Page 46 of Highland Queen

Macbeth glared at me. He eyed my blade and then his eyes went to my gown where the red wine marred the pale green fabric of my dress. He furrowed his brow as if he were confused by what he saw. Then a look of realization crossed his face.

“Gruoch, I—”

“It’s time for you to leave,” I repeated.

Macbeth let out a noise that sounded like a growl then rose roughly, the chair falling in his wake. He stalked to the other side of the room and wrenched the door open.

Outside the door, my guard stood waiting. Their blades were drawn.

I motioned to them, and they stepped aside to let Macbeth pass.

Macbeth thundered down the hall and out of sight.

I took a deep breath, calming the beating wings of the raven that were echoing at the edges of my senses. Pulling on a placid smile, I went to Killian. “Killian, please divide our men. I want most of the Moray guard to go to Glamis to keep an eye on my household while I am gone. You and two other men will ride with me to Fife.”

“Yes, my queen. Are you…are you all right?” he asked, glancing down at my hand still resting on the hilt of my blade.

“How can I be anything but well?”

He smirked but said nothing else.

I inclined my head to him then closed the door behind me.

I couldn’t wait to leave Scone.

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