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Every place setting was empty, and it didn’t seem that food was forthcoming. Every nymph seemed to be waiting for something, and the lack of music and chatter made the hut feel eerie, on edge.
“Ilaria Mac Gill. Granddaughter of Vidalia Mac Grath. Daughter of Cathal and Isla Mac Gill. Sister to Irla. May Belisama bring forth the spirits of your ancestors lost to the waves, turned to foam, and may the Morrigan cradle their souls and protect them from Balor and the Darkness.” The elderly Fae male in a robe shuffled forward, finally finishing the arduous task of lighting the sconces in the hut. The sleeves of his robe hung from his spindly arms as he held them wide and aloft, pleading to the gods. “Ilaria Mac Gill has come to petition the Gods for guidance. May her blood run true, and her magic chose Shay Mac Eoin, as her heart has already done so.”
Ilaria’s bright smile widened as she reached out and stroked Shay’s hand. The heavy necklace hung between her breasts, shining in the firelight.
“Shay Mac Eoin, do you announce your intention to marry Ilaria Mac Gill when the moon prevails over the lake tomorrow night? Do you ask the Gods for guidance so that her blood may run true, and your magic may choose her, as your heart has already done so?”
It didn’t escape my notice that the vows given to Ilaria were very much a statement, and those given to Shay were a question. A choice.
“I announce my intention to marry.” Shay’s husky voice broke the silence. “May the Gods grant us guidance.”
I felt sick.
Several younger nymphs burst into the tent, no doubt juveniles that had volunteered to serve during the engagement dinner. Nymphs didn’t seem to have servants like the other creeds did. Everything seemed a lot more equal. Even Shay as Chieftain didn’t garner the same fear and respect I’d seen the Mer give Cormac.
The wine was poured, and the food was brought out. Meats and cheeses, the like of which I had never eaten save for my time on land.
“So, Maeve, was it?” Ilra tittered, calling my name. “You’re mated to both Tormalugh and Rainn?”
My eyes flicked to my kelpie, noting the way his jaw clenched at the use of his full name, though he didn’t correct her.
“Yes. I am.” I turned back, frowning, wondering why she asked.
“I’ve never been to a Kelpie mating ceremony nor a Selkie wedding. What customs do they observe?” Ilra cocked her head to the side, pushing her bottom lip out as she waited for my response.
“I haven’t had a ceremony.” I reached for the jug of wine and quickly poured three glasses. “We haven’t had time. We just returned from the Dark Sea and the Skala Beach after that.”
“Surely you want to have a wedding?” Ilra waved a hand toward the crowded table. “Don’t undine have a ritual?”
I winced, shifting uncomfortably. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never married an undine before.”
Rainn barked a laugh, placing his hand on his mouth to keep from spitting wine on the table.
I excused myself before dessert as the wine went to my head, and the heat of the torches made my heart spin.
I didn’t know what was wrong with me.
I had Rainn and Tor. Two mates were more than enough. I was happy.
So why did I feel like my heart had been ripped from my chest whenever I looked at Shay and Ilaria?
I barely knew Shay. He had certainly never shown much kindness to me.
Something deep in my gut told me he was making a horrible decision.
No matter how much I wanted to, telling him about Ilaria’s necklace wasn't my place. Did my desire to reveal his bride's deception come from a place of concern or of jealousy? I couldn’t say, and that frightened me. I liked to think that I had a grip on my emotions enough to know my own mind, but it seemed that ever since I had met the princelings, I didn’t know myself anymore.
The petulant rebellious behavior I had worn like a mask back in Cruinn did not serve me amongst the harsh realities of the lake.
I stepped away from the hut, leaving the sound of chatter as I walked to the shore and watched the lake lap the sand.
I’d shed the person I had been in Cruinn and donned several identities since. Captive. Prisoner. Saviour. Escapee. Mate.
I’d always considered myself Undine, but perhaps that wasn’t entirely true either.
The only certainty I had was Rainn and Tor, and my mother had taught me that a person’s identity should never hinge on their partners. I needed to stand alone and be strong enough to be in a relationship without losing myself.
I wished my mother was with me. Even though my memories of her were fuzzy and fading with time.
