Page 79 of Queen of the Shadow

He rubbed the back of his neck. “There is so much I need to thank you for.”

Scáthach smiled. “You saved my daughter’s life and then you saved my life. I believe it isIwho oweyougratitude.”

“No. You gave me a place of belonging. For SentantaandCuchulainn. That is something I’ve never before known. I will not forget it.” His gaze held hers as he closed the space between them. “I will never forget you.” Cuchulainn took her into his arms. He pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that was not a question, but a proclamation—of desire, of loss, of dreams deferred and paths not taken. Her arms slid up his chest to encircle his shoulders and she pressed her body to his as he lost himself in the kiss. The taste, scent, and feel of Scáthach burned through his blood, scalding away Aife’s touch. He wanted to stay there with her in his arms and pretend as if they were in a world of their own where nothing, not even Lugh of the Long Arm, could touch them.

But that was a fantasy. Lugh could and would touch them and ruin everything. Reluctantly, Cuchulainn released her.

“Goodbye, my queen.” Cuchulainn bowed low to her and then turned and left the room.

* * *

Cuchulainn did not sleep that night, but he rarely did. He packed his gear quietly. He’d said nothing about leaving to Tabiti or Fergal or any of the other warriors he now considered friends. He’d never had real friends before—only allies or fellow warriors who followed in his wake, looking to ride the waves of his fame. He didn’t know how to say goodbye to friends, especially when the last thing he wanted was to leave them.

He hefted the bag that held his clothes and gear over his shoulder and slung his shield across his back. The morning sky was just beginning to blush as she greeted the ascending sun when Cuchulainn entered the tunnel that led down to the stables and the dock where several boats were moored. He hoped Scáthach had given orders for one of the small sailing crafts to be outfitted for his journey. If not, he would have to wait for the castle to begin stirring and Scáthach to appear.

He was afraid if he saw her again he would not be able to leave.

Their kiss stayed with him, as did the feel of her body pressed to his. At least he had that memory, the one that had burned away Aife’s touch, to cherish.

“Woof!”

As he came out of the tunnel, the big deerhound raced to him, barking softly and smiling her tongue-lolling doggy grin. He ruffled her ears. “There’s a good girl,” he cooed to her. “A fine, good girl. I’ll miss you, Leannan. Be sure you look after the queen, as I will not be here to do so.”

“You thought you’d sneak away without saying goodbye?” Tabiti said.

He looked up from the dog to see Tabiti and Uathach standing beside a small sailboat that had been loaded with supplies. He walked down the dock to them.

“I thought it would be easier if I just left,” he admitted.

“Easier for who, Cu?” Tabiti asked before she wrapped him in a tight hug. “Most of us appreciate closure.”

“Sorry,” he murmured as she squeezed him so hard his ribs ached.

When she released him, Uathach took Tabiti’s place, pulling him into a hug. When she stepped back, her eyes were suspiciously bright. “I’ll miss you,” she said. “And Mama. I’ll miss her, too.”

Cuchulainn shook his head. “What?”

Scáthach stepped from the shadows. “You cannot go without me.”

“But...” He shook his head again. “Youcan’tgo.”

Tabiti snorted. “She’s Queen of Shadow. She can do whatever she wants to do.”

“Yes, and she has Tabiti and me to take care of Dunscáith while she’s gone.” Uathach smiled at her mother. “Though we’d appreciate it if she didn’t stay away too long.”

“I agree,” added Tabiti. “Please try to remember how much I loathe the winter here and get home before then. The bard will have sung all his ballads and will need new adventures to twist and exaggerate so that we’ll be entertained during those long, cold nights.”

His gaze went to the Queen of Shadow. “Are you really coming with me?”

“How else do you expect to find Hy-Brasil? It moves constantly and disappears quite often,” Scáthach said.

“I hadn’t decided what I would do about that,” he admitted. Then his face blazed with a grin. “Perhaps I thought to call on the mother of someone I know well. She is Goddess of the Underworld.”

“Good luck with that,” said Uathach. “Grandmother seems to be quite busy with my grandfather in Valhalla.”

“Which leaves only one way into the Underworld—unless you were planning on dying,” said Tabiti.

“I believe that would be counterproductive to retrieving the Gáe Bulg,” said Scáthach. “Would it not?”