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Mananan’s grip tightening was the only warning Ella got before they went through the invisible gateway. Ella screamed, more startled than afraid. The water and the world blurred about her, and she shut her eyes and buried her face into Mananan so she didn’t hurl. She was sure they had been upside down more than once.
“Almost there,” Mananan said, and the boat straightened out.
She dared open her eyes. The water had changed to an aqua color that was almost jade.
The boat surfaced into late afternoon sunshine. It was warmer than the human world too, a cool breeze keeping it from being oppressive. A wide green land stretched out in front of them.
“Welcome to Faerie.” Mananan had a smile on his face, unable to hide that he was happy to be home.
Ella’s breath caught as a castle came into view. It was built half in the ocean, half on land and was exactly the same blue jade as the sea. “What is it made out of?” she asked, eyes going wide.
“The stone is enchanted to reflect the color of the sea. It makes it harder for enemies to spot, and also, I like it,” Mananan replied. Tall fae in flowing summer robes were already gathering at the castle dock. “Damn. They’ve spotted me. I will have to see to some king stuff before dinner.”
All of the fae who saw them were waving and smiling. Their expressions turned puzzled when they spotted her.
“They look happy to see you at least,” Ella said and moved out of his grip.
Mananan frowned a little but didn’t try and hang on to her. They reached the dock where a very tall fae was waiting for them. He was wearing a creamy colored leather armor that resembled fish scales and carried two swords. He bowed deeply to Mananan.
“My king, I’m so pleased you have returned,” the fae greeted.
“Don’t get excited, Llew. I won’t be here for long,” Mananan replied. “I’ve come for Fragarach and then I’ll be returning to Albion to use it.”
“And this human?” Llew asked, his dark eyes looking over Ella. It wasn’t an unkind look, but it was a confused one. Had Mananan never brought a girl home before? Ella found that hard to believe.
“She will return with me. She’s a witch and under my protection. I need someone to show her to her room and make sure she’s comfortable,” Mananan replied. He turned to Ella. “I’ll come get you for dinner. Llew here will explode if he doesn’t debrief me, and I’m not going to subject you to that level of boredom.”
Ella smiled. “I’ll be okay. I could use a nap after that portal.”
Mananan surprised her by giving her a short bow and kissing her hand goodbye. The curious servants all looked shocked as he walked away, Llew trailing after him. A female servant quickly joined her and bowed so low, her blonde braid brushed against the polished floor.
“Come this way, my lady, and let me attend to you as the king commands,” she said, her voice soft and melodic.
Ella had no idea what had just happened with Mananan, but everyone was now staring at her like she’d grown an extra head. At least that was something that she was used to.
18
Mananan spent the rest of the day getting updates on the running of the kingdom. He had left Llew and a small council in charge before heading off with Oberon. In Faerie it had nearly been a year. He’d known that they were the best advisors and warriors, and they had proven it. Tír fo Thuinn was safe and thriving.
Now that they could pass through Tir Na Nog once more, they had reopened the trade routes. Morrigan’s castle had been destroyed by a legion of warriors from Oberon’s and Mananan’s kingdoms, and a group of dragon knights had flown in under Taranis’s command and torched all that remained of the cursed place.
Faerie as a whole was having a summer like it hadn’t seen for a millennium. Mananan told them about Oberon’s successes and his own plans. They would keep watch for any Fomorian sightings, and he left an order for their old fortresses to be searched for any signs of them. The last thing any of them wanted was to have the Fomorians back in their lands and seas.
By dinner time, Mananan was over meetings. He’d never really had the patience for ruling but had always done his best. He had liked not having to worry about the kingdom.
One afternoon was all it took for him to want to throw himself in a kraken’s nest rather than sign one more piece of parchment.
Now, with the sun setting and his stomach rumbling, he just wanted to be alone with Ella. Having her in his castle was messing with his head. Seeing her inside the walls made something soften in him. It took a moment to realize it was relief. There was nowhere in both worlds that was safer for her than Tír fo Thuinn.
As much as he wanted to lock her up there and go back and deal with the Fomorian monster on his own, he knew he couldn’t. Ella was a human and belonged in her own world.
Mananan washed and changed his clothes. He left his long hair out to dry and made sure his beard was neat. It was about as presentable as he got.
Then he went to hunt down his little nymph.
The necklace was burning a hole in his pocket, and he was feeling like a nervous faeling. He had never been nervous around lovers even when hewasa faeling.
She’s not your lover either,Mananan reminded himself. A small smile lifted his lips. Not yet anyway. She had admitted that he made her feel safe, and it was his arms she had jumped into on the beach. They were positive signs.
