Page 54 of A Celtic Vow
She could, though, because she felt the same.
“Thank you,” she said when he helped her stand but didn’t coddle her for the sake of the strength she wanted to portray. She smiled at her sisters and the warriors around them. “Thank you all. I’m okay. Just...acclimating to such an impressive tree, I suppose.” She nodded with reassurance at them. “A tree we should all be honored to have on our side.”
Everyone roared with approval before things returned to normal, and men went about their business and prepared for war.
“Here, sis.” Riona handed her a skin and eyed her with barely disguised concern. “A few sips aren’t going to hurt.”
Constance realized what she meant when she sipped whiskey that was even stronger than usual.
“Thanks.” She handed it back to Riona. “But I have a feeling I’m going to need to keep my head as clear as possible going forward, no matter how much I might like a little escape.”
Her sister nodded, understanding. “I get it.”
She was about to respond when something seemed to tug at her.
“Do you feel that, Aodh?” She narrowed her eyes in a northeasterly direction when she should be focused on the south. “It’s the same pulling sensation I experienced at King’s Fall.”
Cian glanced from the direction she looked to Constance. “The only thing of relevance in that direction is a waterfall and pond many feel are connected to King’s Heart.”
“Your pond?” she exclaimed, knowing full well the joy that Cian and Madison had experienced there. “It’s that way?”
“It is,” Madison confirmed. “And while it’s by no means our pond, would you like us to take you there?”
She was about to respond yes but bit her tongue. “No, I don’t think so.” Her gaze drifted to Aodh. “I think my new husband and I need to go there alone.”
Madison looked from Aodh to Constance in understanding. More understanding than she anticipated when her sister’s eyes flashed with her inner druidess. “I think you’re right. It’s an exceptional place.” The green faded from her gaze, and she grew extra serious. “Just remember we’re right here if you guys need us. Call out telepathically, and we’ll come.”
“I know.” And she did. She and her sisters were closer now than ever. Truly in sync like they had never been before. “Thank you.” She pulled them in for another hug. “Love you guys.”
“We love you, too,” Shannon mumbled, squeezing extra tight. “Be back before nightfall, okay?”
Despite nodding when she pulled away, they all knew she couldn’t promise that. This wasn’t just her going out on a date and getting home on time but something far more intense.
Something that had no real sense of time.
“Tell me about this pond,” Constance said after she and Aodh left the encampment behind and headed in that direction. “Outside of what happened to Cian and Madison there, why do people think it’s so connected to King’s Heart?”
“Because they feel ‘tis of the gods.” He held her hand and kept her close as they headed down a woodland path. “And I tend to agree.”
“But it’s more than that.” She couldn’t help a soft smile as his memories flickered through her mind. As she recalled his many good times there. “While you were close enough to Liam when you were young, it was the only place you ever truly felt close to all three of your brothers. The only time you got to be together and play without the weight of four kingdoms and a prophecy on your shoulders.”
“Ta,”he replied softly. “I suppose ‘twas.” He steered her off the main path onto a side trail. For the first time since she arrived back in time, there didn’t seem to be a storm looming. Rather it was bright, sunny, and brisk. “My brothers and I couldn't be at King’s Heart without behaving a certain way, but we could just be us at this pond.”
“Why when you felt it was just as connected to your gods?”
“I’m not sure other than to say ‘twas different somehow.” He led her around a bend until they stood at the top of a steep path, and everything opened up. Became something out of a fairytale. “Do you see what I mean, wife?”
“I do,” she breathed, taking in the panoramic view. While King’s Fall had been powerful, intense, and eye-drawing, something about this pond and its towering waterfall with trees cutting through it invoked peace. A sense of well-being she knew Aodh and his brothers rarely got to experience. “It’s beautiful.”
“’Tis.” Yet he stared at her, not the waterfall. Clearly wanted to see her response to another spot he loved. “As are ye. So beautiful, it hurts.”
Before she knew what hit her, he yanked her against him, cupped her cheek, and kissed her hard. So hard she knew just how difficult it had been for him to agree to come here when he’d wanted to carry her into a tent and consummate their marriage.
“I do, too,” she murmured against his lips, just as desperate. Yet just as certain it should not,couldnot, happen where they stood. “Not here, though, husband.” She cupped his cheeks and met his eyes. Made sure he understood. “I’m not sure where yet, but this isn’t where we should consummate things.”
Although she felt his impatience and sexual frustration, he nodded once and pulled away. Respected her wishes.
“Thank you,” she said softly as they continued downward.
