Eithne woke with a groan. Her muscles ached, her brain racing instantly with questions, her heart confused. She remembered Jackson’s words, about destiny, that Jaebum was her mate, stated with a finality and certitude as if she had no say in the matter. That’s not to say that she didn't find JB to be attractive, no. Everything Jackson had said about feeling the energy and connectedness was true, and it scared her. Two weeks ago she had been a lonely university graduate, and now, suddenly, it seemed as if her entire life had been decided for her, looming ahead of her with no way to escape or make her own choices, and she shuddered as the overwhelming feeling of a panic attack began to rise up in her chest. 

 

Slipping out of bed, she walked quietly out of her new upstairs room, down the dark quiet halls to the main second floor veranda. Slowly, carefully, she opened the door, breathing in the fresh air with a sigh of relief. Walking to the railing she leaned against it, staring up into the night sky, seeking relief from the distant light of the stars. Out of the corner of her eye she saw someone lean against the railing next to her, long wavy dark hair fluttering in the light breeze, but she made no move to acknowledge the man standing next to her, her confused mind, along with the stinging memory of how he had conducted his so called training earlier, blocking her physical ability to respond to his presence.

 

“My lady, I have caused you to be angry with me.” his deep voice was soft, soothing. Still, she made no movement or indication that she was listening, turning her head instead to look away from him. He gave a low sigh, and fell into silence. 

 

The veranda door opened then shut softly, footsteps approached and Jinyoung’s voice said quietly, “Jaebum, we have news from our informant.”

 

JB turned in response and nodded for the speaker to continue.

 

“They confirmed her lineage and had an urgent meeting not two hours ago. A call was sent out for all grand masters of the society to assemble their members for the purpose of attacking the manor tomorrow night. We are but seven, we cannot defend against an attack.”

 

JB’s voice was quiet, but strong. “Inform the others to prepare, we leave in an hour.”

 

Jinyoung gave a curt nod of acknowledgement and left. There was a moment of silence, then JB spoke softly.

 

“My lady, pack a bag of necessities that you can carry, put on comfortable dark clothes and walking shoes, we are going to our safe house tonight.”

 

Eithne turned and left quietly, looking in the opposite direction, still refusing to recognize JB’s presence.

 

Returning to her room, she surveyed all of her belongings. With a sigh she took her backpack, and carefully began to pack it, starting first and foremost with her great grandmother’s leather bound book. Toiletries, small jewelry box, several sets of clothing and dresses, and one pair of pretty white flats were crammed in before being zipped up, then she changed into tight leather leggings, long sleeved black crop top, high laced army boots, and a black beret that hid her long light colored hair inside.

 

She met Bambam in the hall, he dressed in all black and carrying a bag slung over his shoulder as well, weapons in hand.

 

“Ready?” he asked, and she nodded.

 

“Where are we going exactly?” she asked, and Bambam shrugged in reply.

 

“Only Jaebum and Jinyoung know that, they have several contingency plans in place, I’m not sure which they will use.”

 

They made it into the entry hall, where they found the others waiting, also dressed in all black, bags slung over their shoulders. Youngjae handed Bambam a spray bottle silently, and without a word Bambam took it, sprayed his entire body, then offered it to Eithne, who followed his example.

 

“That will mask our scent and make it harder for anyone to follow.” Youngjae explained quietly, pocketing the bottle after Eithne handed it back with a questioning look. “We can’t use magic here, it leaves a trail that lingers for weeks and can be followed much more easily, we can’t risk that.”

 

Eithne nodded in reply, then JB opened the front door, motioning for them to file out, his eyes fixed on Eithne as she walked past him, head down, ignoring him. He sighed softly, shutting the door and locking it quietly before following after the rest.

 

The trip was long and arduous. JB and Jinyoung silently led the group through the woods well off the beaten path, through rocky and treacherous terrain for what felt like hours. All but JB took turns holding Eithne’s hand and guiding her along. When JB fell back to trade places with Jackson, Eithne only gripped his hand tighter and refused to look at JB, who looked at Jackson, pursed his lips, gave a curt nod, then turned to once more take the lead with Jinyoung. Eithne avoided Jackson’s questioning gaze, focusing instead on walking forward and not tripping over an unseen stick or stone.

 

The sky was just turning into the first aurora of morning light when the group broke through a circle of trees to find six strange men standing quietly before them, also wearing black. Without a word, they turned, now taking the lead, guiding them off in a different direction until they at last came to a high stone wall with a narrow iron side gate. The gate was unlocked and pushed open, then locked and bolted behind after everyone had passed through single file. They were led up to the side door of a large, imposing and ancient looking stone castle, quietly motioned in, then the door quietly shut. Once the door was locked and bolted, the men all began to grip hands, hug and greet each other warmly.

 

Eithne, exhausted from her strenuous exertion and feeling lost with the new faces, made no move but to let her pack slide off her shoulder and down her arm. A man stood in front of her suddenly, a smile on his face as he caught hold of her bag, saying in a deep pleasant voice as he gently took it from her, “Welcome to Bryn Caer Lady Eithne, I’m sorry it had to be under such circumstances, but I hope you will enjoy yourself nonetheless. I am Himchan, the duke of this humble duchy, cousin to the clan leader Yongguk there, and your loyal servant, as are the rest of the Eastern clans. I’m sure you could use a rest, I will show you to your room.” And with another winning smile Himchan offered his arm, which Eithne took without a word, soon finding herself escorted into a simple yet luxurious room with a large, soft bed in the center. The moment the door shut behind herself, Eithne stumbled forward, clambered onto the bed, and passed instantly into a deep sleep. 

 

She did not hear the door open and shut once more quietly, did not feel her shoes being removed, the blankets being pulled back and she gently lifted and placed on to the sheets, head cradled then softly placed on a pillow, nor feel the lingering longing touch that rested for a moment on her cheek, or hear the soft wistful sigh that followed.

 

“Ah my lady! You are up, and looking more ravishing than I could have expected, considering your long journey.”

 

And Himchan, skillet in one hand, sponge in the other, smiled warmly at Eithne as she appeared in the entryway of the kitchen, dressed in a light blue maxi dress, her eyes landing and fixing on a rough wooden table covered in various dishes of food. Himchan motioned for her to sit, setting aside his washing and hurriedly drying his hands before taking a bowl, filling it with warm soup, and setting it on the table before her.

 

“The others only finished eating, I was just starting to clean up, but I’m glad you came while the food was still warm.” Himchan said, placing clean silverware before her and taking a seat opposite her. “How was your rest.”

 

Eithne smiled at him as she took a spoonful of the soup, blew on it gently, then placed it in . “I rested well, thank you. The soup is wonderful also, did you make it?”

 

“I did!” Himchan beamed, eyes sparkling with joy from the recognition. “With extra loving care specifically for your beautiful ladyship's single bowl.”

 

Eithne blushed, her eyes dropping as she gave a low laugh. He was so effortlessly charming, so quick to put her at ease, that she couldn’t help but feel as if they had known each other much longer than a mere half day. 

 

“Once you finish, would you like to accompany me to the orangery? I usually go to check up on my plants in the afternoon, and I would greatly welcome such charming company such as yourself.” Himchan said, flashing her a cheeky grin as he stood up to continued his after meal cleaning. Eithne giggled as she finished up her soup and brought it to the sink where he was giving the skillet a quick rinse.

 

“I’d love to, what sort of plants do you have?” she asked, placing her bowl in the sink and looking at him with a smile. He rinsed out her bowl, put it away, gently touched the end of her nose with his wet finger before flicking the rest of his hand to spatter water droplets on her face, causing her to duck away and shield her face while he chuckled.

 

“Lots of fruit trees, veggies, herbs. I don't care for plants that don't make themselves useful.” Himchan replied, wiping his hands dry and then picking up the pot full of soup to take to the fridge. 

 

As she turned to watch Himchan, the corner of her eye caught sight of a figure in the doorway, and turning her head she froze on seeing who it was. Hands clenched, eyes focused on her, a look of intense and fierce jealousy written unhidden across his features, was JB. His eyes flashed blue once she made eye contact with him, and she noticed that his hair was still long and wavy, as if he hadn't bothered to change from his night warrior to day protector form. She wondered how long he had been standing there. Based on his expression, long enough to have overheard and seen the way she and Himchan had been interacting. Unsure of how to react, Eithne turned to look again at Himchan to gauge his reaction, only to see that his back was turned as he adjusted the pot in the fridge before closing the door.

 

He then turned with a smile, walked up to her, offered his arm and said, “Shall we go now my lady?”

 

Eithne took his arm, glancing back to the doorway only to see it empty as Himchan led her cheerfully through the doorway and down the halls towards the inner courtyard of the castle where the orangery was located. 

 

Believing himself to be unnoticed by either of them, JB was shadowing at a distance, watching, seething, but unwilling to intervene. His entire being cried out in a jealous rage over seeing his woman laughing and playing with another man, who obviously found her to be attractive and was using all his powers to impress and win her over. And seeing her with her hand interlocked with another man’s arm, being escorted in such close proximity to him, JB thought for sure the rage would cause him to explode and combust simultaneously. And Himchan, well aware of it all, laughed to himself and continued to nonchalantly tempt and prod dangerously at fate with his actions. 

 

Opening the orangery door, Himchan guided Eithne through, and as he turned to close the door, made eye contact with JB who was following behind, smiled, winked, then slowly and pointedly, locked the orangery door with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

 

Incensed, JB ran to the door and tried it, only to find that it was locked fast, and looking through the glass he hissed as he watched Himchan and Eithne amble forward, their backs to him, Eithne still unaware, but Himchan raising his hand in the shape of an ‘L’ and waving it tauntingly as if to say “Later loser.” Lips pursed, jaw clenching, eyes flashing in ever increasing anger from the continual intentional provocation, JB strode quickly around the outside of the large greenhouse, looking for another point of entry. 

 

Himchan, meanwhile, continued on as nonchalantly as if nothing were amiss, pointing out one and then another plant, detailing its uses and origins in such a lighthearted and entertaining fashion that Eithne couldn't help but become immersed in the moment, laughing and enjoying herself as effortlessly as one who was in familiar territory.

 

“This here is the oldest orange tree in all of the country. It was planted here by my direct ancestor, who brought it from his travels to Sicily in the 9th century.” Himchan said, continuing with his tour of the gardens, as they wandered up to the central point of the orangery, where a huge overhanging tree grew.

 

“That’s amazing.” Eithne breathed, looking up to see the massive branches laden with fruits. “Do you suppose I could have one now? I’m curious how a 9th century orange would taste in comparison to oranges of today.”

 

Himchan pulled a sour face. “I think you would find it surprisingly bitter my lady, we have kept it more because of the history than for the fruits. We have other orange trees here, not as old to be sure, but the fruit would be much sweeter and more palatable than these in my humble estimation.”

 

“Still, it couldn’t hurt to try at least one, right.” Eithne mused, and with an exaggerated sigh and laugh Himchan replied, “Very well my lady, your wish is my command. Wait here while I run and get a fruit picker.” removing her hand from his arm as he spoke, then leaning forward to give her a quick peck on the cheek before running back down the garden path. Eithne, surprised by the sudden liberty taken, flinched and then blushed, turning to look after Himchan as he coolly jogged away to find his needed garden tool.

 

“My lady, he is a player. Do not let him take advantage of you so.”

 

Shocked at hearing the all too familiar deep voice so close behind her when she was certain she had been alone, Eithne tripped and staggered in her haste to whirl around and confront the speaker, he catching her effortlessly with his arm and steadying her before she pushed him away. 

 

“Why are you here, are you following me?” she demanded.

 

“My lady, I am always following you. I am your protector.” he replied softly.

 

She gave a dismissive wave of the hand, saying derisively, “I do not need your protection here, this is a safe house. I am more likely to be attacked by you than protected, based on my experience.”

 

A flash of understanding crossed his features, and he dropped to a knee with bowed head before her instantly. “My lady, ah but you have misunderstood. My intent was not to attack and harm you, but to trigger your anger and your powers. Do you not remember the first time you used your magic, you did so when you were angry with me. I sought only to trigger and bring your abilities to the surface once more so I could teach you how to use and control them. It seems I have unwittingly succeeded only in angering you. This was my wrongdoing, I plead for your forgiveness and understanding.”

 

“You promised you would never attack me.” Eithne said, surprised by the sudden flood of intense emotion that surfaced within her, causing to choke up as she struggled to hold back hurt angry tears. “And yet you broke that promise so easily without once explaining your reason for doing so. And you wonder why I have lost trust in you.”

 

JB trembled, each word and sentence a dagger to his heart, a feeling of terror rising in his chest such as he had never felt before at the thought of losing her trust, her heart, and all because of his own misjudgement. 

 

“My lady. I was wrong. I treated you as I would have done one of my own warriors, forgetting to treat you with the care and gentleness you deserve. I have wronged you greatly.” his voice trembled slightly as he spoke, heart clenching tightly in his chest.

 

“You have so much power, why not make me forgive you. Cause me to forget what you did.” Eithne said, her voice full of sudden deep bitterness, the frustration of her situation and inability to cope rising to the surface and seeking an outlet with which to vent.

 

Surprised, JB lifted his head to look at her in confusion. “My lady?” he whispered, his eyes seeking hers for clarity.

 

“You can touch me and trigger my powers, touch me and cause me to fall asleep. How do I know that you have not cast a magical spell of some sort over me to keep me by your side and away from any other men who show interest, cause me and others to think you my mate, as if I had no choice in the matter.”

 

JB sprang to his feet, stung and stunned by the sudden unexpected accusation leveled at him. “My lady,” he said, his voice becoming deeper and fiercer. “There is no such spell in the world, and, even if there should be, it is not one I would ever use with another, and certainly never against you. I do not know what your heart is telling you, but rest assured it is telling you what it wishes, untampered by my interference.”

 

There was a long moment of silence as the two stared deep into the others eyes, before Eithne whispered, “I do not know if I believe you.”

 

She saw how her words cut him, and regretted instantly what she had said the moment she saw the deep hurt in his eyes, but too caught up in her confused emotions to make sense or explain her inner turmoil, she took out the resentment of being unable to control her situation with her unfounded, biting words.

 

Silently, slowly, JB turned and walked away, as if in a daze or a trance. Eithne felt suddenly ashamed of herself and the uncalled for attack, but somehow could not bring herself to audibly call after him, begging instead inside of herself for him to suddenly understand what she was trying to understand, to take her into his arms, hold her, reassure her, that all was well and would remain so. But he didn't. She saw her last glimpse of him as he moved down the pathway, between the trees and shrubs, head hung low, his manner dejected.

 

“Here we go!” Himchan’s cheerful voice broke the silence as he returned with a very long poled fruit picker, stepping up beside Eithne as he looked up into the branches. “Any of the fruits catch your attention in particular my lady?” he asked, glancing over to see her eyes focused down the pathway rather than upwards at the tree.

 

“Any that you can reach will be fine.” she replied, her tone dull and distracted. Nodding and pursing his lips in understanding, Himchan used his tool to grab a bunch of three, then slowly lowered it down to where he could take them out with his hand, which he then held out towards her.

 

“Here you go my lady, the finest 9th century Sicilian oranges of the Eastern Clans regions. Shall you take them whole or shall I peel one for you.”

 

“I’ll...save them for later. I’m still quite full from your delicious lunch.” she replied, turning to give a half hearted smile as she took the oranges from him and pocketed them within her dress. 

 

“Certainly.” he assured her, leaning the fruit picker against the trunk of the tree. “Shall we return to the main halls then? It seems you need more rest than thought.”

 

He offered his arm once more, she took it with a nod and a weak smile, her eyes scanning in all directions as they followed the path out of the orangery, seeking out the one person she was becoming now more and more desperate to see. Himchan said nothing, observing her quietly, understanding quickly more or less what situation had occurred, and sensing her agitation and need to be alone, he escorted her to her room and left her there with the instruction to rest until dinner time.

 

Now alone, Eithne paced her room, wringing her hands in distress, trying to remember, process, dissect, every move, every word, every action between herself and JB from the very beginning. Surely she was now the one who was in the wrong, the one who had misjudged, overreacted. She searched her heart, seeking to determine if the deep attraction she had felt the moment she laid eyes on him were genuine, if the connectedness and energy were contrived or simply her heart responding in recognition to he who was her true mate.

 

In such a manner she strode back and forth in her room until dusk fell, and then, suddenly, she froze in her tracks. She knew. And she had known it all along. Why had she felt the need to fight it, when it was all so right, so perfect, so destined to be? Perhaps he had not been able to take the first step in confessing his feelings because he wished for her to be certain of hers first. Perhaps it was because he was an honorable man who understood the meaning of hierarchy and would not seek to overstep his bounds uninvited.

 

Filled with the sudden understanding of herself and of the situation, she now determined to seek him out, explain herself, ask for his forgiveness, and confess her feelings for him. Surely then he would embrace her close, perhaps even kiss her, and all would be righted within the world. After a quick look in the mirror to assure herself that she was looking the best she could, she left her room and headed down the hallway towards the kitchen, determined to learn where his sleeping quarters might be so as to go and speak with him.

 

She found the kitchen table surrounded by all the men at the castle, save he who she wished to see most. Gathering her courage she asked, as her eyes came in contact with Jinyoung’s, “Have you seen Jaebum? I wish to speak with him.”

 

A dead silence fell over the room as all turned to look at her before Jinyoung replied quietly, “Had you not heard my lady? Jaebum left to meet with our informant some hours ago, he will not be back until tomorrow evening at the earliest.”