Page 35 of A Celtic Vow
“I think ‘tis best we’re truthful in all things,” he began, struggling. “To make sure things are clear, considering we seem to be growing closer. That ‘tis possible there was love betwixt us at least in this life and possibly the last.”
Her stomach sank when he hesitated. “Go on.”
“You know of Siobhán’s role in the strife betwixt Liam and me?”
“I do.” She got a bad taste in her mouth. “Siobhán manipulated you guys into thinking she’d been with you when she hadn’t been.”
She understood why he’d grown uncomfortable and upset as he set the record straight. The enemy might have toyed with Liam’s mind, but her experience with Aodh had been more hands-on. They had actually slept together. Several times.
She swallowed back a lump in her throat, shocked by how hard it hit her. How betrayed she felt even though she sensed it hadn’t been all that fulfilling for him.
Even though he didn’t owe her anything.
“Pretty big news,” she finally managed, taking a solid swig this time. She cursed inwardly when she had to blink back tears of both sadness and anger.
“I’m sorry, lass,” he murmured, no doubt aware of her strong reaction. “More than you can imagine.”
The truth was, he had nothing to be sorry for. Not when it came to her. Not that she knew of, anyway, and she said as much.
“We weren’t,aren’ttogether,” she finally managed, keeping her eyes on the crackling fire rather than him. “So you have no reason to be sorry.” She shook her head. “Remember, the prophecy doesn’t require love, so it’s not like you had to hold out for anything. More importantly, you clearly didn’t remember meeting me as a child when you hooked up with Siobhán.”
“Nay.” His accent thickened with emotion. “But I’m still sorry if for no other reason than it hurts ye now.” He tilted her chin until she had no choice but to look at him. “Not just that, but ‘tis my fondest hope we will be together because no other, most especially Siobhán, has ever made me feel like ye do.” He shook his head. “And ‘tis not just a dragon thing but more. Both sides of ye.”
Constance tended to agree, but that didn’t lessen her emotional response. So she pulled her chin away and sighed. “Why don’t we just see where things take us, okay?” She tried to focus on the positive rather than give in to disappointment he didn’t deserve. “Because I suspect we don’t have nearly all the facts yet when it comes to Siobhán and her role in our lives.”
“So you distrust her now?” he asked, hopeful. “You won’t go to her determined to bring peace amongst us when she’s not someone to reason with?”
She should have known he’d sensed as much off her.
“I never said I trusted her,” she countered. “But in all honesty, especially given what you just told me, I’m less inclined to go to her.”
Because her sense of betrayal wasn’t just from him but Siobhán, too. It felt just as personal.
“Then I’m glad I told you,” he said softly. “Not just because it might make you think twice about her but because I truly do want honesty betwixt us.”
“I do too.” More than she expected. The more time she spent with him, the more he felt like a long-lost best friend. Like someone she had missed dearly without even realizing it.
“I feel the same, Constance,” he said, following her thoughts. “’Tis unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.” If possible, he grew more serious. “To that end, there’s nothing I won’t do to defend it. Keep it.” He shook his head, clearly referring to their kiss earlier. “Even if it becomes nothing more than friendship.”
She appreciated him saying that in light of what he’d just shared but knew better than to think whatever this was would remain platonic. Not with how strongly her body reacted to him.
How much she wanted him at this very moment.
Something she did her best to ignore as she redirected the conversation elsewhere for now. “So tell me about this place.” She ate and admired the tree. “Do you think it appeared when King’s Heart came to be, or was it here long before that?”
She was certain King’s Heart had existed in their last life too. A younger version, anyway. It wasn’t necessarily the tree that existed today but a previous incarnation of it, if such a thing were possible.
“It did not appear here at the same time as King’s Heart.” He shook his head. “It started growing here about twenty years ago.” There was no mistaking the pride or awe in his voice. “Against all odds considering where it took root, it grew strong and sturdy.” He looked up at the faint light above. “And found its way to the light despite the darkness from which it was born.”
“Where was it born?” Something about what he’d just said made it hard to breathe. “Where’s the base of this tree, Aodh? Can we get to it?”
“I can get you close, but not all the way to it.” Aodh shook his head. “But ‘tis not easy if tight spaces are difficult for you.” He gestured at her dress. “And you’re by no means dressed for it.”
“Then dress me for it because I’m not claustrophobic.” Certain she needed to go to the base, she stood and gave him a look. “Because I know you wizards can redress us druidesses with but a chant.” She shook her head, knowing what he was going to say next. “And I don’t care if you see me nude, however briefly.”
He stood as well. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” She needed to see the base of this tree. “Very.”
