It was the first time I had heard Culann speak, and his voice was as loud as he was big. “While I would have made a worthy king, any victory I achieved would have been tainted by Morgan’s interference. In spite of her attacks, you prevailed, rightly earning your place as king, and I heartily offer my service for your protection.” He smiled so big, I couldn’t resist following suit. “Not many competitors would have been merciful. It is an honor to present you my sword.”
He knelt, bowing his head to Flynn. Killian put his hand over his heart, bowing, and so did Ronan.
Tears sprang to my eyes as I went to one knee. Around us came the sound of people kneeling. I lifted my gaze to Flynn to find him staring at me.
His gaze was wide and face colorless without a hint of humor.
You earned this, I told him. I love you.
Something eased from him at my words, and his shoulders relaxed. Then, with the confidence of a man who was born to be king, he nodded, accepting his role as the rightful leader of Tuatha Dé Danan. “I accept.”
A cheer went up from the crowd and we stood. Killian and Ronan went to their brother, clapping him on the back and clasping his hand. Ronan whispered something in his ear, to which Flynn nodded, peering at me with a smile.
Killian slung his arm around Flynn’s shoulders and called out, “It’s time to celebrate our new king!”
He led the way to the castle, Culann following close behind. I moved to follow, but Ronan was suddenly at my side, his hand on my arm. “Come with me?”
I stared after the group. Shouldn’t we be with Flynn?
Go with him, Flynn answered my unspoken question. Then, bring him to my celebration. I love you, Genny.
Ronan watched me. “He said to go,” I told him. It felt like more of a blessing than permission.
Lifting me in his arms, Ronan strode away from the crowd, back toward the loch. “I can walk!” I laughed.
He ignored me, so I put my arms around his neck, getting comfortable.
“I want to carry you close to my heart.”
My heart melted a little at his gruff words. Magic tickled my skin and I glanced down to find Ronan had magically swept away all the mud from my skin, and had cleaned and dried my clothes.
I really, really hoped what I thought was about to happen was happening. Ronan had continued to hold himself back from me, afraid I needed more time to get over our past.
I didn’t.
I wanted him.
He held me securely, so it was difficult for me to reach his lips. Rather than struggle, I laid kisses everywhere I could reach. On his chest, his shoulder, the little dip at his throat.
He growled and picked up his stride. The waves of the loch rolled gently on the shore, a soft backdrop to the sound of birds and the leaves rustling in trees.
I thought he’d let me go when we got to the shore, but he didn’t. He continued around it until we were out of sight of the arena and the castle. There was a small grove of young birch trees nestled among thick green moss, and it was there he stopped, lowering my body gently to the ground.
“Little one…” He studied me, dark eyes moving over my face as softly as his hands now traveled from my shoulders to my waist.
Letting out a breath, he opened his mouth to speak, but I stopped him with a finger to his lips. “No more apologies. No more speaking of the past. From here on out, we talk about our future.” I leaned up, placed my lips on his, and then rested my head on the soft ground.
He studied me, gaze jumping from one eye to the other. “How? Just like that? Imogen. What I did…” Resting back on his heels, he covered his face with his hands. “I’ll never get over it.”
“Ro. Look at me.” I reached for his hands, and he let me link my fingers with his. “Ro. I love you. Get the hell over it. I did.”
His cheeks flushed. “I don’t deserve you.”
“Well, I deserve you. So, stop being an idiot and start kissing me.”
The change that overcame him was breathtaking. His face cleared, his smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. He leaned down, braced himself on his arms, and kissed me.
All at once, the rest of the world disappeared. I didn’t hear the birds