Page 76 of Highland Queen

“Yes. You’re right. But your hands. And the Unseelie Queen…such a dangerous creature. She must want something from you.”

“Perhaps. One day.”

“What could you give her?”

“Only time will tell,” I said, then turned and looked at Banquo. “Let’s leave off these things for now.”

Banquo smiled down at me. He pushed my hair away from my face. “I’ve missed you terribly. Are you well?”

I grinned slyly at him. “Yes, I am well.”

“Good,” he said then leaned down and placed a soft kiss on my lips.

Once more, Banquo and I carved out a moment for ourselves. And like every time, I hoped it would not be the last.

The following morning, Madelaine met Banquo and me in the yard to wish us both farewell. Banquo would ride from the Madelaine’s castle to Lochaber. I would return with my guard to Glamis.

Dressed in black, her face pale, Madelaine was a portrait of misery. My heart broke when I saw her.

“We will leave tomorrow,” Madelaine told me. “We’ll return to Fife’s keep. Ute is inside getting everything ready. She told me to say goodbye for her.”

“Wish her well for me.”

Madelaine smiled weakly. “I think she will leave me soon. She and one of Fife’s men have formed an attachment. I suspect they will soon be married.”

“I’m glad for her but sorry for you.”

Madelaine shrugged. “I can lace a gown myself if I have to. I may need some time, but I will come to Glamis to help you when I can.”

“Do not rush. I will go to Glamis to set my affairs in order then return to Moray.”

“And then?”

“Nothing is decided yet.”

“Oh, Corbie. I cannot stand the thought of you being separated from another child. Please, try to find another way,” she whispered.

“I will. I promise. Things will be different this time. I will choose better.”

“Take care, my little raven.”

I pulled Madelaine into an embrace. “And you, my beloved aunt. And you.”

Once I let her go, we joined Fife and Banquo.

Fife smiled gently at me. “We shall see you soon, Queen of Scots,” he said, giving me a bow. “And Thane,” he said, turning to Banquo. “I wish you safe travels.”

Banquo nodded.

“I hate to see you ride off alone,” Madelaine told Banquo.

“I will take great care, Lady Madelaine,” Banquo reassured her.

I went to Banquo and took his hand. We walked over to his horse. “Send a rider when you can.”

“And you. Please, my Cerridwen, be careful and stay safe. My heart and my child go with you.”

Our eyes lingered on one another for a long while. There were too many eyes on us. I squeezed Banquo’s hand. After a long moment, we finally let each other go.

Leaving Banquo, I went to Swift and climbed on. I motioned to my guard that I was ready.

“Farewell,” Madelaine called to me. Fife stood beside her, his arm wrapped comfortingly around her waist.

I waved to her then looked one last time at Banquo.

We exchanged a glance then both of us turned and headed on our separate paths, Banquo home to Lochaber and me to Glamis and Macbeth.

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