The 11th century was a dangerous time to be of the line unbroken of King Æthelred II Unread and his first queen, Æfgifu of York. Born in Hungary after King Canute III's failed attempt to murder her father, Edward the Exile, Margaret found her life turned upside down by King Edward the Confessor's discovery of her father's survival -- and the resulting recall of her family to England.
Now a political hostage only kept alive for as long as it served powerful men's interests, Margaret and her family found King Máel Coluim mac Donnchadh Ceann Mhor's invitation to his court in Dunfermline in Alba the long-awaited answer to her prayers.
Scotland would never be the same again.
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“I, Maighread nighean mhic Eideard of the line of Saxon kings unbroken from the time of Alfred the Great, take thee, Máel Coluim mac Donnchadh, king of Alba, to be my wedded husband. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honour you all the days of my life,” vowed Margaret as she faced her lord and king.
“I, Máel Coluim mac Donnchadh, king of Alba take thee Maighread nighean mhic Eideard, princess of the Saxons, to be my wedded wife. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honour you all the days of my life,” vowed Malcolm. Solemnly he placed a royal ring on Margaret’s finger on her left hand. “With this ring, I thee wed. All my worldly goods, I thee endow. All that I have, I give to thee, Maighread, bhanrigh na h-Alba.”
The presiding priest smiled, “What God has joined together, let no man tear asunder.” Making the sign of the cross he prayed, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
“A-men,” echoed the bride, groom, and the congregation as they also made the sign of the cross.
The priest turned to Malcolm, “My lord Ceann Mhor, you may now kiss your queen!”
Happily Malcolm swept his hands under Margaret’s veil, almost displacing her wimple in the process as he sealed his vows with a ritual kiss to her lips which she returned gently. Chivalrously he kissed her left hand and bowed slightly to her, “My queen!” The congregation applauded and cheered approvingly. Turning to face his subjects, Malcolm led Margaret from the altar and to the fresh air outside.
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Italian
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Already translated.
Translated by Maria Vexille
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Portuguese
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Already translated.
Translated by Mariana C. Dias
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Author review: Excellent quality work as usual. |
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Spanish
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Already translated.
Translated by René Eduardo Galindo Almendariz
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Author review: Perfection as usual |
