Page 8 of Highland Queen

Instead, I felt terrible loathing and dread.

Maybe I had won the day, but I didn’t really want it. I didn’t really want to be queen. I wanted Duncan to die, to pay for what he did. The rest? No. Once upon a time, I’d dreamt of a life that was of my own imagining, a life not willed by the gods, or memories of past lives, or led by anyone or anything but myself. I’d dreamt of a peaceful life at Cawdor. A life with my children and a man who loved me.

A soft hand settled on my shoulder.

In that moment, I felt frustrated with Banquo for breaking apart my memory.

I opened my eyes to see the shade of Gillacoemgain standing there. He was looking down at me, a soft, sad smile on his face. He reached out and touched the bruise on my cheek.

The caress felt so real.

I lifted my hand to lay it on his.

When I did so, the expression on Gillacoemgain’s face changed. A look of terror crossed his features.

I followed his gaze to my hand, which was dripping with blood.

Suppressing a scream, I pitched sideways, black dots appearing before my eyes.

“Lady Gruoch,” one of the watchmen called.

I reached out to grab the stones before I tumbled.

A moment later, strong hands steadied me.

“Get Standish. Lady Gruoch is unwell.”

“No,” I said, regaining my footing. “No. I’m all right. Just tired,” I said, righting myself.

My heart pounded in my chest. With terror racing through me, I looked at my hands. The blood stains were still there, but the wet, dripping blood was gone. I scanned around, looking for Gillacoemgain’s shade, but he was gone.

“My lady, you should go back inside,” the guard told me. “Please, allow someone to accompany you.”

“I’m all right now. Thank you. You have your work here. I’m sorry to give you a fright.”

“Please, my lady, think nothing of it. You must have a care for yourself and take rest,” he said then lowered his voice to a whisper and added, “All warriors must rest after battle.”

So, the rumor the other men had spoken was a common one.

I gave the man a soft smile but said nothing. I took a deep breath, righted myself, then headed back into the castle. As I walked, I tried to shake off the image of Gillacoemgain’s expression. But no matter what, it wouldn’t leave me, and his terror from beyond the grave shook me to the core.

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