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Sarah sighed. “For a long time, I did not know who I was. Only now, I’m beginning to discover who I truly am.”
A sob escaped Kenna’s lips, and she clasped her hand over her mouth, embarrassment widening her eyes. “I’ve only ever…” She cleared her throat, hesitant and yet almost desperately determined. “I’ve only ever seen this one future.” She shrugged helplessly. “What am I to do now that I’ve lost him?”
“Anything you wish,” Sarah replied with an encouraging smile. “That is the beauty of freedom, is it not? You live here in this beautiful place where your choices are your own. Yvaine made certain of that long ago.”
Wiping the tears from her face, Kenna managed a tentative smile. “I always loved her story,” she murmured, her shoulders slumped and the look upon her face one of uncertainty. “And I often wondered where Yvaine found the strength to begin again.”
Sarah nodded, remembering how deeply in awe she had been from the first after hearing Yvaine’s story. “I suppose sometimes there simply is no other way. Sometimes we might only find our true strength once we need it.” She smiled at Kenna. “You will find your place as I found mine, and I suppose more often than not, the path that leads us there is not a straight one.”
Clearly thoughtful, Kenna nodded, and as Sarah turned away, crossing the garden once more on her way to the great hall, she was fairly certain that they did not part as enemies.
Chapter Forty-Four
A RAY OF SUNSHINE
As his wedding day approached, Keir was happy to see the skies clear and the sun peek out once more. The breeze blowing in from the sea no longer felt as chilled upon his skin, and the countryside slowly grew more vibrant in color. Greens intensified, and tentative blossoms could be spotted here and there. Soon, the spring festival would be upon them, and Keir mused that only a year ago he had not even known Sarah. Indeed, a lot had happened in so short a time. After all, he could no longer imagine his life without her.
“It appears the Fey smile upon ye, little brother,” Duncan remarked with a chuckle as he looked up at the bright blue skies. “I suppose they always have.”
Keir elbowed his brother good-naturedly as they walked along the ramparts, their eyes sweeping out to sea as well as over the harbor and the village. “Any news?”
Sobering, Duncan shook his head. “No one’s been spotted, and the sea has been clear and the weather fine these past few days.” He nodded toward the harbor where a two-masted ship lay at anchor. “Only a trade vessel returned from the continent, but with no unwanted passengers on board.” Duncan turned to meet Keir’s eyes. “I searched it myself.”
Keir exhaled a breath of relief, nodding gratefully to his brother. He had always stood at his family’s side, ready to support his father and brother in leading their clan whenever they needed him. Yet lately, with his wedding coming up and the threat of Birchwell and Blackmore, Keir had often found himself distracted.
Laughing, Duncan slapped a hand on Keir’s shoulder. “Now, stop looking so concerned. In only two days, ye’ll be married. If that is no reason for celebration, I dunna know what is.” Duncan grinned at him broadly. “Especially with a fetching bride like dear Sarah.”
Keir playfully lunged at his brother, but Duncan easily sidestepped him. Indeed, it felt good to laugh again, and he heard an echo of his grandmother’s voice circling through his head,There is always a ray of sunshine even on the darkest of days.
As Duncan once more shifted his attention to the fortification of their island, Keir headed back inside. The great hall was filled with people, breaking their fast together, and Sarah and Katherine were seated with the girls at his family’s table.
“Where have you been?” Sarah asked him as he seated himself beside her and pressed a quick kiss to her temple. She smiled at him, and her hand reached out to touch his face. “I’ve missed you,” she whispered, dropping her voice low enough so only he would hear.
Keir traced the braid at her temple with the tips of his fingers, delighting in the little wisps that always seemed to escape, curling around her face. “I’ve missed ye as well, little wisp,” he whispered in her ear, feeling her warm breath against the side of his neck.
Someone cleared their throat rather loudly. Keir glanced up to see Eoghan standing beside the table, a broad grin upon his face. “Ye’re aware that this hall is full of people, children included, are ye not?” his old friend teased before his gaze moved sideways to indicate not only his own daughter but Sarah’s nieces too. Augusta and Dorothea were staring at them with unabashed fascination.
Keir chuckled while Sarah blushed rather profusely before she buried her flaming face in her hands.
“Da, can we go down to the beach?” Bonnie inquired in that moment, breaking the slightly awkward silence that had fallen over the table.
Eoghan kneeled down in front of his little girl. “Again?”
Bonnie nodded eagerly, and Augusta and Dorothea quickly appeared at her side, joining in. “We want to go find seashells.”
Eoghan heaved a deep breath. “More seashells?” He glanced up at the adults seated around the table. “Frankly, every cup and bowl in our house is filled with seashells. By now, the sea must be empty.”
Everyone laughed, smiling at the girls.
“Verra well,” Eoghan gave in, hugging Bonnie as she surged into his arms for a quick hug. “We’ll go the day after tomorrow.” Bonnie’s face fell. “How about today the three of ye play in the gardens?” He glanced at Augusta and Dorothea, their expressions as crestfallen as Bonnie’s. “Are ye not excited for Sarah’s and Keir’s wedding?”
Though the girls nodded, sadness rested in their eyes as they trotted off, their shoulders slumped.
Keir noticed Katherine’s lips part as though she wished to object, and he quickly rose to his feet, calling for Loki. The feline lay stretched out by the fire but immediately rose to his paws and hurried over at Keir’s call, his amber eyes attentive. “Go with them,” Keir instructed, feeling foolish to be speaking to a cat like this. Yet he did not doubt for a moment that Loki knew precisely what he wanted. “Keep an eye on them.”
Eoghan chuckled, clearly amused, as did many others. However, they all fell silent rather quickly when Loki did precisely as Keir had ordered. The moment the girls hurried away; the feline followed.
As did Faerie.
