Chapter 24
Spring a year later…
The white wind sang of courage, of faith, of a future newborn.
Caitlin curled herself tighter into the strong hollow of her husband's body, the rhythm of the horse's gait so familiar, the strong bands of Niall's arms about her waist keeping her safe.
Chieftain he might be, hero of bard song, but Caitlin knew the most precious kingdom in Niall's eyes was the one he ruled in her heart.
"It seems impossible the seasons have passed only once since I took you from this place," he said softly, reining the horse to a halt in the druid glade.
"I was so angry, sent to fetch some convent-bred woman.
I was a warrior, destined to fight wars and perform great feats of valor.
I never guessed I was about to fight the most important battle of my life.
Learning to love. Learning to trust. Learning to face truths I could scarce have imagined. "
"But you fought for them and won. Daire thrives under Fiona's care, and your mother blossoms more certainly than the flowers she loves."
Niall grimaced. "It would be perfect, if only there were a merry little war I could send Owaine to fight. It has been far too peaceful for our budding hero, and since he cannot grow tales of valor, I fear he is growing something else—calf’s love for my sister."
"I can only hope she finds as much happiness with her warrior as I have with mine."
"Are you, Caitlin? Happy? I know it is not the life you wished—imagined. Wife of the chieftain, when you wanted simpler things."
"I watch you rule each day with wonder, bring honor where there was deceit, compassion where there was cruelty.
I see the love in your people's eyes and see the peace and plenty you have brought them.
How can I have any regrets? I am proud to have won the heart of a man so wise, so merciful.
It is a better world our babe will know, because of you, Niall. "
"You are wrong, Lily Fair. I have much to learn. But I will fight with all in my power to live up to the trust you offer me."
His eyes glistened over-bright as he swung down.
Careful of the tender burden she had carried from Glenfluirse, he cradled her in his arms and set her feet gently in the grasses she had run across as a girl.
He touched her rounded belly where their child grew strong.
"You are certain you are not tired? This journey might not have been wise.
How can you even be certain anyone will come here, find—"
"It is my special day. I know she will come."
"I could have brought your gift myself."
Caitlin shook her head with a heart-full smile.
"It is my gift to offer. I knew the day I left the cloister I could not return.
I can never enter the abbey and curl up at Reverend Mother's feet as I did when I was small.
Perhaps I can never tell her with words how happy you have made me.
But when she sees these, Niall, I am certain she will know. "
Niall slipped his arm around her, guiding her through fields of wildflowers, guarding her as if she were a treasure, more rare and beloved than a fairy's wings.
Tears of joy welled over Caitlin's lashes as she laid her offering upon the druid stone: an armful of lilies perfect as the love she had won in Niall's valiant heart.