Read Online Caledonia Fae 04- Druid Lords by India Drummond - Free Book Online

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 smile 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.
    Although he could have attendants help him undress, take away his laundry, and prepare new clothing for him to wear come nightfall, Munro preferred to do things himself. He made his way to Eilidh’s bed chamber and sat on the edge of the swing bed. He removed his shoes one at a time, the same as he'd done when he was a beat cop in Scotland. Thinking of his old home for the first time in a long time, of the life, friends, and family he’d left behind, he glanced around the lush surroundings. He struggled to imagine himself walking into his aunt’s sitting room and having tea and cakes like he did so long ago, or being out on patrol with his old partner, PC Getty, or taking orders from Sergeant Hallward. Would they be waiting if he walked through the door?
    The fleeting fantasy vanished from his mind when Eilidh swept into