Chapter 2

Deirdre hated this studying stuff.  She had to be so smart but why couldn't' she have time to herself.  Thinking of the freedom of the others she knew she couldn't sit there any longer. 

"Enough, I'm finished for today."  With that she left her tutor and headed from her quarters, passing through the corridors and right out into the courtyard.  She found that the others were training.  Ivar and Garrett were practicing their hand to hand combat while Rohan and Angus were working on their fencing.

"All goes well here then?"  She asked and all action stopped. 

"Highness?"  Angus asked obviously surprised. 

"Deirdre shouldn't you be studying?"  Rohan asked and she rolled her eyes. 

"It is much to nice of a day for latten and the such."  She brushed that aside opting to go for a ride. 

"Deirdre?"  Garrett asked as she reached the stables.  "What are you doing?" 

"I feel like a ride."  She said and he frowned. 

"What did the king say to that?" 

"I do not have to ask my father for permission to breathe do I?" She shot back as she reached the stable where she kept her favorite mare, a dapple grey with long sturdy legs and a gleaming coat. 

"You should not ride alone."  Came Rohan's voice from the passage beyond the stall. 

"Then ride with me."  She said flippantly, why was it no one thought she was her own person?After all she was one of the mystic knights, could she not defend herself? 

"Deirdre?"  Ivar asked as she rode out passed them. 

"Rohan?"  Ivar asked and Angus just laughed as Rohan mounted and was riding out after the princess.

"Highness, you can't just ride off like this." 

"Look, I'm tired of being cooped up in the castle.  I want to feel the wind in my hair; I want to know I'm more alive than the mortar that keeps those stones in place."  She called over to him as she galloped along the country side. 

The memory of that day, the day they'd first kissed was interrupted by a wrap on the door.  It was time. 

Pulling back from the window the princess adjusted the crimson skirts of her gown and sighed. 

Deirdre kept her head held high and her spine straight as She, the queen of Kells moved from her royal chamber and down where she'd wait for Garrett. 

*** 

It was show time.  Garrett turned to his friend and they exchanged a look before Garrett nodded. 

"Well then it's time."  The other man said and then they were heading from the study. 

*** 

From where he stood Angus looked around the well appointed ballroom.  He'd not been here in so long that it was a bit hard to believe that he'd been invited back.  He'd not seen either Deirdre or Garrett in three years and now here they were announcing their formal betrothal. 

Angus thought of Rohan and wondered if his old friend knew of this calamity and if he even cared.  Knowing Rohan though he was convinced that it was for the best, to the fairies with what either of them wanted.  Not that they ever said what they wanted but Angus had always known they loved one another.  There was just something about the two, in many ways they understood each other, Even as Garrett was her intended from the beginning Angus had always felt that was a complete mistake.  After all Garrett was too placid more than not and that would drive the queen insane. 

"It is good to see I am not the only one here."  The voice had Angus turning to see Ivar standing close by. 

The now king was as regal as ever in his dark blue finery and even the woman at his side cried royalty. 

"Ivar?" 

"Yes, it is good to see you again."  Ivar said and Angus rolled his eyes.  He'd forgotten how pompous Ivar could be.  

"At least one of us will fit in here."  Angus muttered thinking of his own cloths.  True he was tidy but he didn't nearly match the others. 

"Angus you grew up here did you not?"  Ivar asked tilting his head to one side in question. 

"Yes but I was not like Rohan.  I was a street rat."  Angus looked then at his own clothing, "still am I guess." 

"That just means that some things never change. 

"I suppose."  Angus shrugged. 

*** 

The little fairy fluttered around, she'd never seen a group more dejected.  Aideen could feel her mate flying at her side.  In the five months since she and Murphy were wed in a traditional fairy way things were good for them.  Now though she wished she could see her old friends happy. 

TBC

*** 

You know sometimes I wonder what my mind will produce next.  If you have any suggestions PLZ let me know.  If not just tell me what you think.  *begs like puppy*