Page 38 of Highland Queen

I smiled lightly. “Then you are wiser than I, for it had escaped my notice until Injibjorg said something.”

“I wondered,” Madelaine said.

I raised an eyebrow at her. “Wondered?”

“I wondered why you would go into battle in such a state. You didn’t know.”

I shook my head. There was no use in trying to keep anything from Madelaine. “No, I didn’t know.”

“It is a glad tiding,” she said, setting her hand on mine.

When she did so, I followed her gaze only to find my own hands covered in blood once more. Slick red blood covered my fingers. The ruby red liquid marred Madelaine’s pale skin.

Gasping, I pulled my hands back and grabbed a cloth. Moving quickly, I turned to clean the filth from Madelaine’s hands, but when I did so, I found nothing there. I glanced at my hands again. The marks were there, red splotches staining my skin, but the dripping blood was gone.

“Corbie?” Madelaine said, startled. She took my hand again. “What is it?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing? That was not a nothing.”

“I’m plagued by strange visions. Like clouds on a summer’s day, they come then go, blocking the sun in the interim. I just need some air.”

“Do you want me to come with you?”

I shook my head. “Please, stay and keep the others company. I’ll return shortly,” I said then rose.

“Very well,” Madelaine told me, a confused and worried look on her face.

Killian stepped forward to pull out my chair.

“My Queen?” he said.

“I’ll retire for a short while,” I told him.

Killian signaled to some other guards.

We turned and headed toward the exit of the hall. As I went, I was greeted with bows and curtsies. I felt like I could barely catch my breath.

We had just reached the doors when the crowd parted to reveal Banquo—but not Banquo—standing there. Once more, I saw my love like a man dead. His face was pale, eyes a milky white, clothing ragged. And again, I saw a dagger hanging from his chest, his clothes marred with blood.

I gasped and stepped back, tripping on Killian.

“Cerr—Gruoch?” the corpse said. But when he opened his mouth to speak, his lips and tongue were black. A swarm of flies flew out, some of them pausing to land on his face.

“No,” I stammered.

“My Queen,” Killian said, holding my shoulders to keep me upright.

“Who has done this?” I whispered, staring at Banquo, abhorred by the sight. “Who has done this?” I demanded loudly.

“Lady Gruoch?” Killian said again. He then turned to the others and whispered, “Our Queen is not well. Let’s get her to her chamber.”

“Do you see him there?” I whispered to Killian. I lifted my finger and pointed at Banquo. Blood dripped from my extended digit.

“Lord Banquo? Of course.”

“But do you see?”

---