He sat at the table, watching her. She was seated across the crowded room, completely oblivious to him on the opposite end of the long throne room. She sat high above the others, high enough for him to see her entirely. She was a princess and of higher status than he. For once, her red hair wasn't pulled back into a half ponytail. It fell down around her shoulders instead, laying flat, hindered by her small golden crown. Her dark blue eyes, deep as an ocean, glanced around the room, lingering for a few seconds on each face, perhaps to find a certain person in the masses. Her royal purple dress clung to her upper body tightly and billowed out in her skirts. Her eyes finally found his and she smiled genuinely. He smiled as well and winked. She giggled lightly, her sweet voice lilting through the air. King Conchobar leaned over the arm of his throne and whispered to the young woman, pointing towards the door. Her gaze left the tall man and glanced at a short blond man standing in the doorway with four burly guards surrounding him.
"King Killian, it's so good to have you with us." Deirdre spoke, rising from her throne and extending a hand out to the new arrival. The party around them stopped and parted, forming a path through the middle of the room. The short king took quick steps, reaching the two thrones in a matter of seconds. Bowing down, he kissed the top of the hand Deirdre offered him. She honored him with a low curtsy.
"Ah, Killian. It's been too long, my friend." King Conchobar spoke as he rose to hug his old friend. As they released, he said, "We weren't expecting you. Come, sit with us! Enjoy the party." He smiled a laughing smile at the man in front of him. "It is my birthday, after all." The two were good friends, but looked the complete opposite of each other. Conchobar was tall and slightly tanned, with thick, dark brown hair that showed signs of greying at the temples He studied his friend with eyes as dark as the richest soil throughout his kingdom. Killian, on the other hand, was smaller with golden blond hair, which he wore tied back with a thin leather strap, powdery white skin and pale, stormy grey eyes. Servants quickly moved to retrieve an extra chair for the parties newest arrival. King Conchobar waved his hand to cue the musicians to keep playing and the party to continue. Killian was soon seated to the left of the King of Kells where he could steal glances at the princess during the course of the party.
"Conchobar, your young Deirdre has grown to be a fine woman. She'll make a wonderful wife for my Garrett." Killian spoke, leaning in towards the other king. Deirdre listened to every word with her keen ears, but showed no sign of it. The young man who had been watching her was now engaged in an animate conversation with his best friend, now sitting next to him at the long table. She choose to watch him now, hoping he'd glance back her way and notice her. His dishwater blond hair fell in light, airy curls around his shoulders and he didn't seem to care how it was placed, so long as it wasn't in his way. His eyes were as blue as the sky and sparkled with the mischievous glint that they had held when he was a child. Both Angus and Rohan had some emotional pain behind their eyes occasionally. Nobody would guess what either was about though. She could not make out what the conversation encased, but she was sure both he and Angus felt quite out of place at the party. Both wore simple clothes, the only garments they could really afford. Both had dark brown cloth pants. Each wore a plain shirt, Angus in green and Rohan in red. Angus had a black vest made of leather, his nicest article of clothing. Rohan wore a dark brown knit overshirt. Most of the party guests were royalty from neighboring countries and distant family, all rich save the few servants they brought with them. Deirdre turned away from him now, entering the conversation between her father and the visiting king.
"King Killian, we don't expect Garrett for another month. Weather has been unkind to the seas, and his journey was long and perilous. That seemed the suitable time frame for him to return in." She heard her father say to the other king.
"Yes, well, I wanted to see how you were fairing, and how our young princess was getting on with my Garrett. A visit has been long overdue anyhow." The blond king spoke quietly, watching the many guests dance to the high music of the drums, flutes, and pipes.
"King Killian, it is an honor to finally meet you. Father has often spoken of you and the strong friendship you share." Deirdre broke in finally. The polite conversation between the princess and the visiting king continued for a few minutes, with King Conchobar watching his guests dance.
"I think I'd like a dance. Come, Deirdre, Killian, let us have a dance." he spoke suddenly, interrupting his daughter and Killian. Deirdre smiled and rose alongside her father, knowing his favorite tune and running to tell the musicians. King Killian rose as well, grinning wide at the fun he knew he would be having. Conchobar shooed everybody but a few pretty women off the dance floor quickly as Deirdre came running to stand beside her father in a line. Ivar, a young black prince from a distant country, joined the group on the dance floor. He was a good friend to all, save King Killian whom he had not yet met. Angus jumped at the chance to dance, knowing Conchobar's wishes for all the Mystic Knights to be on the floor. The King had just turned to call to Angus and Rohan when dark haired Angus jogged in front of him, dragging his fair haired friend with him. They lined up with the rest, forming two long lines. The music began, a fast paced jig, starting with a high rhythmic pounding of the drum. They followed the jig's beat, dancing in the lines, occasionally joining up with partners, until the middle of the song. The pipes came in loud and strong and each person stepped forward, taking the person in the line across from them in their arms for a whirly-gig circle dance. Angus ended up with a lovely princess, cousin to Deirdre. Ivar had stopped in front of a middle aged lady of the court. King Conchobar and King Killian each danced with countesses of the court of Kells. Rohan had ended up with Deirdre. They smiled, now doing what each had been wanting to do with the other all evening. The song ended and the large group around the room applauded the skilled dancers. The Kings took their thrones again, and Angus and Ivar took empty seats at the long wooden table, all four out of breath. Rohan and Deirdre remained on the dance floor as the other guests jumped at the chance to dance again. The evening sun slipped out of the sky as Rohan and Deirdre danced together for nearly an hour, enjoying each other's company. Finally taking a break, Rohan led Deirdre back to her throne.
"You are a lovely dancer, Deirdre." Rohan spoke, panting from the energy spent while dancing and the excitement of the night.
"Thank you, Rohan. Perhaps after a short break you'd honor me with another dance?" Deirdre asked, collapsing to her velvet cushioned seat. Rohan smiled and nodded, leaning an arm against the back of the princess' throne. Angus and Ivar both rose to join their friends in light conversation. Killian watched with a suspicious eye.
"Here now, you there... young man. You don't speak that way to a princess, especially the future ruler of your country. You address the Princess properly, as Princess Deirdre or Your Highness. Now away with you." King Killian spoke rudely, shaking his hand at Rohan. Ivar and Angus stopped dead in their tracks, not four feet away from the rulers. Rohan looked confused at King Killian and said nothing, moving to stand tall instead of leaning against the chair.
"King Killian, it's alright. This is Rohan. He's a Mystic Knight. He's my friend." Deirdre spoke up. King Conchobar filled King Killian in on the details of the Mystic Knights, pointing to Angus and Ivar while whispering in the king's ear. He gave Ivar an approving grin, but eyed Angus and Rohan with contempt. Ivar moved to stand next to the princess, Rohan leaving her side to stand next to his best friend. They were dressed in their finest clothes, but it still didn't compare to the fine jewelry and garments of the high society in the room. They were both poor, holding no higher status than the guards or the servants. Nobody in the castle had ever cared about social status before that night.
"Penniless scum, don't even deserve to be near this castle." King Killian spat quietly, Rohan and Angus the only two to hear him over to roar of the party. Both young men looked at each other with anger and shame in their eyes. They collected whatever dignity they had remaining, and quietly left the party to return to their small hut on the outskirts of town.
"Ivar, have you seen Rohan? I'd like to have another dance with him." Deirdre asked her friend after having a break. She had already scanned through the room with some precision, and was perplexed at having not found either Rohan or Angus.
"No, I haven't seen Rohan since you two stopped dancing last. In fact, I haven't seen Angus lately either. Perhaps they were too tired and decided to return to their hut. After all, they are not used to these long royal parties, are they?" he spoke, unsure of his excuse for the two young men.
"Actually, they are. The both of them were raised in this castle. Rohan and Angus were brought into the hands of Cathbad when we were round about eight years old I think. I must say though, Rohan made a rather sorry Druid's apprentice. He was always spending his time watching the soldiers train or getting into mischief with Angus." Deirdre reminisced, thinking of the times when they were just young children. She had little knowledge of social status at that time, and found nothing wrong with playing with the poor children, unless they were dirty. Rohan and Angus, however, had more than enough knowledge on the subject and they knew their place in society. They knew the difference between what they were and what she was. It had been made clear to them all their lives.
"Well, I really don't know, but they aren't here. We will most certainly see them in the morning and they'll assuredly be here for the celebration tomorrow evening." Ivar responded confidently. He spent the rest of the night dancing with various guests while Deirdre thought fondly of the past. Twelve Years Prior
A young Deirdre walked the halls of the castle with determination. She knew the two boys Cathbad had brought in a few weeks before were still here, and she wanted somebody to play with. They may have been dirty and somewhat rude, both a little presumptuous as well. She may not like boys, but she was bored and desperate for companions. She found them both in the throne room, the little blond boy scrubbing the floor while the little boy with black hair sat comfortably on the table.
"Rohan, this is a pretty good gig you got us. I didn't think you could get us into a castle!" the little boy on the table said. The blond boy looked up, his curls falling in his face. He pushed them back with a damp hand and sat on his knees.
"I wasn't trying to. It was your idea that got Master Cathbad's attention, Angus." he said, looking up at his friend. Deirdre watched them curiously from the doorway, remaining quiet in hopes they wouldn't see her just yet.
"Yeah, I'm a genius." the one called Angus spoke, brushing an apple on his tattered and dirty sleeve.
"You bet you are. You're a master thief." the one called Rohan smiled at his friend, leaning back over to finish scrubbing the floor. He was done quickly and threw the scrubbrush in the bucket, standing to stretch.
"That I am. And you are a great warrior." Angus threw an apple at Rohan. The young boy caught it behind his back without looking, quickly sticking it in a pouch on his belt.
"Aye, I am." he said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. He pulled a sword from a scabbard strapped to his back and spun around, battling imaginary enemies. Angus laughed loudly as Rohan spun around the room, killing dozens of invisible enemy soldiers and demons. Rohan backed towards the door, spinning quickly and pulling his sword just short of the princess. Deirdre's eyes widened at the way he handled his sword, which was now pointed at her. Rohan quickly put the sword at his side and stared at the girl. Light blue eyes met dark blue and neither child moved for a minute. The laughter coming from the table slowly died out as Angus curiously watched the two children. Not quite knowing what to do, Rohan pulled the apple out of his belt pouch with his left hand. He threw it high in the air and skillfully cut it in half with his sword as it fell, catching both halves in his left hand. He sheathed his sword on his back skillfully and took one half of the apple in his right hand, extending it to the princess. She accepted, and both children took a bite of their half in unison, their eyes never wavering from the intense stare they held. Rohan smiled and Angus jumped from the table, running to join them in the doorway.
"Do you want to play with me?" Deirdre asked after swallowing. Rohan and Angus looked at her with shocked expressions. Angus spoke up first.
"Many apologies, your highness, but we can't." he said, amazement clear in his voice. Rohan simply gawked at the request.
"Why not? You can play, and I can play, and we are the only children here. Please? It's terribly lonely. Play with me." Deirdre spoke forcefully.
"We can't. You are a princess. We're poor trash from the village... poor trash with a lucky streak." Angus answered, confused that the princess didn't know this.
"I don't care. Let's go on a picnic." Deirdre said smiling, sure the boys couldn't resist food. She was right. Both boys smiled wide at the proposition of full bellies, something they had only had since becoming residents of the castle. Deirdre began to walk off, and Rohan grabbed Angus' hand, running to follow.
Deirdre woke in the morning, smiling at the memory dream she had woken from. The picnics she and the boys used to have were always fun. It had taken her awhile to convince the both of them that they weren't trash, but good clean boys instead. They had all become great friends, however, by the time the spring season was over. She cleaned up and dressed quickly, making her way to the kitchen for some breakfast. The sun was already up and she knew the other Mystic Knights would be out and about the castle. Not surprisingly, she ran into Ivar in the kitchen.
"Ah, good morning, Princess. I just came for some breakfast. Rohan and Angus both have been by here, and are now in the throne room with your father." he informed her, knowing what her first question would be. They both grabbed some bread and cheese and hurried towards the throne room.
"Rohan, Angus, I'd like to ask the two of you to show our guest, King Killian, around the castle. I need Deirdre and Ivar to assist me with the plans for the end of the party tonight." King Conchobar ordered the two in his polite manner. Deirdre and Ivar frowned in the doorway, not wanting to do any more planning, while Rohan and Angus both frowned, not wanting to lead around the arrogant and rude king all morning. They agreed and were off to the guest chambers quickly, plastering fake smiles on their faces as they passed Deirdre and Ivar at the door.
The morning passed quickly, and it was near dinner time when the plans were finished. Deirdre and Ivar trudged out of the throne room in search of Rohan and Angus, sure they would still be in the castle. After all, as Mystic Knights, it was their duty to protect the king. Besides, they always hung around the castle, even in quiet times like they had been having lately. They ran into King Killian on the way to the soldier training grounds.
"King Killian, have you seen Rohan or Angus lately?" Deirdre asked politely, hoping the man was nothing like his son, Garrett, was when first arriving in Kells. "The two scrubs? No, I haven't. They were so rude to me, their higher and better. I guess people like that just can't be taught manners." he spat out, storming down the hallway towards King Conchobar's private chambers. Deirdre and Ivar watched him go with confusion on their faces.
"Yes, some people just can't be taught manners. People like him." Ivar wisely whispered. Deirdre agreed and both rushed out of the castle, hoping their friends would be at their hut in the village. Within a few minutes, they had reached the tiny hut. Voices inside proved their theory right. Rohan and Angus had left the castle and were hiding out at home.
"Can you believe what he called us? Penniless scum, poor streetrats, worthless horse dung. I could go on. And all those stories about himself... my gosh, now I know where Garrett got it from." Angus could clearly be heard through the tiny hut, his deep voice booming from inside. Rohan's softer voice lilted through the air, lighter, but with every bit of contempt and anger that was held in his best friend's voice.
"Orphaned trash. I haven't heard that one in years." Rohan said, letting more pain show in his voice than Angus did. Deirdre and Ivar looked at each other with awe in their faces, deciding then would be the right time to announce their presence. They pulled the thick fur covering aside from the door and entered, startling Rohan and Angus. Both men jumped and nervously glanced at each other.
"Yes, we heard it all." Deirdre answered the unasked question.
"King Killian doesn't know what he's talking about." Ivar attempted to cheer the two men up as their faces fell. Deirdre had an idea.
"Let's go on a picnic, like we used to. C'mon, it'll be fun." Rohan and Angus both seemed to cheer up at that idea, and agreed. The four friends made their way back to the castle quickly, Deirdre running to the kitchen to have a light meal packed. King Conchobar caught the three men as they waited at the castle gate for Deirdre.
"Ah, Ivar, I need you to come and help me. There are some battle schematics I need to go over with you. It cannot wait." He ordered once again, his voice showing every ounce of seriousness. Ivar shrugged at his two friends and followed the king through the castle, ever obedient.
"I guess it's just the three of us, just like old times." Deirdre spoke up, watching Ivar trapse after her father. They prepared to leave as Cathbad leaned out a window two stories above them.
"Angus, you get up to my chambers immediately and clean up this mess you've made. I've told you time and time again not to play with magic, and you've gone and done it again, leaving a huge mess. Come and clean it right now." He bellowed at the threesome. Angus frowned and sulked for a minute before trudging towards Cathbad's chambers, mocking the druid every step of the way.
"I guess that leaves the two of us. Let's go to our spot, the secret one we never told Angus about. The one we went to on our last picnic." Rohan spoke, taking the princess' hand. She smiled and followed. They talked and laughed on the stroll to their spot. It was in the middle of the woods, with a small stream running through it. Leaves were all around the small clearing, and the rays of the sun broke through the foliage canopy of the trees. The two friends ate quietly, taking in the beauty of the small clearing.
"Do you remember the last time we had a picnic here, just you and me? We were fourteen." Rohan spoke finally, after finishing off a mug of sweet, cool water from the spring. Deirdre smiled, remembering the day.
"Aye, I do. How could I forget? That was the day I had my first real kiss, before we knew about my betrothal to Garrett." she answered, her voice distant as she lost herself in the memory.
Six years prior
They ran quickly through the forest, playing a game of sorts. The two children were careful to not disturb anything. A younger Rohan carried a picnic basket behind him. They found their secret spot and collapsed next to each other, panting and laughing. They ate quickly, talking animately about plans for the future.
"I'm going to be the best Queen that Kells has ever seen. I'm going to be married to the best man ever, but he won't be King. He'll just be my husband. I wouldn't share my kingdom with anybody." A younger Deirdre told of her dreams. She was just becoming a young woman, and her thoughts were often steered towards her future as Queen. Rohan watched her talk with a curious look on his face.
"What?" she asked, becoming self conscious of her appearance, fixing her hair and dress quickly, hoping to correct whatever he was staring at.
"Nothing." he said casually. Rohan continued to watch the princess, making her more and more nervous.
"What are you staring at?" she asked. Rohan didn't answer, but instead leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
"You're beautiful." he whispered in her ear before pulling back. She blushed slightly at the compliment and the kiss, turning to look at Rohan. His features had hardened some, and his hair had grown out, down to his shoulders now, since Cathbad had cut it so short a few months before. He had become a handsome young man and she hadn't even noticed until then. Taking a deep breath and summoning all her courage, Deirdre slowly leaned in towards him. Rohan smiled, taking the hint, and quickly moved to meet her halfway. Their lips brushed lightly before they pulled back, both smiling. Deirdre leaned in again, and they kissed once more.
Rohan watched Deirdre curiously as she leaned against a tree, lost in the memory. He had remembered that day too, but she appeared to be reliving it in her mind.
"That was before you left the castle for two years, before you went on that search for your parents. We never told anybody about that day, did we Rohan?" she asked, coming out of her trance. He continued looking at her, shaking his head.
"No. I didn't even tell Angus." She turned to look at him, and her eyes caught his. The pain that occasionally inhabited them was no longer in Rohan's eyes. In fact, this was the only place where she didn't see whatever pain it was that he was hiding. They stared at each other for a few moments, trying to read each others eyes. Rohan stood and moved to sit next to the princess, his back leaning against the same wide tree as hers. She cocked her head to the side curiously, still staring in his eyes. Not a word was spoken as Rohan slowly put a hand lightly on the back of her neck, leaving it there for a moment to see what she would do before quickly kissing her. She did not pull back, but instead deepened the kiss, running her hands through his curly hair. They pulled away briefly every now and again, but continued to kiss hungrily, needing something the other had to offer. After a few minutes, Rohan broke the kiss. He stood and walked across the clearing, sitting down while holding his head in his hands.
"I can't do this. You are betrothed to Garrett. I can't... it's dishonorable. It's just... I want you so bad, but I can't." he said, his voice wavering. Deirdre, disappointed at first, understood what he was saying. She watched him carefully for a minute as he regained his composure.
"Rohan... I don't care. I don't love Garrett. He's arrogant, egotistical, presumptuous, boastful. It's only when he stops talking about himself and his conquests that I'm willing to be his friend, nothing more. I don't care what my father and his father say. I don't love him, and I won't marry him." she explained. Rohan only looked at her, a desperation behind his sky blue eyes. He lay down in the soft green grass and fallen leaves, sighing while closing his eyes to the bright summer sun.
"Come here." he whispered, just loud enough for her to hear it. Deirdre stood up and walked towards him, laying on her side on the ground next to his still form, resting her head on her left hand and putting most of her weight on her elbow. She cautiously placed her right hand on his stomach, watching his face for any reaction. He smiled, his eyes still closed, and laughed under his breath. She knew it was okay, and rested her head on his chest, the soft cloth of his shirt providing a thin barrier. He took his right hand from behind his head and wrapped it around her, holding her closer to his body. She sighed in contentment as she stretched her arm across his stomach, pulling herself closer to him. There wasn't a part of their bodies that didn't touch, and they were both completely comfortable with it. Rohan opened his eyes long enough to glance down at his princess.
"I love you." His voice was barely audible, but it didn't matter. She was already asleep. The afternoon passed, the two of them napping in each others arms. When Deirdre woke, nearly two hours later, the sun was slowly sliding down the sky, casting reds, oranges, and light purple hues streaking across the clouds. She jumped up quickly, knowing they had to hurry back. The final night of her father's birthday party was, by the look of the clouds, in nearly an hour. She woke Rohan, preferring to watch him sleep, but knowing there was no time, and they ran back to the castle.
"Where have you been all afternoon?" Angus asked, waiting for them in the kitchen. Ivar was standing behind him, a stern look on his face. Both Rohan and Deirdre were out of breath and laughing, slightly flushed.
"Having a picnic." Rohan managed out through his panting and laughter. Deirdre giggled and threw the basket on one of the many tables. The two looked at each other and laughed even harder.
"If you'll excuse me, I have to go get ready for Father's party." Deirdre finally spoke, rushing off to her room. Rohan's laughter subsided at the stern looks of his friends.
"What?" he asked innocently. Angus threw his hands in the air and growled in frustration. He stomped off towards the throne room, ready to entertain guests with his drumming abilities until the musicians were ready. Ivar sighed and laughed at the young man. His hair was disheveled and the quirky smile he had plastered on his face was one Ivar had not seen on the young man before. Ivar turned to leave, heading towards his room to prepare for the party himself when Rohan's hand on his shoulder stopped him.
"Ivar... I've got a question for you. We are about the same size. Do you have any really nice outfits I could wear tonight, since it's a formal occasion and all?" Rohan asked quietly. Ivar looked the man up and down for a moment before smiling.
"In fact, I think I do, Rohan. Angus has already borrowed one of my fancier outfits, but I believe I have just the thing for you. Come with me." He answered, leading the way to his chambers. Rohan followed, the smile on his face spreading even wider. King Killian wouldn't be able to call him orphaned trash tonight.
The party had long since been launched into full swing before Ivar finally made an appearance. He sauntered over to the princess, sitting on her throne, attempting to look interested for the sake of her father. He seemed to be enjoying himself, laughing and chatting it up with everybody, especially King Killian.
"Ivar, where have you been? I'm desperate for good company. Angus is playing his heart out, looking rather nice in your clothes I might add, and Rohan is nowhere to be seen." Deirdre exclaimed as the young prince made his way towards her. He smiled and pointed towards the door. Her gaze followed his hand to meet a sight she had never seen before. There, receiving little attention from anybody but the three other Mystic Knights and a few nearby girls, stood a young man. His hair was neatly combed and hung loosely around his shoulders. He walked with an air of confidence normally only possessed by royalty. His forest green shirt was made of the finest silk. He walked through the room, stopping by the musicians and turning a circle in front of Angus. The drum beat stopped as Angus' jaw dropped.
"I've been helping a friend." Ivar spoke, watching the princess closely, studying her reaction. She smiled, realizing just who had entered the room. Angus quickly picked up the beat again, nodding with approval at his friend. The movement was mimicked in approval of Angus' outfit as well.
"Rohan!" Deirdre called out from her throne. The young man in the green shirt turned, a nervous smile slowly making it's way across his face. Her father and King Killian turned at her voice and watched as she rose from her throne, running to Rohan. He laughed happily as she jumped into his open arms. Spinning her around, her red dress billowed out underneath her, matching well with his green shirt and black pants.
"You clean up rather well, Rohan." she whispered in his ear. He smiled wider, blushing slightly before returning the compliment. They held a short conversation like this, his fingers playing on her tiny waist with her hands lightly brushing his chest and broad shoulders. Ivar picked up the body language and the looks as clear as King Killian and Angus did. Only King Conchobar seemed oblivious to the exchange. He smiled and waved.
"Ah, good, Rohan is here. He's our finest warrior, you know. One day I hope he'll be commanding the Kells army. Fine young man, that boy. I wonder where he got the fine clothes..." Conchobar spoke quietly to Killian. The shorter king leaned over, staring at the young couple.
"Cleans up nice, he does... still orphaned trash though. He probably stole the clothes." the man practically spat on the floor with contempt for the young man. King Conchobar looked confused, turning his gaze from his daughter and Rohan to the king beside him. He was shocked into speechlessness. Ivar took the throne Deirdre usually sat in and spoke up in Rohan's defense.
"He borrowed them from me. He asked first, and I let him. Rohan is a fine young man, modest, generous, gracious, caring. He never brags. He's a much better man than your Garrett." The black prince glared at the visiting king. Killian only looked at him with disgust.
"He's right, Killian. A finer man that my Rohan you won't find. And if you do, I'd like to meet that man. Angus... I'm assuming if you've judged Rohan as you have, you would have done the same with Angus. Angus is as good a man as any, he's just made a few mistakes. If you can't accept my boys, than I don't think you should be here. And they are my boys, as much as Deirdre is my daughter. I've practically raised the both of them." With that, King Conchobar rose from his throne and moved to the dance floor. He motioned for the Mystic Knights to come to him for a dance and for the rest of the guests to clear to the sides of the room. The bards began a new song, different than the dance from the night before, as Ivar rose to meet the King in the middle of the room. Angus handed over his drum and followed suit. Rohan took Deirdre's hand and led her towards her father, keeping a firm grip on his princess. They each had a dance partner, and enjoyed a romping good jig. King Killian retired to his chambers for the night to contemplate what King Conchobar and Ivar had told him. Rohan and Deirdre remained by each others sides for as much of the night as they could. Little caresses, sweet words, and inquisitive glances were exchanged all night, much to the amusement of Ivar and Angus. King Conchobar still remained oblivious to the relationship forming between his daughter and Rohan. This was their night. They threw caution to the wind and let their feelings show for once. They danced close to each other and hugged more often than normal. Rohan kept a protective arm around Deirdre's waist when they weren't dancing, and neither would take another dance partner, not even for one jig. At a break of showing off with the drums, Angus engaged Ivar in a short conversation.
"Look at the two of them. I knew Rohan was head over heals for Deirdre, but I didn't know she felt the same. I thought she was all for Garrett, being betrothed to him and all. They are perfect for each other. I'm actually happy for Rohan on this one, he finally got the girl." Angus spoke, nodding towards the couple as he mentioned them. Ivar smiled and watched the two young knights. They stood in a corner, away from the crowd, talking animately about something. Deirdre's back was to them, but they could see she had her arms wrapped tightly around Rohan's waist, and occasionally she would bury her face in his chest, whether from embarrassment or comfort they weren't sure. Rohan rested his left arm across her shoulders, playing with her hair some. His other arm was at her hip, holding firmly, but not too tightly. He braced one foot against the wall behind his back, the other straight against the hard floor. Deirdre stood in the small space of the v-shape his legs formed.
"They are sweet together. I much prefer the pairing of Deirdre and Rohan than Princess Deirdre and Prince Garrett." Ivar whispered in Angus' ear, his accent lilting over the din of the room. Angus laughed heartily and patted Ivar on the back.
"I agree with you there, my friend. Too bad it can't last. Conchobar will never let Deirdre back out of that betrothal, much less marry Rohan. It just isn't done with royalty. That's something Rohan and I have been painfully aware of since birth. Too bad really, just too bad." Angus shook his head and walked away, ready to play a few more songs on his drum before heading back to his hut for a good nights sleep. Ivar watched the couple in the corner with a sad expression on his face. He knew Angus was right, and he could already feel the pain Rohan and Deirdre would experience when she was forced to marry a man she did not love, a man that did not love her as he should, a man that could not love her as Rohan so obviously did.
"Rohan, what is to come of us?" Deirdre asked, her head buried in his chest as she inhaled his sweet scent. He stroked her hair and looked up from her, glancing around the room quickly.
"Tomorrow, we go back and act as we always have around the others. Tomorrow we are just friends." he sighed. She looked up quickly, catching his eyes in a dead stare.
"But..." she began. He cut her off quickly by placing a finger on her lips.
"I don't like it either, Love, but that's the way it must be. You know as well as I do. You are betrothed to Garrett. Besides, you'd never be allowed to marry me. You are royalty, the princess and future queen of Kells. I'm just an orphaned druids apprentice. We are opposite ends of the social spectrum, my love, and you know it." he whispered, closing his eyes. Deirdre sighed, nodding her agreement. She jumped up to kiss him quickly and his eyes shot open. It was the first and only kiss in the public arena of the throne room that night. He smiled as she dragged him back to the dance floor when Angus started up his drumming again. Angus left after playing three more songs, yawning on his way out the door. He headed first to Ivar's chambers to change back into his normal, plain outfit. Ivar remained seated in Deirdre's throne, watching the party die down and chatting with King Conchobar.
"Do you really want your daughter to marry Prince Garrett?" he finally asked. The question had been on the tip of his tongue all night, but he was too afraid to ask until the excitement of the night and the many glasses of wine had somewhat intoxicated the king.
"No, Ivar, not really. I'm not too fond of that Garrett boy. He's alright, I suppose, but not good enough for my Deirdre. She's my only child, my pride and joy. All I have left of her mother, really. She looks just like her mother, did you know that?" King Conchobar asked, his speech slightly slurred. He was drunk enough to be happy and have a slight buzz, but still sober enough to be coherent and know what he was saying.
"So you've told me before, my King. I do wonder though, if you don't want her to marry Garrett, why do you keep the betrothal agreement?" Ivar asked cautiously. The king looked out at his daughter, sitting at a table with Rohan. They were talking and laughing, and Rohan had his arm around her. She seemed to enjoy the contact, and snuggled in close to him.
"I really don't know, Ivar. Maybe I should talk to Killian about breaking that little agreement. She does seem very happy there with Rohan. But then, the marriage would be so good for both kingdoms, I really don't see how I could pass it up." He weighed the good and bad out loud. It was a hard decision. Ivar knew just how much of an inner battle he had just created in the King. Ivar had done it with his father twice, as a favor to his two older brothers. They were both happily married to women they loved a great deal now. Ivar had left his country shortly after the youngest of his two older brothers was married. He was sure he had another niece or nephew by now. He watched the king's eyes scan the room as guests quickly vacated it. He was thinking hard on the question Ivar had brought up.
"Well, it's late and the party is over. It was a good birthday. Good night, Ivar." King Conchobar stretched, grunting the words through the stretch. Ivar kept the stony expression on his face, allowing his eyes to follow the elder man through the room.
"She doesn't love him. She'd never be happy." he called after Conchobar. Those words caused the man to pause his step shortly before regaining his cool exterior. He left the room, and the only people remaining were Ivar, Deirdre, and Rohan. He moved to sit at the head of the table, near the two. Both looked rather tired, but neither seemed willing to go to bed and leave each other. Rohan turned, throwing his left leg over the side of the bench, now straddling it to face Ivar. Deirdre turned as well, pulling her legs up to sit cross-legged on the wide bench. She arranged her skirts around them, showing no skin on her legs, not even letting her boots peek out under the folds of the soft cloth. Rohan scooted forward slightly and Deirdre leaned back into him, taking his hands and wrapping his arms around her stomach.
"You two look rather comfortable with each other tonight." Ivar spoke showing his amusement and resting his elbows on the high table.
"Yes, well..." Deirdre started.
"No need to explain, Princess. I understand, really I do. I've seen it twice before, only roles reversed. My brothers are the princes, and the women they love are... well... not of royal status. One was a servant in the kitchen, the other a farmer's daughter. I helped my older brothers get the love they wanted, and I'll help you two as well. After all, what are friends for." Ivar said wisely, his plan taking full form in his head. It all hinged on Garrett not returning for another month. The three smiled together, Rohan mouthing a thank you to his friend as Deirdre sighed and closed her eyes, nearly falling asleep in Rohan's arms.
"I'm off to bed now. I suggest you two get some sleep as well. A good night to you both." Ivar yawned, rising from his chair. He moved towards the door and turned, watching the backs of two still sitting on the bench. Rohan urged the princess to get up, and she did with a great deal of effort.
The morning dawn broke, bringing the young royalty of the castle to the kitchen with the rising sun. Ivar and Deirdre walked in together, having met up in the hallways, their rooms being near each other. The cooks were preparing the normal breakfast of oatmeal and milk for the king, and took no heed to the guests in the kitchen. It was a common occurrence really, the prince and princess never taking early meals with the king or in their rooms, as other royalty did. They sat at a table away from the cooks, trying to stay out of the way. On the table a loaf of bread, a large hunk of cheese, and a knife sat waiting.
"They know us well." Deirdre laughed as Ivar hungrily cut into the bread.
"Aye, they do." a soft voice spoke from the door behind them. Rohan made his way into the kitchen through the door leading out onto the palace grounds. He was covered in tiny beads of perspiration and wore only dark brown cloth pants. He had been fighting with the soldiers again, practicing his sword skills.
"Rohan, have you no shirt with you this morning?" Ivar asked in amusement. The young man was surprisingly pale for as much time as he spent outside.
"Yes, Ivar, I do, but it's covered in mud. The soldier I just beat three times over is washing it for me right now. He has to wash his uniform as well, so he just offered to throw mine in the water with his. Nice young man, he'll go far in the army." He spoke, leaning against the wall. He turned down the bread and cheese offered to him, having eaten before the sun came up. Deirdre munched happily on her breakfast, taking no notice of the young men in front of her.
"Ah, breakfast. Good, I'm starved." Angus trumpeted from across the room. He came charging towards them, his eyes focused only on the food. He was fully dressed, but from the disheveled look about him, he hadn't been awake for very long. Everyone ate in silence, except Rohan. He left to get four mugs of fresh milk, placing a mug in front of each of his friends.
"Rohan, where were you last night? You didn't come home, and if you did, you didn't sleep in your bed." Angus asked after eating two pieces of bread and twice as much cheese. Rohan and Deirdre glanced at each other. She quickly became very interested in the small piece of cheese in her hand, while he looked in his mug with fascination, as if the sweet milk had done a song and dance before his very eyes.
"I... um... it was late when the party was over. Very late. I slept in the castle last night." Rohan cleared his throat, giving his reason. He obviously did not want to answer any more questions about last night, and Angus didn't press any further. Both Angus and Ivar watched, however, as Deirdre and Rohan exchanged another nervous glance. The topic was changed to Queen Maeve and the Temra soldiers, and nothing was said again of Rohan spending the night in the castle. After breakfast, while Deirdre discussed royal matters with her father and Rohan trained a few new recruits to the Kells army, Angus and Ivar watched, talking about the breakfast conversation.
"He was rather short to answer. He's never done that before. He hasn't spent the night in the castle since we were fourteen either... no matter how late it got." Angus voiced his suspicions.
"Fourteen? I thought you lived here until you were near sixteen." Ivar responded, confused at the age misunderstanding.
"I did. He didn't. Rohan left the castle for two years when we hit fourteen. Something inside of him was so curious as to the land and his origins, that he just up and left one morning. He went on a search for his parents. I know what he found, and I know why he hurts sometimes, why he has such a guilty complex occasionally. I wanted to go, but he told me to stay and protect Deirdre. He told me if he got word that anything had happened to her, I would be dead. I stayed while my best friend, the closest thing to a brother I ever had, wandered the land. Just over a year went by and I could stand it no more. Deirdre could take care of herself, and I kept getting into trouble, so I left in search of Rohan. I picked pockets, spent some time in dungeons, and finally found him. We didn't go back to the castle immediately though, but stayed out in the land of Kells, living life as we did when we were very young, before we were eight and moved in here. Something had happened to Rohan out in the land of Kells. Something bad, and it took me months to get it out of him. We came back, packed up, built a little hut, and moved out. He was harder when we moved out, quieter. Despite everything that happened though, he was still gentle, especially with Deirdre. So yes, I was sixteen when I left, but he was fourteen." Angus explained. Ivar sat listening, intrigued by the story. They watched their friend instruct a soldier for a few minutes before Ivar spoke up, still thinking about the morning conversation.
"I don't think he just stayed in the castle, Angus." he said, not quite believing the gossip he was sure he was creating.
"Neither do I, Ivar. I'm almost sure he stayed in Deirdre's room. I'm sure nothing happened. Rohan wouldn't know what to do with a woman in bed anyhow, but I'm confident he slept in with her." Angus said, not taking his eyes off his friend. Both men laughed heartily then, standing to leave. Rohan had finished with the soldiers and jogged to them.
"What's so funny?" he asked, placing an arm around the shoulders of both men. This only caused another peal of laughter from Angus and Ivar.
"C'mon, lads, what's so funny? Fine, don't tell me. I'm going to get my laundry." Rohan rolled his eyes and headed in the opposite direction to retrieve his shirt. Angus and Ivar collapsed to the hard packed dirt, laughing so hard their sides hurt. The laughter stopped dead, however, when they saw who had just come through the gates of the Kells castle. There, high and mighty on his horse, sat Prince Garrett. He had a smug look on his face and surveyed the grounds around him before dismounting. The horse was taken by a stablehand, and the young prince headed directly to the throne room, a determined grin on his face. Angus and Ivar looked at each other and jumped to follow.
The three inhabitants of the throne room were more than surprised at the entrance of the young prince. His golden blond hair was longer now, and hung loosely, free of the ponytail he used to keep it in. His eyes held a happiness that nobody had ever seen in them before, and a hunger and desperation for something he was obviously afraid he couldn't have. King Conchobar was the first to notice and rose, a smile spreading across his face.
"We weren't expecting you back for awhile yet." He affectionately held open his arms. King Killian and Deirdre turned then, both having extremely different reactions. Killian smiled and jumped to hug his only son, the future king of Reggae. Deirdre's face fell, and she slumped lower in her seat at the table.
"My son! So good to see you. It's been so long." Killian embraced his son fully, slapping him on the back a few times before leading him to the table.
"Hello Garrett." Deirdre spoke, the disappointment obvious in her voice. His face fell a little as well.
"Hello Deirdre. Nice to see you again." his voice holding everything but the giddiness he appeared to have when entering the room. Ivar and Angus skidded to a stop in the door as Garrett took a seat at the table across from Deirdre.
"Ah, good, Ivar and Angus. Just who I was looking for. Come in, come in. Garrett has returned! Isn't it wonderful, just wonderful?" Conchobar waved his hand, motioning for the two young men to come and join them. Rohan was not far behind them, wearing his dark orange-red shirt and gold ring armor this time. Killian would not let a word be spoken until he had the attention of both Rohan and Angus.
"Boys... er, young men, I believe I owe you both an apology. I'm not used to having... people... of your stature in the castle and around me, treated as my equal. I'm sorry for acting as I did, and saying some of the things I said to you." He managed to apologize without insulting the two again. He emphasized a few words, making it obvious it was hard for him to make the apology. Rohan and Angus both smiled, accepting it as best they could.
"Quite alright, your Highness. Honest mistake." Angus clapped the king hard on the back, causing him to stumble slightly. Rohan laughed under his breath and took a seat beside Deirdre. Both kings moved from the table to sit in the thrones at the head of the room, while Angus and Ivar both sat beside Garrett, looking occasionally at Rohan and Deirdre. She was watching Rohan, and he was, in turn, staring hard at Garrett with loathing and jealousy in his eyes.
"Now that Garrett has returned, we can have the wedding. I'd like it to be as soon as possible." Killian announced loudly, gazing happily at his son. Conchobar said nothing, but simply sat on his throne, shifting uncomfortably for a moment. Much to the surprise of everybody in the room, both Deirdre and Garrett stood in anger.
"NO! There will be no wedding!" They both cried out in unison. Garrett seemed to be the only one in the room not surprised at the outbursts. Both kings dropped their jaws, not making any attempt to regain regal composure.
"Nonsense. No talk of this. I won't hear of it!" Killian responded angrily.
"I won't marry her." Garrett stared his father down.
"I won't marry him." Deirdre pleaded to her father with her eyes. He looked away, not wanting to see her anguish. Ivar could not take his eyes off Garrett, shocked at the new emotions the man was showing. Angus watched Rohan, knowing the reaction his best friend would be having. While keeping his cool and confident exterior, tears had sprung to Rohan's eyes and he gripped the table so hard his knuckles turned white in the effort to not cry.
"I love somebody else." both Garrett and Deirdre answered Killian's unasked question. His belittling stare told them both what he wanted to know, and they answered. Deirdre looked at Garrett and smiled, and he did the same.
"It doesn't matter. There will be a wedding. The two of you are betrothed. There is no backing out of this agreement unless all parties are willing, and the two parties who made it are NOT willing. I'm sorry, but the two of you will be married." Conchobar put his fist down, pounding on the arm of his deep oak throne. Deirdre jumped back in surprise of the forcefulness of it.
"Through the long trip, escorting Princess Lynette back to her homeland, I fell in love. She feels the same. We want to be married, Father." Garrett explained, pleading with his father. Both kings looked at each other.
"Out of the question. No, Garrett. The two of you will be married by the end of next week, whether you like it or not." Killian would not relent to his son. Conchobar stood his ground next to Killian, and the two royal children had to obey. They both nodded reluctantly, emotions dropping to dispair. Rohan could take it no more and stood, wanting only to leave. Deirdre and Garrett had both turned to sit next to their friends when they saw Rohan jump up. He looked at the princess, the tears glinting in his eyes.
"I'm sorry." she mouthed to him.
"I know. It's okay." he mouthed back, not able to speak for fear of his voice betraying the pain he felt inside. Tears filled Deirdre's eyes as he turned and quickly left. She took a few steps forward as he trudged off.
"Rohan!" she called out, but he didn't stop. Both kings left the room, confident in their decision, assuming their children would grow to love each other as they had grown to love the women they had been betrothed to. Ivar and Angus were unsure of what to do and sat in silence, watching the events go on around them. Deirdre collapsed on the bench at the table, holding her head in her hands and letting the tears flow. Garrett put a comforting hand on her shoulder, feeling the same anguish as she did, going through the same torment she was. Angus jumped and ran after his best friend, hoping to comfort him or at least be the shoulder to cry on. Ivar remained behind to comfort the prince and princess, a new plan already taking rough shape in his mind.
"Rohan! Rohan, wait, please!" Angus called, catching up to his friend. Rohan turned, anger in his eyes. Angus stopped dead, having only seen that pain and hatred once before in his best friend. It was the same look Rohan had when Angus found him after his two year journey.
"Angus, leave me alone. I'll be alright, I just... I need to be alone." Rohan whispered, the tension hanging thick in the air. His voice was hard and measured. Angus simply looked at him for a minute. He took in the pained expression, the tear streaked cheeks, the grimace of shame and longing.
"No, Rohan, you aren't okay, and you won't be for some time yet. I know you too well, my brother. I know your moods, and I know how you can be when you're hurt, physical or not. C'mon then, let's talk about it." Angus pointed out, taking a step forward with each finished sentence. Rohan looked him in the eyes, staring him down for the first time in years.
"There's nothing to talk about. I fell in love with someone I can't have. It was easier before I knew... before we... it's just harder now and there is nothing to be done about it. Now leave me in peace with my misery." Rohan spat at his friend. Angus took a step back with the bitterness and ferocity of his voice.
"Before you what, Rohan? What happened between you and Deirdre last night?" Suspicion and concern filled Angus' voice. He stared at Rohan, his forehead crinkled. Rohan shook his head and pushed his friend away.
"Leave me be!" he practically shouted. A cloud had shifted over Rohan's eyes, and Angus knew it was too late. Rohan had already shut himself off from it all, and nobody would be able to get through. Angus sighed and returned to the throne room where he knew Ivar would be waiting.
"I'll help you two. I have already begun planting some inner battle with King Conchobar. I just need to alter my plan some. Garrett, is there any way we can get Princess Lynette here before the end of next week? It would be helpful if your father could see how happy you are with her, and how good a joint marriage between your two kingdoms would be." Ivar asked, absently working his fingers on the table while thinking hard on a plan to help his friends.
"Actually, she was coming right behind me, but wished to stop over and visit with some old friends on the way. She should be here in a few days time." Garrett said, one leg propped on a chair while bracing himself against that knee. Deirdre sat in the same seat and position she had collapsed in before, her back against the table. Angus stomped in, sad for all three of his friends. Ivar was the only one having a good time of life at the moment. Deirdre sat up straight, hope in her eyes as she saw Angus enter the room.
"No luck, Deirdre. Sorry. He's already shut himself off. He does this, when he gets hurt. He turns off all emotions, good or bad. We just have to give him time. He'll be okay." Angus tried to sound hopeful. The princess' face only fell farther. Ivar stared at Angus, and he stared back. They seemed to be having a conversation with their eyes. Garrett looked from one to the other, trying to discern what they were communicating to each other with no luck. Ivar nodded curtly, and rose from his position at the table.
"We have to leave. Perhaps you two should sit and talk, try to cheer each other up. We will return tomorrow. No worries, my friends. It will all work out in the end." Ivar wisely counseled the two distraught royals. They seemed to cheer up a bit, confident in their friend's abilities. Ivar and Angus both walked out of the throne room, heading towards Cathbad's chambers.
"Cathbad? Are you in here?" Angus called out quietly, hoping to find the druid in a good mood. Ivar stood behind him, both men cowering in the doorway.
"Yes, I am here. What do you need, Angus?" The old man emerged from the shadows in the far corner of the room. His robes flowed around him smoothly, like water. His long gray beard was neatly combed, each hair in place. Angus strode into the room with mock confidence. Ivar chuckled under his breath and followed behind the young man.
"Cathbad, we need some help from those wondrous magic potions of yours." Angus spoke out, his voice somewhat boisterous. Ivar slapped him lightly on the arm.
"We'd like your advice first." The young black prince spoke up. He removed his hat and rubbed his short black hair nervously. The old druid looked from one man to the other. Ivar was a bundle of nerves, and terrible at hiding it. He furiously rubbed his hand in circles on his head, not displacing any of his short hair. With the other hand he wrung his cloth hat into tight knots. His left foot tapped the floor while his dark brown eyes scanned the room, looking at everything but the druid. Angus, however, was overly cocky. His arrogance unmasked his nervousness, though he didn't realize it. Both hands were clasped tightly behind his back. His dark blue eyes stared directly into the soft grey eyes of the druid. His chest puffed out proudly, separating his black hair so some fell over his shoulder towards his chest while the rest hung down his back.
"Very well. I will do what I can. What is the trouble, Angus?" He asked, calmly taking a seat to rest his feet. Ivar remained standing, not sure what do to. Angus took a seat on the soft bed across from the druid.
"Well, you see, Deirdre and Garrett are betrothed. Both Garrett and Deirdre love somebody else though. They'd be miserable together! Garrett fell in love with that Princess Lynette... though I don't blame him. She was quite the pretty little thing. Anyhow, Deirdre apparently loves Rohan. At least, I'm guessing from the way the two of them have been acting. If those two got any closer, they'd be sharing the same body." Angus rambled on. He stopped his rant, hoping the druid understood. While Cathbad was a druid, his logic was very different from the young man's. Cathbad looked from Angus to Ivar.
"And what is the problem here?" he narrowed his eyes at the question. Angus sighed, realizing he hadn't made it clear enough. Ivar was the one to speak up this time.
"Garrett and Deirdre are still betrothed. King Killian and King Conchobar will not relent, they will not revoke the betrothal. They want Garrett and Deirdre married by the end of next week." he tied up the story in a tidy little explanation. Cathbad's eyes went wide.
"The king's are going against love? In this time, in this country, that is the last thing they should do. We must speak to them at once. Nothing is more sacred than love." Cathbad nearly jumped out of his seat and walked as fast as he could past the two young men. Ivar and Angus looked at each other, perplexed at the old man's actions. The druid left the room and quickly scurried back in.
"Well? Come on, now, I won't do this alone." he motioned for the two warriors to follow him. Both Ivar and Angus bolted from the room in one simultaneous motion, running to catch up to the druid.
Deirdre and Garrett sat in the throne room, almost in the same positions they had been in before Angus and Ivar left. Garrett sat across from Deirdre now, strumming his fingers on the table aimlessly. Deirdre sighed, gazing at her hands clasped in front of her. Garrett looked up at her, still drumming his fingers.
"When did you realize how you felt about Rohan?" he asked, breaking the silence. His voice seemed very loud compared to the quiet they had been sitting in for a few minutes.
"What? What do you mean realize how I felt?" she asked, more than confused at the question. Garrett chuckled and looked her straight in the eyes with skepticism written all over his face.
"Come now, Deirdre, don't tell me you didn't see it? It's been there since the day I met you, you just didn't realize it. You loved him then, and now it's stronger with you, because you admitted it. Did you really not know the love was there?" He was more than amused at her blank stare.
"No, I don't know what you mean, Garrett. I... I knew he was infatuated with me, and I knew he was rather handsome. I mean, who wouldn't like him? Even Aideen, a fairy, had a crush on Rohan. But love? I never considered it until... well... until about two months ago I guess." Deirdre spoke, amazement in her voice. Garrett looked at her, smiling and leaning back against the stone wall.
"Why two months ago?" He asked curiously.
"Why do you think I loved him so much longer than I have?" Deirdre asked snidely. Garrett laughed out loud.
"Alright, alright, I deserved that one. I'll answer, then you answer, okay?" he asked. Deirdre nodded and he continued, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table. "I know you loved him so much longer than you think you have. It was in your eyes. It was in the way you touched him. It was in the way you talked to and about him. It was in the way you watched him fight, always cheering for him alone in everything. You loved him, you just didn't know it. Rohan has loved you for that long, if not longer, but he knew it." Deirdre looked at Garrett for a long time before answering his question. He was beginning to think she wouldn't.
"It was two months ago that my father almost married Queen Maeve. She was in disguise, pretending to be some fine lady. She tricked him into falling for her, and they were almost married. Everybody was so happy for them, except for me. I was suspicious. Something was wrong with that woman, and I didn't like her at all. Father called me stubborn and rude, Angus and Ivar told me to back off. Rohan thought I was being hard on her, but he stood beside me. He supported my suspicions, and he helped me find out what was wrong. He was the only one, until we convinced Cathbad that what I believed was true. I don't cry in front of people, you know that. I was always afraid they would laugh or poke fun. A princess must be strong after all. I cried in front of Rohan one night, just before the wedding. I couldn't stop myself. He didn't laugh, and he didn't mock me. In fact, he seemed to instinctively know to hold me. We were talking about why I didn't like what was happening with my father and I just broke down and started crying. I couldn't stop it. From the first tear, he just bounded across the room and knelt in front of me. He pulled me to him and wrapped me up tight against him, and I felt so safe. I felt like that's where I belonged. It was so strange, and new, but I liked it. That's when I knew. I didn't think he felt the same... not until two days ago. So, there you have it. My story." Deirdre never once looked up at Garrett, not until the end. She looked into his eyes and he was smiling. She smiled back, and suddenly she felt better. They both laughed and rose from the table, ready to retire for the evening.
Days past, tension between the two kings and their children rising with each sunset gone by. Finally, after many lectures from Cathbad on the dangers of going against love in the kingdom, and well thought out reasonable points from Ivar, the kings began to consider their children's wishes. Princess Lynette had arrived. She spent countless hours with King Killian, trying to convince him the better political aspects of Garrett marrying her. After two hours of talking with Ivar, they called a meeting between the Mystic Knights, Cathbad, and the newly arrived Princess Lynette.
"King Killian and I have spent hours thinking over this matter. We ceased all plans for the wedding ceremony just to consider the wishes of our children. I certainly hope the two of you appreciate all the thought we put into this. Killian and I have decided that it is in the best interest of both our kingdoms if our children marry who they wish. The betrothal is off, now and forever." Conchobar announced, smiling wide. Killian seemed a bit more pleased with the new arrangements. Everybody in the room cheered. Garrett hugged Princess Lynette tightly. Angus patted Ivar on the back. Cathbad leaned against his walking stick and smiled, nodding in pleasure. Deirdre looked to her father and Garrett. The two friends hugged quickly before she ran to her father.
"Thank you, Father." She whispered in his ear, kissing him on the cheek. Rohan stood patiently beside Angus in the back of the room, waiting for his princess. Both Ivar and Angus watched their friend smile for the first time in days. Deirdre turned to Rohan, her cheeks slightly flushed with the excitement of it all. She ran to him, jumping into his open arms, fitting perfectly in them, almost as if she was made to be there. They held each other tight, closing their eyes with the pleasure of just being in each others arms. After a minute they parted, Rohan taking Deirdre's hand confidently in front of the kings. Killian scowled at the man, sure Conchobar was making the wrong choice in letting his daughter marry the young man he only saw as orphaned trash.
"Rohan..." King Conchobar began. The young man looked at the king, fear returning to his eyes. "I realize you love my daughter. If you wish to marry her, I see no reason why you shouldn't. You are a good man and a great warrior. It would be an honor to have you look upon me as a father." Rohan stared at the king for a minute, the fear now gone from his eyes. He glanced down at Deirdre and kissed her quickly, stepping forward to stand in front of the king while leaving a confused bunch of friends behind him.
"If it pleases you, m'lord, I do want to marry your daughter, but not yet. I'd like to court her for awhile first. When we are older and the time is right, I will consider myself the luckiest man in all of Kells if Deirdre would take me as her husband. Until then, I will be her friend and lover, nothing more unless she desires it." Rohan bowed slightly to the king. Conchobar smiled, knowing he had made the right choice in Rohan. He nodded, understanding the maturity of the decision. Deep inside, he was ecstatic that they had decided to wait on the marriage. Rohan turned to walk away, meeting up with Deirdre again. Garrett and Lynette had joined the small group of young warriors in the back of the room. As Rohan approached them, the call to celebrate was bantered amongst them. They moved in one mass of six people towards the door, where Rohan stopped and turned again, remembering something the King had said to him.
"King Conchobar?" he started until he got the man's attention. Once it was focused on him alone, he talked on. "You've practically raised me, treating me as your own son and not the street trash many others would have. For that I thank you, but I think you should know, I already look upon you as a father of sorts." Rohan wrapped his arm around the waist of the princess and they left the throne room. He didn't even look to see the reaction of the king. Conchobar was sitting upon his throne, his smile as wide as the deep ocean seperating his island from the mainland Eire.
