Page 147 of Highland Queen

That night, I lay in Banquo’s arms for the first time in many years.

“How long can you stay?” he asked.

“I don’t know. Lulach has things in hand, but Macbeth is awake once more and is agitated.”

“There are rumors of war once again.”

“Yes. We’ve found spies everywhere. I don’t know what Siward is planning, but he is planning something. They say Malcolm, Duncan’s son, is as shrewd. I fear for what they are planning.”

“Then stay with me.”

“I cannot.”

“Are you sure? Cerridwen, are you really sure? If Lulach is ready to take his place, maybe it is time.”

“Madelaine—”

“Can come here and live with us. She is old now, my Cerridwen. She would enjoy spending her final days in peace at Lochaber with Aelith.”

As I lay there in Banquo’s arms, I considered his words. Macbeth had told me not to return. Maybe I shouldn’t. Maybe Banquo was right. Was I really needed?

“I’ll have to discuss it with Lulach. And something will have to be done with Macbeth.”

“Yes, but maybe, for once, not by you.”

“You’re right.”

I crawled onto Banquo, bending to kiss his neck.

“Cerridwen,” he whispered, stroking my hair.

“It has been a very long time,” I murmured in his ear.

“All the more reason not to delay,” he replied, his hands stroking my back.

“Then we’d better get to work,” I said, setting the first of many kisses on his lips.

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