Page 133 of The Empire and the Wolf King

CHAPTER 59 - MAGNUS

BALLOCH CASTLE - JUNE 1, 1710

Icalled Sean, Lizbeth, and Liam tae come sit with me in the Earl’s gallery. We sat down in the fine silk-upholstered chairs, around a low table. One of the servants brought us a round of ales tae accompany our conversation.

I said, “Our mother has made the case for ye tae move tae my kingdom. Ye said ye would speak tae each other on it, but I was considerin’ that ye daena ken much about the future, and that ye might hae questions.”

Lizbeth said, “Because our mother was concerned over Sean, we hae tae move our family?”

I shook m’head. “Ye ken that is not what this is, she has asked ye tae come many times afore.”

Lizbeth nodded.

Sean said, “She got really frightened, Lizbeth. I see it in her eyes, and she has a point?—”

“Ye’re taking her side? We hae lived here our entire lives.”

I said, “Ye hae lived in the Earl’s castle yer entire lives…”

Lizbeth huffed.

Sean said, “If something happens tae me, ye will hae even less standing in the Earl’s castle. Ye ken that John daena like us bein’ here, but he kens the men will only listen tae me, so he stays in Edinburgh. If something happens tae me, where will Maggie go?”

Lizbeth said, “Liam would take over yer position. We would see tae Maggie and yer sons.”

Sean leveled his eyes. “Right now I, the nephew of the Earl, am in command of the guards of the castle, aye. Liam would be able tae step in, but then twill be that thehusbandof the niece of the Earl runs the castle. Liam and I speak on it all the time. His position would be tenuous, and ye would be asking John and his wife tae continue providin’ for Maggie and m’sons, for ye and Liam and yer children.”

I said, “And how dost ye get along with John’s wife, Lizbeth?”

Lizbeth raised her chin. “Ye ken, we daena like each other much.”

I said, “Ye must see, Lizbeth, how the fact that ye live here at the mercy of the daughter-in-law of the Earl must make our mother furious.”

Lizbeth said, “I can see it, aye.”

Sean said, “And think on it, Lizbeth, really think, havin’ m’brother tell me he was worried about something happening tae me, it has given me pause. I daena think that far but I ought tae be seein’ tae yer future, tae m’sons’ future. What am I offerin’ them for their future?”

Lizbeth raised her chin. “Ye hae provided verra well for yer wife and yer sons.”

Sean chuckled. “Ye will argue tae yer detriment tae prove yer side even when ye ken tis nae true. Ye remind me of Lady Mairead.”

Lizbeth pretended tae faint. “Och nae.”

Sean said, “Magnus, daena ye think our sister reminds ye of Lady Mairead when she is arguin’ things that are nae true just tae win the argument?”

I smiled. “I canna speak poorly about Lizbeth, she frightens me.”

Sean said, “Like our mother!”

Lizbeth said, “Fine, I winna try tae win, but we hae a good life. Tis true.”

I said, “Ye hae a good life here because Sean is verra good at runnin’ the men of the castle. Ye are verra good at runnin’ the household. Tis yer energy that is making the Earl’s castle comfortable and safe.”

She said, “True, but still tis a good life.”

Sean said, “Lizbeth, our brother is aking! Magnus, if I moved my family tae Riaghalbane, would I hae a title?”

“Aye, ye and Maggie would hae titles, Lizbeth and Liam would hae titles, we would pass those titles down tae yer children.”

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