Sinking fast, sinking fast. Sunk, Marco thought when Brian eased back. Those blue eyes sparkled, the blue wings shimmered.
“You read very well,” Brian said, and kissed him again.
“I saw you from above, and something stirred in me.” Gently, Brian ran a knuckle down Marco’s cheek. “Then on the ground, closer, I saw your eyes, I saw the heart in them—its loyalty and its courage. And you so handsome, such hair. I thought, I’d like a moment or two with that one.”
“I was thinking the same thing at the same time.”
“But then I heard your song, and knew a moment or two wouldn’t be enough. I hope we’ll have more.”
“I want more.” Pressed close, Marco took Brian’s lips again. “I want a lot more.”
“We’ll have what we want when I return.”
Going to war, Marco thought. It seemed impossible he was falling for a man with wings who was going to war.
“Come back with me now. We’ll go over to the cottage.”
“I cannot. None of the Fey can travel outside of Talamh until after we settle things on Samhain. Will you wait for more, Marco, as I need to wait? I want more walks with you, more words, more time. I want to lie with you. But first, I ride for Talamh, for the Fey, for your world and all.”
“I’ll wait.” He held Brian close, felt the brush of wings on the back of his hand.
* * *
Breen finally managed to slip away from the ceilidh. She’d done a quick search for Marco, then decided he’d take one of the options they’d discussed. Maybe she’d enjoyed herself more than she’d anticipated, but—no, she admitted, no question she had. Still, she found herself exhausted from talking to so many people, from drinking wine, from dancing （because no one gave her a choice）。 She really wanted bed.
Then she had Keegan to think about. Or not think about, she corrected, and she would think about him if she stayed. She didn’t want to think that in two days, her prophecy of the battle in the south could become reality.
She didn’t want to think, at least for a few hours, and if she slept, she wouldn’t.
It wasn’t hiding from that reality, she assured herself. It was more, right now, recharging to prepare for it.
When she started across the road, Bollocks let out a greeting bark. Glancing over, she saw Marco walking with the dragon rider—who was apparently also her cousin.
Holding hands, she noted, and felt her heart melt a little.
“Are you going back?” Marco called out.
“I’m partied out. Go ahead and stay. Your guitar’s still in there, and they’ll absolutely get you to play it again.”
“No, I’ll go back with you. I can get the guitar tomorrow. You haven’t actually met Brian.”
“That’s Cousin Brian.” He stepped up to Breen, kissed both her cheeks. “I liked your songs, very much.”
“Thanks. It’s really good to meet you. I didn’t know I had family here besides Nan.”
“Mairghread the Powerful is family enough for most, but you’ve quite a number of cousins across Talamh, and on the other side as well. And all are glad you’ve come, and I’m glad you brought Marco with you.”
He glanced toward the Welcoming Tree. “It’s sorry I am I can’t escort you back over. It’s not permitted until after Samhain.”
“I didn’t realize.” Then she did. “You’re going to the south.”
“Before the day breaks. But I’ll see you soon after at the Capital, and we’ll have more time to talk.” Smiling, he turned to Marco. “And walk. And more. Sleep well.”
Breen had to hold back a sigh when they kissed.
“Stay safe.” Marco squeezed his hands as Brian drew away.
“To a warrior you say, fight well, stand strong.”
“Okay, fight well, stand strong.”
“And so I will. Good night to you both.”
“And stay safe,” Marco whispered when Brian walked away toward the field of tents.
“You’ve got heart eyes, Marco Polo.” Breen grabbed his hands. “And I want to hear all about it on the way back.”
“Am I walking?” He went with her across the road. “Because it feels like my feet are way above the ground.”
“Your feet are walking. The rest of you’s floating. First let me say he’s charming, and he’s definitely smoking, and I’m pretty sure I saw stars in his eyes when he looked at you.”
“They sparkle.” After he climbed the wall, Marco sighed for both of them. “They really do. We sat on the wall out front for a while, just talking.”