The Prophecy (Kingdom of Uisneach Book 1)

by Heidi Hanley

He nodded. “Fair enough. I honestly never considered you would want to be involved in the political or military aspects of things. I assumed you’d be glad not to have to go through that again.”

  “Well, you know what they say about assume….”

  “No, what do they say?”

  “Never mind.”

  He shrugged. “There is one more thing, Briana.” He hesitated.

  She suddenly felt a boot swinging over her head.

  “If you’re going on this campaign with me, I would prefer it be as the official queen – and my wife. I know we meant to take some time, but for many reasons, practical and symbolic, I think we should wed sooner, rather than later.”

  “How soon?”

  “I need three weeks to gather the troops and supplies to be battle-ready, and I would like us to have some time to, uh, get used to one another, so I think we should post the banns right away and be married in two weeks. I’ll speak to Silas. He’ll make the announcement.”

  Of course, as the royal bard he’d be involved in the preparations and recording of the event. Oh, Maker, help us.

  Stuck between quicksand and the guillotine. She wandered to the window and stood staring at the landscape. What would be the point in waiting? Sigel and Silas walked across the courtyard to the stables. A week or a month, she knew all she needed to know about Brath to marry him. He was the king. She was the Mouse of Prophecy. They had a contract to fulfill. It was that simple.

  “Briana?”

  She turned, with perfect composure. “Whenever you like, Brath. Talk to Silas.”

  He nodded. “You can work out the details of the ceremony with Cailleach and Silas. There are certain things that must be done as part of the traditional royal protocol, but I want it to reflect things that are important to you, too.”

  She nodded. “Thank you. We’ll see to the arrangements. Will that be all?”

  He frowned, as if there was something more he wanted to say. With a shake of his head, he said, “I need to talk with my chamberlain. See you tonight at dinner?”

  She forced a smile. “Of course.”

  She left him waiting for Master Ryan. Marriage in two weeks! She walked past her own room to Cailleach’s to tell her.

  Cailleach only nodded at the news. “You seem quite composed about this, Briana.”

  “What choice do I have? This is why I’m here. I better come to terms with the idea that the time has come for me to fulfill my contract.”

  Cailleach grimaced. “A harsh way to begin a marriage.”

  Briana shrugged. “Cailleach, it would be impossible to pretend I enter this out of anything other than duty. I am in love with another man and that will not change – ever. However, I understand that for the sake of the Uisneach, I must do this. And I will.”

  “Well, you’ve practiced that little speech. Tell me, please, that you have not said this to the king.”

  “Well, not all, of course, but we discussed the reasons for our union, and that it is not based on mutual love.”

  “Has it occurred to you that he might have different feelings toward you than you do for him?”

  “He said he finds the idea of being married to me appealing, which I assume means he’s attracted to me, but, Cailleach, I will not lead him to believe I feel something I don’t.”

  “In time, your attitude might change.” Briana rolled her eyes. Cailleach shook her head. “It might, and you don’t want to burn any bridges before you even come to them. There may be some things you should keep to yourself.”

  “Well, I’m not going to go out of my way to hurt his feelings, if that’s what you mean. I’m not stupid.”

  The witch studied her for a moment and the corners of her mouth lifted in a knowing smile. “No, you’re not stupid. You’re also not as disinterested as you pretend to be.”

  *

  The next three days were busy, filled with the mass funeral for all the poor souls who died when the curse was lifted, and the outfitting and training of the troops.

  Briana and Cailleach placed a protection spell around the perimeter of the castle. After that, Brath agreed to allow Briana to be unguarded in the castle, its courtyards, and the stable.

  A few local tenants arrived with information and the taxes they could offer. They asked Brath to settle some civil disputes. Briana watched him deal with each person respectfully and kindly. Each left feeling valued and important. She felt valued herself, when he introduced her as their future queen, and included her in their conversations. Since the incident in front of the knights, he’d kept her informed about everything, and frequently asked her opinion. She had to admit, her respect for him was growing.

  Brath seemed to be on a personal mission, too. From the personal escort down to dinner, to the frequent attempts to hold her hand, and the chaste peck on her cheek in front of her bedroom door, it seemed he couldn’t get close enough to her. By Uisneach standards, this must amount to fast-tracking a relationship.

  As they were finishing breakfast, Brath asked, “Briana, why don’t we go for a ride today, just the two of us? We’ll take a picnic and go down to the beach.”

  “Sure. When would you like to leave?” she said. “I want to finalize the training schedule with Sigel, and then we can go. A couple of hours?”

  After making arrangements for a picnic lunch, she returned to her room, where she found two letters on her desk from Winge Mansion. Crow mail, she thought, smiling. It was significantly faster than the equivalent snail mail back home; the crows flew back and forth between the castle and mansion daily. Breaking the official Winge seal, a black crow on red wax, she began to read the note from Lady Isabella.

  Dearest Lady Briana,

  One hardly knows where to begin, so much has happened in the last week. Sir Thomas reported all that transpired when you arrived at Ard Darach. To say that we’re grateful for the part you played, and continue to play, in the rescue of King Brath and the restoration of Uisneach, would be an understatement of unforgivable proportions. Perhaps now Uisneach can come alive in glory once more. Shocking to hear of Artanin’s role in events. I hope his story is true, and that he becomes a force for good in the king’s army.

  I am sensitive to the transition you go through now, and pray you are well and at peace. I believe in my heart that things will eventually turn out for the best and that love will prevail. Love always prevails, sometimes in unexpected ways. This is not meant to be cryptic, dear lady, only to say that one can never predict the unfolding of destiny. Allow yourself to be open to possibility and you may be surprised by what can happen.

  I continue to hold you in my heart and look forward to seeing you very soon.

  With highest regard,

  Lady Isabella

  Love always prevails. Briana appreciated every word in the letter, but that line jumped out at her. It was the perfect mantra, but there was a little sliver of doubt in her mind. It was so hard to see how it could. It seemed more likely that duty would win the battle. With a sigh, she opened the second missive, from Epona.

  My dearest, best friend,

  Oh, I miss you! I never realized how dull things were around here until you came and left. It is quiet and far too sedate at Winge Mansion. No adventure at all! I shall probably die of boredom! But enough of my loneliness. How are you, dear friend? I know what happened at Ard Darach and am of two minds. Of course I’m happy that Uisneach’s been saved and the king lives. I’m relieved that Artanin turns out to be not such a bad guy. But another side of me understands the cost, and my heart aches. That is, assuming you haven’t come up with some gloriously devious way of getting around ‘the issue.’ I will never stop hoping that the dashing young man and the beautiful lady live, as you said, happily ever after.

  Briana shook her head. Epona went on to ask about Dara and Banrion and to share news from Winge Mansion. Claire was doing well and missed her. Mrs. Jenks and baby Dauphne were getting along splendidly. Epona ended by saying:

  And so I expect, with a hea
vy heart, to receive an invitation shortly. Because you asked I will come, and be of what comfort I can to you and those you love. We will find some way of making the event and the day more bearable for us both. But, oh, that is still weeks away, and a lot can happen between now and then, can’t it? Let’s neither of us give up hope. Maybe the gods will be good to you and we will celebrate after all.

  I miss you madly and love you dearly.

  Your sister and friend,

  Epona

  Briana held both letters to her heart, thankful for the love from Winge Mansion. However, she must find a way to make Epona give up her romantic notions. She must never write them. Briana burned the missives, sadly staring into the flames as the precious words transformed to ash.

  There was no reason to wait for Brath to fetch her; she would meet him in the stable. Changing quickly, she went outside. As she and Dara came around the corner of the barn, they were almost trampled by Silas and Lady Seraphina coming out of the barn on their horses. Silas was laughing, and Lady Seraphina, resplendent in red velvet, wore a radiant smile. Briana felt like she’d been kicked in the stomach. And she looked like a hobo in her leggings and tunic, Nua at her side.

  The smile disappeared from Silas’s face. “Lady Briana.”

  “Would you care to join us?” asked Lady Seraphina.

  “Uh, no, thank you. Brath and I are going riding as well, down by the shore, I think,” she finally managed, hoping they weren’t all going in the same direction.

  “Oh, we’re going along the river,” the elegant blonde said, in a voice that sounded like a summer morning. Silas was silent.

  “Enjoy your ride,” Briana said. She hurried into Banrion’s stall, glad of the darkness that would give her some privacy to collect herself.

  “Are you okay?” Brath’s voice startled her from behind.

  “I’m fine,” she answered overly bright. “Just getting Banrion ready.”

  “Riordan could have done that.”

  “So can I.”

  “You are an incredibly independent woman.”

  She wondered if that was a compliment or criticism. “I’m not accustomed to being waited on.”

  “Well, Ruark is saddled, so we can go, as soon as you’re ready.” While she bridled Banrion, he went for her saddle and helped her finish.

  A steep path trailed down beside the cliffs leading away from the rocks to a long, sandy beach. Briana lifted her face to the cool, salty sea breeze. Seagulls soared overhead, screeching with every spiraling dive toward the shore. Dara plodded along behind them, running off occasionally to chase a plover or snuff out a rodent, always returning to his mistress. She looked up at the sun, briefly shading her eyes, and wished she had on a pair of shorts and tank top. Conversation was stilted, punctuated by moments of silence. Brath headed for the harder sand next to the waves, urging Ruark to a canter. Briana could not deny how good he looked on the horse. Not only did his red hair match the bay perfectly, but he sat and moved gracefully, one with the animal, as they ran along the shoreline, water kicking up around Ruark’s lower legs. Briana followed behind for a while before giving Banrion her head and passing him. She stopped some distance ahead and turned back to see him grinning at her.

  “Well that’s a first.”

  “What is?” she called back.

  “No one’s ever had the nerve to race past the king. Briana, you delight me.”

  “This queen follows no man!”

  He shook his head, laughing. “Good! Nor should you. Carry on, Your Majesty.”

  Briana experienced a moment of dizziness as she remembered that in fact, she would be his queen all too soon. The playful urge was lost and she waited for him to catch up. Brath stopped and turned Ruark to face the ocean.

  “I don’t know much about you, Briana, other than what has happened since you came to Uisneach. I’d like to hear more – where you came from, and about your family. It must have been difficult to leave them.”

  “I didn’t know I was leaving. One minute I was in my yard, and the next, in Wellsland. Once I came through the tree and learned I couldn’t go back, I was shocked. I’m not sure I ever had the chance to grieve the loss. I suppose I still believe I will see my mother again, although I don’t see how that’s possible.”

  His look urged her to continue, so she launched into the story of her life. He listened attentively, asking pertinent questions about her family and background and expressing fascination with some of the things about her world. At some point, they dismounted and walked along the shore, leading the horses. By the time he was brought up to date, she sensed a shift in the energy between them.

  He stopped, dropped the reins of Ruark and removed Banrion’s reins from her grip. He held and studied her small hands, nestled reluctantly in his.

  She swallowed hard, her heart pounding like a drum. No, no, she thought, panicking. I’m not ready. I can’t.

  “Briana, you enchant me. Everything about your story and the woman I am starting to know intrigues and captivates me. We don’t know each other well yet, but I would like to kiss you. May I?”

  “I’ve never kissed a king before,” she whispered.

  “I’m a man, like any other.”

  She shook her head. “No, Brath, you are not like any man I’ve ever known.”

  Before she could decline the kiss, he was taking it. His clean-shaven face carried the scent of pine needles and bergamot. His lips were full and soft, gentle, as he teased hers apart, his searching controlled and considerate, not pushing her past what she was willing to receive.

  Her body was confused by this stranger who felt and smelled so different from the one she loved. Yet, he was drawing her in like a hummingbird to nectar. This awareness, and the attraction, stunned her. Her body began to tremble, and as hard as she tried to fight them, tears rolled down her cheeks.

  He stepped back and searched her face. “You are an enigma to me, Briana. You’re fearless in most cases. You tell me you’ve kissed men before and yet you seem so reluctant now…” Confusion turned to sudden awareness. “Oh, Maker. Do you love someone else?”

  Revealing the truth serves no useful purpose and might get Silas killed, she thought. Dishonesty settled like a brick in her stomach. Better indigestion than a hanging.

  “There’s no one I’m involved with, Brath.”

  “Good. I’d hate to have to challenge him to a due1.”

  “A due1! Sweet Maker, don’t even think such a thing.”

  “I would. To the death.” He was teasing, but she shuddered at the image of him fighting and killing Silas. “I’m not sure what to do here,” he said. “If we are to be married soon, we’ve got to find a comfort level with each other.”

  She nodded. Turning to their mounts, she said, “Why don’t we find a spot to have our lunch and talk. Once we know each other better…” It rang lame to her own ears, but she needed a little more time.

  They walked their horses in silence until they came upon a sea cave large enough to enter. Making a mental note to explore it someday, she followed Brath beyond the cave to a different path leading up to a grassy knoll with a view of Ard Darach on one side and the ocean on the other. He tied the horses to a nearby branch and sat on the soft grass beside her, facing the castle. Briana brought out fruit, meat and bread and a flagon of wine.

  “Bless Mrs. Flannigan,” he said. “I can use this right about now.”

  “Me, too,” Briana agreed. Dara returned from one of his jaunts and flopped down beside Briana.

  They ate slowly and drank most of the wine as Brath related stories from his childhood. He told her his version of the story of Sigel’s accident.

  “You’d have thought we would have better sense than to be on that wall with swords, but during the duel, which I’m pretty sure I was winning, I took a stab at Sigel, and he fell off the wall. I cringe every time I look at him, knowing it was my fault he’s scarred.”

  She patted his hand. “You should let go of that guilt, Brath. It was
a childish accident and besides, the scar is part of what makes him so attractive to women.”

  Brath raised an eyebrow. “Is he now? You’ve heard this from women?”

  “I have. Several, in fact.”

  He glanced sideways at her. “And what about you, do you find him attractive?”

  She laughed out loud. “Sigel? I suppose he is good-looking, but I’m certainly not attracted to him. That would be like being attracted to my father.”

  His look turned thoughtful. She had the distinct impression he was going to ask another question, but changed his mind.

  “Brath, do you really think we can take control of the Gray Military and capture Shamwa?”

  He took another drink of wine. “Shamwa is a dead man. I trusted him, Briana. He’ll pay for what he’s done.”

  “How long do you think it will take?”

  He shook his head. “I don’t know. I hope this first assault will be a matter of a few weeks, but it’s hard to say for sure.”

  “I want to start getting the faerie trees planted to create that bridge between us and Evalon.”

  “We need the faeries to be successful,” he agreed. “I was thinking about your journey to Evalon and the fact that a faerie was sitting right in Shamwa’s parlor. There must be a way to involve them now.

  “Excluding Evalon from representation in the governing of Uisneach has gone on far too long. I want to reverse that.” Brath’s expression changed from wistfulness to determination. “Uisneach cannot flourish without including all members of its society in its administration and decision-making. If we can work together to reestablish the trees, it will go a long way to healing the rift between Uisneach and Evalon. Restoring magic to its former glory would be a great thing for Uisneach.”

  “You’ve given this a lot of thought.” She was pleased with just how much. “This kingdom means everything to me, Briana. I want to see it grow and thrive. I want villages to spring up, not only in Dromdara, but in all the kingdoms. I want what my parents wanted, a healthy, happy and united Uisneach. If you think you can be the queen to stand by my side and help me make the vision a reality, then I’ll do my very best to make sure you don’t regret the choice. But if you don’t think you can do this, for any reason, please tell me now.” His eyes searched hers for an answer.