“Okay,” Munro said. “Do you want help? I’ll come with you. Just say the word.”
“No, but thanks for offering,” Rory replied. “You should be with Eilidh. She’ll need you right now. Huck can tag along to the Halls since he has more frequent contact with the queens than I do. Some of them may still be around after the shifting today. If we find Flùranach and can convince her to work with us, we’ll take her to Amsterdam, assuming Konstanze will give us passage through the German portal.”
Aaron glowered at them. “Fine,” he said. “Find her if you must. I’ll be the last person to say you shouldn’t deal with your own issues, but keep her away from me. Far away.”
Rory gave a nod of agreement. After all, what were the chances he’d actually sensed her presence? He might never find her. If he did, could he face her? Despite his brave talk, he felt vulnerable, confronted with the reality of encountering the woman who’d scarred him for life.
“All right,” Munro said. “I’m off to Caledonia, and I’ll talk to Douglas while I’m there, tell him what we’re planning and find out when he’s thinking of coming back.” Douglas still spent most of his time in Caledonia with his bonded faerie, Prince Tràth. He was the only one of them who didn’t make their permanent home at the Druid Hall. Munro gestured to Huck. “Can I have a word alone?”
Rory stood and made his way out, saying he wanted to grab a few things before they left and promising to be right back. Munro was going to chide Huck for selling those talismans, and he didn’t want to make the ordeal worse for Huck by giving them an audience. Rory understood why Munro would be cautious. If the humans found out about the fae, who knew what might happen? Sure, faeries had magic, but they were far outnumbered. The entire race could be wiped out in a trice by guns and modern weapons. Although they had the option to retreat into the Otherworld, that would mean a much slower, but equally permanent, death of their race. Without access to the human realm, faeries couldn’t offer the required sacrifice to the Mother of the Earth to ask for the blessing of fertility. By peddling his fire rocks, Huck put the secrecy of the entire fae race at risk.
Chapter 5
After talking to Huck, Munro immediately headed through the portal to Caledonia. On the other side, he gave polite congratulations to Bran and the other Watchers, who greeted him as they celebrated the growth of the kingdom and the addition of new gates.
His mind was far away, though, with Eilidh and her promised third husband. As soon as Munro could make his getaway, he hurried on. Travelling to the castle at Canton Dreich, Munro thought about the time not so long ago that he was merely Eilidh’s secret lover. Eilidh’s first marriage had been a political one, and Griogair didn’t want to come between Eilidh and Munro. The pair shared a deep, magical bond and were so much a part of each other, sometimes he couldn’t tell if his moods were his own or a reflection of Eilidh’s.
Over time, Eilidh had fallen in love with Griogair too. They hadn’t expected the romance to blossom. Coming from a traditional Scottish background, Munro never would have believed he would accept a three-way arrangement. In the end, he and Griogair had become like brothers, both loving and supporting Eilidh in a role that had already cost her so much. Munro and the prince worked things out, gave each other space, and understood the other always had Eilidh’s best interests at heart.
This new guy, Prince Koen, threatened the delicate balance of their arrangement. He barely even looked old enough to shave, but likely he was over a hundred. Funny how Munro had come to believe a century was young, when he himself was only in his mid-thirties. Over the years with Eilidh, he’d adjusted to the fae way of thinking. Where would Koen fit into their lives?
Munro understood that she was a queen, and as such her role was bigger than her personal desires. They would never share a normal existence even by fae standards, much less human ones.
The landscaped whizzed by as he pondered and ran. Canton Dreich grew nearer by the second, and still he had no idea what he would say to her. A part of him was angry at her choice, but even more than that, he was shocked. She hadn’t even paused to consider him or Griogair before she made such a monumental commitment.
Crossing through the last lush forest on his way to Eilidh’s castle, he barely noticed the scenery or paused to relish their bond, as he often would when entering Caledonia. Instead, his mind buzzed with what ifs and whys.
Her presence nestled in his thoughts, and his feet pointed straight to her. The longer they shared the rare and ancient fae-human bond, the more naturally he sensed her responses. At the moment, varying emotions flooded her mind at once: worry, annoyance, exhaustion, and exasperation. Beneath it all, however, an undercurrent of her love for him surged into his awareness. Without that frequent reminder, their relationship might not have endured as well or as long as it had. He recognised that no matter what else happened, she loved him deeply, and that knowledge made so many things bearable.
His internal compass led him to a formal reception room on the third level of the castle. He nodded to the saluting Watchers he passed and tried not to notice the servants who melted out of view as soon as he approached.
Without pausing to be announced, Munro strode into the room, past the courtiers and attendants, past the twenty-four members of the joint conclave. He nodded to Prince Koen and his father and walked directly to Eilidh, who sat frowning on a wide, carved wooden throne. Prince Griogair stood behind her, leaning languidly with his hand resting on the high back of the throne. His swirling violet eyes met Munro’s, and the prince gave the druid an almost conspiratorial tilt of the head.
“Your Majesty,” Munro said with a respectful bow.
Eilidh’s stiff posture reflected the rigidity in her thoughts. She had avoided Munro’s gaze until he spoke, instead listening to the conclave, who chattered hurriedly to one another. Finally, she turned to Munro. “My lord druid,” she replied. “I didn’t expect you today.”
He smiled, hoping to break the tension. “Surprise,” he said quietly.
Although she didn’t return his smile, a ripple of silent laughter moved through their bond. She often said she loved his distinctly human nature.
“I thought I’d come meet this lad you’re planning to marry,” he said, careful to keep his tone light, even though she would detect his inner conflict.
She nodded and gestured to her other side, and Munro moved to a position opposite Griogair’s but a pace forward. After all, as a druid, he technically outranked her. Still, that tradition was ancient and hadn’t been observed for years, so Munro took care not to push the boundaries of propriety too far.
“I present Princes Koen and Estobar, formerly of Andena,” she said to Munro, then turned her attention to the two men before her. “I introduce you to Lord Druid Quinton Munro.”
They both nodded to Munro with respect, but Koen’s expression revealed his unmasked curiosity. His aqua eyes evaluated everything about Munro, taking in his appearance, his clothing, his closeness to Eilidh, and the glance he gave Griogair. Munro couldn’t decide if his immediate dislike for the prince was rooted in the lad’s manner or the too-pretty, long dark lashes and full lips.
Estobar’s appraisal of Munro appeared equally calculating, but at least he was much more subtle.
Then, as though they had noticed his presence, the members of the joint conclave also acknowledged Munro and spoke quiet words of greeting.
The scene struck Munro as a strange one. Considering how odd he still found fae politics, that was saying something.
“Prince Koen,” Eilidh said pointedly to Munro, “wishes to establish himself in his own castle, along with his father and attendants and Watchers who are formerly of Andena.”
The announcement surprised Munro. “But surely it’s better for the Andenans to integrate into Caledonian society fully. By keeping themselves apart, wouldn’t it appear Koen wanted to set up a kingdom within a kingdom?”
The two princes gasped and the others stayed silent, but Griogair chuckle
d. “My friend,” he said. “You have hit on the truth immediately.” He smiled at the two princes. “Of course our queen’s new subjects will not wish to appear to desire the destabilisation of her reign. I’m sure they will agree they must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Caledonians.”
“This is outrageous,” Prince Estobar interjected. “To suggest anything untoward about our request is an appalling insult.”
The atmosphere in the room grew tense and silent. Eilidh gripped the arms of her throne. “I insult you? I have offered your son the protection of my bloodline.”
“Which we all know you were forced to do,” Estobar countered, “or risk losing the Andenan gates to Queen Konstanze.” He shrugged slightly. “There is no reason not to speak the truth.”
“The truth?” Griogair asked.
“In fact, I suspect if our negotiations fail, the Stone might choose to send our people to Konstanze even now.”
Suddenly, Munro understood. Estobar was jockeying to use the situation to get as much influence and power in Caledonia as he could scrape together. Munro felt Eilidh’s fury ripple through their bond. The uncomfortable silence stretched as Eilidh worked to collect herself.
Munro turned to Koen. “Did you know the Source Stone was druid made?” He kept the question light, but he held the attention of every faerie in the room.
“No,” the prince said. “I hadn’t realised. Your people have achieved more than many suspected possible,” he said slowly, as though choosing his words with care.
“Do you understand how it works?” Munro asked. “How it determines when to shift and to whom?”
“No,” Koen said again. He glanced at his father, then back to Munro expectantly.
Rather than answer, Munro nodded. “No, I thought not.” He said nothing more, but left the implication hanging. Doubt played across Estobar’s angular features.
“Of course,” Estobar interjected. “We would much rather ally with Caledonia than Ashkyne.”
“Ally?” Eilidh said, sitting forward on her throne. “You imply we are equals and that you are more than refugees, subjects of a queen murdered by her own people for her greed and incompetence.”
Prince Koen paled and stepped back a half-pace as though Eilidh had slapped him.
Eilidh softened her tone. “Caledonia has offered you refuge, Prince Koen, despite the crimes your mother committed, and our offer stands. However, your father’s words indicate you may harbour second thoughts. If you do not wish to become my mate, third to Prince Griogair and Lord Druid Quinton Munro, I will not force you. You may stay in Caledonia as any of my subjects or find a place in another kingdom. Surely some queen will agree to take you in, despite your reckless treatment of Caledonia’s offer. No matter what you choose, remember this: the portal has closed. The gates will not shift again today.”
Koen looked back to his father, but Munro shouted, “Boy!” The startled young Prince met his harsh glare. “The queen is talking to you. Are you a child? Do not show her disrespect by turning away. Speak for yourself and let your answer be your own.”
With effort, Koen tore his gaze away from Munro and met Eilidh’s eyes again. “Of course, Your Majesty. I’m honoured by your offer and will, as I pledged, become your mate.” He placed his hand over his heart and bowed at the waist.
“Very well,” Eilidh said. “You shall take your place in Canton Dreich with me and my first mate, Griogair. The joint-conclave will see to your people. Former Andenans are now Caledonians and will be treated with the same heart as any in my kingdom.”
Prince Estobar once more interrupted. “Your Majesty,” he said. “I’m delighted all will be as you have promised. I would ask one small request, to seal the formality.”
“Yes?” she said, her voice tight and her patience clearly wearing thin.
“I ask that the bonding to my son happen right away. Tomorrow or tonight even. My son and I have little need for a large, lavish ceremony as you might undoubtedly wish to hold. However, we are content for you to simply keep your word and to become your subjects. My son would find it unbearable to go any extended amount of time outside the embrace of your bloodline. I might even suggest that when you visit the new gates Andena added to your kingdom, you and Koen will be able to cement your pledge by offering a sacrifice to the Mother of the Earth together as mates.”
Munro had to credit the guy’s audacity. First he wanted basically his own fiefdom within Caledonia, and when that didn’t work, he tried to make his son Eilidh’s second mate, not her third. The real topper, though, was him suggesting Koen should have an immediate opportunity to give her a child.
“As you are surely aware, I am taking Lord Druid Quinton Munro as my second mate in less than a week,” Eilidh said.
“Of course!” Estobar said. “We are aware of your intention to take a human mate. I would never suggest you alter those momentous plans.”
“I will wed your son at the Festival of Meir in thirteen moons’ time.” She paused a beat. “And, Prince Estobar, when I choose to visit the borderlands with my mates is a private matter and not open for discussion.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Prince Estobar said, giving no indication of frustration or disappointment in her refusal. “As a gesture of good faith, I will inform you now, the gate that leads to the borderlands the humans know as Belgium is unstable. Queen—” He paused and corrected himself. “Vinye had forbidden its use and did her best to ward and seal it.”
Eilidh tilted her head, considering. “Do you know what is amiss with the gate?” she asked.
Estobar shook his head. “No, Your Majesty. I bring it up because with Vinye gone, her protective wards will have failed. I am sure you will know what to do to safeguard Caledonians from harm by using this unstable borderlands entrance.”
“Thank you for informing me. Now, I am certain you wish to get settled,” Eilidh said. Her face went momentarily vacant as it did when she was communicating telepathically. “Our head steward is on his way. He will show you and your son to your rooms.” She stood and turned to Griogair and Munro. “Shall we retire so we can speak privately?”
“Your Majesty?” Estobar said, somewhat more tentatively than before. “If you are going to have a conference with your mate and bonded druid, perhaps Koen should also attend?”
Eilidh laughed, startling the older faerie. “Good morn, Prince Estobar. I hope you and your son will find your transition comfortable. The sun is rising, and we are all tired. Take the day to rest. I will speak with you both after the first evening meal.” Without giving him further opportunity to reply, she quickly departed through the back archway. Munro and Griogair stepped after her.
She didn’t slow her pace until she’d reached her private rooms. As soon as the three of them were alone in the cosy chamber none would dare enter without an invitation, she sighed. “I’m so sorry,” she said. “I’m so very sorry.”
“Hey,” Munro said, and pulled her into an embrace. “None of that. You did the right thing.” Just a half hour before, he’d felt annoyed and conflicted. After seeing how Estobar tried to manipulate her, he had an idea of what she was up against. She must dread the thought of taking Koen as a mate.
She melted into his arms with the kind of vulnerability she only ever showed to these two. She tilted her chin up and looked into Munro’s eyes. “I sensed how angry you were when I proposed to him.”
“Not angry. Surprised.”
She turned to Griogair. “And you. I can’t sense your thoughts, but I know you well enough, my mate. My decision didn’t please you either.” She slid out of Munro’s arms and sank into a long, low seat and kicked her slippers off.
Griogair sat beside her and slipped an arm around her, kissing her on the cheek. “You are a queen. You made a difficult decision. I have never been more proud to be your mate as I was today.”
“Besides,” Munro said, “this Koen kid is a lightweight. If he gets out of hand, Griogair and I can take him, easy.”
A tired smil
e crept over Eilidh’s face. “It would be better if you took him under your wing. He will need help and guidance. Estobar has too much sway over Koen and will meddle at every turn.”
Munro made a face. “I’m not sure you want the kid learning from me. I’m not a good influence.”
Griogair chuckled. “We’ll do what we can. Won’t we, Munro?”
“Oh, all right,” he said in a mock long-suffering tone.
“Quinton,” Eilidh said, quickly becoming serious. “Why did the Stone choose me? Of all the queens, why me? Geography? That’s never been the primary reason in the past, although most queens’ borderlands are somewhat close in the human realm.”
“I don’t know,” he said. “None of us understands the Stone, but I’ll make it my priority to learn what I can. It’s so overwhelming to be near the thing. We haven’t been able to study it with any objectivity, but I’ll try. I’m sure the keepers will help.”
Griogair stroked her hand. “Do you have further need of me today, my love?” he asked. “If not, I will take my leave.”
Munro silently thanked him. The arrangement worked in no small part due to Griogair’s tact and consideration. Munro wondered once more how Koen would fit in to their strange little family.
“Good day, Griogair. I hope to see you at the first evening meal, if you have no other arrangements to attend to.” She hesitated. “I need to speak with both of you before I depart to inspect the new gates and welcome our new citizens.”
Munro glanced at Griogair. It was plain from the prince’s expression he had no idea why she would make such a request.
“Of course,” Griogair replied. “At moonrise.” He stood with grace and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. Nodding to Munro, he departed through the archway.
Eilidh rose and went to her dressing room. After a few moments, a flurry of attendants entered. Fabric bustled as they helped her remove her ornate dress.
Caledonia Fae 04- Druid Lords Page 5
