Page 68 of Bound to the Fae (Fae Mates 2)

CHAPTER24

Cathy was grateful Aodhan had told her what to expect, or she would have blown their cover story the moment Ferghal’s estate came into view. Even with the forewarning, it was all she could do not to gape like a country bumpkin at the enormous manor house that towered in gaudy splendor at the end of the white gravel drive.

My God.Cathy fought to keep a bland expression as she took in the monstrosity. The building rose four stories high, with tall white columns and arched windows. It might have been elegant, had the architect not apparently suffered a severe manic episode and slathered every wall with bas-relief friezes of muscled, mostly nude warriors striking heroic poses. Someone, evidently feeling that this was still too tasteful, had picked out every carved spear and sword in gold leaf. The overall effect was less ‘aristocratic grandeur’ and more ‘Vegas casino.’

“Behold my country home.” Sir Ferghal gestured proudly at the eyesore. “Breathtaking, is it not?”

“I am certainly lost for words,” Cathy managed, wishing that she’d brought sunglasses. “Perhaps we could move on? At once?”

“Give me a moment to deal with the wards, then we may proceed.” Ferghal raised a hand, palm outward. A brief frown of concentration crossed his face, then he dropped his arm, apparently satisfied. “There. You and your servant may cross now, Lady Rose. Though I must warn you, do not stray beyond the boundaries of the grounds during your visit. The wards will allow you to exit, but you will not be able to re-enter again without my presence.”

“I shall bear that in mind,” Cathy said, privately thinking that when she did leave, it would be at speed, and with no desire to return. “Let us make haste, sir knight. It has been a long journey, and I am eager to come to its end at last.”

The knight inclined his head. “Of course, Lady Rose.”

Ferghal did not touch his heels to Eislyn’s sides, but the alicorn needed no cues to anticipate her rider’s wishes. She flowed effortlessly into a rolling canter, white tail floating like a banner behind her.

Cathy clicked her tongue, urging her own steed to a faster pace. Her oss broke into a shambling run, wooden hooves crunching over the white gravel path. She braced herself as best she could, wincing as every lurching stride jolted her already bruised backside. An entire day astride the construct’s gnarled back had left her sore in places she didn’t know she could be sore.

Though, to be fair to the oss, some of those places had already been rather tender. When it came to growing roses (and there was a euphemism she’d never thought she’d use), Aodhan had proved to be considerate, attentive, and extremely thorough.

Just the memory sent a tingle of warmth through her, banishing some of her current discomfort. She cast a glance back, and discovered that Aodhan was watching her with a strange, conflicted expression. He looked away the moment their eyes met, as though embarrassed to have been caught staring. The mage fixed his gaze on their destination, face settling into impassive lines.

Is he regretting sleeping together?Cathy wondered. Aodhan certainly hadn’t seemed at all regretful about any of their activities over the past three days. Quite the opposite, in fact. It seemed odd for him to be having second thoughts now.

Maybe he’s not sorry for what we did,whispered some small inner voice. Maybe he’s sorry that it has to end.

It was a silly thought, yet she couldn’t shake it, because that fleeting expression on his face had resonated within her own heart. Underneath her stomach-churning anxiety and near-physical pain at being separated from her son lurked a small, selfish kernel of bittersweet regret. For all the terror of her adventure, there had been magic, too. She was going to miss Aodhan.

Which was awful, because she shouldn’t be thinking about anything other than Kevin. Cathy resolutely faced forward again. She nudged her oss with her heels, encouraging it to even greater speed.

Though the construct’s sturdy legs pounded like the pistons of a machine, it was clear Eislyn could have easily outpaced the oss. The alicorn’s wings stayed folded against her sides, yet her golden hooves seemed to float above the ground. She led the way without apparent effort, despite the weight of her armored rider.

Cathy found herself watching Ferghal and Eislyn, wondering at the nature of the bond between them. Despite all that Aodhan had told her of seelie knights and their mounts, she had to admit that the pair made a splendid sight. They moved in perfect unison, as if they were two halves of a single being.

Eislyn seemed to relish the chance to show off her speed. There was a proud arch to the alicorn’s neck, a little flourish to every step that spoke of joy. Whatever Ferghal’s faults, she was clearly proud to be his steed.

Would Aodhan have been like that, if he hadn’t been able to block the Call?

The thought sent a chill through her blood. She couldn’t picture proud, clever Aodhan with a rider on his back, let alone happy about it.

At the pace they were traveling, it didn’t take long to reach the house. Servants in crisp blue livery lined the steps, awaiting their arrival. Cathy scanned the submissive downturned faces, her pulse speeding up—but the servants were all unmistakably fae, with curling horns or green skin. None of them were her son.

Eislyn trotted to a perfect parade halt, halting in front of the house. Cathy drew up her oss, ready to slide off—then remembered Aodhan’s hasty crash course in the expected behavior for seelie nobles. She sat up straight, waiting for Aodhan to come round to assist her.

Ferghal had also dismounted. To Cathy’s surprise, the moment the pair parted, Ferghal’s golden armor dissolved into fading sparkles, reforming into a richly embroidered velvet tunic and leather leggings. The jeweled plates protecting Eislyn’s neck and head also disappeared, as did her saddle and bridle. The alicorn shook out her mane like a runner stretching after a race.

“A fine run, my Eislyn.” Ferghal stroked his steed’s white neck. “I shall order the grooms to prepare warm oil for your massage, and to line your nest with fresh swan’s-down. Rest well and gather your strength. We may see battle before long, if Morcant continues to test the border defenses.”

Eislyn leaned into Ferghal’s hand. “You are my knight, and I am your steed. Whatever you ask, I will gladly give.”

Still mounted, Cathy glanced down at Aodhan. His expression was rigidly blank. He held out a hand to her, Noodle tucked under his other arm. His touch was cool and impersonal as he helped her down.

Ferghal snapped his fingers at a couple of the servants, all of whom were still carefully keeping their faces downcast in the presence of their lord. “See that my noble Eislyn has every comfort, and attend to my guest’s steeds as well.”

Eislyn was already heading off, issuing a loud string of demands to her entourage. Cathy relinquished her oss to another of the grooms; a small, rather timid-looking youth with long rabbity ears and small branching antlers. The poor boy’s ears flattened right down his neck as he took in his new charges. He cast Aodhan a desperate glance, silently appealing for help.

“They just need sunlight and a place to take root,” Aodhan murmured to the groom. He gestured at the wide lawn in front of the house. “Leave them right here. They’ll be fine.”

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