7. Crowning, Living and Dying
On the 20th March of the Year of our Lord, 1005 A.D., Cynan of Aberffraw donned the crown of Brythoniad. And to no small applause.
King Cynan had an interesting wife. Ximena wasn't it? A Basque by all accounts.
And to the part all men of good taste held close to their hearts – the celebratory meal!
Even a spot of dinner entertainment, courtesy of Hrothgar and Sihtric. Though Hrothgar had best get a move on if he wanted love in this life.
On his return, Máel received the latest word.
Chancellor Eochaid was not to be outdone by Gilla Comgaill – his daughter was just as lovely, even if she was not as healthy.
Bödvar was chancing his arm in the south again. A glutton for punishment.
Bertrada had caught ill. She arose from her sickbed – only to fill a grave.
And perhaps most important – a “plot” to seduce his very self. Who was this woman?
When Máel thought a moment, a smile grew on his face...
...and then promptly died. Damnation.
For once, someone gets just what they deserve. For once, Máel-Muire.
Perhaps – just perhaps – Máel should not repeat his tactic of just picking the very first name on a list of prospects for Chonchobar's second wife. It had not worked out so well before.
No princess for Chonchobar this time. Damnable “political considerations”. If the Tanist of Éire wasn't good enough for those royal daughters, who the hell was?
Now the Breton, Duke Jafrez, he was amenable. A few drinks back at the coronation and the two had spoken of great plans. His daughter Adela, a feisty girl, would surely suit Chonchobar well.
Speaking of wives, Máel Muire was well pleased with her fine white mare, and didn't question Máel's sudden generosity.
A few quick words elsewhere had put a swift end to
that looming trouble.
Máel had enough on his dinner plate. There were castles to raise...
...and death notices to watch.