Highland Dawn

by Donna Grant

  Once her stomach was full she leaned back in the chair, lulled by the fire. Her eyes become heavy again so she rose intending to return to the bed. She turned and found a large tub full of steaming water.

  For a moment she didn’t move. She wasn’t alone. She knew it as sure as she knew she wasn’t in her world. But the bath was too tempting to resist.

  After a careful search of the room, she slipped out of the wonderful gown and sank into the water. She rested against the tub and let the heated water flow over her, easing her small aches. It wasn’t the normal wooden tub she bathed in but one made of what looked like white marble.

  Just when she thought about wanting to wash. a bar of soap and a silver cloth appeared next to her. Magic.

  “A lass could get used to this,” she murmured as she picked up the soap and smelled.

  It was white but smelled of sunshine and freshness. Once she had washed and rinsed twice she wrung out the cloth and sat it on the edge of the tub only to find a clear bottle with a silver bow tied around it.

  She uncorked it and smelled. It too smelled of sunshine, but she had no idea what it was for.

  “Your hair.”

  She startled at the voice in her head. When nothing more was said she looked again at the bottle. It smelled of soap, but it was unlike anything she had ever seen. It was as clear as water.

  After she had wet her hair she tipped the bottle over into her palm and the soap ran like honey into her hand. She sat the bottle aside and rubbed her hands together. Sure enough it lathered like soap.

  She began to rub it in her hair to scrub out the grim of her voyage. She washed her hair three times before she was satisfied. And to her amazement the water was still hot and clear as though she hadn’t yet bathed.

  With a shake of her head at the magic around her, she rose from the water and reached for the large silver cloth to dry. She stood before the fire and toweled herself off. She turned back to the silver gown she had discarded to find it gone. For a moment she began to panic, thinking she would have to go naked.

  Another search showed her that her gown she had worn upon entering the city was gone. She walked to the bed intending to take the blanket to cover up when she spotted the white gown upon it.

  It was shaped like the silver one. No sleeves and a low neckline, but it was trimmed in white lace with pearls. She touched the garment to test its softness. Silk.

  She quickly slipped the gown over her head and ran her hands down the front of it. It flared slightly at her hips before falling to the floor. She had never gone without any type of undergarment before, but the thought of putting something on under the gown was quickly pushed aside.

  As much as she wanted to stand there and test the gown against her skin her body needed rest. She crawled into the bed and quickly fell into a dreamless sleep. *

  * * *

  Lugus walked from beside the hearth. It had taken everything he had to stay where he was while Moira ate and bathed. He had feasted on her perfect body when she let the silver nightdress slide from her before she stepped into the bath.

  His body cried out for release, but he refused to take her until she was his queen. He would do this one thing right.

  He pushed aside the bed curtains and gazed down upon her stunning beauty. His fingers reached out and touched her full, pink lips. He closed his eyes and moaned.

  Things would have to move quickly. He didn’t know how much more torture he could put himself through before he took her.

  “’Tis almost time, Moira. You will be mine. Mind, body and soul. For eternity.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Dartayous looked first one way, then the other. No one had stopped him. There had been no ambush or army to intercede him. Something wasn’t right. It was too easy.

  There should be patrols set up throughout the city looking for potential enemies. It was as if Lugus feared no one, and that’s what scared the hell out of Dartayous. Fighting a man who feared nothing was a losing battle.

  His eyes sought the palace before him. He had no wish to enter through the main doors. There had to be another way in, and he’d find it. He looked to the sky and saw the sun beginning to set. A perfect time to storm a castle, he thought. “Hold on, Moira. I’m coming for you,” he whispered before he faded into the shadows.

  * * * *

  Lugus sat beside Moira. He had let her sleep for a few hours, but it was time she woke. They needed to talk of what was to come. He placed his hands on either side of her head and leaned down. Softly, he touched his lips against hers.

  She moaned and opened for him. He slipped his tongue inside and she turned onto her back.

  “Dartayous,” she whispered.

  Anger rolled within him, but he held it in check. She would learn soon enough who her master was, and then she would forget all about that Druid Warrior who had dared to touch her.

  Lugus took her bottom lip into his mouth and gently sucked. She moaned again and moved her hips. He moved until he was lying beside her, propped on one elbow.

  He pushed the covers aside and ran his palm over her hip and thigh. His body pulsed with need that had been long denied. His hand began to shake. He could touch her no more without taking her. If he took her now it would ruin his carefully laid plans.

  “Wake,” he commanded her. “’Tis time you saw what was before you.”

  Her green eyes slowly opened to stare at him. She showed no surprise in seeing him.

  “Have you rested well?”

  “You brought me here,” she said.

  He nodded. “I only brought you were you belong.”

  “Why? I’ve come to destroy you.”

  He almost laughed. “I’m sorry to say that’s impossible. Although you have powers, they are no match for mine. Frang was a fool to send you down here. Tell me, Moira, have you ever been able to overpower a Fae before?”

  She shook her head.

  “Then what made you believe you could overpower me who had imprisoned all the Fae?”

  “Frang said I could release Aimery.”

  Lugus bit the inside of his mouth. It was true. She could release Aimery, but she didn’t need to know that. As long as he kept her on this line of thought she would easily turn.

  He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “Frang is wise, but he isn’t all-seeing like the Fae. It took immense power on my part to fool my people.”

  “What are you going to do with me?” she asked. There was no fear in her voice only curiosity.

  He traced her jaw with his finger. “You are going to be my queen.”

  “I cannot,” she said and sat up.

  “You can. Don’t deny yourself. You have been denied what was rightfully yours and you know it.”

  Moira wanted to shut out his words but couldn’t. He was saying exactly what her heart had always wanted. Power. She closed her eyes and shook her head.

  “Stop,” she said. “Don’t do this to me.”

  “I’m doing nothing.”

  Soft fingers touched her face.

  “Open your eyes and look at me.”

  She did as he commanded.

  “Do you find me repulsive?”

  “Nay. ‘Tis the truth you are fine looking.”

  “Do you not like it here?”

  She looked around the silver and white room. “I do.”

  “Then why are you pushing away what could be yours? I’m offering you the world, both yours and mine.” She looked down at the hand that he offered. “Come with me. Take what is yours.”

  * * * *

  Glenna jerked and dropped the bottle of ale. She didn’t pay attention when it shattered on the castle floor and sprayed her yellow gown red. All she saw was Moira clothed in a white and silver gown with a crown on her head.

  “Glenna!”

  She turned her eyes to find her husband, Conall, shaking her.

  “What is it? What have you seen?” he asked her.

  “’Tis Moira.”

  Before she could say mo
re the door banged open and Fiona and Gregor ran inside.

  Glenna went to her sister. “What are you doing back so soon? We didn’t expect you for another sennight.”

  “She’s having dreams,” Gregor said. “They have become worse each night.”

  Glenna’s eyes jerked to Fiona. “What did you see?”

  “Moira,” Fiona answered with tears in her eyes. “She’s in danger.”

  Glenna let go of Fiona when Conall took her hand. She looked into he gray eyes. “Tell me what you saw before Fiona and Gregor arrived?” he asked her.

  “I saw Moira wearing a crown. The Fae queen’s crown.”

  “Is there nothing we can do?” Gregor asked as he paced the floor.

  Glenna shook her head. “He has Moira now. ‘Tis up to Moira and Dartayous as to what will happen next. All we can do is hope and pray.”

  “Who has her?” Conall asked.

  Glenna looked to Fiona before she turned to her husband. “Lugus. You know him as William or the Evil One.”

  “By the saints,” Gregor hissed.

  Conall cursed and raked his hand through his black locks. “How do you know his name?”

  “I heard Moira say it.”

  “So did I,” Fiona said.

  “Then he’ll kill her,” Gregor said.

  “Nay,” Glenna said. “He wants her. He won’t harm a hair on her head.”

  Conall took her hand. “I pray you’re right, wife.”

  Glenna looked down at her hands. “We must ready ourselves and everyone.”

  “What are we to do if Moira turns as Fiona’s dreams have said?” Gregor asked.

  Glenna looked to Gregor. “Then all is lost. Without her the prophecy cannot be fulfilled.”

  * * * *

  Moira stared at Lugus’ outstretched hand. He offered her her deepest desire. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and parted the hangings as she leapt from the bed.

  “I cannot. Don’t tempt me.”

  He stood before her in a blink of an eye. “Dare you turn your back on this?” he said and stepped aside as he pointed to the mirror.

  She gazed at her reflection with awe. The mirror showed her gowned in pure silver with pearls and diamonds sewn into the gown. She held a scepter with a large crystal on the end, but it was the crown on her head that held her attention.

  “You are meddling with my mind,” she said and tried to look away from the mirror.

  Lugus laughed softly. “You cannot even turn your eyes away. Don’t deny your destiny.”

  “My destiny is to fulfill the prophecy.”

  “Oh, you will most definitely do that,” he said and turned her to face him. “But your true destiny is to rule by my side.”

  “That cannot be true.” She pulled out of his arms and walked toward the hearth.

  “But it is. You can even ask Rufina.”

  She whirled around to face him. “The queen?”

  “She used to be queen, aye. Not anymore.”

  “I wish to see her.”

  His eyes glowed blue for a moment. He crossed his arms over his chest and said, “As you wish. I will be waiting outside the door.”

  She waited until he left before she sank into the chair. She found it harder and harder to keep her mind focused on what she had come to do. Even the images of her sisters were fading from her mind.

  “Glenna. Fiona. How I wish you were here with me. All this time I thought I was the strong one. I’m not. I’m the weakest.”

  A single tear rolled down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away and stood. Just as she suspected, a gown laid on the bed awaiting her.

  She went to the bed and looked down at the soft green gown. It looked very similar to the material of...she couldn’t remember what. Something a man wore, but she couldn’t put a face to the image, nor a name.

  She slipped off the gown she wore and reached for the green one. It slid as smooth as water over her skin to pool at her feet. At the foot of the bed sat a pair of matching shoes. She wiggled her feet inside and turned to the mirror.

  Her hair hung unbound and she intended to leave it that way. She walked out of the door to find Lugus waited patiently for her. “Stunning,” he murmured as he kissed her hand. “Come. I’m sure Rufina is eager to talk with you.”

  * * * *

  Dartayous jumped to his feet. He had allowed himself to doze for just a moment, but a movement off to his right had woken him. Slowly, he unsheathed the dagger from his boot and stood crouched, waiting for whatever was about to attack.

  His breath became shallow, his body eager for a fight. His ears picked up every sound as the attacker drew nearer. He leaned on the balls of his feet, ready to spring forward to surprise them.

  Just as they were about to turn the corner he leapt around it. Instead of an attacker he found a small gray cat that hissed as his fur stuck out.

  He watched the cat run off and laughed. His heart slowed its beating as he resumed his position at the back of the castle. The stars shined brightly from above. He was rested. It was time to enter the castle.

  After he had replaced the dagger in his boot he turned and started at the back entrance. He had almost missed it when he’d done his search. It blended with the stone so well that he would have gone past it had the moon not shed its light on the handle.

  He tested the handle and found it unlocked. Was this the trap then? Had Lugus stationed his army inside?

  Dartayous took a deep breath and said a quick prayer before pushing the door open and flattening himself against the outside of the palace. The door swung soundlessly in the dark of the night. He peered around the corner and found candles lit the inside hallway.

  He swiftly entered the palace. It didn’t take him long to figure out that there wasn’t an army lying in wait for him. The palace seemed as deserted as the city. But he knew better. Moira was inside somewhere, and he’d continue to search until he found her.

  * * * *

  Moira’s stepped into the throne room and gasped at the brilliance before her. Silver shined everywhere, from the floor to the ceilings which soared so high she could barely make out the top.

  “Here we are,” Lugus said.

  She stopped her gawking and turned towards him. Standing on either side of the thrones that the king and queen would occupy was the king and queen themselves.

  They stood motionless as if held by invisible bonds. The king’s fine silver and white shirt was slit across the chest with blood stains, but she could see no cut on his ivory skin.

  “You have a visitor, Theron,” Lugus said as he neared the king. “Meet your new queen.”

  A shiver of apprehension raced down Moira’s spine when Theron’s blue eyes met hers. They held pity and malice in their depths, but if it was for her she knew not.

  She sank into a bow only to have Lugus yank her up. “He is no longer king. I am,” he hissed in her ear.

  “You have him chained?” she asked.

  Lugus eased his hold on her. “Of sorts. My powers exceed any of the Fae’s. It's my power alone that holds them.”

  She took a step toward Theron when Lugus’ hand once again stopped her. “What are you doing?”

  “I wish to talk to him.”

  Lugus laughed. “Nay. I brought you here so they could see that I have you. They doubted that I could capture you.”

  Capture. The word rang in her head. And she had walked right up to him alone. He had wanted her to leave someone...some man. Dartayous. That was his name. it took a great amount of will, but she managed to recall that he meant something very important to her.

  “Aye, I did,” Lugus said softly. “That wasn’t the true Dartayous and you know it. I only gave you sight to see him as he truly is.”

  Anger at him intruding in her mind filled her veins. “I don’t like you reading my thoughts.”

  He shrugged and turned her away from Theron. “I really wanted you to see Rufina,” he said and stopped her in front of the queen.

  Rufina
stood proud and regal even though held prisoner. Moira wished she had her strength. The queen’s haunted blue eyes tore at Moira’s soul.

  “What have you done?” Rufina asked her.

  “I’ve come to free you.”

  Rufina’s blue eyes shined with tears. “Oh, child, you have no idea what your actions will cause to happen. Think of your sisters.”

  Moira closed her eyes at Rufina’s words. Sisters? She had sisters? That wasn’t possible. She wouldn’t have forgotten sisters.

  Her eyes flew open to stare at Rufina. “I don’t have sisters.”

  “You don’t remember Glenna with her dark curls and deep brown eyes, her laughter or her bright smile? What about Fiona’s green eyes that match yours or her feisty nature and sharp tongue?”

  For the briefest of moments, Moira saw two women just as Rufina described them, but as quickly as they came they vanished. “You’re wrong. I don’t have sisters. I would remember them.”

  Rufina turned her angry eyes to Lugus. “You are erasing her memory.”

  He laughed and walked behind Moira to put his hands on either of her shoulders. “I’m doing no such thing. Moira would remember if she had family.”

  Rufina looked at Moira. “Don’t give in to him. The fate of both of our realms rest with you.”

  “Enough,” Lugus roared and immediately Rufina ceased to speak. He turned Moira to face him. “I wanted to show you that I do have control over this world. I will keep the Fae prisoner until after the prophecy.”

  She shook her head to stop the whirlwind of thoughts. Prophecy. Glenna. Frang. Fiona. Aimery. Dartayous. But it was Aimery that stuck out most in her mind.

  “Ah, Aimery,” Lugus said as he guided her from the room. “Shall I show you the Fae who was commander of the armies? I think you shall like him.”

  He ushered her into a room behind the throne room. It was dark except for candles that lit the room in a soft glow. She looked no where but the center of the room where a man hung in midair, his arms stretched wide and his chin resting on his chest.

  “Wake up, Aimery. I’ve brought you a guest,” Lugus said.

  The man slowly raised his head. The anger in his eyes turned to disbelief as his gaze fell on her. “Moira,” he said, his voice raspy as if he hadn’t used it in awhile.