Page 33 of Highland Queen

“What about Banquo? Will he really return to Lochaber?”

“I don’t know.”

“All is uncertainty. There is no news on Tavis?”

“No. I’m sorry.”

Madelaine wrung her hands together. “I can’t stand it,” she whispered.

“If there is no news by the time the coronation is done, we will all ride to your keep together.”

She nodded. “I’m sure he’s fine,” she said, putting on a brave face, but I saw her chin tremor. “Now, you must rest, my dear. Tomorrow, we will see you crowned queen.”

“As the goddess wills.”

Madelaine rose, kissed my cheek, and then set a loving hand on my head, stroking my hair. “As the goddess wills. Goodnight, little raven.”

“Goodnight.”

She kissed my cheek once more then left me alone.

I closed my eyes. Under my blankets, I shifted my hands to my stomach. Was I with child again? I couldn’t remember when my courses had last come upon me. They hadn’t since Banquo’s return that I could remember. Was Injibjorg right?

“Andraste,” I whispered into the darkness. “What trouble are you stirring up?”

But there was no reply.

And a moment later, I was lost to dreams.

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