Page 77 of Highland Queen

Chapter 21

We rode all day, finally arriving at Glamis as the sun was setting. The castle looked beautiful framed with the backdrop of a pink and orange sunset. It was made of reddish-colored brick and stone. The center building was tall with high watchtowers all around. Two small sections of the castle formed wings on each side. From a glance, I could see that either Banquo or Macbeth had housed the army in the south wing of the palace. The grounds around the castle were neatly kept, but forest covered much of the land nearby, which was not ideal for preventing subterfuge.

In spite of all my courage and sincere desire to rule the land, a knot formed in my stomach as I approached the edifice.

I had married Macbeth.

My fate was tied to his.

Now, I would need to find a way to make everything work.

While I was carrying Banquo’s child.

We were met by guards who escorted us to the castle gate. Grooms came to fetch the horses. Killian spoke to Macbeth’s men, nodding as he listened.

“Your Majesty,” he said, returning to me. “We have been housed in the northern wing of the castle, not far from your lodgings. Shall I go see to the Moray staff?”

“Yes, please.”

“Do you want me to send someone along with you?”

I shook my head. “No, I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure, my lady?” Killian whispered.

“Thank you. Yes. I have my steel.”

Killian shook his head then turned and went with the others.

Steadying my nerves, I turned to the footman. “Please take me to Macbeth.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The interior of Glamis Castle was like nothing I had ever seen before. The castles I had lived in were old, showing their ties to the ancient kings of the realm. Glamis was luxurious. Everywhere I looked, I saw tapestries and rugs, beautiful furniture, paintings, and other ornaments. As I followed the servant, I considered the castle. Fife’s estate also had fine trappings. I’d never thought much of it. But as I considered, I wondered why all the wealth in the realm was centered in the south.

The footman led me to a chamber not far from the great hall. There, Macbeth was sitting at a table reading dispatches.

“Your Majesty,” the footman called.

Macbeth waved his hands rudely as if to shoo the man away.

The servant shifted uncomfortably. Clearing his throat, he said, “Your Majesty, Queen Gruoch is here.”

Macbeth looked up then flopped back in his seat.

“You’re dismissed,” he told the footman. When the man left, he asked, “Where is your guard, Gruoch?”

“I have guard enough here,” I said, setting my hand on my sword.

Macbeth huffed a laugh. “I’m surprised you’re back.”

“Did you think you would rule Scotland alone?”

“Of course not. Why would I ever dream of that? My loving wife is here to help me.”

“What’s a loving wife without a loving husband?”

Macbeth laughed. “Will you sit?” he said, motioning to a chair.

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