Better to stay harsh than entertain ever letting an Irishman near her heart again.
“Was Liam that hard to be around in New Hampshire?” Madison wondered. “Because I heard he not only took care of Zeke when you and Constance holed yourself up in various locations but brought you food and drink.” She pointed out that by doing so, he had gone above and beyond what was truly expected. “And he’s a king no less.”
“He might’ve done something along those lines,” she muttered, feeling awkward as people in medieval clothing fell to a knee and lowered their heads to Madison before passing her.
“This is strange,” she said under her breath. “How do you get used to it?”
Because her sister clearly was as she smiled at them, then took the time to say hello and speak with them even as her voice resonated in Shannon’s mind.
“It becomes easier and easier,”she said.“You’ll see.”
How strange yet welcome to hear Madison’s voice in her head.
She focused on her sister and replied.“I’ll believe it when I see it.”At least they weren’t bowing to her yet.“So glad they’re not doing it to me, which makes me wonder why Liam’s men did.”
“Likely because they’ve spoken to Cian’s and Declán’s warriors, so they have no doubt,”she replied.“Once Liam’s people see you in your dress and the dagger of your calling at your side, I’m sure they’ll do the same.”
“Right.”She thought about what Madison had said before.“A dress I’ve only worn for a flicker of a moment once.”
“Nay.”Clearly following a conversation that was none of his business, Liam joined them and spoke aloud. “It flickered on you again when you paralyzed your attacker on the bridge.”
He smiled and nodded hello to his people as they stood and greeted him. All seemed relieved and glad to have him home. Clearly liked him a great deal. So said him scooping up a child, setting her down on his shoulder, and continuing on.
Madison wore a knowing smile when she shrugged at Shannon in a you-can-only-hate-him-so-much way before they followed the men under a portcullis, through the front gates, and into a courtyard that made it hard to breathe.
So hard, in fact, the world tilted sideways, and she passed out.
Chapter Six
LIAM SET DOWN the child he had been carrying and scooped Shannon up when she passed out. He had envisioned how it might be bringing his own druidess back to Ireland, back to his castle, but never envisioned it like this. Never anticipated how she would react.
Not only had Shannon nearly vomited when she touched him the first time, then grew ill again when she laid eyes on his castle, but now this. Passed out cold. Or so it seemed until Madison stopped him from going too much further into the courtyard and urged him to sit somewhere.
Give Shannon’s inner druidess a moment to readjust.
So he sat on a stool the child’s mother rushed over with and hated the way he felt when Shannon’s head lolled against his shoulder. They might not get along, but she deserved better than this. Weakened when he knew just how strong she could be. Helpless when he knew from her thoughts just how many she had helped over the years. Not just the animals she had kept alive but the wellbeing of the people who loved them.
“Just give her a moment.” Madison placed her hand over the dagger sheathed at her waist, crouched beside them, and placed her other hand on Shannon's shoulder. Her eyes met his. “She’s coming back. It’s just going to take a second.”
“Coming back from where?” he said, almost afraid to ask.
