Page 53 of A Celtic Vow
“There are so many,” Constance exclaimed, nodding hello to those they passed. All fell to a knee and lowered their heads, lending to an ever-growing sense of responsibility. One that had taken root at Aodh’s castle and only expanded with every kingdom she met, including those who showed such fealty now.
That had such faith in her and her sisters.
“Madison.” She smiled, glad to see her oldest sister again when she and Cian appeared ahead. When she realized just how worried she’d been about her sister being this far south. She swung down and embraced her. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“Of course I am.” Madison hugged her back, teasing. “And I’m glad you stayed put and didn’t run off again.” She held her at arm’s length and took her in, from her red druidess gown to her dragon crown. “You look incredibly beautiful, sis.” Her gaze swept over all three sisters as Riona and Shannon dismounted as well. “You all do.”
The next thing she knew, she was wrapped up in a big bear hug with her sisters. One that seemed to make the air pulse and her blade warm at her side. It undoubtedly responded to and reflected Madison's and Riona's power every bit as much as it had Shannon's when she'd touched it in the cave.
“Blessed be,” someone murmured, pulling their attention to their surroundings. Everyone, including their husbands, were on bent knee with their heads bowed and their blades gripped in front of them in a show of allegiance.
She marveled at the pulse of extraordinary vibrancy that rippled off her and her sisters and expanded out through the trees. The sheer beauty of the woods as they came together for the first time as Unnamed Ones. As druidesses who had found their way back to life and love and fought on behalf of their country.
Because itwastheir country. Always had been.
“C’mon, Aodh,” her young self cried before her transparent dragon manifested out of nowhere and raced by them with Aodh’s little dragon in pursuit.
Charmed by him, remembering him at that age, Constance followed them without a second thought. Flew by warriors who seemed confused because they didn’t see what her sisters and Aodh’s brothers saw. Didn’t see the young dragons racing until they skidded to a stop at something that made her drop to her knees in awe.
She could hardly breathe, let alone see the young dragons gathering up an acorn to replant at King’s Fall. Rather, she looked up at the ancient twisting trunk of what could only be King’s Heart into its pulsing verdant leaves. Into a tree that was more alive than anything she’d ever seen. So utterly powerful in its beauty and serenity that she understood things she never had before. How vital and precious life was. How important every god was as long as they inspired goodness, wellness, and peace.
More than anything, though,love.
Such incredible love that she lowered her head in worship. With as much admiration and respect as everyone had just shown her and her sisters. With a vow in her heart to save Ireland that she saw so very clearly now, it was a wonder she hadn’t recognized it right away.
One she would see through no matter what it took.
“Constance?” Aodh said from what seemed a great distance away. He sounded upset. Urgent. “Come back to me, lass.”
Come back to him? From where? She was right here.
“Constance?” he roared, more insistent this time. “Come back!”
She blinked, startled by how loud he suddenly sounded, only to find him kneeling in front of her, gripping her shoulders.
“What happened?” she gasped, dragging in air like she’d stopped breathing for minutes on end. “How are you....” She shook her head and frowned from Zeke, who sat by her side, to her sisters, who crouched around her with equal concern. “I don’t understand.”
“You went into some sort of waking coma or trance, for lack of a better explanation,” Madison said softly, rubbing her back like she used to when they were little. “It lasted nearly five minutes.” She shook her head, worried. “Nobody could get through to you. Not even Aodh.”
“Where was I?” she whispered but already knew the answer.
When she did, her sisters did too.
“With the tree,” Riona murmured. Her rounded gaze went from Constance to King’s Heart. “With it, in a way none of us have been so far.”
“Do you remember what happened?” Aodh asked.
She felt his fear. How terrified he had been.
“No.” She shook her head, only now aware of how quiet the encampment had grown. How each and every warrior from all kingdoms stood with their weapon at the ready in case they needed to defend her from some unseen foe. “Just that I had to fulfill my vow to the tree and Ireland.” However shaky, she cupped Aodh’s cheek. “Toyou.”
She could tell he didn’t much like that because it sounded too much like she’d be sacrificing herself to do it, but he nodded with approval. Appeared grateful when he was terrified.
“And for that, I thank you, my queen.” He kissed her palm and spoke telepathically.“Are you strong enough to stand? If not, I’ll—”
“I’m okay.” She knew how hard it had been for him to refrain from scooping her up sooner. From taking her as far from this tree and Siobhán as he possibly could. Yet he’d understood he needed to be patient. Allow her to find her own strength. “I’m just confused, I guess.”
“Me, too.” He kissed her palm again, then brushed his lips across hers. “And eager to understand. More eager than you can imagine.”
