Enchanted Hearts

  Chapter Four

  Aithne

  The day had been a complete drudgery. I silently counted down to the moment I could escape my chores and the watchful eye of my father to meet Hadrian. My once sunny and cheerful disposition dripped of impatience. There were a few times after the noon meal where I was tetchy in my response to others, causing them to raise their eyebrows at me. Meanwhile, that knowing smile returned to my father’s face.

  “Make sure you enjoy your afternoon, Aithne. Say hello to whomever you might meet.”

  I shook my head at the teasing tone in his voice and quickly grabbed the light shawl hanging by a hook near the front door. All I could think of was Hadrian, and although we hadn’t discussed where we should meet, I soon found myself back at my private retreat—my empty retreat.

  I nervously paced, the slightest sound caused me to whirl around and hope it was him. I wrung my hands and chewed on my bottom lip as I recalled the last thing he spoke yesterday. I hadn’t imagined him asking me to return. The surety of the memory caused me to cease in my ambling back and forth. He would come, and with that belief, I allowed myself to relax.

  I removed my covering and dropped it on the grass then slowly began to kick off my shoes. The sun reflected on the river’s surface, the sparkling water a temptation. Once barefoot, I skipped over to the edge and with a loud sigh of contentment submerged my feet. I wiggled my toes in delighted at the cool sensation and bent forward to wet my face. It felt like heaven.

  Not wanting to get the hem of my gown soaked, I returned to where I’d placed my shawl and picked the wild flowers that grew nearby. My legs folded beside me, I slowly began weaving the stems together to create a simple garland for my hair. Between watching my nimble fingers work and the soft melody I sang, I wasn’t aware of his arrival until his greeting interrupted my work.

  “We meet again, fair Aithne.”

  The shock of his voice caused me to drop my floral circlet, and I gasped as I looked up at him. He was standing so close, and the brightness of the sun behind him gave the appearance that he was surrounded by a mystical glow. It was almost too much to comprehend—too much beauty to behold. I found myself trying to speak, and I blushed as he chuckled low.

  “It seems I’m always startling you. For that I am sorry.” Hadrian crouched and plucked the garland from my lap. “I see you’ve been busy. Here, allow me the honor.”

  I bowed forward, and he gently placed it on my head, careful to make sure my hair was tucked behind my ears. He studied me for an instant before a wide smile broke across his angular face.

  “Perfect. The flowers rejoice in being able to accent your beauty.”

  “That’s a sweet thing to say. Thank you.” I felt myself flush again.

  “It is the truth. They have whispered the matter to me. They are greatly pleased,” Hadrian replied. He sat down beside me, cupped his hand around a fallen flower, and raised it to his face. “I am close to nature and hear such things. Being Fae, it is my duty to listen.”

  I peered at his palm, saddened to see the state of the blossom. Some of the torn and battered petals were starting to wither, but to my amazement they slowly began to heal. I lifted my head abruptly and stared in wonder at Hadrian as he whispered quietly—the language lyrical in nature. Before I had a chance to comment, he stopped and presented me with the now whole flower.

  “How did you do that? Are you magic?” I couldn’t keep the incredulous tone from my voice.

  “Magic, yes, but not as you know it. All Fae are in tune with the elements of the Earth, and they are ours to command. We are taught that all life is sacred and should be nurtured and respected. Of course, I cannot speak for all my kind, but it holds true for me. If it is within my means, I strive to always help.”

  I stroked the petals, not wanting to let go of the precious gift he’d given. I’d never seen anyone do such a feat, and while my mind was still trying to comprehend it I was filled with a strong sense of whimsy. I giggled as I lifted it to my nose to smell the sweet and perfect fragrance.

  “I see I have impressed you. I like that.” Leaning back on his elbow, Hadrian watched me closely. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to do that to someone. It’s refreshing.”

  “I suppose everyone where you are from can do the same things. It must be such a magical place,” I said, happily.

  A dark cloud seemed to pass over his countenance, only to disappear and his calm features return. “Although we each have our own talents and unique traits, yes, there is a lot of similarity. My home is extremely beautiful and I want for nothing, but it lacks the variety I see in abundance here in your world. Things appear more vibrant, enchanting.” Hadrian looked at me with an increased fervency—tantalizing and intoxicating.”

  I found myself caught up in his stare, and the noise from our surroundings faded to a dull murmur. “I’ve never thought of it that way. To me, this is all I know.”

  As if in slow motion, Hadrian picked up a blade of grass and gingerly began stroking my wrist with it. At first it was up and down lines, but gradually it evolved into slow, full circles. With each passing touch, goose bumps arose on my skin, and a new sensation began stirring in my stomach.

  “Have you thought of me since yesterday?” Hadrian bent forward and placed a feathered kiss over my pulse. His mouth brushed over it, his breath warm, and it caused my skin to tingle. He reclined, and smiled as the blade of grass started its teasing again. “Judging from the way your heart is racing, yes." He looked at me, and his eyes smoldered as he whispered. “Aithne, you have been the sole focus of mine—I am bewitched.”

  “But I don’t have any magic,” I uttered, my mind split between watching his lips move and the pleasure he was creating with his touch.

  “Oh, but you do."

  His words roused something within me. I must have worn a look of confusion because he tossed the blade aside and took ahold of my hand with his own.

  “Everything about you entices me—a lure I am helpless to resist. Your very being was designed to intoxicate. The moment I first beheld you, I was instantly transfixed. Your hair . . .” He lifted a lock and brought it to his nose, a slight inhalation caused him to sigh. “. . . the color of the midnight sky. It falls and frames your beauty perfectly. There were many times I watched you from afar and wished I could run my fingers through it just once—one time to see if each strand was as silky as I imagined. I dreamed of holding you close— the sweet fragrance of your hair teasing me as it fanned out across my chest.”

  Sweeping my tresses to the side so they rested over my shoulder, his finger lightly traced the slender length of my neck.

  “Your skin, so clear and fair, holds a glow, and I would conjure up the different ways I would touch it should we ever meet. The pinkness of life is so alluring, but not as much as the crimson blush that spreads on your cheeks each time you feel an intensity of emotion.” I could feel the heat rising, and I bowed my head only to have him tilt it back. “Never hide how you feel, Aithne. It is incredibly appealing to someone who yearns for such truthfulness.”

  I was absorbed with him, and I searched his features to see whether he was in earnest. I’d never had anyone speak with me in such an intimate nature, and I found it daunting. Hadrian—one of Tuatha de Daanan—found me beautiful, an idea so incomprehensible. He was one of the Fair Folk. Legends far and wide spoke of their infamous charm and beauty. His words were difficult to believe.

  His thumb brushed along my bottom lip and pulled me from my thoughts.

  “There is a reddish berry where I’m from whose sweetness and fullness speak of its worth. After a small sampling, I soon declared it was the best I’d ever tasted by far—that is until I met you. I promise one kiss from you will bring shame to the fruit. It would be an experience to savor and cherish. I believe I would become gluttonous—one never being enough to fully satisfy.”

  He chuckled softly, his focus intent on my mouth as I quickly moistened my lips.

  ??
?If this was all that was magical about you, it dims in comparison to your eyes. Worlds could get lost in them—civilizations. You express so much of who you are through them that I could sit for hours, days, years, and still not know all there is to learn. Surprisingly, they are the perfect shade of green.”

  “You definitely have a gift for words, Hadrian,” I murmured, finally able to draw my attention away from his. “Your flattery almost has me believe you.”

  Being under such praiseworthy scrutiny, I began to squirm. I did not know where the conversation was leading. I’d heard stories all through my childhood about being wary of the charming Fae, but it hadn’t prepared me for this.

  “Why wouldn’t you? I speak only the truth. You claim to hold no magic, and I have merely proven that you do. If you require further proof, give me your hand.”

  I settled it in his, and Hadrian turned it upward so my palm faced the sky and placed a light kiss there. Next he held it over his chest, and—keeping it still—I was able to feel the beating of his heart. It intrigued me in its similarity, and I watched in fascination. I soon became aware of a new motion—a slight tremor.

  “Do you feel it? Can you not see the effect you have on me? Never in my years have I ever trembled before another. Never have I experienced such anticipation. Mark my word, Aithne, you are powerful beyond measure.”

  A sense of empowerment flooded through me. My mother had once spoken of a power women hold over men, but I’d been much too young to comprehend it. She’d smiled at my innocence, and promised me that one day I’d understand. Sitting here with Hadrian, I was beginning to see glimpses of her meaning.

  “You make me feel the same,” I gushed. “When I’m with you, I can’t ever seem to catch my breath. Even though it was only yesterday, you are all I can think about, and the thought of never being able to see you drives me close to insanity. I’ve never experienced this. It’s as frightening as it is exhilarating.”

  “It is nothing more than Fae glamour. Its very essence can create an addiction with the human soul. If it truly upsets you, I can dim it somewhat but never fully extinguish it. From what I’ve heard, with separation it will gradually fade.”

  “Don’t speak of such things!” I exclaimed. A sudden flare of fear caused me to grab ahold of his hands and squeeze tightly. “I know you cannot stay forever, but don’t speak of leaving until you must.” My heart raced, and tears began to form in my eyes. The idea of never seeing Hadrian again was more terrifying than the effects of his nature.

  He nodded, keeping claim to my grasp and led me over to the water’s edge. He looked somber for the first time.

  “I cannot give you what you want, young Aithne. All I have are moments, but they are yours.”

  I watched in silence as Hadrian crouched by the river. His voice, soft as the breeze, whispered a few words. I wasn’t sure what he was doing. His finger trailed back and forth in the water. There was a stirring in the air, a tinkling sound that reminded me of a baby’s lullaby, and my mouth opened in surprise as I saw something appear under his fingertips.

  It took form, and slowly, I recognized what it was. I took a step back as Hadrian stood—in his palm was the perfect representation of the violets I’d woven into my garland. The flower was made of the clearest ice, and I looked up at him in awe.

  He lifted the small sculpture to his mouth and blew a steady stream of breath onto it. This created the faintest of sparkles to appear, and satisfied with his work, Hadrian offered me the gift. It was exquisitely detailed, and I could feel the coldness as he placed it in my palm.

  “So you have something to always remember this day.” He smiled and I struggled for a suitable way to express my emotions.

  “This is beautiful, Hadrian. For as long as it remains, I will cherish it.” I was careful in touching it, not wanting the heat from my skin to make it melt too soon.

  “I’ve enchanted it with Fae magic. It will forever stay the way it is. There’s no danger of you finding it a puddle of water.”

  “But I have nothing to give you in return.”

  He stretched forward, plucked a violet from my hair, and raised it between us. “You have. This will remind me of your beauty, and the chance I have had to lay at your feet and listen. I wish time would stand still so I could continue, but the evening draws near and I must go.”

  The wind whispered through the trees, and I shivered. I beheld the sky and realized the sun was close to setting. I should hurry if I was to make it in time for supper. But I was torn between knowing I must go home and not wanting this to end.

  “We will have more moments, little fire. I’m not yet ready to give you up.”

  I blushed over his using the meaning behind my name, and he bowed his farewell. I refused to take my gaze from him as I watched him retreat and fade into the shadows of the woods.

  I stood there for a time. The effects of his presence lingered, and I let out a contented sigh. This afternoon was heavenly—more than I’d ever hoped or dreamed for.

  A crack of thunder set my heart racing, and I jumped in fright. Large droplets of rain fell, further breaking the spell I was under. Not wanting to catch a cold, I gathered up the material of my gown and ran home.