It took a while for his muscles to unlock enough that he could lower her legs and look into her teary eyes. Half-mast, they met his with everything she felt. Love. Fear. Sadness. But mostly love.
“Please don’t leave me,” she whispered so softly he barely caught it. “I don’t want to be here without you. I don’t want....”
Liam knew from both her thoughts and the look in her eyes that she wouldn’t finish her sentence. She had said all she could. He also knew it was nearly time to say goodbye. That these were their last moments together.
Instead of continuing on, she pulled his lips down to hers and kissed him with everything she felt. Showed him how much she would miss him if she lost him. How she would love his people as if they were her own. Love their son and see after him as well as Liam had in their last life.
Kisses turned to renewed passion, and eventually, they moved together again. Loved each other this way for what would be the last time, and they both knew it. Knew there was no way Siobhán would ever let Liam live once she got a hold of him.
Especially if she lost her dragon because of him.
Limbs twisted with limbs, and their lovemaking became intensely heartfelt. A merging of body and soul. Of mind and matter. Of everything he would hold on to when he left her behind. Everything that meant anything.
When they let go at the same time, as they were wont to do, her cheeks were soaked, and his heart heavy. He had, unfortunately enough, said farewell to several lasses before he went off to battle over the years, but it couldn’t touch how he felt now. The torture of leaving his son.
Then beyond torture at leaving her. Losing her all over again.
They said little as he held her for a while after that. Stroked her hair and soothed her the best he could. Held her until the sun sank low enough he knew they had no more time. It was best his ships arrive at dusk, so Siobhán saw his white flag, yet it was still dim enough for the others to rescue Aodh without being seen, if such were even possible. Declán knew Siobhán’s kingdom inside and out, where warriors would be posted, so Liam could only pray they were successful.
“How many weapons can you strap on?” Shannon asked a short time later after they enjoyed one last lingering kiss and dressed. “A lot, I hope.”
“Enough.” He winked, trying to keep things as lighthearted as possible. “And let’s not forget, Iama wizard with strength regained thanks to you and our bond.”
“I know.” Shannon eyed him with curiosity, finding hope in whatever she could. “I heard you wear black robes on occasion when fighting with magic. And now we know your power was influenced by Siobhán. Does that mean you stand more of a chance against her?”
“One would think,” he replied. “The robes come when and if they’re needed.”
“Here’s hoping they come, then,” she muttered until her breath, clearly trying to keep her emotions tempered. “Or else I’ll be really pissed at your inner wizard.”
When she squared her shoulders and started for the door, he grabbed her wrist and reeled her back into his arms before she got too far. He knew he should have let her go, but he acted reflexively. Had to know she was okay. That she could do this. Otherwise, he wouldn’t let her anywhere near Siobhán’s kingdom.
“My robes will appear if they are needed, lass.” He cupped the side of her neck with one hand and her cheek with the other, trying to pour every bit of reassurance into her as possible. “I need to know you’re focused and able to do this.” He searched her eyes. “Need to know you will stand by our son and free Aodh because ‘tis crucial not just to our kingdom but for the future of Ireland.Youare crucial.”
“I will,” she swore, notching her chin in determination when he knew she continued fighting emotions. “You have my word.”
“Ta?”
“Ta,” she whispered hoarsely before she cleared her throat and spoke with the conviction he needed to hear. “Yes, husband.”
He startled at that word. At how easily it came to her lips. How much he wanted to hear it time and time again.
“Good, my wife.” He brushed his lips across hers one last time. Told her what was in his heart. “I look forward to putting this behind us and hearing ye call me that often.”
“And I look forward to saying it,” she replied softly.
They said little after that but headed down to join the others.
“We are ready to travel when ye are, m’lord,” Conall said when they met everyone in the courtyard. “And just so we are clear, Iwillbe going with ye.”
Before he could counter, Dúghlas backed him up. “’Tis where he should be, me lad. By yer side as yer second-in-command.” He clasped Liam’s shoulder and met his eyes. “I can oversee yer warriors heading to the border just fine.” He nodded at Tréan and Shannon before looking at Liam again, the emotion in his voice obvious. “I will steer them well, laddie, until ye come home to us.” He looked from Conall to Liam. “Until then, ‘tis best ye have yer mightiest warrior by yer side.”
He had wanted his second-in-command here to look after everyone because outside of himself, no fighter was greater, but he saw by the look in both Dúghlas' and Conall's eyes there was no room for argument. Theywouldhave their way whether Liam was king or not.
“Ta, then.” He embraced his mentor, then met his eyes. “Ye best see well to them, old friend.”
Dúghlas nodded before Liam spoke to Declán next. It was odd growing closer to a brother before letting him go, but he had and hoped, by the grace of the gods, they were allowed to spend more time together after all of this.
“I will watch over them every bit as much as Dúghlas,” Declán vowed before Liam could say a word. He embraced him, then clasped his shoulder and spoke within the mind.“And I will protect yer wife and son with my life, brother.”
