The Constant Queen (55 page)

King Svein himself could easily have married either of Harald’s widows but within the scope of this story I like to believe that it was Tora who allied herself to this very Scandinavian
ruler. After this brief mention, however, no more is said of either of my heroines and we do not even know when or where either queen died. I very much hope that this novel, although as much the
product of my own imagination as of historical record, goes some way to reviving their sadly lost stories.

Yaroslav’s children:

Iziaslav
Ivan

Sviatoslav
Stefan

Vsevolod
Viktor

Vyacheslav
Yuri

Ingigerd (Elizaveta’s mother and daughter)
Ingrid

Ingigerd (Finn’s daughter)
Idonie

Bergljot (Einar’s wife)
Brigid

Jorunn (Tora’s sister)
Johanna

Oystein (Tora’s brother)
Otto

Sveyn (Cnut’s son)
Steven

I filled the first book in this trilogy with thank-yous so wondered, at first, who to thank in this second one, but the fact remains that all the same people, and a few more
besides, have been every bit as important in the creation of this novel, so I think they deserve another mention:

My husband for his unending patience and indulgence – I promise not to have the bright idea of inviting everyone we know for a party this time round . . .

My children – to whom this book is dedicated – for putting up with endless talk of Vikings and not groaning too loud whenever I say ‘Do you know, it was the Vikings who . . .
’ Similarly for trailing round various battle sites/castles/exhibitions with me and even, at times, showing an interest. I know Vikings didn’t have iPhones but they were still pretty
cool.

My parents for being so excited for me and for not, thank heavens, passing their chemists’ genes on! And all the rest of my family for their input, though I’m afraid the orders for
Ferraris, holiday homes, motorbikes and the like will have to wait a while yet . . .

My friends everywhere, who have been so incredibly supportive with
The Chosen Queen
. I sometimes feel ashamed of myself for making such a fuss about just doing my job and consider myself
blessed that everyone else is so happy for me. Thank you.

Kate, my agent, who has been behind me for longer than anyone outside my own immediate friends and family and whose continued enthusiasm and advice is so much appreciated.

Natasha, my editor, without whose wisdom, eye for detail, and endless patience this book would not be anywhere near as sharp. And for her lovely, supportive margin comments
–‘I’m sobbing now,’ being perhaps my favourite so far.

And finally the whole dedicated, friendly, enthusiastic team at Pan Macmillan – in particular Susan for fantastic copy-editing, Katie for incredible publicity, and Jo for her gorgeous
cover designs. It’s been a pleasure to take this publishing journey with such a strong team and I’m so grateful you chose to back me.

Thank you all,

Joanna

A
LSO BY
J
OANNA
C
OURTNEY

The Chosen Queen

Ebook novella

The Christmas Court

Joanna Courtney has wanted to be a writer ever since she could read. Joanna is fascinated by defining moments in history and she loves nothing more than immersing herself in
the world of the Anglo-Saxons, Normans and Vikings.

Her first novel,
The Chosen Queen
, also tells of the dramatic events of 1066, but from the English Queen’s perspective.
The Constant Queen
is her second novel.

First published 2016 by Macmillan

This electronic edition published 2016 by Macmillan
an imprint of Pan Macmillan
20 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RR
Associated companies throughout the world
www.panmacmillan.com

ISBN 978-1-4472-8106-1

Copyright © Joanna Courtney 2016

Jacket image © Jeff Cottenden

The right of Joanna Courtney to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

You may not copy, store, distribute, transmit, reproduce or otherwise make available this publication (or any part of it) in any form, or by any means (electronic, digital,
optical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be
liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

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