Page 121 of The Dawn

I thought about visiting him. I would like tae see the age. I had always wanted tae, but never had because I dinna like the idea of doing it alone. The long ago past was unstable. I hadalways been worried about becoming lost. What if I became stuck? Who would come for me? Nae one.

But with Magnus there, twould be a good time tae visit…

I dinna like being the only person who hadna been there.

I lifted my wine glass tae my lips and sipped the last of it. I put the empty glass down and waited for it tae be noticed.

If I went tae visit Magnus though, I would certainly hae tae suffer a tour. Idespisedtours. Havin’ tae smile and nod while someone beneath me explained tae me about the layout and workings of a place — the idea of it was enough tae keep me away.

Though I was certain twould be interesting. I would verra much like tae meet Robert the Bruce.

Also, I thought William Wallace would be fine company.

I had been busy all day in meetings with the generals, I really wished I had a fine young man tae rub my feet.

I sighed. I did miss Pablo. I had meant tae go visit him but hadna had the chance. I would go, as soon as Magnus was back.

I waved my hand for more wine. Nae one had noticed my empty glass.

Of course they probably expected me tae go tae my chamber now that the meal was done...

When Magnus returned I would meet him on the roof, tell him that he needed tae take his staff tae account with a firm hand because I wasdonewith the empty glasses and havin’ tae ask for what I wanted.

Then I would twist my vessel and just go. Tae Belle Epoque Paris or Manhattan or anywhere but here.

Wine was brought near and my glass filled.

I took a sip.

What did I have on my schedule, anything?

I considered… two days with nothing much, a meeting with the head of transportation... twas unimportant. I could put himoff. I could take a couple of days and go see Pablo. Magnus would never even know.

I glanced at my watch. It was 9:30 pm. If I left now I could return on the morrow. The chances of Magnus arrivin’ in the next twenty-four hours was verra small.

And what did I care — he might be the King but I was the Queen Mother,everyoneknew the Queen Mother trumped the King. Everyone.

I drained my wine and pushed my chair back from the table as the servant rushed over tae help. I leveled my gaze on him. “I hae been considering yer fate most of my dinner — in the future ken this, when I dine with company I might not notice, but when I dine alone ye must be more responsive. I hae had ample time tae stew upon yer lack of qualifications.”

“Yes, Yer Highness.”

I raised my chin and left the dining room.

I went upstairs tae my room and changed intae my best Parisian clothes, a tight corset, a long red velvet dress, a wide hat. From the safe behind the Picasso painting I retrieved my vessel and put it in my always packed overnight bag. I left my rooms.

I would go and come right back before I was missed, in and out. Just enough time tae relax. I would return rested and able tae run the kingdom.

I passed my household manager in the passage on the way tae the landing pad. “Where are you off to, Your Highness?”

“I hae decided tae spend the night with a friend, I will return on the morrow.”

“Would you like me to send a guardsman with you?”

“Nae, it winna be necessary. I will take precautions. Please contact Marshall and tell him our meeting must be pushed, andlet Hilda ken I winna need breakfast in the morn. Also, watch over everything in my absence and if for some reason, King Magnus returns while I am away, which winna happen, he inna expected, but if hedoes?—”

“…I will tell him you had pressing business and you will return in a few hours, Your Highness.”

“Perfect.”

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