Faery Kissed

chapter Five

I didn’t know why, but the thought both excited and terrified me. My emotions suddenly jumbled all together, and I had a difficult time sorting them.

“Is there a reason you want to rush into this right away? We have all the time in the world to start a family. Why not just get to know each other better first?”

She smiled slightly. “It is the custom of my people. Getting with child immediately shows the value of the relationship. It marks it as good and healthy. If a Fae does not conceive early on, she will be shunned by her people, and even her husband can leave her for not producing his heir.”

I frowned. “Well, that seems a little harsh. Sometimes things are out of a woman’s control. Why shun her for something that is not her fault?”

Eirian shrugged nonchalantly, and I could tell she agreed with the custom. “Reproduction is necessary for the survival of my people. We must each contribute—do our share. It’s been done this way for thousands of years.”

I kept frowning. It didn’t seem like a very good thing.

She laughed. “If it helps you feel any better, it doesn’t happen very often. My race is extremely fertile. So much in fact, I would wager only one person doesn’t conceive every few hundred years.”

“Hmm.” I pondered her statement, still not feeling comfortable with it. “And what if you turn out to be that one? How fair will you find it then?”

Her face clouded over, and I wondered if she’d ever even considered the idea. “That would be horrible since I am the daughter of the royal house. My king would not be pleased. I am needed to continue the bloodline. My inability to have a baby could cause me to be completely ostracized by my people.”

“Your father should love you regardless of what you do, and whether he is king or not.” I felt myself growing angrier.

Eirian smiled even wider. “And this is why I wanted you, Bran. Your heart is so good, so willing to help others less fortunate than yourself. You don’t stand for injustice. I wanted that strength to run in the veins of my child as well.” She stood and came to me, wrapping her arms around my neck.

I slipped my hands around her waist, pulling her graceful form against me. If I had to give up everything for her, I was determined to enjoy it. She was very beautiful. “And here I thought it was my dashing good looks that had drawn you.” I chuckled.

“Oh, trust me when I tell you that your appearance had a lot to do with my decision as well.” She stroked the tip of her fingers over my face. “Why settle for ugly children?”

I laughed heartily at this remark, even though it showed her Fae-ish vanity. “I bet you could mate with a troll and still have handsome children from the union.”

She scrunched her nose. “Don’t even joke about things like that. That would surely be a distasteful mating.”

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Are you saying that trolls really exist?”

“Of course I am! They can be a downright nuisance at times. We’re constantly herding them out of the far pastures lest they eat all our food. I don’t know how they manage to keep breaching the barriers, but they always seem to be able to, eventually.”

I sighed. “It seems there will be a lot I need to learn about this new world if I’m to live here.”

She looked sad when I spoke these words. “There is a lot you don’t know, and I’ll be happy to show you everything I can.”

I lifted her chin. “You mean there is more to Faery than this tree and river?” I couldn’t help teasing her.

She looked perplexed for a moment. “How did you end up here anyway? You took the opposite path earlier. I was sure I’d have to send guards out to find you before the day was over.”

So she hadn’t tried to trick me. I really had managed to walk in a circle back to this location.

“I have no idea how I came to be here. I just looked up, and there it was.” I searched her eyes. “I do find it odd that I haven’t seen another living soul since you and I left the feast. Where is everyone?”

“They are around. These are my private gardens, though. My people know I don’t wish to be disturbed when I am here, although you can occasionally stumble upon others with romantic inclinations hiding together in the seclusion of the trees around this lake.”

“Is that so? They would dare trespass on royal ground?”

She shrugged. “What can I say? I have a thing for lovers. I welcome them here.”

I tipped my head closer, lifting my hand to run my fingers through her hair. “And what about me?”

“You are always welcome here, Bran.”

I enjoyed the feeling that shot through me, and I kissed her, needing to feel her lips against mine. She pressed her body to me, her mouth opening—surrendering—and I could still taste the sweetness of the grapes we’d eaten earlier on her tongue. She was delicious, and I wondered if I would ever be able to get enough of her.

Her hands tangled in my hair, keeping my head pressed to hers, and then she slid them tenderly along my face before dipping down my neck and over my shoulders. She pulled away when she grasped my arms, squeezing them.

“I love your brawny arms. They’re so strong,” she whispered—her breathing rapid—and I couldn’t help my smile.

“I’m glad you think so.”

She traced her fingers along my exposed skin there. “Being in them is much more enjoyable than I’d imagined it to be.”

She turned, leaning back against my chest, and wrapped my arms tightly around her, tipping her head and resting it on my shoulder.

I kissed the side of her face and down her neck, my lips and tongue trailing lightly over the surface.

She let out a soft contented sigh, and I tried to brush away my feelings of guilt as I swept her off her feet and carried her over to the bench.

“When are you going to show me the rest of the city, or introduce me to others in your family?” I held Eirian in my arms, the two of us reclining together on the padded seat.

Nighttime had fallen and there was a soft breeze that blew the fragrance of the blossoms through the air, caressing our skin as it floated on its way. There was the sound of crickets and the occasional croak of a nearby frog, accompanied by the gentle lull of the water lapping the shoreline. The tumbling waterfalls echoed in the distance, giving a feeling of relaxed peacefulness. The most enjoyable sound I heard, though, was Eirian’s breathing as her fingers lazily ran up and down my arm.

I would never lay like this with Ceridwen. I cringed as the thought possessed my mind. Thinking about her was not going to make things any better for anyone. I needed to push past this—concentrate on Eirian and try to move on.

“I can show you whenever you’re ready.” She glanced up and smiled. “I’m sorry if I’ve been selfish. I keep forgetting all of this is new to you. I’ve waited for you for so long, I just want to keep you all wrapped up to myself.”

“I wasn’t actually complaining,” I replied before brushing my lips over her fair shoulder. “If you’d rather stay cocooned away in this place, I’m all for that too.”

She shook her head. “No. You should see Faery at night. It’s beautiful.”

She left my arms, standing to straighten her dress and I got up to help, lightly kissing the exposed skin at her neck.

Things might be difficult inside my heart, but she was my wife. I would act the part until my emotions believed it too.

“If you keep doing this, we will never get to see anything,” she scolded, and even though it was dark, I could feel the heat of a blush stealing over her skin.

I shrugged, glad that attraction between us was not an issue. “Fine by me—I told you I was happy staying here. That is the purpose of a honeymoon is it not?”

“Honey moon?” she asked.

“Don’t tell me your people are not familiar with the term? Drinking honey mead under the honey moon? Honey mead is, after all, supposed to heighten love and desire.”

“Oh, I was aware of that, I’d just never heard it called a honeymoon before.”

“Well, now you have.” I smiled as I pulled my boots on.

“Yes. Now I have. It’s fun sharing customs with you this way.”

“I agree. So lead the way—show me whatever you wish.”

She grasped me by the hand. “You mentioned seeing the city, so we will start there.”

We left the confines of the tree, into the silvery moonlight. Even the glow seemed magical, reflecting off every surface, and giving a sort of glistening sheen that made them appear as if they were lit internally. I'd failed to notice all this earlier, and I imagined it was partially due to the fact that I'd been under Eirian's enchantment.

“How far away is the city?” I asked, as I perused over the way she looked. Her pale skin—shining like a beacon in the night—complimented the luster of her long hair. She was truly a vision and she was mine. Despite how we'd come together, I was surprised to find that the thought made me feel good.

Immediately an image of Ceridwen popped into my mind, and a wave of guilt came with it. I sighed, heavily and pushed it away. My action was not missed by Eirian.

“The city is not far—over the bridge and into the adjoining crevice.” She didn't look at me. “Do you miss her?”

Her question caught me off guard, and I was momentarily speechless.

“Yes. I feel guilty over leaving her the way I did. She believed I was out enjoying a midsummer’s eve, but I've never returned. I don't like the idea of causing her, or my family and friends, pain. She was always loyal to me and I to her. Now I've gone and broken that trust. I feel I've dishonored her.”

I could see her biting at her lip as we walked. “Do you love her?” It was barely a whisper.

I swallowed hard, my throat feeling dry suddenly. “I do. I'd planned to marry her. It's hard to turn that off instantly.”

She nodded, as if she expected nothing less. “I can take your memories of her away again if it will make it easier.”

“No. I want to keep them. My memories make me who I am. I'm glad you returned them.”

“So you will choose to pine for her then?”

I shook my head. “I’ll do my best to honor my commitment with you. Pining for her will bring about nothing good. I believe in standing by my vows. My father raised me to believe that a man is only as good as his word.”

“But you didn’t know what vows you were making when you agreed to dance with me, or what followed after.”

“That’s true, but I still can’t change what has happened. Even if I could go back, I would have to be honest. I can’t see how telling her I’m married and have consummated that relationship will have a very positive effect on her opinion of me. Either way, I’ve lost her. Either way, I still belong to you. I choose to try and make the best of this situation. Besides, it’s not as if there’s nothing between you and me. I think we’ve proven that.”

I squeezed her hand and pulled her into my arms. “I’ve always been curious about this realm and your people. Now I’m here, and I’m going to make the most of it. I want to learn everything you can teach me—see whatever you have to show. I want to be here with you.”

There was the glimmer of tears sparkling in her eyes. I leaned in to kiss her, wishing I had more to give, but this was all I had at the moment. Our mouths met, brushing softly together, and Eirian lifted her arms, intertwining them about my neck. The kiss was a gentle one, tender, sweet, savory. I broke away when I noticed her tears falling against my skin.

“What’s the matter,” I asked, concerned.

She stared at me, tracing over my features, before placing her finger to my lips.

“I love you, Bran.”

My body trembled in response, though I didn’t know what to say.

“Don’t speak,” she added, saving me. “I know you aren’t able to say it back. There are just times I want to share it with you. I’ve waited so long.” She took my hand, and pulled me up the path toward the bridge once more.

I wanted to ask her more about her feelings, but being so unsure of my own still, I didn’t want to embarrass her. Whatever was happening between us, I was sure it bode well for our future. The more time I spent in her company, the more I wanted to be with her. I might not agree with the means she’d used to get me, but the reality was I did feel something for her. I just wasn’t sure what that was.

We walked in silence until we arrived at the giant edifice. I marveled over the stone, the carvings upon it, and the way it stretched out across the water in its repetitive arching pattern.

“How long did it take to build this? The craftsmanship amazes me. I’ve never seen its equal in my life.”

She laughed heartily; the melodic sound broke into the air like crystal. “I don’t know. It has been here for my entire existence and many centuries before, I would imagine.”

“Are you saying you never ponder on such things?” I couldn’t believe how nonchalant she seemed.

“No, I haven’t. It would be like asking, ‘Why did someone build a road?’ A road was needed so it was built. It’s the same with this bridge.”

“I do wonder who built roads,” I grumbled.

She laughed again. “Maybe it’s a male thing then. I’ve never questioned my surroundings. They’ve always been here, so they’re what I consider to be normal. Have you ever wondered about your own house, or the village you grew up in? Or were they just there because they always have been?”

I shrugged. “I considered much about the surroundings I grew up in. I was always planning for my future and how I would like things of my own to be when I grew up. What the house I built for Ceridwen would be like, and where it would be.”

The smile left her face at the mention of Ceridwen.

“Sorry,” I apologized. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t.” She released my hand and walked away. “I know you had a life before. I try not to let it bother me, but it seems I’m a little . . . jealous.”

“Why?” I asked, curious as to why a Fae would ever be jealous over me. I followed after her across the bridge.

“I told you before—I’ve been watching you for a long time, since your youth. I guess I became a bit possessive. I always felt like those kisses you gave . . . her . . . were stolen from me. I wanted to be the one pressed against those lips, in those arms, under those hands.”

“And now you are,” I reminded.

She turned and smiled. “And now I am. But for some reason, I’m still envious.”

“You shouldn’t be. I’ve done much more with you than I’ve ever done with her. Those are pieces of me she will never claim.”

“But she would’ve had I not interfered.”

“Yes, she would have,” I agreed, there was no doubt about that.

“Do you regret that she won’t now? Be truthful.” She stopped walking, staring intently.

I looked away and moved to the bridge’s edge, placing my hands against the stone railing. I gazed across the water. “Of course I regret it. I love her. I had planned my life with her—a life that will never happen now.” I glanced over my shoulder to see her standing still, unmoving, her face blank of emotion. “You must understand. When you stole me, you stole some of my dreams too.”

“That’s why I’m resentful. She has your heart, your dreams, and if you had a true choice, she would be the one here with you.”

I didn’t speak. There was no way I could refute her words because they were the absolute truth.

“Did you think of her, just now, while we were together under the tree?” Her words came out as if they were painful to speak.

I walked over and placed my hands on her shoulders. “For a brief moment before and after, but not even one breath during. When I am with you, I am here, only with you. It will always be so, I give you my word.”

She relaxed and slid against my body, laying her head against my chest as she wrapped her arms around me. “I’m sorry, Bran, for stealing your dreams.”

I groaned and embraced her.

“As selfish as it is, it never occurred to me the pain I would put you through. That was never my intention.”

“I know. What’s done is done, though. Let’s not keep reevaluating it, but try to move forward instead. I think that will be best for both of us. Rehashing things will only bring more regret.”

She tilted her head and looked at me. “I will try not to. Will you ever forgive me?”

I chuckled. “I think I already have. I’m still here, aren’t I?” I brushed my lips lightly against her forehead. “You need to realize that even though I’ve lost some dreams, I’m getting to experience others. The Fae are real, this place is real—you are real.” I frowned. “Unless I’m still sleeping next to the tree in the glen and this is all just some fabulous dream made up by my honey mead sodden mind.”

Her face brightened at my remarks. “No. You aren’t dreaming. I promise you that.”

“Good to know.” I tweaked her nose. “So let’s continue getting to know one another. Are you going to show me this fabulous city, or are we going to continue standing here the rest of the night entwined on the bridge? Not that I’m complaining.”

“Let’s go,” she said excitedly, grabbing my hand and hurrying away at such a quickened pace I had to run to keep up.

I loved watching her hair and skirts flying about, noticing the slim turn of her ankles as she moved. It was exhilarating to run, and I could feel her sneaking into my heart a little more.

She stopped suddenly, and we would’ve collided had I not been staring at her. “There it is,” she exclaimed, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. She pointed ahead, into the crevice. “Àillidh. It means beautiful.”

I think I may have gasped at the sight it was so breathtaking. The actual city was carved intricately into the walls of the canyon. There were stairs and pathways chiseled into the rock face everywhere, leading into different structures. Glass orbs, suspended by what looked to be metal rods, lit the city with an unnatural glowing blue light that reflected off the small, thin waterfalls that cascaded over the edges of the cliffs.

The water fell into a river, rushing along to an area where the walls widened, giving enough room for a small island to rise out of the middle. On the island sat a tall castle with many elegant spires that jutted high into the air. The canyon walls narrowed around the far side of the castle again and the city continued on as far as the eye could see.

“Ah’lee,” I said, repeating the foreign sounding name she’d spoken. “I understand why the bridge is meaningless to you now.” I took a step forward. “There are no words for this. It’s just . . . just . . .”

“It’s beautiful. And it’s home,” Eirian stated with a sigh.

“Home?” I questioned, confused. “I thought you lived in the castle on the hill above the canyon.”

“I do. I live in both places. Actually, they’re technically the same place. They are connected underground with a myriad of tunnels and rooms. It would probably take a lifetime to show you them all.”

I couldn’t even begin to fathom what she was talking about. “I hope you will show me some of them at least.”

“Of course, I will. You’re my mate, after all. It would seem strange not to.”

“Let’s go,” I said, eager to begin my explorations.

“Wait. There is one thing I must caution you about.”

“What’s that?”

“I am the princess of the realm. Even though you are my chosen, you’re new here. My people will expect you to be besotted with me, and defer to my every whim. It is custom for those who have been brought here to remain under enchantment. I have broken the rules by releasing you from yours. I could actually get in trouble for doing so.”

“Why would you release me?” I asked, puzzled by her actions.

She sighed heavily. “Because I’m greedy. I wanted all of you. I can enchant any person and make them want me, but I had truly fallen in love with you. I wanted to see if your feelings for me could become real too.”

I was surprised to hear her admit this. “What would you have done if I’d stayed angry or refused to have anything to do with you?”

She shrugged. “Enchantment is easy to replace.”

“And could you have lived with yourself that way? Knowing that deep down I hated and resented you?”

She stared at the ground. “I wanted you badly, Bran. I’m sorry to say, I would’ve done anything to have you.” She looked up. “You talked to me of your dreams. Well, being with you is one of mine. I’ve never wanted anything more.”

I didn’t know how to reply, but I didn’t want to lay blame with her, so I moved on. “What else will I be expected to do? I don’t want you getting in trouble, and I don’t want to be enchanted again either.”

“Like I said before, they will expect you to be besotted, unable to keep your hands off me.”

I couldn’t help my small grin. “That really won’t be that difficult. Anything else?”

“They’ll expect you to eagerly do what I say.”

“I think I can pull that off as well. Just try to go easy on me. Is that all I need to know?”

She shook her head, but she seemed hesitant to speak.

I reached for her hand, squeezing it. “What is it? You can tell me.”

She lifted her chin slightly, as if daring me to argue, and I braced myself for whatever she was going to say.

“They will expect me to be with child within these first seven days.”