I rubbed my fingers and took a wary half step away from it.

“You could have warned me.”

“Would you still have touched it?”

“Probably not.”

“That is why I did not warn you.”

“Smart aleck.” I grumbled a smile at her as I began studying the map from a safe distance.

Epona’s Temple was ornately marked by gold thread and situated in the southeastern part of Partholon, to the north of the wide vaguely east-west running river, which was labeled Geal River. The river originated in the northeastern end of the Trier Mountains as a split river, the west branch of which was labeled Calman River, and it emptied into the sea as a split river, too. At the B’an Sea the northernmost branch was labeled Clare River. I was interested to notice a structure labeled Temple of the Muse was nestled near the joining of the rivers on the Calman’s western bank. My eyes were drawn to the far west of the map where the B’an Sea ran the length of the border, with cliffs of green drawn in dramatically. MacCallan Castle sat boldly near the edge. I sighed sadly and looked north from MacCallan Castle to see Guardian Castle situated in a cleft between huge white-tipped mountains. Looking down from Guardian Castle I was shocked to see a large blue lake labeled Loch Selkie (and I noted Ufasach Marsh hugged the eastern edge of the loch) between it and Epona’s Temple. Another castle labeled Laragon Castle sat north of the loch and southeast of Guardian Castle. I didn’t remember passing over a lake or another castle, and I felt a shiver of dread as I studied the area between Laragon and Guardian Castles.

A sudden noise broke my concentration.

“That will probably be one of your handmaids with word of ClanFintan.” Alanna smiled knowingly as a flush bloomed over my face. “I will tell her she may announce him momentarily.”

My eyes were drawn back to the map and I tried to take the rest of it in quickly. I could see at least three other castles labeled, but none as close to Guardian Castle as Laragon and MacCallan. I only had time to notice that the grassy lands which covered a great deal of the land outside Partholon were emblazoned Centaur Plains, when Alanna reappeared with a smile, followed by Staci-nymph.

“My Lady, ClanFintan asks if he may join you in your quarters.” She gave me a sweet curtsy.

“Thank you, Sta…um…Tarah. Please show him in and bring our dinner, too.”

“Yes, my Lady!” She certainly was cheerful.

Alanna and I went back into the main chamber (the one with my big bed in it).

“I’m a little nervous.” I tried not to fidget.

“Just be who you really are.” Alanna’s eyes were kind and she patted one of my loose curls into place. “He is already predisposed to love you, you know.”

I blinked in surprise. “No, I didn’t know.”

“You are Epona’s Beloved. The Goddess always fashions a centaur High Shaman to be your mate.”

A firm knock sounded and Alanna responded when I hesitated, “Enter!”

ClanFintan moved into the chamber and my stomach did several butterfly-filled flips. He’d obviously bathed. His coat shimmered like hot maple syrup and his long thick hair was brushed back and hung free in a dark curtain around his bronze shoulders. He wore a black leather vest embroidered with runes of gold that rippled almost as magically as his muscles when he moved.

Which made me realize he hadn’t moved since the door had closed behind him. He just stood there, touching me with his eyes.

“Welcome, my Lord.” I could hear the smile in Alanna’s voice.

“Thank you, Alanna.” The spell was broken and he moved gracefully into the space before me. “Forgive my silence, I was entranced by my Lady’s beauty.” He reached out and took my right hand in his, slowly raising my palm to his lips. Our eyes locked again and I felt my breath quicken.

God, he was big.

And muscular.

And hot (in all senses of the word).

“Good evening, ClanFintan. It’s good to see you again.” I realized as I said it that I’d missed him this afternoon.

“I find that it is good to see you again, too, my Lady.” His breath was warm on my palm and his lips lingered near the pulse of my wrist.

For a second I wondered if he’d bite me again (not that I’d mind). He didn’t and I sighed as he released my hand.

“If there is nothing else, my Lady, I will wish you a good evening and—”

“No!” Alanna paused in her flight to the door. ClanFintan looked at me, surprised by my outburst. “I mean, um, please stay until our dinner arrives. There are things we need to discuss.” They both stared at me. Under their confused scrutiny I walked nervously to one of the chaise lounges and refreshed my glass of wine. “I would like Alanna to hear your report and, well, she has some really good insights about, uh, things.” They were still staring and I looked to ClanFintan for understanding. “She is my friend, and I value her judgment.”

“Of course, Rhiannon.” That seemed to get through to him. “Then she should stay.” He took his place at the other lounge. Alanna moved around the pillar-like table to pour him a fresh glass of wine and I tried to telegraph a “relax and help!” look to her.

“Wine, my Lord?” She slipped easily into her servant role.

“Yes.” He sipped and I felt his eyes watching me over the rim.