Page 84 of Highland Queen

“Unchain him,” I said.

The men removed the bindings.

“Your Majesty. Thank you,” Crinian said, rubbing his wrists.

I inclined my head to him then crossed the room and poured him some water. I handed him the glass. He drank greedily.

“You may sit,” I said, motioning to a chair by the meeting table. I signaled to a servant at the back of the room. “Bring food.”

She bobbed a curtsey then disappeared.

“My lady, your cousin, Bethoc… What have they done with my wife?” Crinian asked.

“Bethoc will be brought to court. There is no reason for her to live in fear or discomfort. We are, after all, kin. She need not fear me.”

He sighed in relief. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“So,” I said, taking a seat across from him. I relaxed back into my chair. “What are we going to do now?”

“Do, Your Majesty?”

“Yes. What are we going to do with you? You’ve been funneling silver to Siward and lining the pockets of the lords in the south—presumably to buy their support. I see you have been unequally distributing coin to the church, which, of course, has made your life very comfortable. So, I am in a conundrum on what to do with you. I’m inclined to have you killed. Can you think of any reason why I shouldn’t?”

“I…I only did as my son asked.”

“Duncan ordered you to rob the country?”

“Duncan ordered me to rob the north.”

“I’m sorry, but I met your son. He lacked the imagination.”

“No, Your Majesty. You’re right. Forgive me. I’d forgotten how astute you are. I did what I could to safeguard my son’s realm.”

“At your own devising.”

“Yes. At my own devising.”

“I see. You have been a man of the world for many years. Perhaps it’s best we return you to holy things. After all, you are the Abbot of Dunkeld. The monastery needs its master. You should turn your mind to less worldly things. Yes. That will be good. A return to the spiritual life might just be what you need. Perhaps some time spent in prayer, illuminating manuscripts, seeing to the holy brothers at the monastery will feed your soul.”

“Your Majesty,” Crinian said, the look of relief plain on his face.

“And, of course, you can guide the holy brothers on how to run self-sufficiently, without the support of the crown.”

“You…You’re going to cut off support to the monasteries?”

“They should have plenty saved from your years of generous patronage.”

“But Scotland is a Christian nation. We must be supported by the monarch.”

“Must we? Half of Scotland is a Christian nation. Considering the years we have spent money to support the Christian faith, it’s only fair we send some wealth to provide backing to those who follow the old gods. And you should be feeling lucky to be alive.”

“Lady Gruoch, you will take the country backward.”

“If you’re disinclined to accept my offer, that’s fine. I accept your decision either way.”

“What is the alternative to returning to my position as Abbot of Dunkeld?”

“Oh. Sorry I wasn’t clear about that. The second option is death. Really, it’s your choice.”

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