Page 81 of Highland Queen

“You will do as I ask. You will bring that boy here, or I must make other arrangements.”

“Other arrangements? Like what? Divorce me? I would like to see you try.”

“There are other things that can be done.”

“I suppose you could try to kill me. Try, of course, being key there. What else could you possibly do to harm me that you haven’t already done?”

“Gruoch,” he said, his voice dark.

I sighed wearily. “I’ll leave for Moray soon. You can make your other arrangements then,” I said then turned and left the chamber.

“Gruoch?” Macbeth called.

I kept walking.

To my surprise, he rushed down the hall after me, grabbing my arm. “What do you mean you’re returning to Moray?”

“I think I was perfectly clear. I will return to Moray.”

“Lulach is not there.”

“I am well aware of that.”

“Lady Gruoch,” Killian called. He rushed down the hall toward me, pulling his blade as he went. “Your Majesty, I strongly suggest you let go of Lady Gruoch.”

“Or what?” Macbeth spat at him.

Killian’s gaze darkened, answering Macbeth’s threat.

“You see that? See how he disrespects me? I should have him killed,” Macbeth hissed.

“It’s not him you should be worried about. Leave it to you to miss the obvious,” I said, pressing the tip of Scáthach against Macbeth’s neck. “Now, let go of me, or I’ll plunge this dagger in an inch deep.”

Realizing the danger, Macbeth pushed me away from him.

I caught myself before I crashed against the wall.

“One day, I’ll melt that dagger down to nothing or maybe…maybe I’ll plunge it in your damned chest,” Macbeth said then turned and headed back into his chamber, slamming the door behind him.

I stared at the closed door. Had Macbeth just threatened to kill me?

“Gruoch, are you all right?” Killian asked, rushing to me.

In the hall around us, the servants had stopped to stare.

I nodded then slipped Scáthach back into her sheath. “Yes. I’m fine.”

“Bastard,” Killian spat, glaring at the chamber door. “I always heard rumors that Macbeth was unkind to you. I couldn’t believe it.”

“Well, now you see.”

“You would do well to return to Moray.”

“Yes.”

“In the meantime, you must have a guard on you at all time. No arguments.”

“If you insist.”

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