Chapter 32

Juppar Heiwynn, Wardhurst Castle

Juppar turned and glared at the God of Darkness. “You have no right to tell me how I must do things.”

“I have every right. You are my son. I made you. Only the One Great God could create souls before, but I have a secret. You, my son, are the first of your kind. Made from me. Not quite like the One Great God’s souls, but close, and I won’t lose you. The God of Light thinks everything is tied up equally, yet he’s used Merlin for a millennium in his cause for good. No more!” He roared.

“You will do things the way I see fit. You are not to attack yet, they are too strong, and you haven’t enough Kearals. Did you get the grimoire?”

He moved to the side of the room. Placing a candle beside the bookcase, he pulled a lever behind some books and the book case slid forward. “Follow me.”

The God of Dark followed him inside a large chamber. Dark gray and black cobwebs hung from tall dark rafters, the two’s presence making them sway and flutter in the light breeze of their passing. Skins of animals hung about, along with shelves full of bones and jars of different liquids. The smell of decaying flesh hung in the air like a thick cloud.

One shelf held jars of ether. There were dark oily veins of water seeping around rock, meandering down the western wall giving the air a moldy smell. The room was cold and no fireplace to warm it.

He didn’t feel the cold. The elements never affected him. The old castle did well for him. It was huge with very large, cold, dark rooms. It was here he made his magic. He retrieved the grimoire from his work table and held it up. “I have the book. I also know what it contains. I will make my army bigger, but I have no fear of the McGregors. I can take them all out now.”

“Juppar, The God of Light does not yet know of you. He destroyed my plan for Athdar and so as not to draw suspicion to my hand in bringing him back, I had to imprison him. I did not appreciate that one bit. But I have you. If you don’t want the same fate then pay attention to what I tell you. You are truly my son and have god like powers. Use them wisely. If we want to succeed, he cannot learn of you. We do things my way. Do you understand?” His glowing red eyes telling him in an instant what his words did not. His continued existence was at stake, for now.

“I understand. However, it’s not necessary. I could take care of it without him finding out.”

“Do as I say!”

“As you say.” His own eyes glowing red with flames.

“With Athdar encaged in hell, you are the only one left to carry on. I won’t have you destroyed as well.”

“I will grow the Kearals. I will do as you say.”

“Fine, then we are done.” Then just as quickly as the God of Darkness came, he was gone.

****

McGregor Keep

Saphira flew in low and landed with a squealing Akira on her back. Laughing hysterically Akira tried to get her words through her lips. “Again?” She managed to ask, the one-word question being the only one she could manage.

“Saphira said she has to get back to the babies, she will give you another ride sometime soon,” said Elspeth smiling. “Come, your Mither and I have lunch waiting and we’re discussin’ the weddin’.”

“Och,” said Akira. “Isn’t Saphira just the best? I wish I could understand her like you can. Do you think she’ll be back tomorrow? I sure want tae ride her again. That was so much fun. Do you miss being at Wesladus? Do you think you will go back? I hope you doona. I want you tae stay here. I want the dragons tae stay here.”

She laughed. “My goodness you can say a lot in one breath. It’s as if you talk like someone might steal your words away. What do you say we go eat?” She took Akira’s hand in hers pulling her toward the keep.

They had been here just over a week, and Elspeth, leaving Akira’s question unanswered, did miss Wesladus. As they were going in through the large double doors, Ian was coming out.

“Why such a hurry?” he asked grabbing her around the middle and hugging her close. Akira giggled and he let go of her, looking at his sister.

“I was riding Saphira, did you see me, Ian? She took me up tae the clouds and we dove toward the loch, she flew close to the tops of the biggest trees, then swept me into the sky. It was the best thing tae ever happen tae me. I wish I had my own dragon I could talk tae. Doona you love owning your own dragon?”

Ian looked at her quizzically, “You canna own a dragon, Akira. They are our friends and equals, not our pets. We work together, if you want tae think pets, it’d be the other way around. They are stronger than us in almost every way. Do you like being called a pet?”

“Weel, if you put it that way, nae, I suppose not. I dinna think, Ian.” She turned with a frown and lowered her head. “My mouth talks withoot me kenning it.”

She and Ian laughed, with their arms around each other they walked in with Akira slowly bringing up the rear, deep in thought.

****

Weeks went by and the wedding was coming soon. Things were quiet in Wesladus, Merlin visited often and was happy to report the peace there. It was good to have the family together, and Moira enjoyed it.

Moira thought about the decision she’d made and decided to wait until after the wedding to announce what her intentions were. She just hoped the family would understand. She stood looking out the window with her arms crossed, tears threatening her eyes.

It was time, she decided, Elspeth and Ian could take over running the castle, and the family, she couldn’t live without Lachlan any longer. She had fought the undeniable pull toward Lachlan, ignored it to the point of spiritual pain, pushed herself beyond measure, to stay with her children.

They were old enough now. If she continued to live her spirit and mind would disintegrate to the point she’d become insane. She was surprised she lasted this long. In their species, and with a true mate, it was known that if one died, the other followed.

It wasn’t a choice, but a fact. She didn’t know how she lasted as long as she did, she was thankful for the time she had with her children. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and looked toward the sky. “Soon, dear Lachlan, soon,” she mumbled and turned toward the kitchens.

****

The days rolled by. Ian spent his time carving the two cradles he was making for the bairns and Elspeth. He’d forgotten how he loved working with the wood. His dusty hands lovingly brushed one of the legs he was working on.

He had plans for other projects after he was finished with these. He enjoyed going to the woods and felling trees to use in his work. It was quiet and peaceful. He was enjoying himself for the first time, in a long time.

If he wasn’t working with wood, he was fishing or hunting. He liked bringing home food for his family.

He enjoyed going out early with all his brothers in a hunting party, he was glad they were all here for the wedding. Soon they would be back at Wesladus and it would just be him, the only man of the family left here to take care of the women. He thought about he and his brothers hunting with their father. He thought of Lachlan a lot lately and couldn’t understand why he couldn’t return with Eoghan.

Surely his mother deserved that, especially after all their family did to keep peace. He’d never understand the gods. Shaking his head, he went back to work on the cradle. He had almost finished both of them.

He wanted to give them to Elspeth on their marriage day. He was also secretly working on a nursery attached to their room. It had been a small solarium he kept locked, so Elspeth wouldn’t see it yet.

He planned on having it all finished to surprise her on their wedding night. He also planned the fae mating ritual. Their spirits would join and it would be immensely pleasurable, unlike his vampire side which had required the painful change.

She had to become vampire to mate with him, but fae could not be created. You had to be born fae. He grinned thinking about his wedding night, he was excited, he was happy. Sighing he laid his tools down. It was getting late and it was close to time to eat. He wanted to see Elspeth.

****

The day before the wedding Elspeth stood in the solarium in the dress the girls had made. The light green silk material was so soft and the darker green satin beneath flowed over her skin like water.

The girls had embroidered flowers along the open edges of the silk over coat from neckline down. The thread color matched the darker satin. At the bottom of one edge a small dragons head adorned a corner. Akira’s idea. It looked almost like the flowers unless you looked closely.

The low bust line, in a v shape, had a bit of lace, but her ample breasts puckered up through the top nicely. Ian would approve. She stood as they hemmed the bottom of the full satin skirt. Her waist was tight, any tighter and she didn’t think she’d be able to wear it. She was showing, but not overly.

At her waist, she wore the McGregor colors. A thick band like Ian’s tartan created a belt and she would wear the same color ribbons in her hair. She felt beautiful and absolutely loved the dress. She blocked out the girls giggling and chattering as she thought about the wedding. A pounding on the door brought her back to the present.

A guard rushed in, “Elspeth, you need to come right away. King Arthur is here and he’s brought a small army with him. Everyone is outside and he’s demanding to see you now. Ian is holding him back, but you must come now.”

She knew Arthur wanted her, the brothers had filled her in, but he couldn’t want her for treason. Surely, he knew she was innocent. Merlin should have told him. She couldn’t possibly understand why he wanted her. With her nerves skittering beneath her skin she shuddered.

She quickly changed and the girls became silent. Once dressed they all hurried down the steps and out the door. As she stood at the top of the stairs in front of the doors she quelled her shaking and looked at the man atop the horse in the forefront.

****

A huge handsome man, the king, his wavy red hair shown bright in the sunlight like fire. Ian watched as his blue eyes connected with Elspeth’s, the place silent, he stared. Arthur didn’t look menacing or angry, maybe a bit confused, but finally he broke the silence. “Elspeth McLellan, I need to speak with you. In private with only you and the McGregors.”

He stepped up. “You will not take her! You will not hurt her. We marry tomorrow. You hurt her and I will kill you!” His jealousy came sparking to the forefront. Friend or not, King Arthur would not have his Elspeth for any reason.

“I’m not here to hurt her. Why would you think such a thing?”

Connor stepped up. “You were so angry with her when we were there at your castle. She did not commit treason.”

“I know that,” laughed Arthur. “I was angry at king Rulm not her. I was worried for her, not angry at her. I will not tell anyone why I am here until I have first told her. I need to speak with you lady Elspeth. Please, it’s important.”

“I will hear what you have tae say, King Arthur,” she said a bit breathlessly, and bit her bottom lip.

Moira piped up. “Please come in Arthur. We’ll have drinks and you can tell us why you are here. Will you please stay for the weddin’?”

“If you’ll have me, yes.” He nodded.

“First we need tae ken why you are here.” Ian crossed his arms and spread his legs in defiance. King or not, he wasn’t going to give him any quarter.

“Of course. May we please go inside and have those drinks? I have something of import to show Elspeth.” Arthur climbed off his horse and walked toward the steps. He let him pass and followed close behind as he went up the stairs to Elspeth.

When Arthur got beside Elspeth he felt the strangest feeling go through him. Arthur and Elspeth’s eyes locked on each other and Arthur grinned. He held his arm out for Elspeth to take. It took her a second to understand what he was doing, and when she did she blushed, and put her arm through his.

His jealousy doubled and flowed through his veins to the point he saw red. This had better be damn good, he thought, stomping up the remaining stairs behind them.

Once inside Moira asked for mead and wine to be brought to the table. Bradana hurried to the kitchens to get the drinks. Suddenly a blue light appeared and Merlin stepped through a portal.

“Have I missed anything?” Merlin asked with a wide grin.

He looked at Merlin. “You ken what he was aboot dinna you?” he glared at Merlin.

“It wasn’t for me to tell. Now let the boy have his words. I think you’ll find this fascinating.” Merlin smiled. “I know I can hardly wait.” Merlin grabbed a tankard and filled it full of mead, drank half down, and slammed his cup to the table. Sitting down he got comfortable. “Come now. This is all good. If I thought Elspeth was in danger Arthur wouldn’t be here. Everyone grab a drink, take a breath, and relax. Let the King have the stage.”

Arthur grabbed a tankard and filled it but remained standing. Moira handed Elspeth a cup of elderberry juice. She drank it down as if it were wine, and found some courage, standing as well. “Please, King Arthur, what can I do for you?”

“I think the better question is, what can we do for each other?” he put a shaking hand inside his jacket pocket and pulled out a worn parchment. “I think you should read it.” He leaned past Ian and handed it to her.

Elspeth took the parchment with equally shaking hands and read what it had to say. On her second reading tears filled her eyes and tumbled down her cheeks. She looked at Arthur and whispered. “Is this real?” Her tears flowing freely.

“What does it say?” asked Ian. “Please read it.”

Elspeth looked at all the quiet faces. She looked at Arthur. He smiled and tilted his head. “Go ahead and read it aloud,” he said.

“Och, okay,” she said taking a deep breath fighting her tears. In a wobbly voice, she read.

“My dearest son, I ken this was the worst thing for a human being tae do, but I couldn’t let Drakkor and King Rulm take you. I doona ken what he plans on doing with you, but I ken it canna end well. I have taken a child from a woman who died from complications while birthing.

You are two days apart. In her dying breath she asked me to care for him. My heart breaks at what I am tae do, but I feel I have no choice.

I am giving you tae one of the castle maids in hopes she will find a good home for you. She is a true friend. This other child I will give to King Rulm in your stead, he will think he’s you.

I write in tears as I will not see you grow up, I will not ken who has you, or if you are weel cared for, but you will be alive. For that I am grateful. Please ken that a mother’s love kens no bounds, I protect what is mine, and so I hope you can go forth and have a prosperous and happy life. I will love and think of you always.

With my deepest sadness and love, your mother forever and always, Lainie McLellan.”

Elspeth dropped the parchment to the table crying freely. She looked at Arthur and he too was crying.

Arthur cleared his throat. “My whole life I thought the King was my father. On his death bed but a year ago, he told me the truth. He said he saw me at market and that my head full of red hair beckoned him. When he saw me, he fell instantly in love. He took me from the maid that our mother had given me to.

“He didn’t know about the note at first, it was in a pocket beneath my carrier. He found it when they changed the nursery back in to a sitting room. I was two and a half then. He had me declared his legal son and he loved me through my life. He and my mother. I have had the best life.

“You can understand my shock. They never had other children, I was an only child…until I found out about you. I’ve searched you out day and night. I couldn’t tell anyone about this until I first told you. I was worried sick when I found out what King Rulm’s plans were. I was never angry at you, Elspeth, my fury lies with Rulm. I want you to understand that. I just didn’t want you to find out from anyone but me, and I wasn’t sure how you would take the news.

“The men out there? They aren’t solders they are family. McLellan’s and our mother’s family the Anndrasdans. Our parents were shunned when she refused a man her father picked for her and she ran away with our father to Mystic Kingdom. These people outside are cousins and distant cousins and we are here for the wedding…if you’ll have us.”

He watched Elspeth sob and run to her brother’s arms. Moira sighed with tears freely falling, “I do love very large weddings!”

He now knew why he had the strange feeling on the steps. He looked at the two sobbing and their hair matched in redness. He mistook brotherly love for lust. If he would have quelled his McGregor temper he would have seen the resemblance. He shook his head, berating himself. They looked a lot alike, as he looked around at his brothers, he knew they were seeing the same thing. The place was quiet, full of people…family, all clearing their throats, and not a dry eye in sight.

Merlin raised his newly filled tankard. “A toast to the brother and sister reunited.” Everyone started talking at once.

He shouted. “Here’s to Elspeth and Arthur!” Shouts of Here! Here! went up and laughter filled the place. Elspeth walked over to Ian and he put his arm around her. He watched Moira push the tears off her face and then give up and sob. He put his hand to his mother’s shoulder with a smile and shed some tears. “Who’d have thought,” said Ian. “Arthur is finally becoming part of our family for real.” Moira smiled at her son’s comment and downed her wine. What a fine day it turned out to be.

****

The sun shone bright the next day. There was a faint breeze and upon it the smell of the water and flowers. Rose petals dusted the walkway Elspeth and Arthur would take to meet him. They fluttered in the light breeze making them look alive. People gathered and their excited talk filled the air. It was warm and perfect.

The crowd was large and Ian couldn’t see all the people. Most of them family coming from all over. Ian stood in front of the priest waiting patiently outside near the loch under a trellis adorned with large white flowers. He was decked out in his finest kilt and tartan, his shiny midnight hair falling freely and lightly across his chin in the light breeze. He stood patiently waiting.

****

Moira was upstairs and she looked at Elspeth in the green gown that her daughters had lovingly sewed for her. She held a wooden box in her hand. Elspeth looked up at her while Bradana put the finishing touches to her hair. She felt elegant and beautiful.

“Your neck is bare Elspeth. I have a little something for it.” She opened up the box. “My gift to you on your weddin’ day.”

She looked inside. It was a large, beautiful, simple, one stone, tear drop, emerald necklace. She didn’t know what to say. It was perfect and out of all her jewels this was going to be her favorite. “Moira, it’s lovely. I’ve never seen anything like it. I doona ken what tae say, except thank you.”

Moira hugged her. “I got it at market the day we went shopping. I was hoping you dinna notice me gone at the shop. I had another mon show me this in a back room. I kenned it would match your eyes and dress.”

She took it out and put it around Elspeth’s neck, completing the perfect wedding ensemble. She touched it lightly with her fingers as Moira held a mirror up. She almost didn’t recognize the beautiful woman in the mirror. She had finally and fully grown in to a woman and was excited at the prospect of her new life with Ian.

“Come,” said Moira. “It’s time you marry my son.” She took her hand. At the bottom of the stairs stood a most handsome King Arthur, her brother, in his full regalia. His smile was wide as she descended, and he held up his arm for her to take. “Are you ready for this kitten?” he asked. “You are absolutely stunning, sister mine.”

She took his arm and nodded. “Thank you,” she whispered shedding a single tear of happiness. “I’m so happy you found me. I kenned you were alive, I always felt you. Now my life is complete,” she said smiling sweetly at him.

“Likewise,” he responded. “I too have always felt something, something incomplete, now I know.” He smiled back warmly. “We must get you to Ian before he decides to take a piece of me.”

****

Ian heard the crowd grow quiet and watched as Arthur led her to him. She was stunning and he had to clear his throat. She was gorgeous in the green gown. The satin shimmered in the sunlight.

He was proud to see his colors about her waist and he stood straighter. Her hair glistened like fire and was high about her head in curls, green ribbons flowing down and fluttering in the breeze. She was beaming, despite the fact no one got much sleep the night before.

Between getting everyone settled from family members travelling in, to King Arthur and his men, and staying up late listening to Arthur and Elspeth chattering about family, and her telling Arthur about their mother and father, it was wee hours of the morning before anyone got to sleep.

It was good though, no one seemed tired. Elspeth reached him and Arthur placed her hand in his. Her face was flush and she looked radiant. He felt smitten all right and was damn sure happy about it. He beamed. He didn’t know how he managed to repeat the words he was supposed to recite, but he did.

He couldn’t take his eyes off Elspeth and when it came time to kiss her, time stood still. It was short and sweet, but to him it lasted a life time. He picked her up as she squealed and shouted to everyone, “Meet my wife! Elspeth McGregor!” The crowd cheered. He carried her up the hill and through the castle where everyone followed.

At the party, eating, drinking and dancing was boisterous and riotous. No one fought which was unlike most parties, but loud and joyous. Everyone had a grand time and then came the announcement from Moira that it was time for the women to take Elspeth to the bedroom and prepare her for him.

****

Elspeth heard tell of the custom but until this point she never really understood it. They went up the stairs in giggles and laughter. Moira at the head of the crowd. Moira once again held a gift to her. A pale green silk nightdress. After helping her put it on, she asked in a nervous voice. “How do I look?” Elspeth glanced to the giggling women and back to Moira.

The night dress hugged her curves and dropped to the floor just past her feet. Simple yet elegant. See through and sheer. It felt so soft against her skin. Before Moira could answer she heard the boisterous sounds of the brothers bringing Ian.

Laughter and pounding hit the doors. The women squealed and opened the door. Throwing Ian inside they waited at the doorway. Ian shouted. “Oot! You all oot! Now!” He pushed the men outside. “Women tae!” He growled.

****

He looked at Moira and smiled. “Thank you, Mither.” He grinned and kissed her cheek. “Now oot.” He led the giggling women to the door and lightly shoved them out, closing and locking it. He heard the laughter of men and woman descending the stairs. The party would go on most of the night. He wondered how many bairns would be made tonight.

He shook his head and stared at Elspeth standing in front of the fire. With the light behind her he could see her voluptuous curves through the barely there, nightdress. He was instantly hard, though truthfully, he had been since he got his first glimpse of Elspeth walking toward him on Arthur’s arm.

He licked his lips and told himself to take it slow. He poured wine from the pitcher that was sitting on the table near the bed. He walked slowly to her. Two cups in hand, he held one out to her. He could see she was a little nervous seeking out his silver gaze. He knew she wanted everything perfect. He was glad she hadn’t been sick in a while so he didn’t worry about that any longer. She reached for the cup. He slid his fingers over hers and she shuddered.

“My bonnie wife,” he said huskily. “I could drink you in all night, gaze at your beauty until I go blind, and never, never get enough of you.” He pulled her in for a slow intimate kiss. Breaking away he said, “I have something for you and the bairns I want tae show you. Come.” He took her hand. He unlocked the door that connected to the adjacent chamber, took a torch, and put it on the wall inside the smaller sitting room.

In it were the two cradles he had made for the bairns, dark wood and waxed to a high shine. The room was decked out with furs on the floor, wooden toys on shelves and strewn about. Paintings of puppies and horses and children playing. It held a warm and comfortable feeling. He glanced at her waiting for her response.

“Och, Ian it’s gorgeous.” She walked to the cradles where various sized rattles lay inside them. She picked one up. “This is what you’ve been doing during the days. I dinna ken. These are wonderful. She gazed wide eyed at everything. He beamed and was pleased at her reaction.

“My gift tae you and the bairns,” he said proudly.

“But, I have nothing for you, Ian. I dinna ken.”

“Hush my bonnie wife. You give me the greatest gift. Your love, and—” he placed his hand warmly on her stomach. “—the bairns.” He turned her for a kiss and she squeezed the tears from her eyes as she closed them and met his delicate kiss.

When he broke away he said, “Come, tonight we bond in the way of the fae. Are you ready?”

“Yes,” she whispered. “More than.” And he led her back to the room.

“Come by the fire, we will do it here. Her pulled her night dress off her slowly and removed his clothing.

“Stand in front of me and put your hands tae mine.” He raised his hands up in front of him, palms out. “Look into me eyes.” He stared into her eyes and their bodies touched slightly, tingling.

****

A greenish light slowly surrounded him and that glow grew to encompass her. She felt the heat travel her body and her loins grew heavy. Never breaking eye contact, she felt herself melt into him in a way that engulfed her very being, and before she knew it an orgasm overtook them both sending them in space of a thousand million stars, together they traveled the path and soared, and it felt endless.

She never knew such a thing as wonderful as this could exist. When she didn’t think the pleasure could get any better, they exploded together again, and traveled yet higher. A third orgasm took them, and then another, each time more intense than the one before. It continued until they were two flames floating in the darkness.

They merged together and became one, in an explosion of colors dancing as one large flame, and then they melted in each other’s arms and the light about them faded. When she moaned, Ian brushed the hair from her face.

“It can only happen once for a fae. When they choose their mate. I heard it was extraordinary, but I never realized myself, how so, until tonight. Are you aright?”

“Mmmm,” she purred against his neck. “That was the pinnacle of making love, can we do that again?”

“Nae my bonnie bride, now we spend the rest of our life duplicating it the old-fashioned way.” He gave a deep throaty laugh. “We can start now.”

“I adore that idea, and you. I doona think I can take more withoot you inside me anyway. I would desperately miss that.”

“Our souls united tonight. That is what this is aboot. We have given each other ourselves. I am completely yours, and you mine, and I want what’s mine,” he huskily replied kissing her hard, lifting her off her feet and carrying her to the bed.

Laying her there he climbed over her. She pulled her legs up widening them, showing herself fully to him. He lay atop her between her legs and nestled himself at her core without entering. He leaned down and licked the side of her neck where her vein increased in beats.

Her blood heated up and pooled in her mid-section and she wiggled against him trying for access to his overly large hard erection, and she whimpered. “Not yet, luv. I want tae savor ye.” He licked down her neck to her nipples where he pulled one deep in his mouth, sucking gently, while he used his hand playfully on her other one.

He jerked against her, which in turn made her insides quiver. She tugged at his shoulders, silently begging him to enter her. Instead he kneeled between her legs and pulled her up to his mouth. She gasped. Mating as fae was definitely great, but this was truly her world of pleasure. The feel of his mouth, the feel when he first enters, filling her. The feeling at the pinnacle of release. She moaned. “Please, Ian, inside now.”

Ian chuckled against her, then looked up. “My you are a wee bit in a hurry. I’ll please you lass, of that you can be sure.” Then he dipped his head and continued his ministrations.

Ian was cooling down, at least that is what he told himself. But the taste, the noises she was making, the perfume, and the silkiness of her skin, did nothing to abate his roaring desire to take her. Finally, he moved up and looked at her flush face, and her half-mast eyes. “Aboot time,” she whispered, panting.

That’s all it took, he climbed on top of her, with himself at the precipice of her core, his manhood bounced against her with a mind of its own. If he wasn’t careful it would spill his seed with a mind of its own. Knowing he wouldn’t, couldn’t last, he entered her. They pumped toward each other never breaking eye contact and when they came together this time it was carried with the joining they felt earlier. Ian knew it was yet again different even now, even better that he had joined her in the fae way of bonding. He gently rolled over and pulled her to him, spooning they fell into a blissful deep sleep.

****

The next morning the noise of horses and people talking and laughing, and getting ready to leave, woke the couple. Ian looked at his sleepy wife and she snuggled closer. A knock came to the door and Bradana brought in breakfast. “How are you happily married couple doin’ this fine morn?” she asked setting down the food beside them. “I willna stay long, doona worry. I’m goin’ tae stoke the fire and leave.” It was customary that the newlyweds stay in the room three days and Ian had absolutely no problem with that. “Do you wish a bath, Ian for you and Elspeth?”

He glanced at Bradana, “Yes, that would be great.” He pulled the covers more fully over Elspeth, and she snuggled deeper. “That sounds wonderful,” she mumbled closing her eyes again.

****

Most of the people left that day, though some of the family stayed on to visit for a couple longer. The castle was much quieter. Moira would make her announcement when all the people left. For now, she was enjoying herself, and her family, and children. It was tough to go through the wedding without Lachlan.

Her mind and heart returned to the memories of their marriage day. It was one of her happiest memories, but she wouldn’t spoil this yet with her announcement, she’d wait until the right time. Until then she would enjoy what she could.

****

It was a few weeks later while at dinner she decided to finally speak. No easy way she thought, but she’d made her decision. Tomorrow most of her sons were leaving for Pendragon in the Wesladus Veil to begin training their men again. It had to be tonight.

She listened at the laughter of her family and knew she would miss them, but she couldn’t go on any longer without Lachlan. She had to decide now while her mind was still intact. She’d somehow bought time, more than anyone else she’d ever known. She was on borrowed time now. She cleared her throat.

“I have an announcement to make.” She waited for the chatter to quiet. When it did she cleared her throat again. “I ken that Ian and Elspeth have agreed to take over control of the McGregor Keep, for which I’m thankful, and ken they will do great here. Och, there’s not an easy way tae say this. I canna live withoot Lachlan any longer. I feel my mind a goin’. I have decided to quit takin’ the blood.”

The group let out a rush of breath in shock. Elspeth leaned toward Ian and whispered. “Doesn’t that mean…?”

“Yes,” replied Ian. “She will grow old within a year and die. Mither, have you thought this through? We all still need you. I doona understand.”

“You of all my family should understand now that you have Elspeth, but nae, you wouldn’t unless you lost her, you want me Ian, none need me as much as I need Lachlan, and he needs me. I ken you doona understand, but you all ken, that when one loses their mate the other dies within days. I have managed a little longer than a year, somehow with my mind intact, and now my time has come. It’s unavoidable.”

The children all talked at once, all in naes and doona, except Ian.

“She has every right,” said Ian. “We’ve all been selfish with Mither. It’s time she had her happiness, she had her mate, our father, we ken what we felt losing him, think how she felt, she wants, no needs, tae be with him. We canna deny her that. You ken it’s the way of our kind.”

“I agree,” said Elspeth. “Kenning what I ken now, I couldn’t live withoot Ian. When I became united with him, I can’t imagine life withoot him. I wouldn’t want someone tae keep me from him. The pull is life itself.”

“Thank you, Ian and Elspeth,” said Moira with tears in her eyes. “I need you tae all understand, and hopefully give me your blessings. I need Lachlan and I feel he needs me. I’ve stayed this long because my love for you all is so great. I feel my mind leaving me and I canna live with that. If I go on, and my mind completely leaves me, you are left with a shell tae care for, and I willna have it.

“Most would have left months ago. I thank the Gods for the extra time I have had with all of you. I need you tae understand. Ian and Elspeth will do great here, and I have no doubt their ability tae care for all of you. I will nae do this withoot your blessings, but ken this is my wish.”

Taryn the logical one spoke first. “I ken not what it is like tae have a mate and go through the binding rituals, but you have always spoken how once done, one canna live withoot the other for long. You have gone to great lengths Mither, for us all. I for one support your decision to be with Da.”

“Thank you, Taryn. I appreciate that.” She wiped at a tear. “It was a hard decision, because of my love for all of you.” She waited to hear what the rest of her family had to say.

Her daughters broke down and cried, but it was Akira who spoke up. “I ken ye love Da. I love Da and miss him too. Even though I will terribly miss you, I support your decision.”

“Being the baby, Akira, that means a lot coming from you.”

The rest of the family said their piece and ultimately gave their consent, save Angus.

“I canna see how love would make someone wish tae die. I canna understand it. Nae. If only for yourself, you should want tae live. I canna support death.”

“Angus, I will nae die, I’m only going to where Lachlan is now. I doona want, nae canna, be apart from him any longer. I ken ye doona understand, but please try. When you find your true mate, you will understand.”

“I will nae give you my blessing, but I will support your decision, even if I doona understand it. You are my Mither, and smart, I ken you have givin us all you can. I will support you, but I doona have tae like it.”

“That’s all I can ask for, Angus, and I thank you for that much. Now I think I will retire. You all have desert. Bradana, please bring it in.”

Bradana was in the shadow of the doorway listening, like she often did, and she knew it. That is why she’d asked for the desert. She rose and left everyone at the table to think about her decision. It was finally out in the open. She only hoped her children could understand.

Making it to the main bedroom she made it inside, closed the door, then slumped down in front of it. She was weakening, she was surprised she hadn’t way before this. Most died within days of their mate’s death. It was unavoidable. She had somehow managed to live this long. Her and Lachlan were so tied together, the web so tight, her mind was with him more and more. She tried to stop it, gods how she tried. She knew she was now losing the battle. She leaned her head back and looked up and whispered. “I’m sorry Lachlan, I held oot as long as I could for the children.

“My mind is goin’ I can feel it. I canna tell them how far it’s progressed. Somehow, I’ve managed to keep what’s happening to me hidden from the children, but I ken I’m losing what little control I had. I canna hide these things any longer, they are going to find out. One minute I’m in the solarium, the next minute I’m in an orchard and I doona ken how I got there. I’ve gone to the kitchen several times to eat something, and cook looks at me strange and says I was just there eating. Two days ago, I woke up standing in the loch, and it was so cold. I doona ken why? I canna have them takin’ care of me. So, I told them, Lachlan, tonight. I have tae go.”

She felt the rush of air pass through her, as she often did when she felt Lachlan’s presence. Then she sat and sobbed. She wanted to be with her children, she wanted to be with her grandchildren, and she wanted Lachlan back with them too.

She knew he would if he could. She felt his anguish and wherever he was, she knew he was proud of her. “Just a little longer, please?” she asked out loud. “Just give me a little more time.” She was always asking for a little more time. But she knew she had made the decision. No, it was coming, she knew it, it was time. Then she sobbed at the loss she felt.