Page 13 of A Celtic Secret
“’Tis no small thing being an Unnamed One,” he said in closing. “What era are ye from again precisely? And what country?”
“I’ll tell you where and when I’m from once I know I can trust you, King Raghnall.” Riona smiled sweetly at him over her shoulder. “All things considered, I’m sure you can understand that?”
Where Declán figured Raghnall would lash out, as he was prone to bursts of anger, his gaze went from frustrated to forgiving in an instant. “I do.” He cupped her cheek. “And I am glad for it. Glad ye seek my trust.”
More than a little thrown by the exchange, Declán kept a frown to himself. Was Raghnall lying to Riona or the other way around? Was she capable of lying after all? Because this didn’t make sense. All thatdidmake sense was his own envious response.
“I’m glad you’re glad,” Riona whispered, gazing into Raghnall’s eyes. “That means a lot.”
Declán couldn’t help but notice Raghnall’s horse had slowed just enough to make it easier for Riona to look back at the enemy king. Just enough to keep the ride less jarring. Was she controlling it somehow? Or was it simply responding to what she was? While he had only been able to follow parts of what happened over the past week via Riona’s mind, he knew Madison had become capable of great magic. Had ruled the forest and animals around her.
He eyed the trees, wondering if Riona could do the same? If she had harnessed her newborn magic that quickly? He would have said it was impossible if he didn’t witness what happened next.
Pretty much the last thing he expected in what could quickly become a daunting situation.
Chapter Five
RIONA HAD NO idea howshe remained so calm when she had never been so terrified and excited at the same time. She had, one way or another, hitchhiked her way around the world looking for her next great adventure, but this? Medieval Ireland? Caught between two Irish kings? Men who were her enemies, no less?
Well, that just took the cake.
While being thrown over a dragon shifter’s shoulder, then somehow healing him had certainly been exhilarating, therealadventure began the moment she locked eyes with Raghnall. Or should she say, waswellunderway after she’d already locked eyes with Declán?
If nothing else could be said, the two of them were an adventure unto themselves. Neither were particularly upbeat but brooding, which she wasn’t usually drawn to. Both looked just like her sketches of them. Declán, who was dressed similarly to Aodh, only in dark brown, was even more handsome in person. More alluring.
But then, so was Raghnall. Sort of.
Needless to say, she eased right into the situation, as daunting as it was, in a way that made little sense, but she wasn’t inclined to question it. Not when something inside her that could only be her blossoming magic seemed to lead the way. Magic she trusted. Besides, everyone she cared about was safe somewhere else, so all was well enough.
At least until Luna raced out of the woods, did one of her infamous hops, and landed on Declán’s horse in front of him. Oddly, the horse didn’t seem put off as her little husky cozied back against Declán and shot her a ‘you can have that one because I’ve got this one’ look.
“Don’t,” Riona exclaimed when both men seemed startled. Not good, given one was a wizard and the other a warlock who could snuff Luna out of existence with a flick of their wrist. “She’s my dog.”
“Now would be the time to talk to me telepathically if you’re my familiar,”she said into Luna's mind, praying she would finally talk back.“Seriously, the time.”
Nothing. No response. Just Luna giving her a look that she rode with the right guy and Riona, the wrong one.
