Enchanted

by Judith Leger

  Her glance took in her surroundings. No longer the midnight void, a covered balcony took its place. Marble columns fashioned into twined saplings braced the balcony’s roof.

  She swung her legs off the bed and sat up, admiring the plants and flowers swaying in the light breeze.

  When she looked at Shay, he still knelt beside her. She smiled at him, and he returned her greeting with a devastatingly beautiful grin. Without thinking, she placed her hand in his and allowed him to help her stand. Layer upon layer of white silky lace flowed down her legs and spread in a wide flare about her.

  Glancing down at the dress, she gasped in surprise at the wondrous beauty draping her form. Fitted over her arms and torso, the waist dipped into a point so that the dress clung to the tops of her hips. Low cut, the bodice scalloped over her shoulders and breasts and plunged in the center. Silky layers started at her hips and flowed down her legs. For all the material in it, the dress was light and cool.

  She met Shay’s eyes and smiled. She liked this dress as much as the other one. A laugh bubbled when he lifted the hem and touched her ankle. He held a slipper in his other hand. The low-heeled shoe fit her to perfection.

  “What are they made of?” she wondered, admiring her foot, twisting it for a better view.

  “The finest webs in the world. Each spider spun stardust into their webs so their princess would have a fine pair of slippers. Do you like them?” He slid the second one on her other foot.

  Instead of being upset about wearing spider webs, she studied them. How did they seem so sturdy yet so fragile? “Is there a mirror? I want to see.” Excitement surged through her. She needed to see if she was as lovely now as she was before.

  Shay stood and pointed behind him. She saw the looking glass and hurried to it. Yes, she looked just like the last time. Only the dress had changed. She still wore the crown and pendant. Amazed at the change, she felt new and vibrant.

  A vine clinging to the side of the mirror inched toward her. Instead of feeling fear, she smiled, knowing the plant would not hurt her. When it entered the thick long strands covering her head, it moved through, lifting and separating until her hair was fashioned into a beautiful coiffure.

  The vine secured her hair in place, allowing stray tendrils to escape. White flowers bloomed throughout her hair. The stem to the vine snapped and curled between her bare shoulder blades.

  She twirled around in a flurry of white silk. “I can’t believe how pretty this is. Do you like it, Shay?”

  He kept his back to her. She stepped nearer. His hair seemed longer, and in the light of the sun, she noticed tiny braids shooting through the thick strands. Gold and silver threads were woven in the slender braids.

  Moving to stand in front of him, she smiled at him. His eyes were closed, and she brushed the back of her hand over the side of his face. When his eyelids rose, his brilliant amethyst eyes locked with hers.

  “Come, let us go. There is much to see.” He caught her hand and tugged her toward an opening in the terrace’s pedestal wall.

  She laughed, grasping the long folds of her dress, and raced by his side. Sweeping gardens spread before them. Hurrying through the plants and sunshine, they stopped on the far edge. A vast expanse of breathtaking beauty stretched toward the horizon.

  Buildings, carved from stone and marble, were positioned into the sides of three ridges that surrounded a three-tiered waterfall. At the base of the falls, rainbows danced across the smoothness of a small lake. Beyond the lake, meadows and forests flowed to the western horizon.

  Caitlyn gasped, clasping her hands to her chest. The air, fresh and crisp, washed over her and filled her. She’d never known a place like this existed.

  Birds flew and sang in the green trees abounding throughout the land. Small and large animals roamed about without fear. A large golden-brown bear lay along the short of the lake, while several children played close by. The animal merely watched, with its head resting on its front paws. A dark-haired girl ran up to the creature and climbed onto its back. The bear didn’t even lift its head as the child reclined on top of it.

  Glancing at the buildings, she noticed several people moving around. “Who are they?”

  “They are your clansmen. Their blood is the same as yours and mine. They are the Tylwyth Teg.” Shay stepped closer to the edge that dropped off the side of the gardens.

  He pointed to the right. She saw a narrow trail winding down the side of the ridge. This time, she pulled him forward, her laughter echoing across the ravine. She wanted to see everything here, wanted to learn all there was, and deep inside, she wanted to stay here forever.

  With Shay.

  Chapter 23

  As she and Shay walked, they came across several men and women along the trail. Their tall slender bodies were dressed in clothes that sparkled and shimmered. Long blond and dark hair covered their heads to fall about their shoulders and down their backs. Five-stranded braids on the sides of their heads were decorated with ribbons and tiny trinkets. Some of the men wore sleeveless tunics, and when they raised their arms to wave, Caitlyn noticed tattoos marking the flesh on the underside.

  As they passed different groups, the people greeted them with cries of joy, pressing flowers into her arms until she carried a large, fragrant bouquet. Why were they reacting this way?

  Roses, pansies, lilies and anemones bobbed as she hurried forward. Her dress flowed behind, brushing against Shay’s legs. He followed her and didn’t question whatever she wanted to do. Of course, this was her dream. Anything was possible.

  At the trail’s end, small wooden docks with carved white boats awaited them on the lake’s calm water. Two men grinned and helped her aboard. She sat toward the front, then turned and smiled at Shay.

  “Sit by me.” She patted the place next to her.

  Watching him cross to her, his balance perfect, brought a laugh from her. Dark hair caught in the slight breeze fluttered away from his face. Her heartbeat sped as her breath caught in her throat. Desire flooded through her with such a strong surge, her body heated with the need to touch him. Once he was seated next to her, she reached across him and tugged at the tie on the other side of the tunic he wore. Somewhere along the path, the cloth belt had come untied. A large amount of smooth skin presented a strong temptation. She watched the muscles in his belly tighten. So, he was more aware of her than he let on.

  She pulled the two ends together, meeting his gaze and smiling. Still holding the tie, she tugged him closer, her lips close to his ear. “Let’s fix this. I wouldn’t want any other woman to see you. You belong to me, and I will not share you.”

  A low chuckle vibrated in his throat. “So you think to possess me, do you?”

  “Completely. You’re mine.” She leaned in and brushed a quick kiss over his lips. The contact sent heat through her body, and she wished the watchful eyes would disappear.

  “Calm your desire, we still have much to see.” He bent and returned her kiss with a soft touch to her cheek. When he straightened, she pressed her head to his shoulder and smiled.

  She didn’t want this to end. The ride across the lake was peaceful. She trailed her fingers through the water and watched the crystal clear liquid dripping from her fingertips when she lifted her hand.

  “Everything is so fresh and new. Why?” She tilted her head at Shay.

  “This place has never been touched by humans. We value nature and in turn, she protects and shelters us,” he said. He raised an arm, sweeping it in a wide arch. “All of this is protected by magic. Only when mankind is gone will we return to the land and restore what was lost.”

  “But you’re human–”

  “No, I am Tylwyth Teg,” he said, cutting her off. “A light elf from the planet Vanir. We came here many centuries ago, hoping to begin a thriving colony, but the humans refused to let us live in peace.”

  “Why didn’t you leave?”

  His chest expanded with a deep breath, and his chin lifted as he answered, “We declined to. W
ell met in battle with the humans, a truce was called. Mankind will have the surface, and we will live in the Sidhe.”

  His voice rang out over the waters. He angled his head upward. Amethyst flames still flickered within his eyes when he glanced at her. “This is your home. ’Tis where you belong. You weren’t meant to live in the human world.”

  “I must have eaten something really wild today. I don’t want to talk about my ancestry. This is what I want to do.” Pressing her palm to the back of his neck, she covered his lips with hers. Her tongue slid into the heated depths of his mouth and stroked his tongue. Cinnamon burst in her mouth, eliciting a moan from her.

  Without breaking contact, she said, “You taste so good.” To prove her point, she deepened the kiss, applying light suction to capture more of the heated spice.

  Shay groaned.

  She felt a bump and the boat stopped. He pulled away, and stood, balancing on the rim of the boat for a second before leaping to the dock’s solid wood. Despite being disappointed, she took the hand he held out to her. Tugging her to him, he wrapped his arms around her and squeezed. “You are indeed a great joy to me. Come, love, we must hurry. There is much more I wish you to see.”

  The smile budding on her lips froze. He called her love. Was she? His love? What was he to her? A simmering emotion bubbled inside her. Her smile changed to a wide grin. Yes, in this place she was his love. When she took a step, flowers bloomed under her feet.

  Shay stopped and glanced at her over his shoulder. He swallowed, and shook his head. “Still your heart, Caitlyn. What you wish cannot be.”

  She laughed and twirled ahead of him, her arms raised above her. “Still yourself. This is my dream and I can wish for what I want. And I intend to get what I want. Right now, I want to race you to the meadow. The flowers look so pretty from here.”

  Without waiting, she lifted her skirts and bolted ahead of him. His answering laughter followed her. A quick glimpse over her shoulder found him not far from her. In a second, he caught her hand and pulled her with him.

  When they reached the meadow, Shay continued until they reached the center. Caitlyn twirled in a circle, taking in the sunshine, blue sky, green grass, wildflowers and the rich earth. Nature’s wonderful odors greeted her. Dizzy, she fell backward. The meadow’s plants rose to meet her, then laid her gently on the cushioned ground.

  Shay passed her and lay end to end with the top of his head against hers. They stared at the fluffy clouds floating above. Contentment filled her.

  After several peaceful minutes, she raised a hand and touched his hair. “Are you awake?”

  “Mmm.”

  She rolled onto her stomach and stared at him. He laid, arms out, legs crossed and his eyes shut. Plucking a daisy, she twirled the stem between her fingers and tickled him under the nose. She stifled a giggle when his nose wrinkled and his mouth twitched. One amethyst eye cracked open.

  In a fluid motion, he rolled over. Now face to face, she stared into his eyes and became lost. Together, they leaned forward and kissed. Sweet, painful desire blossomed.

  “Make love to me. Now. I want to feel you over me and in me. Please Shay,” she whispered.

  He cupped her face in his palms, passing his thumbs over her cheeks. His eyelids drooped, and his gaze caught on her mouth. “You tempt me sorely but we cannot. I am not meant for you.”

  She stared at him through narrowed eyes. “I say you are. This is my dream. You can’t refuse me.”

  “I have to. You don’t really want me.” Sadness pulled at his mouth. “Your dream will be over soon.”

  “Not until I say it is. Right now, I want you. Don’t make me beg.” She brushed a finger over his bottom lip. “I need you.”

  With a groan, he captured her lips. Pleasure throbbed at the base of her belly and increased as sharp pangs flashed in her middle as he touched her shoulder, sliding his fingers under her dress. The material slipped off and revealed the curve of her breast. He pulled away to stare at the bare skin.

  Twisting until he lay next to her, he ran his hand down the side of her waist to her hip then lower, pulling the flowing skirts up. Her pulse quickened. He touched her inner thigh. She forgot to breathe.

  His amethyst eyes rose and seized her with their burning depths. She panted, passion growing out of control. Wrapping her hand around his neck, she tugged him to her and devoured his lips and mouth with hot, wet kisses.

  With the first touch of his lean fingers at her center, she arched her back as her legs spread. Her heels dug into the soil. Her low cry entered his mouth. Fluid rushed from her and coated his fingers. He slid a couple fingers inside her while his thumb rubbed against the pulsing nub.

  Breaking free of his lips, she whispered his name.

  He raised his head. Warm breath blew over her chest. She struggled to drag in air as she watched him nuzzle the edge of her dress until her breasts lay exposed to his dilated gaze. She moaned as the pressure grew from where his fingers caressed her. He licked between her breasts, a soft flick from his tongue. Electricity shot through her, the tingling racing along her skin. Deep inside, the coil of need tightened. Unable to control her reaction, a low whimper escaped.

  Another swift flick on the swell of her breast, and she would explode. Eyes shut and no longer able to think, she let the pounding heat flow through her. This was Shay. He was touching her, making love to her. She wanted him. Only him.

  The touch of his lips clasping, sucking her nipple sent her over the edge. White light exploded behind her lids, and her body squeezed the hard length of his fingers. Wave upon wave of exhilarating pleasure poured through her, between and down her legs. She reared back and cried out her delight.

  Time stilled. She refused to open her eyes and face the world. Floating on wings of light, she had experienced heaven in the last few minutes and wanted it to last forever.

  Shay rested his head on her shoulder. She threaded her fingers through his hair and inhaled deeply. The scent of wildflowers, the earth and the musky odor of her passion filled her senses. He brushed a light kiss on her collarbone.

  His warm breath washed over her sensitive flesh as he murmured, “We must go. Time is short.”

  She hesitated. She wanted to stay, but this was only a dream. It would end, and she wanted to spend every second of it with him. When he rose and held out his hand, she grasped it and wouldn’t let go once he pulled her up. With his assistance, she was able to fix her clothing so it appeared nothing had happened between them.

  The need to tell him how she felt built inside her heart, but she refused to release it. This was a dream. Whatever she told him wouldn’t matter here. He wasn’t real.

  Battling a wave of sadness, she smiled and pulled him to her for a swift kiss. “Lead on, handsome sir. I am yours to do with what you will.”

  A deep chuckle rumbled in his chest. “Then come, my princess. We will visit other places.”

  Laughing, he helped her straighten her dress before they raced across the meadow back the way they’d come. The sun drifted across the sky. He showed her everything in the wondrous place. Toward the end of the day, they walked hand in hand up the steep trail leading to her room. When they reached the gardens above, Caitlyn turned to face the magical land.

  Movement from the forest caught her gaze. A solid white horse, a golden horn centered on its forehead, pranced from the trees. A dark-haired woman sat sidesaddle on the animal’s back, her lavender dress billowing out behind.

  Caitlyn’s eyes widened. She grasped Shay’s hand and squeezed. “Is that a unicorn?”

  He laughed low. “Of course. What else would it be?”

  “Who is she?” Her breathing accelerated, and her heart pounded.

  As the woman rode nearer to the buildings, several of the men and women came out and greeted her. The men dropped to one knee and the women threw flower petals in her wake.

  A trail of flowers bloomed on the path the woman traveled. Caitlyn gasped in amazement. She repeated her question, tear
ing her gaze away and focusing on Shay.

  A gentle smile brightened his eyes. He knelt on the ledge and bowed his head, placing his hand over his heart in homage.

  She looked back at the woman. The unicorn pranced in a circle below. Its rider raised her face toward them and smiled. For the first time since she started dreaming, Caitlyn didn’t want to be here. Jealousy filled her.

  “Who is she?”

  He stood and brushed his thumb across her lips. “She is the Lady of the Forest. Our queen.”

  “What is she to you?” Caitlyn pushed his hand away and frowned at him.

  He chuckled. “Do not fear that she has my heart. That was stolen many years ago, and I find that I have none left to offer.”

  “Even to me?” Her voice sounded hollow and empty. She tensed as she waited for his answer.

  With his gaze locked on hers, he leaned nearer and touched her lips with his. “And who else would have it, but you?”

  Joy filled and overflowed her heart. She grinned. “No one. You’d best remember that too.”

  Their laughter echoed across the ravine as they turned and raced to her room. The setting sun cast magenta and orange-red shades over the horizon.

  Chapter 24

  Caitlyn came awake in slow degrees as the gentle patter of the rain on the window’s panes caught her attention. The chill in the air made her want to snuggle deeper under the wildflower scented covers. Dim morning light showed through her eyelids. She groaned. She wanted to go back to sleep and return to her dream.

  A smile flitted over her lips. Her sweet, sweet dream. Tingling sensations traveled through her nerve endings.

  The ringing of the house telephone on the bedside table forced her to sit up. Fumbling with the receiver, she mumbled a greeting.

  “Catey?” Marcy’s bright voice sounded over the line.

  “Oh, hi.” Caitlyn swiped a hand over her face as she braced her back against the headboard. The comfort the bed offered soon helped to lull her so she dozed off.

  “Wake up!”