Age of Druids by India Drummond Read Free Book Online Page A

of that. He hoped she wouldn’t force him to. “I’ll do what I can. I suppose our talk of ancient gates will wait.”
     
    “For now, perhaps,” Oron said, sounding genuinely disappointed. “But not too long. The Bleak is one place we know little of, and I confess to a morbid fascination with that dark realm.”
     
    Calling America a dark realm seemed a touch melodramatic, but Munro had learned not to tell faeries their superstitions were unfounded. They viewed themselves as logical beings, and nothing could convince them otherwise. “Agreed,” Munro said. “If I can, I’ll come find you after I speak with Eilidh. I want to discuss Maiya as well.”
     
    “I look forward to our chat,” Oron said. “As always, the conversation promises to be interesting.” He put a lilt on the last word, leaving Munro uncertain what the elder truly thought.
     
    Munro said farewell and followed the path Eilidh had taken. With each step, he tried to send reassurance through their bond.
     
    When he arrived at her private chamber, he made himself comfortable in her sitting room. He heard running water and the soft movements of attendants helping Eilidh in the bath. She often bathed when she wanted a moment alone to think. She’d ordered him to follow, but he decided he’d wait, give her a moment to breathe. Slipping a hand over one of the lounge chairs, Munro reflected that had been Griogair’s favourite spot. How many times had the three of them sat in here, enjoying the few private moments they had? They, plus Maiya as well as Griogair’s son, Prince Tràth, had been a family. So much had changed.
     
    Quinton, please come. Eilidh’s mood had softened, and her telepathic message had a conciliatory feel.
     
    He stood and went through her immense dressing room and into the bathing chamber. On his arrival, Eilidh signalled her attendants to leave. One by one, they filed out, and Munro took to a seat near the large, round bath and kicked off his shoes. Almost the instant they were alone, Eilidh began to cry.
     
    Thinking back over the time they’d known each other, he couldn’t recall seeing her cry. Not through all the tragedies and upheaval. Watching the shimmering tracks make their way down her cheeks, he felt lost and helpless. He rushed to kneel beside her and took her into his arms. Water soaked into his clothing as it sloshed over the side of the tub. After a long moment, she lifted her red-rimmed eyes to meet his. With a tender gesture, he used a finger to sweep the tears from her face. “You’re getting salt in the bath,” he said softly.
     
    She gave a small, unexpected laugh. As quickly as the smile had come to her face, it vanished and she looked away. “I lost you, then Koen, now Griogair too. I admit Koen was no prize, but it’s too much,” she said. “I’ll stand as the only queen in history to have three mates die in less than a year.”
     
    “Hey,” Munro said, cupping her cheek in his hand and gently turning her face toward him. “I only died temporarily, and now I’m back, so that doesn’t count. I’ll grant you Koen, but nothing is settled about Griogair yet. We will investigate further before you reach a final decision, surely.”
     
    She sighed. “I’d be forced to order the execution of anyone guilty of such a crime.” When Munro started to argue, she stopped him. “I hate it too, Quinton. You must believe that. But the Andenan population in Caledonia is stirred up about Koen’s death. They treated him as their leader and were perhaps more loyal to him than to me. They demand justice. I left behind additional Watchers at Eirlioc Falls since Koen had so many supporters there. With so much upheaval in the kingdoms after the return of the Father of the Sky and the reunification of the Otherworld, uncertainty is rife.”
     
    “You’d execute Griogair just to stop a riot?” Munro sat back on his heels, staring at her.
     
    “I may have no choice. We each disliked Koen, may the