Springtime Romance

Hello Romance Readers and Authors;

Spring is now upon us as of March 20th. 

It was that way even in the Celtic Iron Age. So it was certainly that way in the 8th century in Wales. So, let's look at the Celts and daffodils and romance.

When I think of spring, I often think of Daffodils. Not only are yellow daffodils the essence of spring but they also hold a place of sacred honor to the Welsh.

One of the daffodil's many Welsh names is Cenhinen Bedr (Peter's leek). St. David, also known as Dewi, the patron saint of Wales, was a monk who lived on bread, water, herbs and leeks. The day he died, March 1, 589 A. D., is celebrated yearly in Wales as St. David’s Day. At the battle of Heathfield in 633 AD, which took place in a field of leeks, St. David told the Welsh warriors to wear a leek on their helmet so they could tell them apart from the Saxons they were fighting. Legend has it that the wild daffodils open their buds on March 1st to remind people of Saint David. Also, Welsh soldiers wear a leek or daffodil in their caps each year on St. David's Day. Daffodils are often worn in place of leeks in hats and buttonholes because they’re prettier and smell much sweeter.

Even warriors, both present and past, loved daffodils. The 8th century Welsh Warrior King, Elisedd, has a pillar, a standing cross his grandson erected to honor his deeds in battle, which still stands in Powys near Eglwyseg Mountain.

HOSTAGE

In my young adult romance novel, Hosstage, King Elisedd picked daffodils at the hill fort of Dynas Bran and discovered the magic within them as he said, “Men like your sire and I are warrior kings. We have no time for pretty words and daffodils. We must look after our land and our people." As the stern-faced king spoke those words, he twirled a daffodil in hand.

Branda covered her trembling lips to keep from laughing. She gathered a bouquet of the yellow flowers and handed them to the king.

”Don’t tell Carthann that you picked these flowers," Elisedd said.

“No." Branda leaned in close to him. "Are you going to give her the daffodils?"

"Yes. Let her think I picked them, for it was my intent. It is why I offered to bring you here, I remember a time when I picked daffodils for her. The summer scents and a pretty maid meant much to me. You make me feel young again girl."

An ancient god and a magic sword…can only lead to war or love.

In an age of heroes, Branda avails her power as a Saxon princess to aid a Welsh prince’s escape.

In turn, the prince, Blaise, vows to take Branda to Scotland so she can evade an arranged marriage.

Instead, he holds her hostage in the unbreachable hill fort of Dinas Bran.

What dangers await her there?

Does Branda need an escape plan that will catch Blaise off guard?

Or has she already captured his heart?

HAPPY SPRINGTIME  & HAPPY READING.