A Magical Highland Solstice

by Mary Morgan

“One more and then we must make ready. We want to greet Lady Eve looking our best.”

  As soon as the animal finished another chunk of apple, Cormac prepared him for Eve and then saw to his own horse. When he was finished, he brought them to the front of the stables. Glancing outside, he noticed Eve approaching.

  Trying to tame the wild mane on Shadow, he bent near the beast’s ear. “Here she comes, my friend. Remember my words.”

  The horse looked at him and then to Eve as she entered the stables.

  Eve pushed back the hood of her cloak. “I brought some bread and cheese, since I didn’t know how long we’ll be gone.”

  Cormac nodded. “This here is Shadow. A verra gentle animal.” He continued to stroke the animal’s mane, praying Eve would not fear the horse.

  “Goodness, you’re handsome,” she remarked. “I thought to bring you sugar cubes, but since it’s a valuable commodity, I brought an apple. I sliced it in half to make it easier.” Holding the halves in her palm, the horse proceeded to eat from her hand. Eve giggled in delight. “It tickles.”

  Cormac smiled fully. By the hounds! The lass had enchanted the animal. Her laughter was music to his ears, and he deemed he would never tire of the sound.

  “Ye have made a friend for life,” he stated.

  “Good, because I certainly don’t need him to toss me onto the ground.” She gave him a scratch behind his ear, and the horse leaned against her hand.

  “I must admit, I have never seen the animal take to someone so quickly.”

  “He simply needs some love, right?”

  Cormac grasped both of her hands. Their gazes locked. How he wanted to say the words that had grown within his heart, but fear kept his tongue silent. Placing a kiss along her knuckles, he said, “Let me help ye onto Shadow.” Removing her bundle of food, he placed it in a bag on his horse.

  “Is there anything I need to know regarding the reins with Shadow? Does he like to be guided in any particular way?” she asked as Cormac settled her onto the animal. “I do know some maneuvers, but they’re from reading about them in a book.”

  “Truly? These are written in a book?”

  “Yep.”

  As Cormac mounted his own horse, he rubbed his chin. “Ye must tell me all about these books.”

  “You like to read?”

  Cormac leaned across and cupped her chin. “Perchance, I shall bring a few into my chambers this evening when ye join me.”

  “That would be nice,” she whispered.

  His lips slowly descended to meet hers. He no longer cared who witnessed his desire for Eve. Cormac had already claimed her for his own. Drinking in the sweetness of her lips, he broke free.

  “Indeed, verra nice.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Sing a song of the past. Write a verse for the present. Make a wish for the future.”

  Eve lifted her head to the warm sun, reveling in the day and being near a man who fascinated her. His love for his home, land, and his people was evident in the way he spoke. He’d stop occasionally, making sure she was all right as he pointed out landmarks. They ambled along at a leisurely pace and contentment flowed through her body.

  The man was correct. Scotland was a land of beauty and magic. Being on a horse out in the fresh air, one could see, hear, and smell the land far better than being in a car racing at ungodly speeds. She closed her eyes and inhaled the crisp, clean scent of pine.

  “Have ye fallen asleep, leannan?”

  The burr of his voice sent shivers down her body. Opening her eyes, she smiled. “No, only enjoying the moment. Shadow is an excellent driver, and has made me relax.” She patted the animal’s mane.

  “I ken he favors ye, too. More so, if ye take him out for a daily ride.”

  “I would like to learn more, since this is the method of travel. I’ve become quite fond of the horse.” Sighing, Eve looked away.

  “What ails ye?” asked Cormac moving to her side.

  She glanced sideways at the man. Worry shone in his eyes as he placed a hand over hers. His fingers were strong and warm.

  “There are times when the rational side of my brain has a difficult time believing”—she waved her free hand in the air—“faery magic. Trust me, I’ve heard enough of the stories, but I never dreamed those my mother told me were true.”

  Releasing her hand, he dismounted from Fingal. Moving to her side, he wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her down against his body. His gaze swept over her features. “The Fae are real, Eve. They live beneath the land between the realms. So ye did not believe your own mother?”

  Nervous laughter bubbled forth from Eve. “I did when I was a young girl, but I outgrew those foolish beliefs, especially after she and my father died. My aunt took to raising me, but I buried those stories she used to tell me.”

  Cormac brushed his fingers down her cheek. “Do ye think I am foolish? Am I nae real?”

  His simple touch sent a spark of desire throughout her body. “You are real,” she said softly.

  Placing his head on her forehead, he sighed. “I ken ’tis hard to fathom ye have traveled the veil of ages, but ye are now here. I dinnae ken why the Fae have sent ye.” He lifted his head and frowned. “There is a Fae well nearby. Some say this place is where ye can whisper your questions to the Fae. However, only those of pure heart will be chosen to have their question answered.”

  Eve stared into his blue eyes, mesmerized by his words. Her mother had once told her a similar story. “The Well of the Faery Wishes,” she uttered in a shocked tone.

  “Ahh…ye have heard the tale?”

  “Yes. It was a tale my mother told me a long time ago. But we must bring something as a gift.”

  His fingers reached for a stray curl at the nape of her neck and kissed the end. “Ye could leave a lock of your hair.”

  Eve placed her hands on his chest. “I would happily give you one, but I have something better for the Fae.”

  Cormac angled his head at her. “Ye would grant me a lock?”

  I have already given you my heart, Cormac Murray. “Yes.”

  His lips gently brushed against hers. “I will take that boon when ye are in my chambers tonight. Now show me what ye will gift to the Fae.”

  As he stepped back, Eve made her way to his horse. Removing some bread, she tore off a piece. Holding it aloft, she said, “Bread, particularly honeyed, is a favorite with the Fae.”

  “And ye have made this with your own hands,” he added.

  “Exactly!” Pulling out a cloth from his satchel, she carefully wrapped the offering.

  Cormac helped her back onto her horse and they rode off through a dense cluster of pine and birch trees. Birds chirped, squirrels played among the branches, and once, Eve thought she spied a stag. Onward he led them while all the time whistling a tune, and she smiled.

  I’m in the thirteenth century with a Highland chieftain, traveling to a Fae holy well to make a wish. But what do I ask for?

  Eve almost laughed aloud at the absurdity, but her smile quickly faded. Did she really want to return to her own time? From the moment she saw Cormac Murray, her world split in two, as if one part of Eve was in the future, and another trapped with a man she loved in the past. She had given him not only her body, but also her heart and soul. Was it all a ruse to get her into his bed? Eve quickly dismissed the thought. Cormac was not a cruel man. Yet, how did he feel?

  A tree limb smacked her on the face, its sting reminding Eve she wasn’t ready to hear a rejection from the man in front of her. Perhaps she should stay away from his chambers for a while. Yet, her body—no her heart screamed also at her foolishness. And Eve was by no means blind to his attraction for her. But was it only lust?

  She clenched her jaw so tight she feared it would snap. How can I continue to live in this time when what I want may not be within my grasp?

  As Cormac maneuvered them around a fallen tree, the view opened into one of splendor. Eve gasped at the small meadow before her. Sunlight filtere
d down like faery dust filling the area with a beauty she had never seen. In the middle was a large stone well, partially covered in moss, snow, and flowers. Trees gathered in a circle as if they were ancient guardians watching over the well and its surroundings.

  Blissful silence greeted them.

  Cormac had dismounted and was already at her side. She placed her hands on his shoulders as he set her down gently. “’Tis a beauty, aye?”

  Moving unsteadily, Eve winced and rubbed at her thighs. “It’s gorgeous. There’s definitely magic in this place.”

  Kissing the top of her head, he tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. “Lean on me, leannan.”

  She nodded. Making their way to the well, she could see a rabbit pop its head out from the snow. “Someone has come to welcome us.”

  He chuckled softly. “Nae for long, unless ye want to give up your portion of bread to the wee animal.”

  “Drats!” She squeezed his arm. “I left my gift on Shadow.”

  “Dinnae worry. I will see ye safely to the well and then fetch it for ye. I will gather some pine branches and give ye time to make your wish.”

  Smiling up at the man, she replied, “Thank you, Cormac.”

  When they reached the well, he kissed her once again before returning to the horses. Her hand trembled as she brushed her fingers over the top of the well, the moss soft and moist. Peering inside, Eve could hear the water gently lapping against the walls of the stone and a sense of peace washed through her.

  “Dear Fae, I’m so confused.” She rubbed her forehead trying hard to think of her question. Suddenly, her fingers froze. Her question must not come from the mind, but from her heart.

  Placing both hands over her heart, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply. When she opened them, colors danced before her, and she heard the soft whisper of bells. “Although it’s only been a little over a week, I know my love for Cormac is strong and real. But…” she paused and then continued, “Can the man love me in return?”

  A soft breeze caressed her cheek and Eve touched the spot with her fingers. Hearing Cormac approaching, she turned around.

  “Ye glow as someone who has been touched by the Fae,” he uttered quietly. Reaching for her hand, Cormac placed the bread within. “I shall wait by the horses.”

  Nodding, she reached up and touched his face. Her heart ached to tell him the words that filled her soul. So instead, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him, lingering, savoring every moment. His hands grasped her arms, lifting her, and he deepened the kiss. Closing her eyes, she sank into him and his strength. The air around them smelled of wildflowers on a spring day—warm and enticing.

  When they parted, his breathing was labored. He took a few steps backward, before turning to leave.

  Eve’s body trembled—filled with a need she couldn’t understand as she watched him stride away. Glancing at the well, she realized the power of the place—one filled with only love.

  Slowly turning around, she unfolded the cloth. Placing the bread on the ledge of the well, she smiled.

  “Thank you for hearing me, Fae.”

  She didn’t want to leave this place. It was safe, warm, loving. Yet, the man behind her beckoned her to return. And she yearned to be with him always. Believing the Fae would grant her wish, Eve strolled back to Cormac.

  ****

  As they traveled back to Creag, both remained silent. Cormac had only visited the Fae well once before, yet, he had never witnessed the presence of the Fae as he did that moment in the glen with Eve. The glow on her face shimmered with joy, and the light of love sparkled in those emerald eyes he had come to love. And in the quiet stillness, Cormac feared the Fae would whisk her away to their realm.

  What was her wish to the Fae? To return to her own time?

  An ache settled within him, and he rubbed his chest with the heel of his palm. Is this what happens when ye love another?

  Cormac’s back stiffened. He had broken his own vow by falling in love with Eve. He did not want Eve to return to her own time, regardless of her wish to the Fae. I will fight ye, Fae! Do ye hear my words?

  Fingal gave a loud snort and Cormac realized he had been pulling hard on the reins. Relaxing his hands, he glanced over his shoulder. The lass rode as if she commanded the land. Her head held high and smiling.

  “Where are we heading next?”

  Cormac gazed upward. “Darkness is near, so we must return to Creag. Furthermore, I deem your legs will not thank me for having ye on a horse most of the day.”

  Eve laughed. “Nope. Already sore, but I feel confident if I ride regularly, I’ll adapt.”

  Hope flared inside him. Perchance, his Eve planned to stay here. Cormac pointed southward. “Beyond the stream are my orchards. Apples and plums. My father planted them for my mother. She loved the fruit.”

  “Did you learn to make wine from your father?”

  Cormac shook his head. “Nae, my father preferred ale to wine most days. A French monk lived here at Creag for a year. He taught me everything.”

  Her face brightened. “I would love to see them in bloom.”

  “They are stunning in spring—flowers everywhere.”

  “Spring seems so far away.” She sighed.

  Will ye wait with me? Again, he could not speak the words for her to hear. Cormac gave a nudge to Fingal and they trudged onward.

  “So a monk stayed here. What did he think of your old beliefs?”

  Cormac spewed out a curse.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. I find nothing wrong with the old ways. My mother believed in them.”

  Bringing his horse to halt, Cormac leaned across and cupped her cheek. “Ye did nae offend me, leannan. I found your question amusing.” Sitting back on Fingal, he smiled reassuringly. “The monk was here to visit my mother. She believed in the new religion. Although, I must confess the man did try his best to convert everyone else.” Cormac gave her a wink. “He did not succeed. Yet, he remained a true friend and vowed to say a prayer when our souls left for eternal damnation to the fiery pits of Hell.”

  “Wow…exactly what they would say in my time.”

  “Truly?”

  Eve burst out laughing. “Yep.”

  Cormac rubbed the back of his neck. “I ken that is why my father built the chapel for my mother. Not only to please her, but to make sure he did not go to this Hell.”

  Brushing away a lock of hair, she said, “I would like to visit the chapel.”

  “We have kept the place sealed since the death of my mother. However, I shall take ye there tomorrow.”

  “I would like that,” Eve responded.

  “There is one problem—one I have forgotten,” he added as they started ambling along toward Creag.

  Eve rolled her eyes. “Please, no more problems for the rest of the year.” She cast him a sideways glance. “I’m afraid to ask.”

  “I believe the keys to the chapel were buried with my mother.”

  “No!” gasped Eve.

  Cormac realized he would do anything for her. Battle demons. Slay any beast. Even giving her his heart. “Dinnae fear, if I have to take an axe to the chains, I will do so for ye, Eve.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “The lovers met under the kissing bough to pledge their troth. Yet, they forgot to seal their love with a kiss.”

  Cormac’s stomach protested fiercely as he descended the stairs. He had eaten little on his journey with Eve—happily content to watch her munch on an apple, or nibble on bread and cheese. She chatted between bites, her hands flying about to match her liveliness. When she complained he had not eaten anything, he relented. He watched in fascination as she wedged cheese and apple slices between the two pieces of bread she tore off for him. It was the most glorious meal he had ever eaten. However, his heart almost stopped beating when she nearly cut her finger with his sgian dubh.

  As he attempted to snatch the blade from her hand, she smacked him away, informing him she knew how to handle a knife.
r />   He chuckled at the memory and nearly collided with the golden-haired beauty coming toward him.

  “Yikes! I’m sorry, Cormac.” She grabbed his arm, trying to steady the trencher with her other hand.

  He lifted the item from her hand as it was about to tumble free. “My pardons. My thoughts were elsewhere.” Inhaling the aroma, he asked, “Wild boar with mushrooms and onions?”

  “You have guessed correctly, Laird Cormac.”

  He arched a brow. “We are feasting grandly with only a few days before the Yule?”

  Eve glanced over his shoulder and behind her before stepping close, as if she was about to pass along some great secret. “They’re experimenting with new mushrooms and herbs from Cathal. I heard it on good authority that a certain laird must approve the dish.” She gave him a wink.

  Cormac inspected the dish and then lifted his finger.

  “You wouldn’t dare,” she protested, smacking his hand away.

  Lifting the trencher high over his head, he replied, “Remember, I am the laird, aye?”

  Eve fisted her hands on her hips and glared at him. “And because you are the leader of the clan, you must show some respect.”

  His gaze raked over her face and settled on her lips. “I will concede defeat, but only if ye grant me a kiss.”

  Her cheeks flushed as she looked around the corridor. “Here?”

  “Aye.” As Cormac stepped closer, Eve moved backward.

  “What if…someone sees us?”

  Cormac’s smiled turned predatory. “All I asked for was a kiss, nae to plunder your body.”

  When her back hit the wall, she parted her lips. “One kiss only?”

  He arched a brow, understanding her meaning. “I beg for only one. Yet, later, I shall demand many more.”

  “Then take your kiss, my laird,” she whispered.

  Slowly, Cormac lowered his mouth to hers, and a moan of pleasure slipped through her lips. Powerful, hungry desire spiraled through him as her tongue invaded him, seeking, stroking. He growled, taking all she had to offer. When one of her hands wrapped around his neck, he deepened the kiss. He was lost in her touch, her lips, and Cormac burned for more.