Page 85 of Highland Queen

“And my wife…she will come to court?”

“As I said.”

“And the king, is he in agreement?”

“No. Not at all. He wanted to murder you, but we’ll handle things my way today.”

“Then I am grateful for your mercy and the chance at life you’ve offered. I accept.”

“Very good.”

The serving maid returned then with a platter heaped with meat, bread, cheese, fish, and potted fruits and vegetables. She set the tray in front of the abbot.

“Funny,” I said, leaning forward to snatch a tender morsel from his plate, popping it into my mouth. “Gillacoemgain used to hunt to feed us. I remember how happy we all were when he returned with a stag or wild hog. We would make tarts from berries I found in the field. There we were in Moray, foraging for food like villagers, while you saw to it that the monks ate better than the lords in the north,” I said then rose. “Eat well, abbot. We’ll see you returned to the monastery as soon as you’re done.”

I motioned to my guard who stepped in to keep an eye on Crinian.

Just outside, however, I found Macbeth’s soldiers still waiting.

“When the abbot is done eating, put him back in chains and have him taken to the monastery of Dunkeld. He won’t need his fine clothes and jewels. A simple shift should do.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“And the treasury?” I asked.

The man motioned for me to follow him. We headed back outside. There, I found three wagons waiting. They were surrounded by a ring of guards. The soldier lifted the tarp on one of the wagons to reveal chest upon chest within.

“Have it all secured in Glamis’ armory. Put men on it at all times.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. As King Macbeth ordered, we have sent men to secure the silver mines,” he said, handing some scrolls to me.

I nodded. “Very good. I will see to the rest. And Lady Bethoc?”

The man sighed heavily, exasperation filling in his voice. “Another battalion was sent to the castle to retrieve her ladyship. She should arrive soon. I understand that removing her was more difficult than displacing the abbot.”

“Well, the abbot can always be smacked about the head and neck if he fails to comply. Her ladyship is quite another matter.”

The man chuckled.

“When she arrives, she can be taken to a family chamber. Surely there’s a maid or two around here who are hard of hearing.”

At that, he laughed aloud. “Very good, Your Highness.”

“And well done, sir…”

“Wallace, Your Majesty.”

“Well done, Wallace.”

He bowed. “I shall see to the rest now, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you.”

I tapped the scrolls in my hand then headed back inside. Getting the crown’s coin in hand was a critical step. But more importantly, I needed to get the ladies’ chambers ready for Bethoc. It was of the utmost importance to my sanity that she was housed far, far away from me before I started seeing blood spots everywhere.

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