“More than ready.”
“Then let us make our way.”
Which, as it happened, elicited more of a response from her than he anticipated.
Chapter Seven
“MY GOD.” FINALLY seeingCian’s castle made her vision blur with tears. “That’s it. That’s the castle I’ve been dreaming about for years.”
She struggled to draw in a breath when emotions overwhelmed her. Sadness and joy. Fear. A sense of loss.
“Are you okay?” Cian rested his hand on her back. “Do you need to sit for a moment?”
“No, I’ll be fine.” She wiped away a tear. “It’s just surreal seeing it. Knowing it exists...that it’s not in ruins.”
“And may it never be.” He took her hand, and they continued. “Will likely not be now that you are here.”
She could only hope because it was gorgeous sitting on a weather-worn cliff backdropped by the sea. Just like in her dreams, it overlooked rolling meadows and a vibrant forest. It almost seemed like something out of a fairytale with its wall walks and drawbridge. People dressed in medieval clothing pushed carts back and forth, and well-armed men on horseback meandered about.
“Ah.” Cian smiled when a huge black horse with a gorgeous ebony mane trotted their way. “It seems my beastie, Tadhg, is eager to meet you.”
She smiled as well, trying not to be intimidated by Tadhg’s size when he joined them. Cian was big, so it made sense his horse would be too.
“Hey there,” she said when Tadhg eyed her and gently nudged the side of her head.
Cian chuckled. “He likes you.”
“Glad to hear it.” She patted Tadhg’s nose and met his eyes, surprised by the feeling of power and protection that washed over her. “Because I certainly wouldn’t want to be on his bad side considering how much you two are bonded. Have been since he was born.” She glanced at Cian. “I’m right, aren’t I?
“You are.” Cian nodded with approval. “’Twas your gift that told you that, yes?”
“I believe so.” She considered Tadhg. “I’ve never been a huge animal person, but now I wonder....”
“Druidesses are, by nature, more connected to animals than most,” he revealed. “I imagine you didn’t feel it before because your psychic abilities overruled everything else.”
She kept patting Tadhg, less intimidated by the moment. “Interesting.”
