Caledonia Fae 04- Druid Lords by India Drummond Page B

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