Read Caledonia Fae 05 - Elder Druid for Free Online

conclave will be attending, along with a few other Caledonian dignitaries, and Prince Koen, naturally. However, we thought perhaps she might enjoy the company of someone…younger.”
    Tràth suppressed a smile. “Your Majesty, I’m fifty years older than you.”
    “Tràth,” Griogair said, warning lacing his tone.
    Eilidh brushed the exchange aside. “Yes, but I have to be so careful. I can’t chatter as one would otherwise.”
    “You invited me to chatter? With Princess Imena?”
    Eilidh smiled. “No doubt you’ll have many common interests.”
    Irritation bristled at him, although he tried to mask his discomfort. “Like what?”
    Griogair stiffened, and Tràth realised he hadn’t disguised his annoyance as cleverly as he’d hoped.
    “Why, if nothing else, you’re the only temporal faerie in the world. She’ll no doubt find you fascinating,” Eilidh said.
    Tràth decided the direct approach would be more comfortable. For him, at least. “Is this an attempt to initiate a courtship between myself at the princess?” The time stream roared at him as his focus faltered.
    “Yes,” Griogair said, his tone flat.
    “No,” Eilidh said, putting her hand on Griogair’s leg. “Nothing so formal. Consider the evening an introduction. You might like her.” She shrugged. “On the other hand, you might detest her. I’d never ask you to do anything that made you uneasy. I only wish you to dine with us.”
    Tràth met his father’s violet eyes. “What aren’t you telling me?”
    Eilidh answered before her mate had the chance. “Queen Naima is celebrating her 924th year and, by all reports, has begun to slow down. They say she passes more of her duties to Imena of late. Also, she may have expressed to her attendants that she wishes to see her daughter choose a mate before she dies.”
    “And you thought you’d throw me into the pot with the other minor royals clamouring for her hand?”
    “You’re no minor royal,” Eilidh said gently.
    “I’m the son of your predecessor, Your Majesty,” Tràth said, unable to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. “A woman you had killed.” Eilidh sucked in her breath as though he’d slapped her, and Tràth regretted the careless statement. “I’m sorry,” he said.
    “No,” Eilidh said, rising from her chair. “Don’t be. You’re right, of course. I…I think of you as a member of my family, Tràth. I don’t have much family. Sometimes, I forget.” She straightened her dress as she talked, refusing to meet his gaze.
    The words stung Tràth. He started to apologise again, but she tilted her head and her eyes glazed over. “Quinton is coming up,” she said. “He’ll probably have Maiya with him. I’m sorry. He’ll try to make you hold her.” She muttered something and left the room, fumbling like an awkward adolescent.
    The moment she’d left, Griogair shot out of his seat. “What is wrong with you?” he shouted. The overt display of emotion startled Tràth. “She’s never asked you to take on any duties. She supports your ridiculously frivolous lifestyle. Do you forget that when you were missing, lost without hope of return, only Eilidh’s efforts brought you back?”
    Shame burned within Tràth’s chest. He bowed his head and placed a hand over his heart. “Forgive me, Father,” he said.
    “You owe your apology to my mate.” Griogair sighed. “Will you at least come to the dinner?” His voice betrayed his frustration.
    Misery threatened to swallow Tràth whole. He had no desire to embarrass Eilidh by declining, but neither would he pretend to be interested in becoming anyone’s mate. No one had thought about what that would mean to Douglas. Tràth couldn’t court a princess without speaking to his bonded druid. “No,” Tràth said. “I’m not fit to be anyone’s mate. Why pretend otherwise?”
    “Are you not well?” Griogair’s anger vanished as concern etched across his face. “I’d hoped your difficulties had lessened with your