Chapter Two
Kingdom of Ulster
Ireland, 1060
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THE SUN WAS RISINGwhen Aodh approached his southern border for the first time in days as a man rather than a destructive beast. As his kingdom’s protector instead of its destroyer. Its king rather than its enemy’s minion.
To be expected, and as he hoped, his second-in-command, Eircc was among the men lying in wait at the border betwixt Liam’s and Aodh’s land. The very spot where his own warriors had been forced to face off with his brother's men mere days ago. Where his soldiers had killed four of Liam's men at Aodh’s and Siobhán’s orders.
He could greet his men one of two ways. Lay down his weapons and surrender. Or keep his head held high and his weapons at the ready. Whilst everything in him, who he was at the core, demanded that he approach them in a fighting stance, the truth was, he simply could not do it.
Wouldnot do it.
He had wronged his people and would not approach them with blades drawn, demanding their forgiveness. Rather, he would approach unarmed and let them be his judge. Let them decide if he should still rule.
Let them decide if he should die.
So he stopped, threw down his weapons, and allowed his men to approach on horseback. He didn’t blame them for their stern expressions or wary eyes as they kept their weapons drawn. Didn’t blame them for falling into formation like he had taught them when preparing to attack an enemy.
“I come in peace.” He looked from man to man before locking eyes with Eircc. “I was ensorcelled this past week. Ruled by our enemy. Too weak to fight her. Imprisoned inside my inner beast by powerful magic.” He fell to one knee and kept his gaze with he who would take charge if they ended him here and now. “I can only say things simply. I am sorry for the destruction I have caused. For the heartache, I have inflicted on our people.” He ground his jaw and clenched his fists in frustration. “For not being stronger when I am supposed to be yer leader.”
He looked from man to man again, appreciating the fierceness he saw in their eyes. Ready for their wrath if and when it came.
“To that end,” he went on, “I leave it to ye to be the judges of my fate.” He lowered his head and exposed the back of his neck. Closed his eyes to whatever came his way. “To end me here and now if ye see fit or bring me in front of our people so that they might have the satisfaction of witnessing my demise as well. That they might land the final blow if ‘tis their wish for ‘tis well deserved.”
How could it not be when he hadn’t just attacked their allied kingdom but their own? When he had been too weak to fight back against Siobhán’s hold over him?
“If ye’re to die, we will see yer eyes.” Eircc didn't afford him his proper title. “Ye will see yer death coming.”
Aodh bit back his dragon’s anger at his human half being disrespected, not to mention willing to die, and raised his head. He opened his eyes to his second-in-command, grateful his vision didn’t haze red with his inner beast.
Eircc put a hand up, urging the others to hold back, and swung down from his horse rather than force it to go any closer to Aodh lest he shift. His second-in-command, however, had no such issues approaching. No fear in his eyes when he stopped in front of Aodh, crossed his arms over his chest, and contemplated him.
“Ye have put us through hell,” Eircc finally growled. “Gave us no choice but to harm our allies.” He narrowed his eyes. “Yer bloody beast even laid ruin to part of our castle to see us fall in line!” He shook his head. “How are we to forgive ye that?”
“As I said, ye do not have to.” He might be willing to lay down his life for the wrongs he had committed, but he would make things clear if for no other reason than to temper his inner beast. “But if ye do, make no mistake that I will resume being yer king, and yewilladdress me properly.”
Eircc perked a brow. “Ye think to make demands despite all ye’ve done?” The other brow shot up. “Despite being on bended knee when ye ask such?”
“I do.” Only willing to grovel for so long, he looked from his men back to Eircc. “So what say ye? Will I meet my death this day, or will ye accept me back as yer liege?”
The seconds ticked by as Eircc considered him. As the horses grew restless at the dragon they undoubtedly felt simmering inside Aodh. One that would likely fell all if Eircc chose unwisely no matter what his human half wanted.
