King Cormac Mac Cathair Mór was standing in his throne room, looking at his mother’s face. She was smiling at him ear-to-ear and he had to suppress the urge to groan at her.

His mother loved to get involved in his life. She had even set up a marriage for Cormac with a foreign princess from a kingdom that used to have rivalries with Leinster.

Cormac was not happy about this, but he understood his mother. She wanted Leinster to have more allies than enemies, especially after her husband, Cormac’s father, had died. Not only that, but for him to secure a legitimate heir. Salma's bastard did not count. He would acknowledge it, but a child with a thrall was not seen as legitimate. That child could never rule.

Cormac clenches and unclenched his fist as a nervous habit. His new bride would arrive. He had married her with an advisor going in his place. Now, he shall meet his wife for the first time. He only hoped she wasn't ugly.

He rather be with his lovely mistresses, but even they knew the importance of this moment, they stayed back in their private quarters. It wouldn't be a good look to have his mistresses be the first thing his new wife sees.

He flinched as he felt his mother grasping his broad shoulder. He looked over at her. "Relax your shoulders and keep your head high." She adjusted his crown for him. "This is a new beginning for our dynasty. This is the mark of a new era."

The heavy doors open, a shield of guards in thick armor entered first, all wearing their house flag with pride. Cormac waited with sharp breath as the guards part like the red sea and show a princess, her gown dripping with her house colors... And gold. At least she was pretty. Very pretty. Àlainn.

Her wide eyes looking around the room with poorly concealed anxiety. Cormac cleared his throat, taking a step forward and bowing out of respect. "Welcome, Princess, or shall I say Queen. If there's anything you need, do not hesitate to ask."

The princess smiled, responding in her foreign tongue and broken Gaelic. A guard stepped forward submissively. "M-My king, she is learning Gaelic."

Cormac pursed his lips. "I see... Well, hopefully she learns faster." He turns to the servants pressed against the walls. "Mairi, you speak her language, please lead her to her new quarters and ensure she has everything she needs."

Mairi, a young thrall nods her head and rushes to guide the princess out of the throne room.

Cormac huffs with irritation. Hopefully she adjusts quickly. He doesn't need any complications.