what if he told her brothers he’d seen her wandering about? As much as she welcomed the opportunity to point out the unfairness, she knew from experience—namely her parents’ punishment—that it would be pointless.
So she remained perfectly still, drawing on animal instinct.
Only once more did he glance in her direction, and she didn’t dare look away, knowing even the slightest movement might betray her presence.
Laughter broke the nocturnal quiet, but no one approached the lake. The nearby voices, loud and thick with slurred words, eventually faded to match the muted celebration in the meadow.
Lucan dressed, leaving his shirt for last. The long scar on his back appeared almost silvery under the moon’s light, the mark twisting along the side of his spine and up to his shoulder.
From training to be one of Arthur’s knights?
She knew in a few days’ time he would take his vows and drink from the Grail that would make him immortal like the half-god, Arthur. The event was just one more reason so many had gathered at this year’s festival. Many more would likely follow Arthur on to Tintagel and then Camelot where the ceremony would be completed.
Lucan picked up his sword and threw his shirt over his shoulder, leaving his chest bare as he made his way up the incline.
Briana didn’t move until the soon-to-be immortal disappeared over the hill, likely headed back to join the celebration. She stared at the spot he’d disappeared from view for a long moment, half wishing she’d had the courage to let him know she was there.
She finally stood, waiting for the breeze to confirm she was alone before walking down to the edge of the water. Lucan had certainly looked older than the last time they’d met, more seasoned, as her brothers had when they’d taken up arms for Arthur.
He hadn’t been the only one to change, she thought, glancing down at herself. Would he have noticed she’d left her girlhood behind or still view her as a child the way her brothers did?
She shook her head. It didn’t matter. He was gone now and she knew full well she’d be better off if their paths didn’t cross.
Cool water rushed over her toes, and she sighed in pleasure, tipping her head back to stare at the full moon partially hidden by the trees across the lake.
The breeze shifted, bringing with it the scent of someone directly behind her. A crack sounded and she tensed, prepared to whirl around and face the potential threat, only to be held in place by the arm at her waist.
“You risk much being alone at night, kitten.”
She barely recognized the voice, but the scent she knew.
“Knighthood has made you almost as sneaky as a cat, Luc.” Few could sneak up on her like he’d just done. The wind had favored his approach.
“A compliment from the sharp-witted Briana Callaghan?” He released her and stepped back.
Laughing, she turned around, her heart giving a twist in her chest at the wide grin spreading across his face.
“Be honest. You knew I was there,” he teased.
Briana smiled, deciding not to correct him.
“Skills such as yours would be invaluable to the Guard.” He stooped to pick up her boots as she walked out of the water.
Unsure whether or not he was still teasing, she shook her head. “Tell that to my brothers.” With only a mournful glance at the lake, she walked with him up the hill.
Careful not to let her gaze stray too long to the chest she found nearly as intriguing as the eyes that matched the night-green forest, she debated how to slip away from him.
“They only seek to protect you,” Lucan said.
“They would see me locked in my room with no more than a loom and my parents for company.”
He laughed, the sound making the cat stir under her skin.
“It’s true.” She playfully bumped him with her arm. “They want adventure and to fight for Avalon, and yet I’m expected to cling to my mother’s skirts like a child.”
“An argument I’d be wise not to disagree with under the circumstances.”
Realizing how ridiculous it was to complain to her brothers’ friend of all people, she pressed her lips together.
“You’re not wrong though,” he offered, his expression far more genuine than even Cian’s whenever her brother
The subtle hint of envy in Lucan’s voice surprised her.
He smiled and gestured in the direction of the meadow. “Or did you wish to stay longer and swim? I’d be happy to stand guard as you did.” His eyes dared her to deny that she’d been spying on him.
“I don’t believe you’re qualified.” At the top of the hill, she slipped her boots back on.
“Next time I’ll make note of the particular skill set required.”
She arched a brow. “Planning to strip down and swim for me again so soon? My brothers did insist you were bolder than I realized.”
“Ah, so the truth comes out.” He turned so that he faced her while walking backward. “You’ve asked them about me.”
“How much ale have you been drinking?”
Laughing, he turned back around in time to barely avoid a collision with a tree limb. His grin faded, though the smile remained in his eyes. “You weren’t even going to warn me about that, were you?”
Hiding her smile, she shrugged, keeping an eye on the path in front of them while they continued toward the tree-line. She tried hard to ignore the urge to sneak glances at him from the corner of her eye, failing far more than she succeeded.
Her attention snagged on another scar that bisected his ear. From training or the battlefield?
“It wasn’t nearly as courageous as you’re probably thinking.” Catching her staring, he curved his lips in a cocky grin.
Unsure whether to be annoyed, she settled on watching her feet instead of his face.
“That night I definitely had too much ale to drink,” he confided. “Cian spooked my horse, and it turned out that I wasn’t in any condition to control the beast.”
“Your horse or Cian?”
He burst out laughing and this time she found herself laughing along with him. Lucan bumped into her, his body soft and hard all at the same time and inviting her to lean closer. Her laughter faded, replaced by the warming twirls of butterflies that heated her stomach to a low simmer.
Lucan’s smile slipped away, his gaze serious and altogether impossible to look away from. For a moment she imagined he was about to step toward her, then he glanced out at the meadow.
Resigned to part ways, she watched people talking, singing and dancing around various fires lighting up the meadow. “Is it too much to ask that you don’t mention this to my brothers?”
“You’re retiring?” Something that mirrored disappointment flashed across his face. “The festival is pretty exhausting.”
“I’m not tired.”
“Then where are you going?”
Words escaped her. Although she’d half-expected him to do everything but walk her back to her tent, she’d sooner lick a Korrigan’s black toes than go to bed now.
“Come on then.” His slow smile was devastating. He grabbed her hand, leading her toward the celebration instead of away from it.
Chapter Eight
