THE MORRIGAN CHRONICLES

THE PAST TWO months had been grueling. Physically Neil did great, but I could tell the monotony and constant training was mentally draining him.

We chatted with the King’s children throughout breakfast. Neil sat on one side of me and Emrys on the other while the children sat opposite of us. Emrys always liked to stir up whatever he could to cause someone embarrassment. Today he was directing his mischief towards Alastar, the strongest of the three and ornery in his own right. I loved when Emrys picked on him because it would end with Alastar chasing him and Emrys barely escaping. Tears streamed down my face as I laughed when Emrys tripped over Aine’s foot that had suddenly shot out and Alastar began giving him a noogie.

I slapped my hand on Neil’s back. “Come on, let’s head to the stables. I have a surprise for you today.”

Neil had been the perfect student the past couple of months. He was true to his word. He’d listened, practiced, and given his full effort every single day. I respected that in him.

The jovial mood from breakfast still held in my heart and I cupped my hands over his eyes as we walked into the arena. I kept stumbling on his heels, walking so close behind with my arms around his head, giggling at my own clumsiness.

I could feel his cheeks rise in a smile as he spoke. “I sure hope you got me new boots, because you’ve probably ruined mine stepping on my feet this much.”

“Even better, I promise,” I whispered into his ear.

“Keep your eyes closed,” I said, almost singing, releasing my hands. I grabbed his hands and placed my gift into them. He held the gift and I knew he recognized what it was but he held on to my hand. Softly stroking the back of it.

My heart raced at his touch. It annoyed me a couple of months ago that he had this effect on me but now I smiled at giving in to it. I stared at him. His eyes remained closed. His hand was wrapped around mine. My breath was tight in my chest. My anticipation of giving Neil the gift mixed with his touch made my emotions swirl.

Gathering every ounce of composure I had while suppressing the rush of hormones, I took his hand that held mind and wrapped it around his gift. “Okay… open.”

His caramel eyes held mine. His hands held the sword that was his gift. He didn’t look away from me.

Though I liked the intensity of his look, worry grew in the pit of my stomach that maybe he didn’t like the sword or care about it. “I personally forged that sword. I made it for you.”

Still looking deep into my eyes he didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely beautiful. What’s not to love?”

I had to lighten the mood, and do it quickly. The intensity of what I felt, what I knew he felt, needed to be put aside… for now at least. “You haven’t even looked at it,” I chided.

His warm genuine smile shattered any doubt I had as he finally shifted his gaze from me to the sword. “The sword is beautiful, too. And I love it.” He paused to look up and gauge my reaction.

I put on my most playful face but said nothing.

He continued, “I love it even more because you made it. Made it for me.”

He paused and I was speechless.

“So… does this mean you’ll finally start teaching me how to use it?” My smile widened at his question. As eager as I was to teach him I was pleased to see how excited he was to learn.

“Yes, I think you’re ready to begin using the sword.” I took a step closer. “But before we begin, I think we need a little change in our schedule. Just for today at least.”

“Please tell me we can skip the running. It’s the middle of February and not exactly ideal.”

“Well…” I pretend to ponder his request. “Just for today we’ll forgo the running. How do you feel about horseback riding?”

He laughed. “Once again you have me at a disadvantage. I haven’t been on a horse since I was a kid.”

I slinked a step and then another step closer. My voice was huskier than I meant. “I suppose I am used to having you at a disadvantage.”

He winked at me playfully. “I have no complaints.”

I grabbed his sword and slid it into his sheath. “We’re taking swords. Little bit of fun, little bit of work.”

Neil helped me saddle two horses. I took the big black gelding that I’d been riding the past month and had taken to calling Halo. Neil took a sorrel gelding named Buck that was actually the gentlest of the small herd.

We rode in silence through the snow for several miles. Flakes fell lightly from the sky and the thick forest of trees opened up to a field.

He looked comfortable in the saddle. Even confident. “I see why you enjoy riding so much.”

“Something about being in nature is calming. Riding through the countryside. I suppose it reminds me of home.” I was surprised at how at ease I was with him.

Nestled up against the edge of the next stretch of forest was an abandoned barn and cabin I had found on one of my rides.

“There’s a wood burning stove in the cabin. I’ll start a fire and once we’re warm we can begin training in the barn. It’s completely empty.”

I dismounted from Halo and took the reins from Neil as he dismounted. “I’m from South Dakota. If there’s anything I know it’s how to start a fire. Why don’t you let me do that and I’ll let you do whatever it is that you do with horses.”

“Fair enough.” I walked the horses over to the old trough where a hand pump to a deep well still worked. Once the horses had their fill of water, I took them to the small corral attached to the barn.

I walked into the cabin and instantly warmed. Neil sat in front of the now piping hot stove.

“I found a blanket. Come sit down and get warm.” He had removed his coat and only wore his leathers. His chest and arms rippled with muscles that I was constantly aware of. I’d already conceded to giving in to what I felt. So I knelt down.

He reached up and removed my coat. He brought his face to mine. I felt the heat radiate from his skin. His eyes went from mine to my mouth. My breath hitched and at that moment he kissed me. My hands slid his leathers off as he removed mine. Not a spot on either one of our bodies went unexplored. There was a ravenous hunger that had been building for months.

Time was suspended and when we finally lay still Neil rolled me to my back, stroking the hair away from my face. “I love you, Morrigan. I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you. I was drawn to you the instant I saw the Earth open up and you walked out. As long as I live I am yours. My heart is yours.”

I’ve been in love before. A very, very long time ago. My body was starved for attention and Neil fulfilled my desires. My heart had been closed off for so long. Until this instant I hadn’t realized how much so.

“I love you too, Neil.” And I kissed him once again.