Page 123 of Highland Queen

Banquo nodded. “Be careful, my Cerridwen, and not just on the road. Keep your man close,” he said, motioning to Killian. “But not too close,” he added with a wink.

I laughed. “Oh, my love. That is the last thing you should ever worry about.”

At that, Banquo chuckled. He handed Aelith up to me so I could kiss her once more.

“Be a good girl,” I said. “Listen to your father. Now, give me a kiss.”

Giggling, she planted a very wet kiss on my cheek.

“I love you,” I told her then I handed her back to Banquo.

Banquo gave me a soft smile. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” I whispered. With a heavy heart, I tapped on the reins then turned my horse south.

As I rode out of the gates of Tor Castle, I fought back my tears. This wasn’t right. This wasn’t the way things were supposed to be.

Instead of staying with my husband and daughter, I was headed back to Macbeth.

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