Page 183 of Long Live the King

Magnus said, “Tis a jest on how much I talk, Cailean?”

He laughed, “Nae, tis a remark on how lonely ye hae been.”

Fraoch said, “Nae, ye are too polite, Cailean, ye ken he talks too much.”

We all helped the kids down from the horses, and then Magnus stood with a hand on each of the children’s shoulders.“Cailean, this is my eldest son, Archibald. My daughter, Isla, and m’son, Jack.” Jack waved, grinning, then tucked his head into my shoulder.

Cailean said, “Tis a beautiful family Mag Mòr.”

Magnus said, “There are still more! Sean, m’brother,” he clapped him on the shoulder, “has come, this is Fraoch’s wife, Madame Hayley, and we hae Chef Zach, ye hae heard me speak about his food?—”

Cailean teased, “Endlessly and exuberantly.”

“And his lovely wife, Madame Emma, and their children, m’nephew Ben, and niece, Zoe.”

Cailean said, “Finally I meet them all.”

Fraoch said, “Except for the many who hae yet tae arrive. We will fill the castle once they all come.”

Cailean said, “But for now, I meet the Prince! Og Archie, ye are the spittin’ image of Mag Mòr! Follow me, I want tae shew ye something!”

He led us all through the gates, the morning sun warm on the walls, and our eyes were greeted with a full courtyard, a hundred people or more, and they began to chant,Long Live the King! Long Live Mag Mòr! Long Live the King!

Cailean said, “Tis good?”

Magnus said, “Aye, tis verra good.” He looked down on Archie. “Tis good, Archibald?”

And Archie looked up at his father and said, “Aye.”

I clutched Magnus’s arm and kissed his shoulder. “You fixed it, my love.”

CHAPTER 81 - MAGNUS

OUR CHAMBER IN THE KING’S HOUSE

We planned tae meet outside the Great Hall in a couple of hours so I could give everyone a good tour of the castle but in the meantime all were shewn tae their rooms tae rest after the journey.

I led my wife and bairns up the stairs tae m’chamber tae shew them where we would be livin’ for a time.

Jack had fallen asleep, Isla and Archie were worn out from the travelin’, we all sat on the settee in front of m’fireplace, and I had m’arms around them.

“I hae sat here many a night alone, mo reul-iuil.”

Archie said, “It’s funny that you know this place and we’ve never seen it before.”

“Aye, tis like being torn asunder, now I feel mended that ye are here.”

Isla said, “Da, you never be alone again, we will always be here.” Then there was a knock on the door.

Ben and Zoe entered and Ben said, “Want to come see our room?”

Archie and Isla jumped up and followed Ben and Zoe out to go see their chambers.

Kaitlyn laughed. “That was very quick how she swore she would never leave you and then she did.”

“Aye, I must grow used tae it.” I kissed her on her temple.

She reached up and stroked the side of m’face. “You missed us while we were away?”

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