Page 112 of Highland Queen

“How do you like Tor Castle?” Fleance asked.

“You have a fine home,” I said.

Fleance eyed my belly. “Corbie?”

“You and Lulach will soon share a sister,” I said, measuring my words carefully.

Fleance looked at Lulach, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. “We will truly be brothers then.”

I touched Fleance’s cheek then smoothed his hair. “Come, let’s go inside.”

“We’ll see to the horses,” Mackintosh, Banquo’s sentinel, told me.

I motioned to Killian, encouraging him to come along.

Banquo draped his arm over Fleance’s shoulder. “Son,” he said, smiling at his boy. “And the Mormaer of Moray. It is good to see you again, Lulach,” Banquo told him.

“And you, Thane,” he said, an awkward smile on his lips.

Lulach slipped his hand into mine. He lifted our joined hands and looked at the gloves, studying them carefully.

“Are your hands cold, Mother?”

“No,” I replied.

Lulach raised an eyebrow but said nothing more.

Banquo and Fleance joined Balor and led the druids into the great hall.

“Lulach,” I said, pausing to wait for Killian. “Lulach, I want you to meet Sir Killian. He is a loyal man of Moray and my guard.”

“Sir,” Lulach said, inclining his head to Killian.

“My Mormaer, I am pleased to see you again.”

Lulach smiled.

“Killian’s father and brother served Gillacoemgain—and they were lost alongside your father at the very end,” I told Lulach.

Killian looked at me, an expression of surprise on his face.

Lulach turned to Killian. “Is that so?”

“Yes, my lord,” Killian said.

Lulach set his hand on Killian’s arm. “Then tonight, we shall toast them together.”

I swallowed hard, feeling proud of my son. He nodded to Killian then went to join the druids.

“Lady Gruoch,” Killian whispered.

When I met his gaze, I saw his eyes were wet with unshed tears. I patted his arm gently then went to join the others.

The servants worked quickly, passing out mulled wines and honey mead to our guests. I caught the sweet scents of freshly baked bread and roasting meat. My stomach growled hungrily. I sat beside Lulach, listening as the druids spoke about their travels. Soon after, the servants called us to feast. I was relieved. Aelith had been rolling and kicking since I’d caught the first whiff of food. I took my seat at the head of the table, Banquo at one side, Balor on the other. It seemed strange to take precedence over Banquo in his own castle. In Lochaber, it was easy to forget I was Queen of Scotland.

As we ate, Banquo fell into conversation with Fleance and the other druids. My attention turned to Balor.

“I understand you’ve come from Epona,” I told him. “How is she?”

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