Celtic Rose Read online

  Talus just smiled, without a hint of jealousy or arrogance. He was comfortable in the knowledge that he had kissed Kallisto and she liked it, but he wasn’t going to tell William that.

  “I just went across to the park. It had a better view of the setting sun.” Kallisto smiled internally, remembering the other advantage of the park.

  “Oh…why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve gone with you.” He squeezed her fingers, inclining his head for a better view of her face.

  “You were busy with Kalan and Talus fighting with the fire to get it started. I didn’t know how long you would be, and I didn’t want to miss it.”

  “You could’ve taken Ramina. I just didn’t want you to be alone. I was worried you might’ve gotten lost.” He looked down, his cheeks flushing a little in embarrassment. Kallisto thought it was sweet that he worried about her; he really was showing how good he could be if she chose him. It would break her heart to have to tell him she didn’t want him that way.

  “I didn’t go far, but thank you for caring. Don’t worry, though, I wasn’t alone for long. Talus was with me.” She inclined her head to see his eyes. He looked up, his brows bunched together in deep thought.

  “Talus left like thirty minutes ago. Was he with you the whole time?” William asked suspiciously.

  Kallisto looked at him and found jealous suspicion in his eyes. She hadn’t realized they were gone that long. They seemed to have kissed longer than she’d thought.

  “He just watched the sun set with me for a little bit before we headed back.” Kallisto smiled innocently. They reached the fire, where Kalan and Ramina sat on the log whispering quietly, looking into each other’s eyes. Kallisto loved seeing them like that.

  “So…what are we gonna do? Tell spooky stories in the moonlight, or maybe sing camp fire songs?” Kallisto joked as they sat down. Once again she was sandwiched between Talus and William. It was great for her and Talus, but William was in serious danger of falling off the too small log. Kallisto was surprised by the fact that he balanced himself well.

  “You’re partly right, Kallisto, there will be singing involved, but not for us. Luckily, I brought my guitar, and I thought that Talus might do us the honor of singing one of his songs,” Kalan said, smiling excitedly at Talus.

  “I’m going to hurt you Kalan,” Talus said, flushing.

  “You sing?” Kallisto asked, her eyes wide with surprise and excitement. “I’d love to hear you sing.”

  Talus grimaced, but still held that smile with one side quirked up; the half-smile that made Kallisto’s heart stutter, and the wrinkled nose that added to the effect. “I’m afraid you won’t like it.”

  “I won’t know until I’ve heard it though, now will I? I’m sure it sounds great. Please?” Kallisto pleaded.

  “Oh, all right, if you put it that way.” His grin grew wider as he grabbed the guitar Kalan held out to him. He took a moment to adjust the strings to get just the right tone. His face turned serious as he started to play; it was a slow song, like a ballad of sorts. When he began to sing, Kallisto didn’t hear or see anything else. He kept his beautiful blue-green eyes on her as he sang. The melody sent shivers down her spine. He had an unbelievable voice; it was deep, but soft. He saw Kallisto’s shocked expression and smiled around the words, never missing a beat. Kallisto propped her leg up, laying her chin on it as she listened intently to the sound of his voice, never really understanding the words. She knew he was singing about love, though, and she remembered thinking how wonderful it would feel if he were to tell her he loved her. It seemed crazy. Here they’d only known each other for a day, and she was thinking about loving him. She had heard of love at first sight, but never dreamed that it might happen to her.

  He finished his song and smiled expectantly. “So what do you think?”

  “Wow!” was all she could say at first. She paused, muddling through the memory trying to remember more than how he looked and sounded. She wanted something specific to comment on, but her brain wouldn’t allow her that. She said the only thing she could think of. “Did you write that?”

  “Yeah, it’s kind of sad though. I was going through a rough patch when I wrote it.” Talus frowned, undoubtedly thinking about the rough patch.

  “I’m sorry you had to go through a rough patch, but at least you got a really good song out of it. I really loved it Talus, you sing wonderfully,” Kallisto said in an effort to comfort him.

  “Thank you,” Talus said, the frown changing to a small smile.

  They spent the rest of the time getting to know each other better. By the time they were ready to go they had all told several stories about their childhoods. Some were good and some were not. They laughed at the good times, and comforted each other as they spoke of the bad times. The ride back to the hotel was more of the same. They ventured slightly into memories of their teenage years. By the time they reached their destination they were talking about their different experiences at age sixteen.

  The guys walked the girls up to their room, in very much the same fashion that they had done everything that day. They were all connected in one way or another. When they got to their door, it was time to say goodnight. Ramina grabbed Kalan and kissed him. The rest turned their backs to give them some privacy. Kallisto grinned inconspicuously at Talus. It was quick enough that William didn’t see. Talus looked away as William glanced at them, but Kallisto could still see a hint of a smile. When Ramina finally released Kalan and started in, Kallisto gave him a tight hug and a kiss.

  “Night Bro,” she said lovingly.

  “Night Sis,” he said as they pulled away.

  He grabbed Kallisto’s shoulders and put his forehead to hers. “You be good. Don’t make me come back here.” He kissed her nose and she wrinkled it in response.

  “Me! You’re the troublemaker. Besides you don’t need to use me as an excuse to see your girlfriend anymore,” she smirked.

  He shoved her arm playfully and started down the hall. “See you tomorrow,” he called over his shoulder.

  Kallisto turned toward William first and gave him a hug. “Goodnight William, I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, squeezing tightly. He squeezed her gently then pulled away. He glanced to the side at Talus, then grabbed her hand and kissed it tenderly. Kallisto imagined it felt like butterflies alighting on delicate flowers.

  “Goodnight, Kalli,” William said as he straightened up. Impressed by the gentlemanly gesture, Kallisto smiled at him brightly. He smiled also, and then hurried to catch up with Kalan. He threw a jealous glance at Talus on the way. Kallisto wondered if he knew that she had already made her decision and could only ever possibly want the man standing in front of her at that very moment.

  When the others were out of sight, Talus grabbed Kallisto’s sides and pulled her closer. He bent down and kissed her. He gently nudged her back, making her take two steps until her back was firmly against the wall. He lifted her up so he could straighten and pressed his body against hers, pinning her to the wall. She tangled her fingers in his hair and pulled him closer, never once desiring to break her lips from his. The heated kiss burned a fire through her soul, and for a second, she found herself wishing it would never stop. After a few minutes that felt like seconds, he stepped back and let her feet land on the floor. They were both out of breath. Talus pulled Kallisto to him again, this time in an embrace. They held each other, not wanting to let go. Chuckling, he pressed his lips against the top of her head.

  “What?” Kallisto said, giggling.

  “I bet William is wondering what’s taking so long. He’s probably giving Kalan an earful right now,” Talus said, still chuckling, and then he sighed.

  “I guess you’d better go before he comes back up here.” Kallisto released him reluctantly and stepped back.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll be back bright and early. You won’t even have time to miss me.” He gave Kallisto that heart staggering grin.

  “Don’t you have class in the morning?” She playfully scolded.
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br />   “Class can wait a day or two. How can I think about class when I can’t stop thinking about you?” He gently rubbed his knuckles down her cheek. She giggled.

  “No, go to class silly.” She paused. “Is it bad that I already miss you?” Kallisto asked guiltily. She’d never felt that way before. She was raised to try dating for two years before committing, but she felt totally committed to him at that moment, and she didn’t think two years would change that. He just chuckled.

  “No, I’d say that was a good thing, because I already miss you too.” He closed the distance between them, although there wasn’t much, and kissed her gently once more. He stepped back a couple of steps, still holding her sides.

  “I will be back after class, of that you can be certain.” Talus released Kallisto’s sides and backed away. She blew him one last kiss and saw him pretend to catch it and hold it over his heart before disappearing around the corner. When Kallisto walked in the door, still a little dazed, she got smacked hard in the face with a pillow. She immediately snapped out of it and ducked just in time for the other pillow to fly over her head.

  “Hey!” Kallisto said as she looked in the direction it came from. Ramina was glaring at her but there was no threat in it; she was smiling. Kallisto blushed. “You’re happy now, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, I’m happy now, but I can’t believe you did that! I’m never telling you anything ever again.” Ramina turned her nose up at Kallisto with a determined look, but she was still smiling.

  “Threats don’t work when you smile as you say them.” Kallisto waved her off on her way to get her night clothes. Ramina followed.

  “It still doesn’t feel real though. I keep thinking I must be dreaming, and then I’m afraid that I’m going to wake up.” Ramina looked up and sighed, still smiling.

  “I know how you feel,” Kallisto said quietly, thinking about Talus. Ramina heard though.

  “So, you and your two beaus seem to be getting comfortable together,” she stated mischievously.

  “I wouldn’t call it comfortable, but it definitely has some familiarity about it.” Kallisto shook her head, trying to clear it, and sat down on the bed. “Ramina?”

  “Yeah, honey,” Ramina said as she pulled the blankets down. She stopped and turned to look at Kallisto when she didn’t answer right away. Her face fell into an expression of concern as she sat down. Kallisto chewed her lip for a moment longer.

  “Do you think it’s wrong to start a relationship with someone when you’ve only known them for a day?” Kallisto felt like she was doing something wrong. She was always taught to take her time, be friends with a guy first for a couple of years and then, if the feeling was still there, try dating him. She never had a problem with that ideology before, but with Talus it was different. There was a familiarity about him, like she had known him for years. Ramina thought her question over.

  “Well…first I need to know what happened to make you ask…” Ramina said with a smile, then her expression turning serious. “And the last thing I need to know is, how do you feel about him?”

  Kallisto thought for a moment, trying to put her feelings into words. “There’s just something about Talus, like I’ve known him forever. I loved being around him today, feeling him touch me, kiss me…” She let that sentence trail off. Light dawned in Ramina’s eyes and then she smiled, understanding. “I miss him like crazy right now. It feels almost as if I had never been whole until I found him, and now that he’s gone it feels as though there’s something missing,” Kallisto said, frowning, but then she smiled again thinking to herself that she’d see him tomorrow.

  “Wow girl. You got it bad.” Ramina shook her head, but she was smiling. “I’ll watch out for you just in case, but I’m not really worried. I’ve never seen you this happy.” She paused, thinking of something. “What about William? You can’t hide this from him all weekend, especially with him making advances on you. I don’t think Talus would enjoy that too much.”

  Kallisto grimaced, remembering the way William looked shunned when he found out she and Talus had been alone together watching the sunset. “You’re right, but how do I tell him? I’ve never had two guys like me at once. He seems like he’d make a great friend and I don’t want to lose the chance to make him one of mine.”

  “Just explain it to him. If he’s as good a friend as you think then he should be able to bow out gracefully and still be in your life.” She patted Kallisto’s shoulder and went to finish getting ready for bed, leaving Kallisto to her thoughts. Ramina could be so wise, which is why Kallisto always turned to her when she needed help. She had a knack for finding the best solutions. Even if she didn’t know the answer right away, eventually she’d find out and, more often than not, it was the right answer. She was right now; Kallisto would tell William and everything would be fine.

  Chapter 4

  Kallisto held her sword to the prince’s throat. “My dear prince, I am afraid this is one request I cannot concede to. My father has forbidden anyone to see my face and now, it seems, that was a very smart decision.” She stated the familiar line she’d dreamed before.

  “I give you my word that I would never take you anywhere that you did not want to go. Would it help if I were to show you my face? Then you could run if you were to see me coming.” He promised as he had before. Kallisto hesitated. She wanted to see his face but she was afraid to show him hers. What would her brother do? She looked toward her brother, loosening her grip on the prince slightly. He moved, but not to get out of her arms, which he could easily have done. Instead he took his hood off and turned toward her. He faced Kallisto, her sword still at his throat. She looked up into his face, taking in the familiar blue-green eyes, and the soft wisps of dark hair. Talus.

  Kallisto knew she should be in shock, but she stared at his face in wonder. He looked just as he did in reality, only he had longer hair that curled around his chin. He smiled and reached for her hood. She jerked back slightly, and then planted her feet and stayed where she was. He caught hold of her hood with both hands and gently pushed it back.

  Kallisto felt like she was standing outside of her body, watching the scene play out. She saw her face and was amazed. Her hair was tied back with strings of diamonds, some of which came to a point on her forehead, and her fair skin seemed to glitter in the moonlight. She’d never dreamed herself that pretty before. There were sharp intakes of breath as others caught sight of her. Talus’ eyes were wide and his mouth was open in shock. After a second he composed himself.

  “Beautiful.” Was all that he said, just like at the park, but unlike then, Kallisto knew it was her that he spoke of.

  “I am glad you approve.” Although her lips spread in a bright smile, her sword still never left his throat. “Your request has been met, and your men are off my ship. I believe it is my turn to keep up my end of the bargain.” She backed away slowly down the ramp, still smiling. He backed up the ramp. Kallisto still had her sword pointed at him as they backed away. They were both still smiling and staring at each other as they reached their ships simultaneously and as the ramp was pulled away. It was as if they were trying to memorize each other’s face.

  The ships circled each other as they turned to go home. As they pulled away, Kallisto walked slowly to the back of the ship. She looked out across the water toward the shrinking ship and saw a figure on it looking back at her. She knew it was him. There had been a connection between them right away, even before they had seen each other’s face. Kalan walked to her side, observing the retreating ship, then grabbed her chin and turned her face to look at him.

  “Why did you let him do that, Kallisto? Now they could recognize you anywhere. What if they try again?” Kallisto turned her face away from him, staring back at the small shadow that would be Talus.

  “He promised me he would not take me anywhere I did not wish to go.” Kallisto smiled, remembering. The head of their guard snorted as he walked to them.

  “And you believed him? He is a Scot!” Kallisto looke
d up at him then. She had his height wrong from her place above at the helm. He was much taller than her brother, by a head. He was brawny with short blonde hair. He had hair on his face, unlike all the other men she was used to seeing. His eyes were rough, with a deep, midnight blue color, and yet they were kind. The sheer mass of his body was enough to scare anyone…anyone but Kallisto. He was her protector, Gabriel, the head guard of her father’s army. He was older than she was and extremely lethal, mean as a grizzly bear; but to her, he was like a great big teddy bear, warm and loveable. They were very close. He was like another brother to her, and had taught her everything he knew about fighting. He put his giant arm around Kallisto, engulfing her.

  “You’re a Scot.” She said with a smirk.

  “That’s different. I was raised in the service of the king. I have no memory of my family, or of being a Scot. I was raised Irish,” he said solemnly.

  “Yes, Gabriel, I trust him. I would know if he was lying.” Kallisto’s smirk faded. She looked away from him then. He chuckled.

  “I guess you would. So far, nobody’s been able to lie to you.” He turned serious then. “But be leery of him, Princess; he may have the ability to do just that. Always be on guard.” He touched her nose. She elbowed him in the stomach, but it hurt her elbow more than it did him. He laughed.

  Back at the castle, Kalan and Gabriel left her to go report to their king. Kallisto removed the robe and started pulling off her gloves; they were long brown leather gloves, the kind that were used to hold hawks, which seemed strange since she hadn’t seen any hawks. Her sword was in its sheath at her side. Kallisto was outside of her body again watching from a distance as she climbed the stairs to her room. She wore tough brown leather. It was her typical fighting gear for practices with Gabriel. It protected her very well from the tools they used to practice, but she didn’t think it would do much good against a sword.

  Kallisto made it to her room and went in. Her nurse maid was not there, which was very unusual. She didn’t think anything it, and went across the room to her bed and laid her stuff on it. She sat on the bed and took off her boots. There were faint footsteps coming off the balcony and she assumed it was her nurse maid getting some air.