Page 14 of His Royal Request

He laughed and pointed down the path to a bright red building. “Let’s go there next.”

I followed him, stopping to pet the dog that sat next to artists sketching vivid pictures of the street.

“Come in, Charlie.” I walked into the small shop and looked around. It was a jewelry store. Aiden headed for the back room and waited for me to join him. There were glass cases with old jewelry and pictures. I walked up to a case and looked inside.

“The Claddagh.” I read some of the cards with information dating back to the 1700s. The ring had two small hands holding a heart with a crown on top. “This is so cool.”

Aiden stood next to me. “It’s a traditional Irish ring with ties as far back as the late 1600s. It was used as a wedding ring design in the area for over four hundred years, but now it’s popular throughout the country. Queen Victoria even wore one.”

I could practically feel the history seeping into me. My mom’s family might have used these rings. Mom probably knew about this tradition.

“This is incredible.”

“It’s Galway history. Your history.”

This was what I’d been craving. This was the connection I’d been looking for.

“Come on. Let’s pick one out.” He led me back to the front room that houses the design in dozens of options from rings, earrings, brooches, and necklaces.

The man sitting behind the counter greeted us as Aiden led me to the front case. “G’afternoon. What might you be lookin’ for today?”

Aiden gestured toward me. “My friend’s ancestors are from here and I thought it’d be important for her to get her a ring of her own.”

The man peered at me. “Ey, what’s your family’s name?”

“Lynch.”

His eyes widened. “An original tribe, eh?”

I wasn’t sure what he meant. “Um, I’m not sure.”

“The Lynch tribe was one of the original founders of Galway.” He replied.

I was stunned. “Really?”

He grinned and winked. “Yes, ma’am. It seems you are in dire need of a Claddagh ring. What metal do ya fancy?”

I studied the silver, gold, and rose gold rings. There were no prices though. I didn’t have money budgeted for a splurge like this, even though it felt like fate. “Oh, I’m not sure.”

Aiden leaned forward. “I like the rose gold, what do you think?”

I agreed. That metal had drawn my eye… Trying it on wouldn’t hurt. “Sure.”

The jeweler opened the case and paused. “Do you know your ring size?”

I shook my head. He glanced at my hands then reached in. He pulled a ring and held it out to me. “Let’s see how a seven feels.”

I slid it on and it fit perfectly. Tight enough that I didn’t have to worry about it sliding off, but loose enough that it did feel stuck. “You were right on.”

He tapped his chest. “It’s me job.”

I looked down at the unique design. “Is there a meaning behind it?”

“Let Love and Friendship reign.” He clarified. “The hands are for friendship, the heart is for love, and loyalty is shown with the crown up above.”

My heart raced and I almost teared up. “That’s beautiful.”

Aiden nodded. “We’ll take it.”