Goddess Kindled, page 23
Even the magic they had worked on hair was stunning. Her curls were happily placed just so with some braided, and others pinned back all cascading down her back. With ribbons, and blossoms intertwined within. Her hair shone with a burning flame of a majestic red. Like a gem, his gem, his Mate, his partner, and lover.
Offering her his hand when she finally stood before him. His blood sang the instant she placed hers in his. Grinning at her, he helped her up the steps of the platform. With their hands still joined, he presented them to the Priestess. Bowing slightly to her, Harlow quickly followed his lead, and did the same. With that the ceremony began within their mother tongue. Another thing he had not mentioned to Harlow. His list was growing at a rapid rate, of things he needed to discuss with her. He knew in the end she would forgive, and understand, it was just a matter of how much time that would be. He wasn’t sure.
After blessing the cord, the Priestess wrapped around their joined hands. That was when Harlow took in a sharp breath, and quickly looked at him. Her face displayed a mirror-mid of emotions. From shock to surprise, love, desire, and hurt. The last one surprised him the most. He had never intended to hurt her. He tried to convey reassurance through his eyes. Squeezing her hand gently he moved his eyes back, and forth between her, and the Priestess, before raising a brow.
She hesitated but did blink slowly, turning again towards the Priestess. It was at this point they needed to repeat the verse. Again he squeezed his Mates hand, repeating after the Priestess. Harlow did the same, only she tightened her grip on his hand with so much strength it was all he could do to not wince in pain. His woman was strong. As the ceremony prolonged his woman began to soften. He could feel the connection they shared strengthening. It was really fascinating.
Just then he felt a warmth in his palm. Looking at their joined hands he noticed in his peripheral Harlow do the same. Sparks of light suddenly started emerging from them as the heat increased. Looking up to the Priestess in question. Seeing her expression, he now understood, more of their childhood fairy tales were true. For he, and Harlow, were now receiving the universal mark of the blessed True Mates. This wasn’t to appear till after the ceremony, and mating. Was this why Cormac had suggested he rearrange the order of things? He wished he could look at the permanent marking. But tradition dictated they keep their hands joined till after they circled the crowd. Finally he heard the Priestess shout.
“So mote it be”
Together he, and Harlow shouted.
“So mote it be”
With the crowd shouting quickly thereafter. Raising their still joined hands in the air, he maneuvered them so he could grab her around the waist. With their arms still raised, he kissed her, to the continued roar of the crowd. Smiling he pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against hers.
“Let’s enjoy the festival little one.”
Turning them to face the crowd, they stood still as some of them came forward each carrying a wooden box. On the last step each held their box high, when suddenly Corrina, and Aidan appeared from behind them. Opening each box, revealing massive gold torques. Taking them they raised them above their heads for all to see, and then placed them around his, and Harlow’s necks. Next they removed delicate crowns of three interwoven ropes of metal placing them on each of their heads. Finally the tapestry was brought forward placed across their shoulders, by the three. His honor, Harlow’s honor, and the clan's honor. With that, Aidan, and Corrina along with the chosen representative, they shouted in unison.
“We give to you.”
With that the clan erupted in hooted cheers, and hollered praise.
For the next while they made their way around the clearing, talking, and celebrating with the clan members. Still with her safety in mind they were never far away from Aidan, Corrina, and Hayley. As the night wore on, and with food, and drink long finished the celebration really flourished. He felt things were going really well all things considered. Still he was a bit concerned that Cormac never showed. It wasn’t like him to miss an important celebration like this. It must be something of great importance to keep him away. He was grateful Cillian was willing to stand by his side as his other.
As the energy shifted within the crowd, so did theirs. It was nearing the greatest time. He moved their swaying bodies into the center of the standing stones amongst all the other swaying bodies. Happy to hold his Mate close in his arms.
The shock was still very much present in her mind. Having just married Kieran, he never asked or demanded it. No, he just made it happen. Was the festival even real or just a ruse to achieve his desired plan. A plan he executed because he loved her, wanted her, or just to protect her. Once he had taken her hand, and the Priestess began to speak she knew. She didn’t want to believe or hope. Secretly she wanted to be tied to him. When the cord was wrapped around their joined hands she knew, knew this was real. When she felt the warmth grow in her palm, and the combining sparks she was confused. Even more so by Kierans reaction. Was this not to happen? At least the Priestess’ smile warmed through her, calming her.
Her emotions were all over the place. One minute she was happy the next she was pissed off. Quickly followed by hurt then desire, and then confused again. She wasn’t able to hang on to one for long enough to decipher its true meaning. Which confused her even more. After the rounds were completed with the crowd they were able to eat, and drink a little. As if by magick the tapestry disappeared from around their shoulders. Why the weight of that bothered her, she couldn’t put her finger on it. She seemed fine with the torque around her neck, and the crown on her head.
She remembered putting the connection together about Kieran’s father being the leader. It just never registered that he was now the leader. Therefore then she would be of importance as well. She knew that was how it had worked from reading all the books in the archive. Putting it into real life was a different matter. It still just didn’t seem real, it was too much like all her dreams. Could it be that her dreams were preparing her for such an outcome. Like some kind of sight, similar to Cormac’s gift. Someone had mentioned during her ramblings when she first met Corrina, that it sounded like she had the sight.
Then there was the matter of the tattoo marking on their palms. She remembered both Corrina, and Hayley had drilled it into her earlier in the day, that she was to take Kierans offering left hand with her left hand. When she had questioned why, the only answer she ever received was ‘it was a valued important tradition among their people. Since she was also one of them, it was important that she follow it.’ So here they were now marked on their left palms.
A marking, a brand, a tattoo, not sure what to call it. Even Kieran seemed surprised by it, a little anyway. Why did they have it? What was it for? What did it mean? Again way too many questions were swirling around in her head. It was becoming difficult to interact with anyone. She needed to shelve all her questions, and curiosities for later. This was a celebration after all, and she should enjoy everything she could. It was too dark anyways, she couldn’t get a good look at the marking.
With her decision made, the energy shift within the crowd seeped into her bones. Following the internal sway she felt, she allowed Kieran to again move them around the clearing. They settled in the middle of the stone circle. She had always felt a great energy surge within this place, this one in particular had the greatest pull. She enjoyed the warmth of his body as he drew her close. Sparks of desire were igniting deep within her.
Moaning loudly when Kieran bent down taking her mouth in a scorching kiss that turned her world upside down. Reaching her arms up, wrapping them around his neck, locking her finger together. She wanted more, needed more of him. Pulling herself up to her toes, groaning when he pulled back, moving to whisper in her ear.
“Want to finish this? Making it completely official?”
Nodding her head in agreement, but not knowing what it would require of her. She just felt her desire for him grow. The growl he released next to her ear, when she naturally swayed her hips with his, had her dampening for him. Feeling him stiffen, she hosted herself up wrapping her legs around him. Grinning, when she felt him grow harder still. In the blink of an eye he had released himself, and was sliding home in one quick thrust. Before she could throw her head back, and gasp in painful pleasure, Kieran had his hand fisted in her hair at her nape. His lips sealed over hers swallowing it a searing kiss.
While he continued to consume her mouth with dueling tongs, she took advantage. Slowly moving up, and down as best she could. Moaning when he would gently squeeze her rear. She wanted more, squeezing him tighter with her thighs, he quickly got the hint, with a firm grip of her cheek he started lifting her up, and down. It felt so good she was grabbing fists full of his hair.
They were moving to their very own music, taking enjoyment, and fulfillment of each other. Before too long everyone seemed to just disappear, and they were the only one left. Staring into each other's eyes it was a rush to the finish. Faster, and harder with cries of pleasure, moans, and groans. She wanted to make him cum. When his hand crept from the back of her head down to her core, she knew she would go over the minute he touched her. A sound erupted from within her, a plea for what she didn’t know.
Kieran did though, for a brief second there was a smirk in his eye as if to dare her. Tightening the grip she had in his hair, she hoisted herself up a little higher to take him deeper. The same time he pinched her nub. They went over together shouting their release for all to hear. Causing a chorus roar from the crowd.
Harlow could feel the blush coming, it started low growing, and settling in her cheeks, turning them a beautiful scarlet. Still gazing into Kieran’s eyes she saw them filled with absolute love, and pride. With a grin stretching from ear to ear. Tilting her head she asked.
“So, that was official?”
Suddenly a burst of light swirled around them. This time her entire body began to warm, and turn into a fiery burning. With widening eyes she tightened her grip on Kieran, as the heat grew to a fever pitch. They were instantly coming together once more, with a strong pulse of energy zinging inside, and around them. It was over too quickly, when suddenly in a whirling whoosh it was gone.
They were both shaking, staring into each other's eyes blinking rapidly, while trying to catch their breath. Kieran then helped her place her feet on the ground, and steady herself. Taking her head in his hands he kissed her with the passion she only ever read about. Wanting so much more, she leaned into him. When he finally pulled back, rubbing his thumbs on her cheeks. With a loving smile, and a twinkle in his eye, Kieran asked.
“Want to disappear for a bit?”
Nodding in answer, he grabbed her hand in his, leading the way through the throngs of celebrating people. As they made their way back to Kieran’s dwelling her euphoria began to lessen. Once again, her questioning thoughts crept in to take focus. The magick that had been freely flowing in, and around them was left behind, and with each step, she felt more of herself returning. Well more like all of herself. What happened back there was only a portion of her inner self. Taking a glance up at Kieran she knew he was not aware of her shifting mood or train of thought. It was clear to see he was ready for more of the action they shared in the clearing amongst all the people. How she knew what he wanted so clearly was so strange.
She would be needing some time to process this all. Determination to get the answers she sought would not hold her back when she had some words with Kieran. Who apparently was now her husband. The further they got from the celebration the madder she became. It also was getting harder to keep up with Kieran’s pace. Out of breath, and panting she called out to him.
“Kieran …… slow down.”
When he turned, and looked at her, he then reached for her, swinging her up into his arms. Cradling her to the chest, breaking into a run all the way back home. He had them there in record time. She was still out of breath. With her still cradled in his arms he murmured some of the ancient words opening the door. Carrying her over the threshold, he let her down slowly. Sliding down against his front, cradling her head in his large hands taking possession of her mouth. Growling he began walking her backwards, when she tried murmuring a muffled.
“No”
Against his lips. She maneuvered her hands to his chest, pushing hard, she again said.
“No.”
As he pulled back instantly, his face displayed a look of utter confusion.
Dropping her shoulders.
“Kieran we need to talk.”
Reaching for her, she stepped around him, and out of his reach, saying.
“No Kieran. We need to talk now.”
Feeling his arms wrap around her from behind. She loved the feel of him, and his scent did something to her. Shaking her head she maneuvered out of his hold turning to face him at a distance asking.
“Why lie to me about tonight?”
Kieran was still looking at her like he wanted to devour her. Looking like they did in the stone circle. Why had she snapped out of it, and not him? Staring him down with her hands on her hips, as she waited for an answer. When he didn’t answer she asked again with growing anger.
“You lied to me about tonight. Why?”
After a pause she tossed some kindling onto the fire, so to speak, when she said.
“Do you not trust me? Or do you only want to control me to protect yourself, and your people?”
With an angry snap.
“That’s it isn’t. Just like those Neera people. Is that it huh?”
As she spoke, Kieran was shaking off his lust, and getting angry himself. He seemed to be growing larger as he finally, and firmly replied.
“No, of course not.”
Softening his tone, he said.
“I did not lie to you, little one.”
Huffing as she spoke through her teeth.
“Yes you did, Kieran. That was more than a festival tonight.”
Waving her arms towards the way they had come.
“Why couldn’t you have just told me the truth?”
Raising a brow in question as she stared at him down. She could feel herself getting more worked up. Her feelings of hurt growing. Why wasn’t she enough?
With a deadly grace he moved to stand in front of her with his own challenging stare. Speaking through his clenched teeth.
“I did not lie, Harlow. I just didn’t give you all the facts. That’s all.”
Hissing her reply.
“That still counts as a lie, Kieran. It’s lying by omission.”
Turning in a huff, she gave him her back. She didn’t want to look at him anymore. It hurt.
“You clearly don’t trust me. You are just like all the others in my life. Using me for what you want or need from me.”
Defeated, her shoulders slumped with her changing mood.
She could hear his hands running fingers through his hair as he said.
“That’s not true Harlow, and you know it.”
After a long exhale he questioned.
“You are mad at me over this?”
Wrapping her arms tightly around herself.
“Just go, Kieran. Clearly you don’t trust.”
Moving toward the dwindling embers of the fire she slumped down on the floor beside it.
“Just let me be. Clearly you’ve got me know. I’ll do what needs to be done to save the people. But for now I want my space.”
Confused at how this evening had turned out he shook his head as if trying to clear it. Turning quickly on his heel he left her sitting by the fire. Leaving her to have her space.
After he had left she sat for a while just staring into flickering embers. Watching the hues change. She really should add more logs to the fire. Standing she grabbed a few tossing them on as she walked past. Wanting to change, she made her way to the bedroom. Her outfit reminded her of all Kieran had done, and not told her. With the room bathed in darkness she felt her way around, finding what she wanted. She made quick work of removing layer upon layer the of the hand crafted garment. Then quickly dressing in her own clothing. Before returning to stoke the fire in the main room.
Placing a few more logs on the fire when she heard movement behind her.
“I said I wanted space.”
She said as she turned around. Thinking it was Kieran who had returned. It wasn’t him however. The man standing there was taller than her, so full of hatred she could taste it. It was so bitter, and fowl. She could tell he was a none magick. With each step he took towards her, scared her. Snarling at her.
“You are coming with me.”
Taking a step back, and in as firm a voice as she could.
“I’m not going anywhere with you. Who the hell are you anyway?”
Again in his snarling snapping voice.
“Let’s go.”
As he reached out, and grabbed her arm tightly. Her fear spread, she tried in vain to wiggle herself free. She was far too scared to think clearly. This stranger, and his hatred for her that obviously consumed him was suffocating her. Pulling her in closer to him, he simply stated.
“I don’t think so.”
Smiling down on her, before placing a foul smelling rag over her nose. In her panic she was breathing too deeply, and rapidly. Whatever was on the rag made her feel weak as her vision blurred. Now she was really terrified as he lifted her over his shoulder like a sack, and strolled out of Kieran’s dwelling like he owned it. She tried to call out but wasn’t sure if she did or not. It was getting harder for her to stay awake. She possessed all these powers, and moves her brother had taught her. Not to mention all her recent training. She hadn’t used a one of them in an attempt to protect herself, was her last thought before blackness took over. Apart from hearing a familiar voice whispered.
“Harlow.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
