Chapter Four
Edinburgh, Scotland
1332
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THOUGH INITIALLY HEfought it, he ended up pulling Chloe safely into his arms when time shifted around them. Just as it had when his eyes first connected with hers, having her against him changed everything.
One reality became another.
Not just in the literal sense when the Stonehenge faded to be replaced with his chambers at Edinburgh Castle, but everything within him seemed to morph. Even his very soul. Her flowery scent filled him from head to toe. Her warmth and vitality blew over him like sunshine breaking through cold, dark clouds. A blast of light that sought to find a crack in his armor.
Temptation that threatened his undying devotion to Maeve.
Alarmed, he stepped back, ashamed he hadn’t made sure Chloe was steady first. But he could not keep her close. He could not sink further into her. Because that was exactly what this felt like.
As though he were losing himself. The better part of who he was. Who he had always been.
It felt like he was losing Maeve all over again.
While clearly tempted to stare at her surroundings, Chloe appeared stunned by what blossomed so swiftly between them. Her wide eyes stayed locked on his, and she trembled ever-so-slightly.
When she finally spoke, she said the last thing he expected.
“She’s here,” she whispered. “Or at least she once was.”
He knew exactly to whom she referred.
Almost as if for a fleeting moment, he caught her thoughts.
“Aye,” he whispered. “Maeve was once here...”
Right in this very chamber when they had visited.
He'd thought it would be the best day of his life but turned out to be the worst. He tried not to think about it, but for a moment, it seemed as if Maeve stood there once more. As if she shared her heartbreaking news all over again.
“I didnae mean for it to happen,” she had said softly, tears filling her eyes. “Nor did yer cousin. Ye must believe me.”
“I dinnae ken.” Yet he knew before she told him. Mayhap had known for some time. “Do ye no longer love me then?”
“Och, nay, I do,” she’d said hoarsely, her heart in her eyes. “But, I love Cray too.”
“Ye cannae love us both.” He had shaken his head, trying to come to grips with it. Enraged at his cousin. “‘Tis not possible.”
But it was as he soon discovered.
“My, God,” Chloe whispered, tearing him from his sad thoughts.
She finally took notice of her surroundings. First, she eyed his attire, which, as luck would have it, he’d reverted back to fourteenth century clothing. Then she took in the chamber.
“Where are we?” While most would be fearful, curiosity lit her eyes, making them sparkle more gold than amber. “Have we...is this...”
“Aye.” He confirmed what she clearly suspected. “We have traveled back in time. You are in medieval Scotland.”
“I am, aren’t I?” she whispered, still not frightened, just taking everything in. “Where in Scotland exactly?” She peered out the window at a reality far different than the one she just left. The sun was rising, and people were out and about. “Oh,wow, look at this...”
“You are at Edinburgh Castle.” He sheathed the Viking sword that had not been in his chambers when he went to sleep the night before. A gift from their ancestors, Tiernan had carried it on his and Julie’s adventure. Now the blade had found its way to Aidan confirming it was indeed his turn to protect King David.
