Caledonia Fae 05 - Elder Druid by India Drummond Page A

putting yourself forward as a potential mate.”
    “No, Your Highness. I’m afraid not.” Weariness suddenly descended on him.
    “Do you not think I am good enough for you?” She sounded affronted, but genuinely curious. “I will be a queen within this century. My kingdom is isolated, but we are not insignificant.”
    Tràth looked at her, surprised again by her directness. “You are reputed to be talented and shrewd. No doubt you will become even more powerful than your mother. Any faerie would be honoured at your consideration.” He didn’t like to reveal too much of himself, especially to a stranger. But as he watched her, strands of time threaded out from her in an incredibly complex pattern. She influenced more than she realised. “I’m not being mysterious or clever.” He looked out over the mists, trying not to wonder who was in his druid’s bed. “I would bring you nothing but heartbreak.”
    She hesitated, considering his words. “If you had no intention of pursuing my hand, why were you assigned to escort me tonight?”
    He tilted his head. “In hindsight, that was a mistake. Forgive me.”
    She furrowed her brow in frustration. “You confuse me greatly, Prince Tràth. I should be annoyed with you and furious with your queen.”
    “But you aren’t?”
    “No,” she said. “I find myself strangely compelled. Shall we perhaps be friends?”
    Tràth stopped and met her gaze. The offer surprised him. “I don’t have many friends,” he said carefully.
    “I don’t have any,” she told him. “I have suitors and advisors and mentors, attendants, servants, and a few sycophants I’m forced to tolerate, but no friends. I think I could be friends with you. You have a quality that tells me you understand my position as few others could. You are sincere, and I detect depth in your eyes. My kingdom is preparing for upheaval. My mother has ruled for three quarters of a millennium.” She paused. “Such impulsive thoughts are unlike me, but I see in you someone I would like to talk to.”
    “I am humbled,” he said. He had friends in Caledonia, but not the kind that would be around if he wasn’t hosting a party with plentiful drink and smoke. He once counted the druids as friends, but they were foremost Douglas’ companions, not his. He and Eilidh had a budding friendship, but even with his affection for her, how far could he confide in his father’s mate? Besides, she was a queen. She bore heavy burdens, and he had little to offer in return for her kindness.
    Before, he’d viewed Imena as a responsibility, not a person. Now he looked at her. She was beautiful in an exotic way, with her diamond-studded red skin. As he studied her, he recognised a familiar weariness in her eyes. “I would enjoy that,” he said.
    A voice intruded in his mind. Come, if you are able. I am in the morning room on the fifth floor. We will begin our search for a way to close that door.
    “What’s wrong?” Imena asked him. “You looked strange for a moment. Are you ill?”
    Tràth shook his head. “Forgive me, Princess. The queen has summoned me telepathically. I must go at once.”
    Disappointment was etched on her expression. “Here I’ve made a friend, the first in a very long time, and I’m saying goodbye already.”
    “Don’t worry. If Zalia and Caledonia continue to improve relations, we will doubtlessly enjoy many opportunities to see one another. You might visit me. I have a small palace at the Gap of Bria. I would be happy to receive you.” He didn’t know what possessed him to offer such a thing. Only an hour before, he was putting all his efforts into avoiding her.
    “I doubt my responsibilities will allow any time soon, but I’m honoured you would ask,” she said.
    He bowed to her. “I must go. It’s rude to keep a lady waiting,” he said with a grin. He slipped out the door, leaving her to watch him as he trotted up the main stair.

Chapter 6
    For two hours, Tràth sat with Eilidh in the