Page 63 of Highland Queen

“So I complained. But I’m told that it’s urgent. So you must go. Kiss me once, like you mean it, and then you can depart.”

Not waiting for me, Sid set her hand on my neck and pulled me into a deep kiss. Her mouth was warm and sweet as if she had been eating honey by the spoonful. She slipped onto the bed with me, straddling my lap. With her free hand, she gently stroked my breast.

My mind wanted to resist, but in the end, I fell into her kiss.

I loved Sid.

I loved Sid in ways I didn’t understand.

And I loved her kiss.

After a time, Sid pulled back. She sighed heavily. “Now, I have to let you go. What a pain. I’ll see you again though,” she said then leaned toward my stomach. “And you, wee thing, what are we going to do with you?”

I shook my head, a million emotions flowing through me at once. “Sid.”

“Have you met Flidas?”

“Yes.”

“And what did you think?”

“I’m not sure.”

“I’ll take her to bed while you’re gone. At least it will help me feel less lonely.”

“Sid,” I said with a shake of the head.

Sid paused then and took my face into her hands. “I love you, Cerridwen.”

“I love you too.”

“Now go say goodbye to Crearwy. And come back soon.”

“Sid, I think I’ve made a terrible mistake.”

At that, Sid laughed loudly. “We all make mistakes, Cerridwen. Who can see them at the moment they’re made? Now, go on.”

Sighing, I reluctantly rose. I pulled on my coat and headed outside to find Epona and Crearwy sitting on the bench near the fire. Epona was holding the same counting board she had used to teach me. My heart was warmed by the sight.

“Here she is,” Sid called. “And as I told you both, she must go.”

Crearwy looked up at me, a stormy expression on her face. She set her own counting board down then stormed off in the direction of the barn.

Leaning on her staff, Epona rose. She watched Crearwy go.

“Sid, are you sure I must leave?” I asked.

Sid nodded. “Yes.”

I sighed.

“Tully has saddled your horse,” Epona said, motioning to the blood bay—Swift—who stood looking at me. “Please make sure Druanne and Uald return safely.”

“Of course,” I said then pulled Epona into a hug. She was so frail, so small. I could scarcely believe it. “Banquo may come here if he doesn’t stop at the keep first,” I told Epona.

She looked at Sid.

“I’ll fetch him and put him on a new route. Let’s see if he wants to have some fun before I set him free. Would you mind, raven beak?”

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