A Beautiful Knight (The Cursed Kingdom #2)

Chapter 18

Chapter Eighteen

L iam joined the other two men at the midday meal. The air was thick around them, each man with different emotional reactions to Gavin’s absence.

“He’s free,” Padriag said, his chin resting on his hands, his dinner untouched in front of him. “And then there are three.”

“Aye,” Niall said, not seeming to be bothered as he bit into a chunk of meat.

“I wonder if the third sister has arrived?” Liam asked.

He’d barely slept, unable to figure out how he felt about Gavin’s absence. A part of him was relieved that he’d not have to see the man daily and be reminded of a moment in his life he wished to forget. Another made him anxious that more changes were on the horizon.

“I’ll go and see,” Padraig said, brightening. “I know that wench is meant for me.”

“Nay,” Niall told them, his solemn grey eyes meeting Liam’s. “Stewart will go.”

Padriag actually pouted. “Why him? I should go.”

“Liam can leap from inside the keep. I am worried that with two being free, Meliot may know and bring more danger.”

Liam nodded. “It’s even more dangerous now that it’s darkening season,” he said, referring to the time when only the smaller of the suns shone, giving the days a dim light that resembled just before sun fully set in the other realm. A twilight sort of haze.

Despite his silence, Niall was their cornerstone, a solid force that gave the men a sense of strength. Liam looked to him. “I have not been able to see the near future. Something has been in the way.”

“It could be because it is your own destiny that awaits,” Niall replied.

Liam had thought the same. For some reason, his ability had always been limited when it came to himself. “Right, I best go so we can be reassured that Gavin is indeed free now.

A pang of something akin to sadness overtook him when he looked to the two men who peered at him with expectation. He didn’t want to leave them behind.

It was a sunny day in the other realm, the warm breeze greeting him with the fragrance of fragrant lilies.

Gavin and Tristan stood next to a corral talking, next to them an item he recognized as a form of transportation called a golf cart.

Tristan reacted first, lifting his hand in acknowledgement, walking toward him. Gavin’s reaction was more reserved, the Scot only looking at him, his expression more wary. Even if he didn’t remember him, he sensed they were not friends.

“Liam, you’ve come to check on Gavin?” Tristan said by way of greeting and then lowered his voice, “his memory is returning, but he still does not remember many things.”

“He has been released from the enchantment then?” Liam asked, noticing that Gavin had yet to join them.

“Aye.” Tristan gave him a worried look.

“The third sister is resistant to traveling here. Both Gwen and Sabrina are working to convince her. But we have also begun searching for other enchantresses. Come, let us go to the house.”

He joined them in the cart contraption. The drive to the large home was quick. Gavin drove fast, making Liam nervous. It was not only the speed that caused his consternation. It was not understanding how the cart was able to move without being pulled.

Tristan laughed when they came to a stop and Liam was slow to release the bar he’d gripped until his knuckles had turned white.

Without a word, Gavin went straight inside and up the stairs.

“I think you should talk to him,” Tristan told Liam.

“I do not think he wishes to speak with me,” Liam replied, a knot forming in his gut.

“It is your choice, of course,” Tristan said as they entered. Immediately his expression brightened at seeing Gwen in the sitting room.

“Liam, I’m so glad you’re here,” Gwen exclaimed waving him over. “Sabrina and I are planning a gathering.”

He and Tristan exchanged questioning looks.

“Yes, a magical gathering.” Sabrina clarified. “We will invite people who are strong in magic.”

Gwen spoke next. “It will be in a pair of days. The three of you should remain on alert, hopefully one or all will feel the pull and know their enchantress is here.”

“We decided having a group could move things along at a faster pace,” Sabrina said.

“Grand idea.” Tristan kissed Gwen’s temple making Liam’s heart lighten at the sight. Through all the years, he’d not ever considered seeing any of the men with partners. It felt good to see it.

“Where’s Gavin?” Sabrina asked.

“I believe he went to bathe,” Tristan said, moving to a side bar to pour drinks. “How are things in the alter-world, Liam?”

“All is well. Quiet for now. I came to ensure Gavin was indeed free and not lost again.” Liam spoke for a few moments longer, telling them of the thoughts of the other men, how they worried that Meliot would make things harder if he sensed Gavin had escaped.

For a while, they discussed what could be done and still Gavin didn’t return.

Liam glanced to the stairwell. “I will speak to Gavin, then I must leave.”

“Third room on the left,” Gwen informed him.

Despite the lack of memory, Gavin sensed tension between them, and it was best to give him clarity. Liam wasn’t exactly sure what he’d say, but the words would come.

The corridor was well lit, large glass paned windows flanking the entire outside wall. Liam’s leather boots sank into the plush carpeting as he headed to where Gavin was. The closer he got, the harder his heart pounded. Arriving at the slightly ajar door, he knocked.

Gavin sat on the bed, his hair wet, pulling on shoes. The immediate tightness of his jaw told he did indeed remember Liam.

“What do you want Stewart?” Gavin asked, meeting his gaze.

“So you remember me. I suppose this means you are glad not to be living in the same place.”

Gavin didn’t respond right away. He closed his eyes for a moment, then stood, towering over him. “I am not glad to be away from the three of you. I will work along with the others and not rest until you are free.”

“We should talk.” Liam began.

“You should go,” Gavin said. “I am sure the sisters have questions that can help with the spell to free you.”

“Listen to me.” Liam waited for Gavin to meet his gaze. “Despite that we’ve never gotten along, I am very glad that you are free.” He closed the distance. “I am man enough to admit that I do miss your presence.”

He knew he should stop, but he couldn’t hold back the resentment he’d managed to keep a hold on for so many years.

“The truth is that I loved you, Gavin, loved you for many years. I hated the fact that I did, but I’m man enough to admit it. I know you are glad to be rid of me. Glad to forget me.”

Gavin stood and neared. Liam held his breath. If the man was going to strike him, he’d take it and not fight back. He was too tired to fight back.

Instead Gavin took him by the shoulders. “I love you as well, Liam.”

Liam gawked at him. “Wh-what?”

“Like I love Tristan, Niall and Padriag. How could I not? We have all lived through years of hell, years of torment together. To forget you; it would be like forgetting a brother. I apologize again for the way I treated you. I cannot go back and change my actions. Please accept my offer of friendship.”

Gavin took a step back and held his hand out.

Liam stared at his hand, the hand of the man he’d always love like a brother. Slowly he reached forward, Gavin closed the distance closing his larger hand over his. “Friends?”

He could only nod. Then he willed himself away, not wanting Gavin to see the tears that spilled.

Thankful that the men were obviously already in bed when he arrived back at the keep, Liam went straight to his room.

Years of resentment, of not knowing how Gavin felt, of fearing he’d lost a friend, fell away as he lay in bed and cried.

Outside lightening crossed the sky, the brightness flashing into the room and he looked toward the window.

Meliot knew another knight was free.

Things were about to get worse.