Cara's Twelve (26 page)

With a sigh of frustration, he grabbed clean clothes and blankets and headed down to the water's edge.

Taking his shoes and shirt off, he started to strip his pants when he heard her scream his name.

Panic tore through him as he raced into the water. She was yards from him, her head barely reaching the surface of the water as she struggled, and gasped for air before submerging once again.

Something held her down, he was sure of it. As he swam towards her, he saw the fear in her eyes as she surfaced once again.

“Weeds,” she gasped, taking in a mouthful of water as she did, and then her head went under again.

He dove under the water and instantly saw the mess she was in. The more she struggled to free herself, the tighter the weeds wrapped around her legs. He didn't have a blade with him. He used his bare hands to pull at the thick, sharp weeds, slicing his palms open as he did. When she was free, he rose to the surface and took in a deep breath.

“Keep your legs up. Try to float on the surface so that you don't get tangled up again. Can you swim?”

Cara nodded and followed him back to the shore.

When the water was shallow enough for him to stand he scooped her up in his arms and carried her the remaining way. Without letting her go, he grabbed the blankets he had left beside his discarded shoes and shirt and wrapped them around her. He rubbed her back and arms to warm her, but despite the blankets and his own body heat, she still shivered against him.

“You're okay now,” he whispered against her hair.

She let out a shaky breath and stuttered, “I tho-thought I was go-going to drown.”

There had been a moment when he thought she might as well. Never in his life had he been so scared.

He tightened his arms around her and became instantly aware of her naked flesh pressed against his bare chest.

Tilting her head back, she looked up at him. Her lips trembled as she spoke, “Thank you for saving me.”

Before he could even think about what he was doing, his mouth was on hers. Desperation tore through him as he tangled his fingers in her hair and parted her lips with his tongue. Her body melted into his, her own delicate hands reaching for him, trailing his chest and torso with the tips of her fingers.

“Cara,” he said against her mouth, trying with little success to control his urges.

“Don't stop,” she murmured, wrapping her arms around his neck.

He shook his head and felt her stiffen. If he didn't stop himself, he would take her right there on the sandy shoreline, in broad daylight, where anyone could see them.

“Not here,” he said, lifting her in his arms effortlessly and walking back towards their camp.

Every step he took was torture as he fought between his desires and the logic that told him he should stop.

He didn't want to hurt her, but no matter what he did now he knew it was inevitable.

Opening the flap of the tent with his foot, he entered and gently laid her on the bed mat he had set out earlier.

Thoughts assailed him. What if he had still been setting up the camp when she had gotten tangled in the weeds? He didn't know if he would have heard her, or if he would have been able to get to her in time. He shuddered at the thought, of the image of her gasping for air as she struggled to stay afloat.

“Tahdaon?” she asked tentatively.

He looked down at her and saw the unease in her expression. Everything about her made him want to protect her, to wrap her in his arms and never let go, but he knew it was an impossible fantasy. He would have to give her back to Finn when he came north for her. Finn was who she truly wanted, who she was meant to be with. Whatever they did now would only add to the confusion and pain when she would no longer want him.

Pain tore through his chest as he looked at her. There was no denying that he wanted her, and had even come to care for her, but that was the problem. If he took her now, how could he continue to deny the feelings he had for her?

He stood, closed his eyes and rubbed his face with the palms of his hands, thinking about what the least harmful choice of words would be. He heard her move, and his eyes flew open as her fingers working on the links of his trousers.

She knelt on her knees in front of him, her dark hair flowing in damp waves down her back, as she looked up with innocent eyes. She bit her lower lip and smiled playfully, but he could see the hint of trepidation in her dark gaze, as if she expected him to thrust her away at any moment.

He stood stark still, unable to move or tear as he watched her. She managed to loosen his soggy pants and shift them so that they rested around his ankles.

He groaned out loud as she took his length in her hand and placed the tip of his cock in her warm mouth. His hands tangled in her hair as she licked and sucked and brought him to the point where he nearly exploded in her mouth.

Grinding his teeth in an effort to control himself, he carefully pulled away from her. It had been too long and his control was slipping as he laid her on her back and entered her fully. He lifted himself on his arms and looked down at her. His breathing was ragged as he reached out to stroke her cheek, and saw his own hunger mirrored in her dark eyes.

There was no way he could deny his feelings for her any longer. He wanted her with a ferocious need that couldn't be denied. Dipping his head downwards, he took her mouth and kissed her with unrestrained passion.

Thrusting deeply, he watched her with every movement. She was so beautiful, and as she cried out in pleasure, he could no longer contain himself. Spilling his seed deep within her womb, he let out a groan that vibrated from the very core of his being.

He buried his face in the crook of her neck and held her. When his body finished convulsing within her, he started to move away, but she held him tight, and refused to let him go.

“Don't go.”

Tahdaon shifted his weight, flipped over on his back taking her with him, and pulled the blankets over her bare shoulders. Cradling her head against his chest, he kissed her forehead.

“I'm not going anywhere,” he said softly, drawing out a long breath.

“Keep your hood up and your eyes down until we are inside the castle,” Tahdaon warned, as they entered the walled city of Drumna.

Tahdaon led them through the narrow cobblestone streets towards the black stone castle that was built within the dark cliffs that shadowed the densely populated city. Cara had never seen anything like it. The walls of the castle seemed to be made from a single piece of stone, untarnished and yet ageless in appearance.

Cara shivered as they approached the impressive double-storey doors that led inside the enormous structure that seemed more of a fortress than a home. The air seemed denser, almost tangible, and for a moment she found it difficult to breathe as memories of dreams and visions assailed her. She felt as if she had been there before. It was a strange sensation. There was power there. An energy that seemed to vibrate from the hills themselves. Cara pulled her hood further over her forehead and tried to block out the feelings of apprehension and foreboding that grew stronger the closer they got.

“Is this where you grew up?” she whispered.

He nodded and smiled, and she saw the pride enter his eyes as he looked up at the impenetrable walls.

“Halt.”

Two soldiers, armed in mail shirt, stepped out of the shadows, their swords drawn, ready to fight.

Cara had to brace herself as her horse whinnied and reared backwards. Tahdaon grabbed her reins and steadied the beast, before she was thrown off.

“Remove your cloaks and announce yourself,” one of the guards demanded.

“Tahdaon, son of Baldwynne,” he said gruffly, pulling his hood back from his face.

The guard who had spoken raised his eyebrows as recognition crossed his features. “Sorry my Lord, I didn't realize it was you.”

Tahdaon dismounted and tossed the reins to the guard. “Take them to the stables. Make sure they are fed and watered. You,” he said to the second guard, “Inform Lord Osker of my arrival. I will be waiting for him in his study.”

Cara allowed Tahdaon to help her down. He took her hand, not letting go until they reached a dark room littered with books and scrolls. Tahdaon went to the windows and pushed back the thick curtains to allow the sunlight in.

Cara pushed her hood back and watched as he paced the room, shooting restless glances towards the open door.

“Little brother.”

Both Cara and Tahdaon turned at the sound of the woman's voice.

“Tia,” Tahdaon said, his face lighting up as he strode towards the heavily pregnant woman and wrapped his arms around her.

When Tahdaon pulled away, Cara noticed that there were tears in his sister's eyes.

“When we heard what happened in Ashwater, we assumed you would come north, but we thought you would have arrived weeks ago. I was beginning to lose hope——”

“We had to make a stop in Northlew,” Tahdaon informed.

“We?” Tia said, her brows turning downwards.

Tahdaon turned to Cara and with formality introduced her to his sister. A shadow of apprehension crossed Tia's features.

“Dalgliesh is the safest place for her. Edmund will assume she went south with the others.”

Tia continued to frown, as she turned back to Tahdaon and hissed, “Ballack will send his army here once he realizes that she is with you. Why would you bring her here?”

Tahdaon breathed out heavily and his voice turned hard as he answered. “He will head north no matter if she is here or not. It's why I stopped in Drumna before heading to Muir. For your safety, you and mother need to come north with us.”

Tia shook her head and rubbed her protruding belly. “As you can see little brother, I am in no condition to travel.”

“Mama.”

Cara watched as a dark haired toddler scurried into the room and tugged at Tia's dress.

“Up, up.”

Tia scooped him up and rested him awkwardly on her hip.

“Tahdaon,” a large burly man with thick black hair said as he entered the room trailing his son. Taking Tahdaon's arm he patted him hard on the back. “It's good to see you.” Turning to his wife he gave her a reprimanding look and grabbed the squirming boy from her arms. “Put that child down, before you pull your back out.”

The child squirmed in his arms until Tahdaon pulled out a small bag and handed it to the boy. “I made these for you Duffy,” he said, opening the bag to reveal a set of finely carved horses. “If you sit quietly and let me speak to your mama and dad, I'll let you keep them.”

The child's eyes lit up as he squirmed from his father's arms and took the bag.

Once the child sat content on the floor, all eyes turned to Cara.

“Princess Cara,” the robust man said, bowing formally to her, his eyes kinder and more accepting than his wife's had been. He was composed and watchful, bearing no sign of unease at her unexpected presence. “I am Osker, the Viceroy of Dalgliesh. I welcome you to our home. You can stay here under our protection for as long as you need.”

“Thank you,” Cara nodded in respect. “But I'm afraid your wife is right. The longer I stay in Drumna, the more I put you and your family at risk. We will head north as soon as possible.”

“You will stay for the summer solstice,” a woman's voice, low and rich, commanded from the doorway.

Everyone turned as a middle aged woman strode into the room. With the grace of a queen, she walked to Tahdaon and placed her hand on his cheek. When she smiled, Cara caught her breath. Despite the woman's years, and the grey that streaked in her dark hair, the woman was stunning.

“Mother,” Tahdaon said in reverence, and Cara saw a measure of tension leave him as he embraced her.

“I knew the goddess would look over you,” the older woman said softly, her eyes crinkling in happiness as she looked into her son's eyes. Turning her attention to Cara, she took a step towards her, tilted her head, and looked curiously at her. Finally she spoke, “And you, Cara of Crowthorne, Annul's chosen, I can see that the rumors were true. You are touched by the goddess herself. I am Baldwynne, but you may call me Wynne. It is an honor to finally meet you.”

Cara was tongue-tied by the woman's bold presumption, but she took the woman's outstretched hand.

“You will stay in Drumna for the celebration of the summer solstice. If it is Annul's will that you travel to Muir, then you will leave afterwards,” Wynne insisted. “Let us leave the men and get you settled.”

Cara didn't have the energy to argue, nor did she want to. Instead, she smiled in gratitude and inclined her head in submission. “It has been a long journey, and I would very much appreciate a bath before dinner.”

“I will have the servants draw one for you,” Tia sniffed, still frowning at her.

“She will be staying in my room,” Tahdaon stated impassively, but Cara caught the hint of possessiveness in his voice.

Osker cleared his throat to hide a laugh and Tia arched an eyebrow at her brother.

Tahdaon's jaw clenched, and the tips of his ears went red, but he made no further comment.

“Come,” Wynne said, patting Cara's hand. “I will show you to his room.”

Cara followed, grateful for the woman's kindness.

Cara heard Tahdaon curse and Osker howl in laughter as she left the room, and for the first time in months felt her own cheeks burn with embarrassment.

“Tahdaon seems quite taken with you,” Wynne surmised once they were out of earshot of the men. “It is no small thing to be sure. He has always been reserved. Protective of his family to a fault, but even more vigilant in safeguarding his heart.”

The thought made her heart quicken, but she tried not to show it. While she wasn't convinced that what Wynne said was true, she had seen a change in Tahdaon during the past few weeks. He wasn't nearly as sullen and secretive as he once was. Quicker to smile, and less likely to raise a cynical brow at her. If they had more time together she thought that perhaps he could come to care for her as she did him.

“He's a good man,” Cara said softly. “I have come to care for him deeply.”

Wynne's eye's brightened at Cara's confession, and then her eyes glassed over, her mouth drawing downwards in a frown.

“Are you all okay?” Cara asked when Wynne stumbled.

Wynne pressed her fingers to her temple and shook her head.

“So much unnecessary bloodshed,” Wynne murmured under her breath. She straightened and her eyes once again focused on Cara's face. “Forgive me child.”

“You're sure you're all right?”

Wynne nodded, but this time her smile didn't reach her eyes.

“There are some things that an old woman should not see,” she said cryptically.

Cara didn't press her further as they walked through the corridors towards Tahdaon's chambers.

“I will leave you to bathe and rest,” Wynne said once the servants had finished filling the large tub that had been placed in front of the hearth. Before she departed she asserted, “I realize that your tour has been disrupted, but that doesn't mean we can't still honor Annul with a private moon ceremony on the eve of the summer solstice. I will make the arrangements.”

Wynne didn't give Cara the chance to voice her opinion.

Cara let out a long breath once she was finally alone. Undressing, she soaked in the large tub and allowed her thoughts to drift to Finn and the other men. She wondered where they were now and prayed that they had made it to their destinations safely.

Closing her eyes, she leaned her head back and let the warm water relax her aching muscles. She must have dozed, because she didn't hear the bedroom door open, or Tahdaon undress. She only realized he was there when he slid into the bath with her. In a sleepy haze, she didn't startle as he lifted her and positioned himself so that her back was pressed against his chest.

“It isn't safe to fall asleep in a tub,” he murmured against her ear.

“I was just resting my eyes,” she fibbed, entwining her fingers in his. “What did Osker say? Is he willing to fight alongside the southern provinces?”

“He knows he has no other choice. If Ballack defeats the south he will turn his attentions north. Osker understands that. He's sending a runner to Muir to inform my older brothers to bring their men to Drumna.”

“Should we not stay here then?”

“Muir is still more protected and it's further away from Edmund's grasp. We will remain here for a few weeks and then head north. There are rumors that Ballack has sent troops to the border city of Knowl. If the rumors are true, then he could be planning on attacking Dalgliesh sooner than we anticipate. I don't want you anywhere near here if that happens.”

Consumed by their thoughts of impending war, they sat in silence for a long time until the water had cooled.

Cara shivered and she didn't protest as Tahdaon lifted her out of the bath and placed her in his bed.

He positioned himself on top of her, and Cara groaned at how good he tasted as he lowered his mouth to hers. He made love to her slowly and passionately, and when they were both spent, he gathered her into his arms and held her tightly against his chest until they both fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

* * *

They celebrated the summer solstice in the privacy of the castle walls. Wynne, who was considered among the people of Dalgliesh to be anointed by the goddess herself, oversaw the ceremony.

Cara was overwhelmed by the aura of power that surrounded Wynne as she called upon Annul. The woman's voice was rich alto that resonated throughout the room.

When Wynne placed her hands on Cara's bowed head, a liquid energy surged through her body and coursed through her veins. The woman continued to chant over her. A flash of light blinded Cara momentarily, and she gasped in alarm as a searing heat burned through her womb.

The words sounded prophetic and Cara's knees grew weak as she realized that the woman spoke of a child. Cara had been careful to follow Maeve's precautionary advice, but since leaving Ashwater she hadn't thought of protecting herself from conceiving. It hadn't been necessary. Not when Tahdaon had kept his distance. No, it wasn't possible.

Cara's shook violently as Wynne guided her to Tahdaon and joined their hands, binding them with a scarlet rope.

Wynne blew on their fused hands, and Cara felt the floor shift under her feet. In her mind she saw the child that Wynne had prophesized. In the ruble of a war-torn country, the girl grew and stood on the cliffs of Drumna. Tall, with jet black hair and eyes the color of sapphires, she stood alone, crowned as the Queen of the North. Another woman arose from the ashes of a fallen Elbia, her eyes the color of amber, her hair a golden hue, the color of a wheat field at harvest was crowned as the Queen of the South. The women stood facing each other, united and yet separate.

The image was there and then gone, and Cara blinked several times before her eyes readjusted to her surroundings.

Cara glanced up at Tahdaon who looked as shaken as she felt. His blue eyes searched her face, and Cara knew that he had shared the vision.  

It wasn't until they were alone in the sanctuary of his room that Cara began to relax.

“Did you see that?” Cara asked, taking the cup of wine that Tahdaon offered and drinking deeply.

Tahdaon frowned as he nodded. “My mother has always had a strong connection with the goddess. She has been sought out for her visions, but I have never experienced it myself, as I did tonight.”

Cara bit her lip and hesitated before she admitted, “I never believed in any of this. Not really. But…”

“There are some things that we can't know,” Tahdaon offered. “I don't believe we are judged by our lack of faith in what is unseen. There are those who live their lives seeking to know the unknowable, wanting to know the future, but I wonder what good it does to have such insight.”

Cara nodded in agreement. They hadn't asked for the visions they received, and Cara wondered if there was any truth to what they had seen. If there was, she didn't understand the images anyways. What good did it do them?