I've Been Waiting for You

by Mary Moriarty

  “Ouch! That is quite the tug, little one, but then again I wouldn’t expect anything else considering who you once were and who you are now.” He gently unclasped her little fist from his hair and kissed it ever so lightly.

  Thor looked up at his King and his brother who had come around to the front. He saw the Queen crying, felt Sally resting her body on his back, hugging him as she cried.

  They all stayed like that for a few minutes until the baby gave a squeal. This was no ordinary baby. This was a baby of a two special creatures. Katherine, who was descended from the Fae, who was now a created vampire, married to the King of their kind who was half vampire and half fallen angel. No, this baby would be extraordinary and very special. But to this group she was even more special. She was the reincarnation of Olivia. She had her eyes and apparently her spunk and spirit.

  Thor laughed as he picked up the baby again, putting her on his shoulder.

  Colum leaned over and kissed his wife Katherine. “We might as well name her...”

  “Olivia !” Everyone shouted.

  Chapter 12

  Ireland, 1014

  It was a very cold March morning. Slaine surveyed the scene in front of her. The maids and cooks moved tables and brought food from below in the big castle kitchen. Today she was to wed Colum O’ Heachthanna, son of King Cormac, who ruled the western part of Ireland and, most importantly, the Ring of Kerry where her mother’s folks came from.

  She moved to the huge fireplace and warmed her hands. She would admit, she was nervous. She had just got out of an arranged marriage to Sigtrygg Silkbeard, Viking King of Dublin. She was now marrying an equally powerful man. But from all she had heard, he was a man of peace who would rather be hunting with his falcons, but was quite skilled in the art of warfare. She also guessed quite skilled in the bedroom, though he had never married and she heard of no bastard sons or daughters running the countryside.

  She stared into the flames and wondered what her life would be like once she was married to this man, whom she had only known for two months. He had said he wanted her to have these last two months to get to know him. He had never once tried to bed her. He said they would have plenty of time for that once they were married. But they had spent a great deal of time together and with family. When they were alone, they would go for long rides and hunt. He had shown her his falcons and allowed her the chance to get used to them. Women in her class were usually only allowed to use small hawks, not the larger birds of prey.

  Those times he would take her hand in his large one and kiss the tops of her knuckles, stirring something deep within her. Her body would react and she would get very hot and flustered. She would look up into his eyes and see them a different shade, almost a deep violet. Once, he had pulled her onto his horse and kissed her deeply. It held a promise of what she knew he would be like in their marriage bed. She had felt herself trying to get closer. She had never felt that with Sigtrygg. It has always been quick. The first time in their marriage bed after the wedding she had cried and cried. Somehow she didn’t think it would be the same with Colum.

  Slaine had found that the more she got to know Colum, the more she wanted to be with him. That had never been the case with Sigtrygg. Yes, he had been a good and kind husband and had never been harsh with her, but he had sealed his fate when he’d sided with that witch of a mother of his and had chosen sides against her beloved father.

  “What is my dear girl thinking so hard of that she bruises her lips by biting them?”

  Slaine turned quickly into the arms of her father. Burying her face in his broad chest, she took in his strength, warmth and love. Around him, she still was like a little girl who loved being in his presence. To her, he seemed to walk with the gods. He was so large and powerful, even in his advanced years. His beard, now a silky white, showed none of the red that it had been reputed to had in his younger days. His eyes, a beautiful blue, were still clear like a summer’s day. He looked down at her and smiled and then kissed the top of her head

  “Oh father, I’m just scared.”

  Brian Boru held his youngest daughter for a moment and then held her at arms-length. He studied her. She was, if he admitted to anyone, his favorite. If he could, he would give her the crown, she was best suited for it. But he didn’t want her to have to deal with what came with the crown, so one of her older brothers would inherit it. The next best thing was have her marry the right man. Since he had been a fool to have her marry Sigtrygg Silkbeard, he was glad she was back and now would marry an ally. Some day she would be Queen, though he was sure he would never see it. She would have a good husband, one who would protect her to the death.

  He caught her chin in his big hand. “You are dearest to my heart Slaine, and I know you will be happy. Colum is a good man and has waited till now to wed. He said he would know when the right woman came into his life, until that time he would wait. You will be Queen some day and with that, a life and love you deserve. I have re-written my will, you will not only be married to one of the most powerful rulers of our land, a Prince from in the Ring of Kerry, you will have two castles, this one included to have as your own, never part of your first dowry.”

  Slaine looked up, tears coursing down her cheeks. “Oh father, you need not do that.”

  Brian looking down at his daughter gave her another hug. “Yes I do, its protection. I give a handsome dowry for you, but these castles are yours outright along with,” he leaned and whispered into her ear.

  Slaine hugged her father. “Go raibh maith agat athair, is brea` liom tu` amhlaidh”

  “Oh, I love you too and there is no need to be thanking me. I am old, my dear Slaine, and need to get things in order in case I don’t come back from this battle that is surely to happen. If that happens, don’t mourn me. I’ve lived a long life and had you to call daughter.”

  Slain hugged her father tightly. She took in all his strength from his body. She breathed in deeply, taking in his scent of wood and peat smoke, lavender and his pipe tobacco, creating a memory of her beloved father. She looked up into his face and smiled though her vision was blurred from the tears that still flowed.

  “Today, no tears, daughter of mine, today is a day to be happy,” They heard the bell ring out in the bailey and knew that meant Colum and his entourage were arriving with her younger brother. Brian hugged his daughter one more time as servants scurried to finish last minute preparations for the big feast that would take place later. “Come, daughter, let me escort you to your rooms, before your groom sees you.”

  Modern Day Ireland

  Seven Months After the Twins’ Birth

  Katherine stood with Colum holding onto her from behind. She was crying, remembering the last time a family wedding had taken place in this castle where they were at; how her father, the High King of all of Ireland, Brian Boru, had given her away to the man who now held her tightly against his chest. She leaned her head back and felt his lips skim over her hair. “It’s been a long time luv, hasn’t it?”

  “Yes,” she turned into his arms and laid her head on his chest. “Oh, how I wish you could have changed him. He would have made a wonderful vampire, and I’d be able to see him now.”

  Colum held Katherine extra tight. He remembered the day of Clontarf, the carnage, the bloodshed on both sides. When someone yelled that the High King had been killed, the High King’s brother and Slaine had gone berserk. Colum had raced into the King’s tent but knew as soon as he had seen the King lying in a pool of blood, there was nothing even he could do for the man who had become his father-in-law. His head lay next to his body.

  “If I could have done anything...”

  Katherine looked up, tears spilling from her eyes, the color of rubies. “I know.”

  She sighed. Then looking up, she smiled. “But, we are here and have the castle again for an entire month.”

  Colum smiled down at her, “Yes, and we will make this a wonderful wedding for Sally and Odin.”

  They both turned as the sun set ov
er the pond. Both watching as the swans swam around one more time.

  “Yes, it’s going to be a lovely time here.”

  Chapter 13

  Katherine walked around the rose garden of the castle. It was just before the sun was due to break the horizon. Since she didn’t need sleep, she took advantage of the quiet before her human family members were awake. Her parents, along with her brother and his wife, Issy, and their children had arrived yesterday. She smiled as she bent to inhale the fragrance of the beauty in front of her. Early birds were calling and singing. This was a perfect time of day.

  She walked with no purpose but to relax. She was well fed and felt better than she had in years.

  She stood, just listening to the sounds, and then she sensed something or someone nearby. As she turned calmly she saw nothing or anyone. Funny, I know I heard something. She decided she would walk to the front where the bailey used to be. She was in the area where the chapel and outer curtain wall once was. Now, it was just gardens. As she walked she felt a breeze go by her. She stopped. She could almost catch a scent with the breeze. Looking around, though, she saw none of the tree’s leaves moving. It was a still morning. Why am I feeling a breeze? She stood absolutely still and tried to let her senses take over. Nothing. She walked slowly, like she was interested in her surroundings, but now all she cared about was what was going on around her.

  She felt a small touch on her hand. Looking down she saw nothing and then she saw a faint shimmer.

  Katherine now knew she must have one of the many spirits trying to communicate with her.

  “I can see you, barely. Show yourself.”

  She felt the breeze pick up again, felt the touch on her hand but it lasted only a second and then it was gone.

  Katherine was still standing there when Colum found her about an hour later.

  Colum had searched the castle grounds high and low. He finally guessed she must be out in the gardens. He had started a small garden for her after her father’s passing at the battle of Clontarf in 1014. She would sit there for hours in the good weather. As he came around the corner, there she stood, still as a statue. He walked up slowly.

  “I heard you come crashing around the corner Colum.”

  Colum came up to Katherine and wrapped his arms around her. Drinking in her scent and the roses at the same time was a heady experience. He felt her mold herself to him, pressing in, purring as she did. Then she stilled herself again.

  “I sense something Colum. Something or someone was here with me, touched my hand.”

  Colum knew it would happen eventually. People who came to this castle said they saw numerous ghosts. It would stand to reason though that the ghosts would show themselves to Katherine, after all, at least two of the spirits were probably her sons. Thor had been fourteen at the time of his death, and had been killed when he’d tried to defend his mother. Her younger son, Olaf, had also been killed. Gormflaith had been a wicked woman. Elsabet had visited her soon after the deaths of Slaine and the boys. Thor and Little Olaf had never stood a chance. Elsabet had said that, though she hated to take a life, Gormflaith’s death had been a very satisfying kill.

  “You know Kat, it could be your father but I’m thinking it’s either little Thor or little Olaf. They are the most frequent ghosts here.”

  Katherine turned in Colum’s arms. Looking up into his violet eyes, she saw the love that had followed her down through the ages. “My sons?” she said in a whisper.

  “I’m sure of it. It’s morning, so their spirits are weak. You won’t see them till night time now.”

  Katherine could feel tears spill. She wiped at her face and saw a light red tear on the back of her hand. “Tears of joy and sorrow.”

  “Yes, luv. You know they have waited a long time to see you. Maybe this will put them to rest once they see you. Little Olaf probably never knew what hit him. He was knocked on the head and drowned by someone working here at the castle, who was really from Gormflaith’s camp. That wicked woman had spies all over the country side.”

  Katherine wished the spirit would come back, she couldn’t wait for nightfall. “What happened to her?”

  Colum smiled. “Elsabet got her. She did exactly what Gormflaith did, except she went herself instead of sending someone. She made herself to look like an old woman and asked for work. She worked at Gormflaith’s castle for a month. One morning, when she was cleaning the solar, Gormflaith was alone. Elsabet made sure she did something wrong so your ex-mother-in-law had to reprimand her. And she did. She started to hit her, and that’s when Elsabet pounced on her. It was then that Gormflaith had met her match, and her end. She ripped her open and left her to die a slow death. Mother left a note of warning.”

  Katherine held on tight to Colum. “I didn’t know.” She took a deep breath. “How did I die, that time?”

  Colum had been out hunting for a stag. It was thought that, perhaps, Slaine was with child. She had been sick for a while and had just seen the midwife. The midwife had confirmed their suspicions. They had been married ten years, never believing they would have a babe of their own. A carnival had come, but they later found out Gormflaith had used that as a ruse to get Slaine outside the castle walls. She had been gathering herbs to make tinctures and had turned as her name was being called, her maid had later told him. When she turned a man stabbed her in the heart. She had died instantly. Screaming had brought Thor, who at age fourteen, had stood over six foot tall. He had little Olaf with him. He grabbed his dagger and went after the assassin. Poor little Olaf had fallen over his dead mother’s body trying to protect her, not realizing she was dead already. Thor never stood a chance with the hired, ruthless assassin. He was stabbed also, but didn’t die right away. His body was carried back to the castle. The maid said one minute Olaf was with her, the next moment he was following one of the servants. They found his body in the pond, his skull smashed in and his body floating in the water. They found one more of Gormflaith’s spies before they all had a chance to escape. He spilled everything, before his blood was spilled.

  “Let’s not worry about that now, Kat. Let me love you now.” He scooped her up and walked towards one of the big castle doors.

  * * * * * * * *

  Sally stretched and felt Odin’s body curled up next to her. Turning in his arms she saw his smile. “Good, you are finally awake. I thought I was going to have to nibble on your ear to wake you up.”

  Sally leaned in to catch Odin’s lips. “Mmm, you taste like chocolate.”

  Odin’s head went back as he laughed. “I was down in the kitchen helping the cooks try out different cake batters. They are experimenting to find just the right flavor.”

  Sally was up and pushing Odin down. “And you thought to yourself, “Self, since Sally is sleeping so well I might as well go see what’s going on in the kitchen,”” She kissed his lips and licked into his mouth. “Mmm, I detect a hint of raspberry too.”

  “Raspberries were in a bowl, I had to taste them also.”

  Sally felt Odin’s arms wrapping around her, pulling her down and on top of him tightly. She felt heat spread as he moved inside of her ever so slowly.

  “You are distracting me, Odin.”

  Odin kissed her lips, “Yes, and it’s fun.”

  Sally smiled. “You enjoy eating as much as my little sister and Olivia, when she was alive the last time.”

  Odin grabbed her ass. “Yes, and there are other things I enjoy feasting on.” He had her over on her back quickly. He started kissing her neck and working his way down to her belly. Hearing her moans of pleasure, he knew he was on the right track. Looking up into her beautiful eyes, he said, “Yes, there are other things I love to feast upon.”

  Sally moaned as Odin found what he was so fond of eating.

  Chapter 14

  Katherine sat on one of the stools while the cooks worked around her. Sally was out riding with Odin. Colum said he had an appointment in Dublin and would be home later. So Katherine sat listening to the cooks talk.
Maggie Ahearn turned and grabbed the flour. She was making rolls for dinner. She glanced up at Katherine and wondered about her. She knew a bit about the family that was renting the castle. That they were rich beyond anything she would ever have to worry about. The times they had come to this castle and asked for extra help she knew she would get well paid. She also knew she was to ask no questions.

  “Maggie?”

  Maggie wiped her brow and looked up at Katherine.

  “Yes?”

  Katherine wasn’t sure what she should ask. She knew the Irish loved a good ghost story but didn’t want to have the extra hired help running if this wasn’t their cup of tea. “How long have you worked here?”

  Maggie wiped her hands on an extra tea towel and put the bowl on the back burner of the giant cooking range. She wet a tea towel, placed it over the bread dough. Then turning her attention to Katherine she sighed. “I’ve lived in this village all my life. I work here at the castle as has everyone in my family for centuries. All of us can tell you whatever you want to know.”

  Katherine picked up the mug of tea that sat in front of her untouched. “I think one of the ghosts was walking with me today in the rose garden.”

  Maggie laughed “Is that all. You must have been where they say the Wee One likes to walk. He is looking for his mother, they say. Some people have said they have heard him cry.”

  Katherine sat up straight. “Really, have you ever seen him or felt him?”

  “No. I don’t have time to be walking the garden paths. When I’m here at the castle it’s to work, not for relaxing. Now you would probably want to be asking my Uncle Tom, him being the gardener.”

  They both turned as Maggie’s younger sister Fiona came into the room laughing. “Tom’s drunk most days but he does say even in the early morning hours on certain days, he sees a mist hang over the rose bed. Says he’s seen visions of a wee boy. Uncle Tom named him Wee One,” Fiona said as she approached Katherine.