The next few hours materialized as though they’d been deliberately lifted from my mother’s stories. Hadrian and I danced until we were breathless; laughing and enjoying each other’s company. We ate good food and drank more mead than was probably wise. However, the private moments of magic performed for my pleasure were my favorite. Through his attentiveness I wanted for nothing and truly felt like a Fae princess. It would be a night to remember the rest of my life.
As the night waned and couples began slipping away for more private celebrating, we found ourselves sitting before one of the smaller fires. We reclined together with my back against his chest—content and happy. I picked up one of his hands, entwined my fingers in his, and placed a small kiss on the back. He tightened his arms around me, and his mouth brushed against my ear. It was perfect—he was perfect—more than I could ever have expected.
“Have I pleased you, Aithne?” he whispered, and I nodded.
“I was just thinking how none of my daydreams could be compared to tonight. I will cherish these memories forever, Hadrian. Thank you.”
“The sun will soon be rising.”
Although it was dark, and the stars still twinkled, there was a feeling in the air that he’d spoken the truth. “True, the sky will start to lighten soon, and the festival will be over.”
So will our time together, I thought.
“Then before it happens, there’s one more thing left for us to do—the finishing touch on a delightful evening.”
I twisted around in his arms so I could look into his face. “Is there something we’ve forgotten?”
He nodded, with a mischievous grin. Catching his meaning, I blushed. A kiss. A kiss from a Fae would make the night complete. We had yet to share one, and it caused a flurry of nervousness through me. What would it feel like to finally receive one?
“I don’t think I’ll ever see anything as beautiful as your blush. How I wish I could take you with me, Aithne. I love you.” Lowering his head, his mouth claimed mine, and for a moment everything went quiet.
His lips were firm and there was no hesitation. He feathered them softly before descending for a deeper, fuller kiss. His confidence caused me to part my lips and melt as his tongue dipped in to savor me. He even tasted like magic—or how I would imagine it—and I found myself being swept away on a wave of pleasure. I adjusted my position, and moved so I could encircle my arms around his neck.
His hands sunk into my hair, gently at first, but as he deepened the kiss, his fingers tightened into fists. There was a hunger now to his approach—as though he was afraid I would disappear. I responded in kind, enjoying my body’s equally ravenous response. I didn’t care who might see—we were stealing precious minutes.
But underneath it all, something lurked. A thought and feeling I couldn’t deny.
He wasn’t William. My William. The one I wanted.
Pushing back, breaking the seal of our mouths, I covered my lips with my fingers. The decision I’d thought most difficult had been easy to make. Now that it had been made, I wanted to run and find William—beg him to forgive my foolishness and overlook my childish heart.
“It is as it should be,” Hadrian spoke, a sad smile on his face. “As much as I wished I was the one, it is clear he is yours now, tomorrow, and forever.” He stroked the side of my cheek then brushed my hair over my shoulder. It was startling—the difference his caress created now.
“I’m so sorry, Hadrian. I didn’t want this to happen.”
“I know. I’m sorry too.” He arose and helped me to my feet. “I guess this is where I say goodbye again. And thank you for an incredible time. You are a remarkable woman, Aithne. I will never regret meeting you.”
He opened his arms, and I entered into his embrace. Resting my head against his chest, I held onto the front of his shirt. “I wish we could still remain friends, but that isn’t possible is it?”
“We will always be friends, but not like you want. I’m not sure when I’ll return to your world. Maybe years from now I’ll come back and we can reminisce on what could’ve been,” Hadrian replied, stroking the back of my head. “Is there anything I can give you? A parting gift?”
I stepped away, and touched his arm. “You’ve given me more than I ever hoped for. Thank you.” I looked over his shoulder toward the village, my mind on William.
“Promise me you’ll live each moment together to the fullest, that you won’t waste a single day,” Hadrian asked. “Cherish one another.”
I nodded, unable to speak around the lump in my throat. He pulled me closer and gently placed a kiss on my forehead. I shut my eyes, wanting to hold onto this farewell for as long as I could. There was a small gust of wind, a tinkling breeze, and when my eyes reopened, Hadrian was gone.
I didn’t need to look around to know I wouldn’t find him. He’d come back to give me the perfect night, and help me transition from childhood to womanhood. There was no more indecision or uncertainty. The fantasy could be laid to rest as I fully clasped hold of my future—to William. With the last of the enchantment fading, it was easy to see William had always been my choice, I’d just been too afraid to admit it.
A hand slipped into mine, and I smiled.
“I love you, Aithne. Are you ready to begin our life together, or do I need to wait a little longer?” William asked, and facing him, my heart beat faster as I beheld him. He appeared so earnest, and I didn’t fight it any longer. I threw my arms around his neck.
“Yes, I’m ready. I love you too, William. I’m so sorry for everything. Please, please forgive me.” I sobbed against his chest, and he returned my embrace.
“Shush, there is nothing to forgive. Haven’t I told you this already?” Letting me go, he tilted my chin back. “Here’s to our happily-ever-after.”
As the sky finally began to lighten, announcing the dawn of a new day, he kissed me.