by Mary Morgan
Swallowing, Ivy held the teardrop up to the light. “From this day forward, all his tears will only be of joy.”
The woman moved away from Ivy. “I am blessed to see this day. My heart is full.” Raising her hands outward, a bouquet of flowers appeared in her arms. They were woven together with vines of ivy.
Abela presented them to her. “Roses and gardenias. I heard they were a favorite of yours.”
Ivy clutched them to her chest and inhaled their heady aroma. “Lovely.”
The first bell sounded in the distance and both women turned their heads.
“It is time,” announced Abela.
Ivy went and retrieved her cloak. Fastening the material around her shoulders, she clasped it closed with a Celtic brooch. Taking one last look at herself in the mirror, she picked up her bouquet and nodded to Abela.
As they descended the steps, the song of many voices filled the air. A sense of peace surrounded them as they made their way through several archways alive with flowers. Onward they continued, past the flowing stream where swans glided across the blue water oblivious to the celebrations.
Pausing before the bridge, she took a deep breath and released it slowly. The glittering cathedral steps loomed before her. The blare of the first trumpet heralded their arrival.
Abela glanced over her shoulder. “Have no fear, little sister. You’re now infused with Fae blood. You will be able to manage the steps.”
Nervous laughter bubbled forth from Ivy. “Reading my mind?”
The woman arched a brow, similar to her brother. “Never.” Yet, her mouth twitched in humor.
As they reached the steps, Ivy cleared her mind of fear and doubts and followed Abela upward. With each step, strength infused her and soon she was at the top. Her heart beat rapidly, but she knew it wasn’t from the climb. No, it was only for one reason. Conn. Her nerves prickled with anticipation.
Clutching her bouquet of flowers, Ivy held her head high and stepped into the cathedral. Beauty and song filled her. The Fae tossed out flower petals along her path, and some blew kisses her way. Each step drew her closer to the only one she ached to see. Starlight dusted down upon everyone, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Abela’s voice rose in joyous song with the others and onward the procession continued. As the crowd parted, Conn stood at the center. Magnificent in his royal golden tunic and pants, he radiated pure masculinity. Smiling fully, his one look seared a path straight to her heart. “How can a heart have so much love?” she whispered.
Abela nodded to her brother and took her place beside the king and queen.
Conn moved toward her. Everyone else faded from her view as she took his outstretched hand. Strong, warm, safe. Ivy smiled.
Bringing her hand to his lips, he whispered, “You are a vision. Beauty beyond words.”
“And you steal my breath,” she uttered softly.
Lightly brushing his fingers across her pendant, he regarded it with a glint of wonder. “Need I ask whose tears?”
“Abela gave it to me as a wedding present.”
“Hmm…I favor a conversation with my wee sister.”
Ivy clutched the pendant. “Are you angry with her?”
Conn took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. He then led them to the center underneath the vine-covered trellis. “Not in the least. It is my gift to you, too. But there are times when I wonder if my sister has made a wise choice in following the path she is on.”
“Remember, it’s her journey. You and I have already taken ours.”
Taking her hand, he brushed a kiss along her knuckles. “Before we say our vows, we shall kneel for Mother Danu’s blessing.”
She nudged him lightly. “Your mother informed me of what to expect. I will hear or feel her words.”
“You are not frightened?”
“Never, with you by my side, Conn.”
As they both knelt upon the moss-covered ground, the area warmed considerably, and the roof of the cathedral opened to reflect a starlit night sky. Moonlight swept down on them encasing them both in her radiance. The power of the Goddess wove through Ivy and around Conn. Her love entered Ivy’s soul, whispering her approval of the union. Joy infused Ivy’s spirit as she closed her eyes on a prayer.
Upon opening them, they waited for the High Priestess to come forward. Conn took her hand as they both stood before the woman. A twinkle of moonlight caught his eyes as he glanced at her.
The priestess’s words echoed within the place—ancient and mystical.
“You have both come freely to the Mother and to the Fae. We, your people, rejoice in your union. Prince and warrior stands before us. Both shall remain in your lineage and travel through your descendants along with a new bloodline. A time of renewal and change is on the horizon.”
The priestess turned to Ivy. “Child of the humans, we welcome you. Your strength, courage, and love radiates within and throughout the realm. We welcome you—your gift, and the new seed of life you carry within your womb. May your union be fruitful, multiply, grow in wisdom and love. Even in death, your souls shall remain sealed with your thread of love for the other.”
Retreating to the other priestesses, she bowed before them.
Ronan and Taran approached. Each made a slight bow. Ronan was the first to step forward. Kneeling on one knee, he withdrew his sword and placed it on the ground in front of Ivy. Confused, she glanced sideways to Conn.
“What are you doing?” Conn inquired his gaze intent.
“As I am the guardian of the princess—”
“Wrong,” corrected Conn. “She is mine.”
Ronan’s expression stilled and grew serious. “That may be, but as a Fenian Warrior and former guardian to the princess—to Ivy, I am bound by honor to pledge my sword, loyalty, and life to her. Ye already have my allegiance, my friend. This I ask of your wife.”
Conn held his arm outward. “Granted, old friend.”
Ronan grasped it firmly. “Thank ye.” He regarded Ivy with kind eyes. “Will you accept my pledge, Princess Ivy?”
“Yes,” she uttered softly.
Standing, Ronan gestured to the other Fenian Warriors who had stepped forward. “We have come to witness this union and pledge our vow.”
A gasp echoed throughout the cathedral as the Fenian Warriors knelt in front of Ivy. She glanced outward at the gathering, unable to form any words. Hundreds of warriors in a display of loyalty bowed down to her. As one voice, they uttered their pledge as Ronan had done. Rising and lifting their swords, they all saluted Conn and then vanished.
“Impressive,” mumbled Ivy.
“Indeed.” Conn squeezed her hand. “Walk with me.”
Smiling, she complied and he led her to a quartz fountain, the water gently bubbling up from the middle. He took her flowers and set them on the ledge.
Taking both of her hands within his, he placed them on his chest. Her gaze never wavered as she stared into his silver eyes. “Until the mists descend and I depart from this life to the next, you shall always have a part of me. I weave my love freely—blood to blood, my heart to yours. Blood to blood, my soul to yours. Blood to blood, my body shall forever shield and protect you in this realm and to the next. I bind you with these words to me always.” His voice raw with emotion, he added, “We shall walk into the land of forever as one love.”
No longer could Ivy hold back the tears. She let them fall freely. “My love for you resembles a Celtic knot. There is no beginning. No ending. Time will pass. Worlds will crumble and fade away, but you will always be with me. My love is eternal.” She paused and stepped closer. “My love is as vast as the universe from which you descended.”
Conn placed his forehead on hers. “I will show you the stars, mo ghrá.”
Her lip trembled as she placed her hand on his cheek. “But you already have, my Celt.”
His lips came crashing down on hers, stealing the breath and moan from her lungs. Ivy clung to him, lost in a dazzling world of light and sensatio
ns. His tongue plundered deeply, and she surrendered.
She barely registered the rousing shouts of the gathered Fae. Bells chimed, along with trumpets, but they faded as Conn swept her away with his passionate kiss.
When he broke free, Ivy swayed from the emotions. Wrapping a strong arm around her waist, he teased the vein along her neck. “After the first round of toasts and the main feast has ended, I am taking you to our chambers.” His eyes roamed over her body. “This gown hugs parts of your skin where I desire to taste.”
She eyed him skeptically. “Your mother has informed me the celebrations will last three days. I don’t expect she’ll be happy if we leave after a few hours.”
Conn tipped her chin up with his finger and winked. “Ask me if I care?”
Ivy rolled her eyes. “I’m doomed if we have sons that mirror your stubbornness.”
Lifting her high, Conn roared with laughter.
Chapter Thirty-Four
One week after the Wedding Feast
Warm air and soft skin surrounded Conn as he slowly awakened to a new dawn. Opening his eyes, his heart burned at the sight. He would never tire of the vision of his lovely sprite nestled next to him. Each morning brought new joy. She radiated a beauty that brought him to his knees—him a feared and noble warrior. One that spanned a millennium and more. And this frightened Conn. Nevertheless, without Ivy in his life, there would be none.
An empty existence.
The past week was one filled with festivities and seeing old friends. Sean wept with joy when they appeared and told him they had married. Thrilled with happiness, he promptly handed over a hissing Neala, who had objected being pulled from the comforts of her mistress’s cottage. Ivy’s horse had behaved himself, though it was the feline that gave Sean fits.
Conn’s mouth twitched with amusement recalling the visit to the Seven Swans. As Ivy mentioned their elopement, Erin shouted in glee and promptly pulled their best single malt from the shelf for a toast. And then promptly told him if he ever hurt Ivy again, she would rip certain body parts from his body. However, Mac stood rooted to the bar floor gaping at him. Yet, in leaving, the man shook his hand and wished for all the best.
Leaning on one elbow, he studied her sleeping form. Pouting lips, swollen from all the kisses he bestowed on her. Lashes that framed eyes that entranced him. A dimple in the left cheek, enhancing her looks each time she smiled at him.
Her hand was cradled under her cheek, as she snored softly. Conn prayed his daughter would resemble her mother.
Daughter. The very word sent his mind spinning.
Rising quietly from the bed, he draped a cover over her shoulders. Striding through his chambers and onto the terrace, he braced his hands on the ledge. Fear lodged inside of him. Will I be a good father? Will she find flaws within me? Will she love me?
Then Conn remembered his mentor, Aidan Kerrigan. Regret filled him. “Why didn’t I ever seek you out after you left? I am sorry, my friend.” He lifted his head to the light streaming down. “Let my words carry to you across the void.”
“Talking to the elements, husband?” Ivy approached near his side and slipped an arm around his waist. Her simple touch soothed an ancient ache.
“Old friends, long gone,” he replied, burying the memory.
“I’m a good listener, if you need to talk.”
He trailed a finger down the front of her open robe. “I’d rather do other things, now that you’re here.”
Her laugh was sensual and full of promises. “What did you have in mind?”
By the Gods, how he loved the sound of her voice in the early morn. Husky, rich, and ready for him. He lifted her onto the ledge. “Remember the first night under the full moon?”
She twined her fingers into his hair. “How could I ever forget? It was glorious, powerful, and full of desire.”
Conn pushed the material away from her shoulders, exposing her luscious breasts. “In all of my life, I had never lost control as I did on that night.” His finger brushed across her rosy nipple, eliciting a sigh from her lips. “I fully intended to take you right there.”
Spreading her legs farther apart, she held his head back. “Why didn’t you?”
“It was not a path I was prepared for at the time,” he concluded. “In truth, I feared the power you had over me. You brought this warrior to his knees.”
Ivy removed her hands from his head. “Am I your weakness?”
“On the contrary, you are my strength. I had to walk my own destiny.”
“Which is?” Ivy inquired, placing her hands on his arms.
“Love and accepting my place here in the realm.”
Her brow furrowed. “Will you miss being a Fenian Warrior?”
He chuckled softly. “No. We are moving in a new direction. The warriors have been appointed under my command as of yesterday. The Fae council no longer has a say in what they do. My position will be in terms of advising and overseeing their missions.”
“So, in other words, you’re still a part of the Brotherhood,” she stated dryly.
“Yes, but I cannot travel through the veil to assist others,” he assured her, kissing her tenderly. “I can only slip through a few hundred years.”
Ivy wrapped her arms around his neck. “Good. There is one more question.”
He nipped along her neck. “Yes?”
“Why does everyone in the Brotherhood have last names? I’ve met so many of the Fae, and they only have first names.”
Meeting her gaze, he replied, “Think of the Fae as belonging to certain clans, or royal clans. We call them houses—”
Her eyes danced with mischief. “Like the House of Frylnn? Your sister spoke of this one to me.”
Conn tweaked her nose. “Let us not mention that particular one. Again, I must have words with my sister.”
Ivy laughed. “Continue.”
“As I was explaining, each of the Fae here in the realm belongs to a certain house. Whereas, the Fenian Warriors were given surnames in order to live above in the human world. Names were chosen from noble clan families—ones loyal to the Fae and the Dragon Knights.”
“Fascinating. Explain to me again about these knights.”
Sweeping his gaze outward, he replied, “The order was founded thousands of years ago. Strong and loyal people were selected and joined with a house of the Fae. Furthermore, special gifts and powers were bestowed to them.”
“A marriage? Union of both worlds?” Ivy interrupted.
“Correct. They were the guardians of our dragons. But when the war between the new and old religion began, the dragons were hunted and slain. As a final attempt to save the last one, the Dragon Knights were ordered to take her to Scotland and safeguard her in the waters of Loch Ness, where she dwells to this day.”
“Who guards her?” she asked softly.
A golden hawk made lazy circles in the sky and Conn studied its flight. “A new order of Dragon Knights. The MacFhearguis clan.”
“Another lesson I’ve learned today.”
Conn snapped his attention back to Ivy. “Would you like to meet Adam and Meggie MacFhearguis today?”
“To Scotland?” she asked, her eyes growing wide. “I thought we could never leave here.”
He snorted, looking past her to where Neala sat on a patch of grass in the sun. “So I’ve been ordered. However, for reasons I cannot fathom, I deem it important to make a visit.”
Ivy started to pull her robe around her shoulders and Conn halted her progress. Cupping one breast, he leaned near her cheek, “The day is young, and I have plans for you by the waterfall.”
Her smile turned seductive—inviting. “I’m all yours.”
****
Many hours later, Conn stood with Ivy before the bridge leading to Aonach Castle. Sunlight danced along the snow covered ground, adding a magical look to the stone fortress. He looked behind him, sending out his greetings to the Great Dragon. She quickly acknowledged his presence. Bowing his head slightly, he stared back at
the home of the current Dragon Knights.
“It’s positively stunning,” declared Ivy, pulling off the hood of her cloak. “How old did you say this place was?”
“Over eight hundred years.”
“How many knights?”
“Only two. Father and son—Adam and Jamie,” he confirmed. Though all appeared well, Conn sensed an undercurrent of a growing power within the structure.
“Should we proceed?” Ivy asked, tugging on his arm.
Focusing on her words, Conn nodded.
Entering through the portcullis, Adam MacFhearguis stood at the entrance to the castle. Approaching the man, Conn took his outstretched arm in greeting.
“’Tis good to see ye again. Archie stated ye would be arriving.” Adam glanced at Ivy. “Greetings, my lady, or shall I call ye Princess?”
Smiling, she replied, “Ivy will do.”
Adam immediately took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. “Ye must share the secret of how this great Fenian Warrior came to break so many rules and how you enticed him to the marriage bed.”
Ivy laughed and caught Conn’s glare. “Easy. He fell in love with me.”
Adam roared with laughter. “Let us go into the Great Hall. Meggie will be along shortly. She is feeding the wee babe.”
“Ha! He’s a monster. Eats as much as two babes,” shouted Meggie as she descended the stairs. “And don’t get me started on his wailing.”
Meggie went straight to Conn and touched his face. “I am beyond happy to hear the news.” She turned toward Ivy and grasped her hand. “I’m delighted to meet ye. We have pestered Archie relentlessly about ye.”
“Thank you,” responded Ivy, smiling.
“She actually wept when Archie delivered the news,” replied Adam dryly, removing his son from her arms.
Conn took Meggie’s hand and placed a kiss along her knuckles. “Another fine son.”
She sighed and glanced at her son. “Yes, though his birthing was rough. Even Jamie feared for his life at one point.”
Ivy brushed a finger across the sleeping babe’s face. “What’s his name?”
Meggie stepped away and put an arm around Adam. “Alexander Conn MacKay MacFhearguis.”