Caledonia Fae 04- Druid Lords by India Drummond Page A

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 chuckled. “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