A brother who was supposedly needed to fulfill the prophecy.
“You did really well tonight, sis,” Madison praised later that evening when just the four of them were left. She tipped her cup of whiskey to her. “Especially with Declán’s men.”
Had she? Because somehow she felt off-center. Like she was missing something. What, though? Was it a battle strategy she had forgotten?
Cian nodded, agreeing with Madison. “They respect you, and ‘tis everything.” He looked from Declán to her. “Not just that, but they trust the two of you to stand by them no matter what. To fight until the end. To help keep their families safe.”
“And who knows?” Madison shrugged, no doubt sensing Riona’s worry. “Worst case scenario? You might end up going down a similar path as us. We thought all was lost until,” she rested her hand on her womb and smiled softly, “it wasn’t.”
Riona had thought about that, and it seemed Declán had too because he mentioned it again a short time later when they bid their siblings goodnight and made their way to the stables so she could check on Caith. Luna, who had reportedly been getting into all sorts of mischief around the castle, fell in beside them.
“We have not spoken of wee ones,” Declán said as they strolled through the quiet night. “Nor have I held back from possibly creating one.”
“No, you haven’t.” She smiled. “Because it didn’t matter to me. I’d love to have children. Your children.”
She felt him warm at that. Saw the pleasure on his face when he stopped her and searched her eyes. “Truly?”
“Truly.” She couldn’t help but smile at the way he smiled. “Why do you sound so surprised? More so, where do you stand on having children?”
It was obvious from what she sensed off him, but she wanted to hear it.
“I guess I thought you might feel obligated because of what happened with Cian and Madison,” he said. “Because I don’t doubt you would do whatever it took to help me. Our people. All of Ireland.” He cupped her cheek. His accent thickened. “As to how I feel, I think ye know the answer to that, lass.” He shook his head. “Nothing would make me happier.”
She had enjoyed watching him with the village children tonight. He had surprised her, actually. For some reason, likely because he was a hardened warrior who wasn’t prone to smiling naturally, she didn’t think he would take to them or vice versa, but it was quite the opposite. When he wasn’t sneaking them treats, he was answering their awe-struck questions about what it was like to be a mighty king and powerful wizard.
He had even, much to her pleasure, used magic to create small wooden swords for the boys and dolls for most of the girls. There were a handful of girls who requested swords, instead, as they intended to be as great a warrioress as Queen Riona and Queen Madison.
“I’m glad we’re on the same page about children.” She couldn’t stop smiling, wondering if perhaps one wasn’t already on his or her way.
“Me too.” He kissed her once, twice, then again before he groaned and pulled his lips away. “This time, we will wait until I get you back into our bed.”
“Probably a good idea.” She slid him a look. “Though certainly not something we have to adhere to as time goes on.”
Whether she would admit it or not, she had liked the thrill of having him somewhere they might get caught. Liked the live-on-the-edge feel of it.
“I see no reason to create such boundaries for ourselves,” he agreed as they headed into the stables. “For ‘tis a big castle with many interesting spots.”
She met his smile. “Good.”
“How are you, my friend?” she asked Caith, who seemed well looked after. “You must be growing bored cooped up in here all day. As soon as we defeat Raghnall, we’ll go out riding.”
“All’s well, m’lady,”he assured her.“I would rather ye take the time ye need now to get to know yer people. To connect not just with them but most especially yer new husband. ‘Tis important.”
“How so?” She tilted her head in question. “Because I get the sense you know our story every bit as much as Madison’s familiar did hers. What happened in our previous life?”
“Whether I know or not, ‘tis no different than ‘twas for her,”he replied.“Ye must find yer way back to yer truth on yer own. Once ye do, I will be there to help in any way I can.”
She nodded and patted his nose. “I know you will be.”
They stayed on a bit until Declán eventually said they should get some rest. There was no way to know when the battle would be upon them. It could be any time now.
“I know I should sleep,” she said a short while later, standing in front of one of the windows in their chamber, “but I’m not tired.” She set aside the new sketchbook Madison had given her earlier, drifted to the tree tapestry, and stared at it. “Instead, I feel wired and on edge.”
“That’s normal the eve before a potential battle.” Declán stood behind her and massaged her shoulders. “’Tis something all warriors feel.” He pulled aside her hair and dropped several kisses on her neck while he continued working tension from her shoulders. “Why do you think so many vanished early on? ‘Twas essential they eased their anxiousness so they could rest.”
“Ah,” she murmured. “Nothing like seeing to matters of the flesh to knock you right out.”
She tilted her head to give him better access to her neck. The sensations she had felt all night watching him among their people bubbled up. She had found him arousing in all aspects. From the way he rallied his men to the kindness he had shown women and children. She looked forward to watching more of it as time went on. Experiencing the endless wonder she felt that he was all hers.
