Cyn and I followed the others slowly walking through the crowd. Our people bowed or kneeled as we passed them. The princes walked behind us, eager to join the party and celebrate our union.
Unable to stop myself, I gazed towards the spot where I saw Asrhia, but it remained empty, and for a second, I wondered if I had imagined it. I looked up at the shining stars and smiled. Once again I felt Grandpa with me, and I prayed that from this day forward I could be the Priestess he imagined me to be.
Cyn finished untying the ribbon from our hands and placed it on top of my dresser. It had been both special and hilarious for us to eat, dance, and walk around the space greeting everyone with our hands still joined. I was glad Kyr had tied it loosely, although my fingers were kind of numb.
“I cannot believe the princes’ response to the kidnapping the Summer Princess, was to laugh and tell me I didn’t understand the politics of the Fae. That ‘certain things were needed to retain power.’ Seriously? I mean, they basically told me to mind my own business!” I said into Cyn’s mind, unhappy with their behavior. He laughed out loud. “I’m not amused, husband.”
He chuckled and brought me into his arms. "Nor am I. Nevertheless, I warned you that Fae monarchy had strong agendas and the Winter Court was not known for their amicable conduct. The Dark King is a cold and implacable ruler. His sons are not entirely like him, yet they are his sons, raised in his image. The Summer and Winter Courts have been at war for thousands and thousands of years, Wife. The Dark King is approximately fifteen thousand years old. His hatred is stronger than anything you or I have ever witnessed, and regrettably, that will not change because you attempt to appeal to the princes."
“But they are my friends. They married us. They cannot be evil." I sounded like a whiny child, but this genuinely bothered me.
His lips brushed mine in a whisper of a kiss. "And you are my wife, and we should not be discussing such things on our wedding night." His lips made a light trail across my neck as a shudder traveled down my spine.
“I agree, husband.” He grinned and looked into my eyes.
"It sounds perfect, does it not?"
"Yes."
His lips closed over mine, and as his fingers lowered the zipper of my dress, everything else was forgotten. The fabric hit the floor, Cyn's gaze roamed my body, and he froze. He seemed shocked as he stared at the lingerie I was wearing. He didn't speak, didn't blink, and for a split second, I was afraid he might not be breathing.
“My Goddess,” he whispered into my mind, his voice deep and sultry.
Flames of desire leaped into his eyes, and my heart began to slam against my chest. I liked the way he looked at me. Cyn's slow gaze returned to my eyes, and his eyes began to glow gold, just as they had done when our joined magic awakened. The honey hue enveloped my vision too, and I knew my eyes were shining in response. Cyn grunted, and his lips crashed into mine, and my hands hastily pulled off his coat. His clothes mixed with my lingerie on the floor, and he swiftly carried me in his arms, laying me down on the bed.
The next moments as Cyn made love to me, could only be described as that, moments in time. Our souls and bodies reached new heights of intimacy and love. Thunderous heartbeats and strangled breaths were the only things tying us to this dimension. Our tangled bodies lifted off the bed, and a bright light ignited inside us—coming from our essence—it illuminated us from the inside out. As glowing beings, we gazed at one another unable to make sense of it, or even wanting to.
I clung to Cyn, and his arms held me fiercely against him, the sensations intensifying inside of us, over our skin, and throughout every inch that touched. I forced my eyes to open and saw the light moving. Its glow augmented as it traveled through us, and with every second, it pushed us closer to the edge. Before we could take another breath, the light exploded, shooting out of us and illuminating the whole room. We fell into a glorious abyss, becoming undone while the rays of blinding light consumed us, filtering through every crevice and window in the hut.
Our ragged breaths mixed as our lips barely graced the other in lingering kisses. We slowly descended, and when my back touched the mattress, the tears spilled freely from my eyes. They were tears of joy. Cyn and I stared at each other in stunned silence. There were no words to describe what we had just experienced. The glow dissipated from our eyes. He kissed me again as love and happiness, pulsated inside of us like we've never felt, and I realized then that the power in our connection had truly exploded. There was no he or I anymore. There was no longer a distinction between us. We had become one in spirit, one in magic, and one in love.
We were reborn. Created to complete the other and bring about a new destiny for our people.
As the light radiated from us, I knew that future had just begun.
My cheek rested on Cyn's chest, while the rays of the morning sun filtered through the window. I woke up to his soft breaths, and the lazy caress of his fingers on my back. My lips were permanently curved into a smile, and I wasn't complaining.
“Blessed morning, wife.”
I grinned. “Blessed morning, husband.”
Our emotion changed filling our chests with amazement. I lifted my head focusing my gaze on his. “Last night…”
“Was incredible…” He smiled and brought his lips to mine.
“Seima and Cathair…”
“Are finally together, I am glad they have realized once and for all that they belong to one another.”
“How do you do it, Cyn?” I asked out loud, breaking our mental interaction. “How do you stay quiet recognizing the souls who belong together?”
He sighed. “It is the hardest thing I have ever accomplished. Nevertheless, one of the first lessons the Mòr Sagart taught me was that we must not intervene in the course of others destinies, regardless of whether or not we had the power to do so. As High Priests, our mission is to guide others spiritually, teach them and be by their side during their journey, never interrupting or aiding their advance. The lessons are theirs to learn, and we cannot force their evolvement or risk hindering their purpose in this life."
“Did you know Art and Lia belonged together?”
Cyn smiled tenderly. "From the instant I felt Lia's essence, when I cured the injuries on her legs. It is why I encouraged my brother to watch over her and have her stay with him."
I gasped. “You cheated!”
Cyn chuckled, and I kissed his dimple. His eyes briefly closed enjoying the attention then he looked at me. "No. I did not. My brother was the one to come to me with the idea, but I supported his decision, knowing it could be the chance they both deserved."
I grinned and kissed his lips. “Thank you. I’ve never seen Lia this happy before.”
"Neither have I seen my brother this overjoyed."
I suddenly remember something.
"You mentioned before that Lia's place was here with us. You said her gift was unique, and in the outside world it would overwhelm her but that here she had a purpose. What did you mean?”
Cyn sat up resting his back against the headboard and brought me with him. "The Fiosaiche Fàil is one of the most important members of the Druid Court.”
“The Druid Court?”
“Yes. With each High Priest succession, a Druid Court is selected. Those who possess a special ability, are trained as Druids and welcomed into the Court to aid the High Priest to guide and protect our people.”
“Did my Grandfather have one?”
"Not complete. He only had two members." I frowned, and Cyn sighed. "Not every generation brings gifted people into our clan. You must understand that although it seems like a common occurrence now, Druids are scarce. Magic chooses only the people who will be true, and respect the power they are given, who will use it to protect and serve others. That is the true spirit of the Druid."
“I understand. Then Venetia, Eisha’s mother, was a part of his Court? Because she was a Seer of Prophecies, correct?” Cyn nodded. “Who else helped Grandpa, Elion?”
Cyn n
odded. “Cathair's father was a Fiosaiche Fàil as well. He was the one to see my destiny and tell mo meantóir about my spirit animal. He also told him I’d be a Warrior.”
“I see. Which magical people have formed the Druid Court throughout our history?”
Cyn’s gaze became distant as he sorted through his memories. “A Maighstir-leigheis, a Fiosaiche Fàil, an Ovate, an Anam Sealgair…”
"Okay, so that's a Master Healer like Grandpa, a Seer of Destinies, A Seer of Prophecies, and a Soul Hunter?”
“There is two more,” he said cryptically.
“Which are?”
A soft smile curved Cyn’s lips as his eyes lightly shone. “A Nneach-sìth and Maighstir Draoidheachd.” I gazed at him silently, and he cradled my cheek. “A Peace Bearer.” He whispered. “That is you, my Goddess. The magic you possess inside, that light you share with others—flowing from your essence—that is your gift. I felt it from the first moment we touched. That is what you wield in your Spear of Light. It comes from you, not the stone. The Minastra GalIsacura Arthulis only amplifies your ability.” His words seemed adoring, and filled with awe.
“And the Maighstir Draoidheachd it’s you. Master of Magic.” I said as a fact. He nodded as a grin captured my lips. Leaning in, I kissed him then frowned. “Are those all the powers that had ever formed the Druid Court?”
Cyn nodded. “Except ours, yes, although never at once, my Goddess. The last time we had a Soul Hunter—thousands of years ago—that was the only power the Goddess bestowed upon the Order. There were also times when a High Priest had no aid whatsoever, and the weight of guiding and protecting his clan fell solely on his shoulders."
I gasped. “Dear Mother Goddess! Cyn, do you know what this means?”
A knowing glint entered his eyes, yet he remained silent. Untainted delight and hope spread through us as one, and I knew I needed to say it out loud.
“Two High Priests who are also A Peace Bearer and a Master of Magic, a Soul Hunter, a Seer of Destinies, an Ovate and a Master Healer. For the first time in the history of the Order, we have all the powers."
“The Druid Court is finally complete.”
Cyn confirmed as my eyes teared up, our purpose had never seemed more plausible than it did in this moment.
“Get dressed. We have to go see the others.”
Chapter 6. The Druid Court
BRINA
* * *
"Thanks for letting us hold the meeting here," I said to Eisha as Cyn, and I stood in front of her in our Priest's robes. The way I felt in this dress, I was never taking it off again. From the look on Cyn's face neither was he, and I had no problem with that. He looked extra delicious in his outfit.
She smiled. “It is nothing. I am glad to be able to aid you, High Priestess.”
"Oh, no," I said, shaking my head adamantly. "My name is Brina or Bri. There is no need for formalities between us. You are my friend, my family. I have enough with the rest of the village calling me that. Not you too.”
She chuckled right along with Cyn. “All right. It is my pleasure, Bri.”
“Much better.”
My gaze went to the door as Eghan and Ronan walked in, Seima and Cathair followed a smile on their faces.
“Before we begin I’d like to make an announcement, and ask for your blessing,” Cathair said holding Seima’s hand in his.
Cyn and I grinned, facing him. "Of course. You may speak freely," Cyn encouraged just as the door burst open, slamming against the wall.
"I'm engaged!!" Lia shrieked, frantically showing us her hand, as she ran towards me.
"Aaah!!" I screamed as we hugged.
Art laughed, walking in behind her and closing the door, as Lia and I jumped together squealing, then hugged again. By the time we stopped everyone was staring at us shocked and a little perturbed.
"What? A High Priestess and her best friend can't act like a pair of fifteen-year-olds?" They laughed. "Sweet mother of all things unexpected! You weren't kidding, huh?" I asked Art as he kissed my cheek, Cyn hugged him and patted his back, pleased. "You were only waiting until we got married." Art grinned and nodded, wrapping his arm around Lia.
"Look!" Lia squealed again, bringing my attention back to her. Her hand was in my face, and I gasped as my eyes focused on her ring.
"This is gorgeous!" A rose gold, hexagonal ring with tiny diamonds encrusted around the band was on her finger. The center stone was big, maybe two carats but it wasn't a diamond, and to be honest, I wasn't sure I had ever seen that kind of stone.
"It's a raw moonstone," Lia added, answering my silent question.
My eyes marveled at the beauty of the gem. It was a milky white, yet it seemed to have clusters of tiny iridescent crystals just under the surface, and it lightly shimmered on its own, reminding me of the colorful rays of my Minastra GalIsacura Arthulis. “It’s flawless. I can’t imagine a more perfect ring.”
“You have no idea. The moonstone is a very powerful stone. It stimulates our intuitive energy, sensitivity, and psychic abilities. It’s a perfect balance to my gift.”
“Wow, it sounds like he knows you.” Art winked at me dimples flashing. “And it’s exquisite.”
"Congratulations." Cyn hugged Lia. The others proceeded to extend their wishes too.
I instantly remembered something. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Cathair. You were just about to say something, and we interrupted you. Please, go ahead."
"It is no problem," he said, briefly looking towards Art as though he was holding himself back from walking to his friend and sharing his joy. I internally sighed. Cathair kissed Seima's hand, and his gaze once again settled on Cyn and I. "Seima, and I have come together at last. We have decided to share our hearts and lives with one another. The love we hold for each other is too compelling, and we do not wish to waste another moment."
Our lips curved into a brilliant smile, Eisha cupped her mouth in astonishment. Her eyes twinkled with emotion. Everyone immediately understood the significance of his words. They hugged Seima and Cathair, sharing their good wishes. Cyn and I exchanged a satisfied glance and joined hands as we watched them. We were truly happy for them. Art’s gaze went to Lia and he narrowed his eyes questioningly, she stuck her tongue out at him in response. I laughed. Lia was one in a million, and now I knew how Cathair had finally found his way to Seima. Lia had intervened.
“Our future is written in the stars, so that destiny shall always find a way,” Cyn spoke in my mind, and I gazed at him grinning. Lia had been destiny's plan all along.
When my gaze returned to Cathair, Art stood closer to him. Suddenly, his hands forcefully connected with Cathair's chest, pushing him. All of us froze. Cathair staggered back several steps, almost falling, but recovered quickly pushing Art even harder. What the hell? I was about to intervene when laughter erupted from them, and they embraced each other in a manly hug. Seriously… Men. They patted each other's backs rejoiced and congratulated the other; then they moved to hug Seima and Lia. My dumbfounded gaze went to Cyn, and he shrugged. Just like that, the feud between them was resolved. I chuckled shaking my head.
* * *
“Before we begin there is one more person we need with us.” I paused, looking at Lia for a second then my gaze shifted to Eisha. “Please ask Kevan to join us.”
Her eyes widened, and I realized this was something she hadn't foreseen. Eisha nodded, but when she reached for her Blessed Passage Stones on her table, she couldn't find them. She walked towards her nightstand, but Art's hand stopped her.
"I have them," he informed, earning a confused stare from her. His hand pulled a narrow jewelry box—I hadn't noticed before—from the back pocket of his jeans, and held it between them. "I borrowed them from you yesterday. I figured you wouldn't notice."
"Have you misplaced yours? I do not understand," Eisha asked, but Art shook his head smiling.
"No, I have mine. I just wanted to do something for you. Since Lia and I got together, I've learned a lot about stones and their propertie
s. I also learned from what you told me about your ability, and the way you move through the Astral Plane. As I compared the information an idea began to form, and I wondered if I could make it happen. That is why I took your stones last night."
He handed the rectangular box to her but held her hand before she could open it.
"If I was successful, this could be the perfect gift for you."
She grinned and opened the case gasping. Her fingers lifted a stone necklace from the box. It was the Clocha Sliocht Bheannaithe—Sacred Passage Stones, reshaped and placed in a specific pattern. In between them, I could see smaller crystals that sparkled in the light.
“I call it the Bhòidse Seud-muineil"—Voyage Necklace. Art announced as Eisha's eyes teared up in recognition. "It has your passage stones, yet I have combined them with small Ametrine crystals. The Ametrine is a potent combination of Amethyst and Citrine, which connects the physical and spiritual realms. Metaphysically, it's also good for opening the Third Eye Chakra and enhancing the ability you already have within you. My idea is that together, these stones will complement each other, magnifying their magic and connecting to yours. This should allow the stones to work differently for you. Unlike our portals, when you ask for passage the power in your ability will connect with the Voyage Necklace, taking you from where you are to where you wish to be. In essence, it'll be you moving through time and space, not the stones."
Eisha nodded remaining silent, as Art took the necklace from her fingers and placed it around her neck. Her eyes connected with mine as she held her hair so he could secure it, and her knowing look searched mine. Once Art stepped back, her hand lifted. Her fingers touched the light honey stones of her necklace, and the glowing lines swiftly appeared on her skin, tracing the map.
A small smile curved her lips. “Gabh mi thuige”—take me to him. She whispered and disappeared in front of our eyes. Gasps filled the room as they all stared at the place where she stood just a second ago. No stone archway, no white revolving mist in its core, she was just gone.
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