Page 50 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

Ewan grimaced.

“Make that two months.”

His eyes widened and he went to speak.

Eudora spoke first. “Would you prefer cleaning out the castle waste?”

Ewan looked horrified. “Nay. Nay, Your Majesty. I will do as you say.”

Maggie smiled triumphantly.

Eudora turned her attention to her. “Maggie, the next time Ewan does something foolish, bring the matter to me without dragging him halfway through Dunsire by his ear.”

Pleased with the outcome, Maggie saw no reason to disagree. “Aye, Your Majesty.”

Maggie bowed, grabbed Ewan firmly by the arm and marched him away.

Creagan watched Eudora. The queen knew the names of farmers and troublesome lads. She listened before passing judgment. And when a simple dispute unexpectedly brought the growing unrest directly before her, she'd betrayed nothing of what she thought or felt.

Queen Eleanor had taught her granddaughter well.

Wilford glanced down at the parchment in his hand and called out, “Last to be heard, Creagan.”

Torden and Legion looked at him.

Creagan grinned. “They saved the best for last.”

He pushed away from the wall and started toward the queen alone.

Creagan stopped before the queen and bowed his head respectfully.

Eudora studied him. “You have a complaint?”

“More of a problem, Your Majesty.”

“Which is?”

He took a breath and said seriously, “I' have lost my woman.”

Eudora stared at him.

Creagan didn’t have to look to know it was Legion who coughed behind him. It was a habit of his when he tried not to laugh.

“Your woman,” Eudora repeated, not quite sure how that would relate to a complaint.

“Aye,” he said, keeping his tone serious.

Eudora was skeptical of the unfamiliar man, though it was impossible to know everyone in Morra Mist. But she did her best when called upon for help. So, she remained as serious as he was.

“Was she taken from you?” Eudora asked.

Creagan shook his head. “Nay.”

“Did she wander off?”

He scratched his chin. “Not exactly.”

Eudora's brow rose. “Did she leave you?”