a hand down his face. When he opened his eyes again he was once more in control of his emotions. “Aimery, I’m asking you this as a friend. Do whatever you must, but get her away from here.”

  For several long moments he returned Aimery’s stare as the commander locked gazes with him.

  “So, it’s true. You care for her.”

  Lugus turned away and sighed. “Please. For the friendship we once shared, do this small thing for me. I beg you.”

  “I will do my best,” he heard Aimery say from behind him.

  Lugus let out a breath he hadn’t known he was holding and turned to Aimery. “Thank you.”

  Aimery tilted his head back and drained the small glass before setting it down on the table. “Don’t make me regret this.”

  Lugus watched as Aimery left his room. Once the doors shut behind him, Lugus sank into his chair and dropped his head into his hands.

  He was relieved to know Aimery would take Ahryn away from the palace, but part of him fought against being separated from her. It was a war he knew he would fight for the rest of his life because as hard as it was to let her go, it would be worse still to watch her hurt because of him.

  There was no other choice but to let her go.

  He leaned back and dropped his head on the back of the chair. His thoughts turned to Theron and the Draconians who had dared to betray the Fae. A plan began to form as he thought of what he would do once he found Theron.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Aimery walked from Lugus’ chamber and contemplated his words. His need to have Ahryn away from the palace was palpable. And it was obvious to anyone that cared to look as to why--Lugus cared for Ahryn. How deep his feelings went, Aimery didn’t know.

  He found Ahryn walking from Rufina’s chambers a short time later. For a moment he almost didn’t stop Ahryn she looked so pensive, as if she was contemplating something of great importance.

  “Ahryn,” he called softly.

  Her fair head jerked his way, and she gave him a small smile. “Hello, Aimery. If you’ve come to ask about Rufina, I will tell you that she is resting as well as can be expected.”

  “Actually, I came to speak with you.”

  “Me?” she asked, her brow furrowed. “Why?”

  Aimery sighed. “Walk with me,” he bade as he clasped his hands behind his back and leisurely walked the halls of the palace. “How much do you know?”

  “About what?”

  “The king?”

  She shrugged. “I know what I heard in the throne room when Tane spoke to Rufina.”

  “But do you know how dangerous everything is?”

  She stopped walking and faced him. “What are you trying to say?” “We’ve asked everyone to leave the palace, Ahryn.”

  Her blue eyes narrowed. “You want me to leave?” “I do,” Aimery said, happy that this was going as smoothly as he had hoped. “It would be for the best.”

  “And why is that? You need someone here to look after Rufina. It certainly won’t be you since you and Tane will be aiding Lugus. Since, as you say, you’ve asked everyone to leave the palace, I’m all you have to look after the queen.”

  Aimery turned away and cursed. “Ahryn, please. You must leave.”

  Ahryn stared at Aimery’s back for a long moment. Finally, she walked around to face him. “Lugus asked you to make me leave, didn’t he?”

  The small curt nod Aimery gave her was her only answer.

  “Why?”

  Aimery’s eyes blazed as he looked to her. “He is trying to protect you. There is no guarantee that what we plan will happen.”

  “I’m not leaving him,” she said and returned Aimery’s stare. “Nothing he can say or do would make me leave him now. He’s been alone for too long.”

  Aimery sighed and ran a hand down his face. “I promised him that I would have you leave.”

  “You did your best. Go see to your preparations. I must attend the queen.”

  She waited until Aimery walked away before she leaned against the wall and sighed. Her heart had hammered wildly in her chest when Aimery had told her Lugus wanted to protect her. She knew there was something between them. She just needed to convince Lugus.

  ~ ~ ~

  Lugus woke a few hours later with a stiff neck and a need to visit the baths. He rose and opened a drawer in his large chest to find it still full of clothes. He couldn’t believe Theron hadn’t emptied the room, but he was glad for it. He quickly grabbed clothes and left his room.

  As he walked down the long, quiet halls of the palace, memories of his childhood engulfed him. He could still see his mother’s smiling face as she sat and watched him and Theron play. He recalled the pride on his father’s face when he had mastered the sword. He even remembered the first girl he kissed.

  The smile he wore soon vanished as he realized the life he’d had and thrown away because he couldn’t control his temper. How many times had his mother cautioned him to think before he spoke, to give himself a few moments to calm down and not let his temper rule him? He had never listened to her, and he had paid dearly for it.

  He found his feet following the hallway that ventured to the gallery, where all the kings and queens of their realm were painted. Lugus stopped in front of his parent’s painting and leaned against the opposite wall.

  “I’m sorry, Father,” he whispered. “I miss you both terribly. Theron needs you. I need you,” he said and lowered his head, unable to stare into his father’s knowing blue eyes.

  Lugus felt out of place in the hall. He was responsible for his father’s death, and his mother’s since she had died soon after because of what he had done. Then there were the other killings, the ones he had done to try and take over the Fae realm.

  He took one more look at his parents and walked away, his heart heavy with grief. He never saw Aimery step from the shadows.

  Lugus tried to keep his mind blank as he strode to the baths. He pushed open the tall double doors and gazed at the beauty before him.

  The bath was long and wide, larger than any the Roman’s tried to duplicate. The Roman’s tried to take ownership of many things that weren’t theirs, the baths being one of them. If a Fae hadn’t shown them how to build the baths, they most likely would never have been.

  Lugus stepped through the doors and closed them behind him. Movement to his left caught his attention, and he turned to find Tane pulling a tunic over his head, but not before Lugus saw the intricate tattoo of a dragon that covered Tane’s entire back.

  “My apologies,” Lugus said. “I will return later.”

  “Nay,” Tane said and turned to him as he reached for his boots. “I was just finishing. I will be but a moment.”

  Lugus nodded a
nd walked to a bench on the other side of the bath. “This is your first time on our realm?”

  “It is,” he answered and pulled one boot on.

  “Tell me, is it much different than yours?”

  Tane paused in pulling on his other boot. “My realm is different in many ways, but there are also similarities. Take your bath for example. We have them as well, but instead of one large one, we have several smaller ones.”

  “Odd isn’t it that two realms that never intermingle would have something in common.”

  Tane smiled as he finished pulling on his boot and stood. “There isn’t much that I find odd nowadays, Lugus. Magic is a wonderful thing, but no one knows where it began or how.” He reached for his cloak and nodded to Lugus. “Enjoy your bath.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Tane paused outside the bath doors as he contemplated speaking to Lugus of his plans. The only problem was, that for the first time in decades, Tane didn’t know which outcome was for the best, and if he didn’t know that, then he shouldn’t speak to Lugus and try to change his mind.

  There was time, but only a little of it left.

  He sighed loudly and began the walk back to his room. He hadn’t gone far when he saw Ahryn coming towards him.

  “It’s a lovely night, isn’t it?” she asked with a smile as she approached.

  He nodded. “It is, although I miss my night sky.”

  “Is it so different?”

  Tane thought of Draconia’s three moons and smiled. “Very.”

  “I would love to see it one day.”

  Tane blinked. “I’m sure you will. Where are you headed?”

  “To the baths.”

  “I just came from there,” he said. He decided to omit the fact that Lugus now occupied them.

  She smiled. “It’s wonderful, isn’t it?”