Join Rue Allyn as she explains how Medieval heraldry plays a significant part in her novel The Trials of Neilina MacKai.
The Windsor Crest
Nearly every anglophile recognizes the heraldic emblem of the United Kingdom’s royal family. Many would even recognize emblems representing past rulers of England and Scotland.
The Trials of Neilina MacKai takes place during a period known as the First Scottish War of Independence (1296 – 1328). Our hero, Simon, is English. Our heroine, Neilina is a Scot. On the orders of King Edward of England, Simon abducts Neilina. Edward wants to try her for treason (don’t worry, he doesn’t succeed). At Simon’s home in England, they wait for Edward to arrive.
The Crest of Edward I
So he won’t have to lock up the Scots lady, the lord of the castle wants Neilina’s parole, her promise not to try to escape. She says she will promise if the lord meets two conditions. The first condition is easily met. However, the second condition creates a major conflict. Neilina had carefully plotted her revenge against Simon for the embarrassment and duplicity when abducting her. At the moment when she is about to promise her parole she insists he wear on all his accoutrements a coat of arms that she designed. This is where my research into medieval heraldry comes into play.
Simon normally used an emblem that included in part King Edwards emblem of three lions passant. You can find more information about this coat of arms here https://aroyalheraldry.weebly.com/blog/king-edward-i. This emblem was used to honor the king and acknowledge the wearer’s fealty to that king. When Neilina insisted Simon use a different coat of arms, she was insulting him and England.
The Royal Arms of Scotland
The coat of arms she had designed was an even greater insult as it included in part the Scottish national emblem. You Can find more information about this coat of arms here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_arms_of_Scotland. For Simon to use this coat of arm wasn’t just an insult to his king, it was a declaration that he renounced his fealty to Edward in favor of Scotland. He is, secretly, in love with Neilina and has been for a number of years. Her hatred of the English has thus far kept him silent about his feelings. He wants to do what the woman he loves asks. However, he would have to sacrifice all honor and place his family in the path of King Edward’s rather famous temper. What does Simon Do?
If you want to find out more, you may purchase The Trials of Neilina MacKai at Amazon or your favorite retailer. The story is currently on pre-order for .99 cents. The price goes up on launch day, August 15, 2025
About the Book
Love of King or Love of the best woman he’s ever met? Either way he will betray someone he loves. King Edward of England believes Simon is a traitor and gives him one last chance to prove his loyalty. Take hostage one of the MacKai Jewels until the powerful Scots Baron MacKai bends to Edward’s will. Following Edward’s orders will destroy any chance he has to court the woman he’s coming to love.
The MacKai clan has earned the hatred of England’s King Edward. Neilina MacKai was just beginning to like English knight Simon Du Grace. Then he had to go and propose marriage. Tempting as the handsome knight is, marriage would be out of the question were he not proposing to protect her family from the wrath of the English King. Refusing condemns her clan. Acceptance condemns her love. How can she refuse? Can Neilina and Simon find a way to love despite the political maneuvering designed to separate them forever?
The Trials of Neilina MacKai is Book Five in the MacKai Brides Series
About the Author
Award winning romance author, Rue Allyn has a lifelong passion for happy ever after. She lives south of the border with her husband of more than
forty years and their cat, Tanto. She has two sons and is a proud veteran of the US Navy. Shewrites heart melting romance in all sub-genres, but her favorite is historical romance, especially medieval.
Subscribe to Rue’s News where you may learn more about Rue and receive a FREEdownload.
Join Rue’s Daring Damsels: Rue’s facebook group is called Rue Allyn’s Daring Damsels. We gather to party, chat, and spread the word far and wide about great books, mine and other authors. Active members can have a lot of fun, reap rewards and gain prizes, all for free (and a little bit of your FB time). Here’s the link to Rue Allyn’s Daring Damsels. Can’t wait to meet you.