Page 91 of Highland Queen

While I had no interest in going anywhere with Macbeth, I really wanted to see the fortress. I headed back to my chambers to dress in my riding clothes.

“Where are you going?” Tira asked.

“To Dunsinane.”

“I heard it’s a craggy old thing, not at all like Glamis,” Rhona said.

“Glamis is small and insecure,” I said.

“And, no doubt, too fancy for your liking,” Rhona added.

I chuckled. “How did you know?” I asked.

“Because it’s too fancy for me,” she replied.

We all laughed.

“Can the two of you please check in with Madelaine? She’s just arrived. She’ll need your help getting settled in the coming weeks.”

“Of course,” Tira said.

After I slipped my riding clothes on, I collected Magnus and two other guards then went to find Madelaine. She was busy settling into her chamber.

“Madelaine, if you don’t mind, I will ride to Dunsinane and return in the morning.”

“Of course, dear.”

“I’ve asked Tira and Rhona to look in on you.”

Madelaine nodded mutely. “They’ll have to find me a maid. Ute didn’t want to come.”

Of course, she didn’t. “That won’t be a problem.”

“Are you up for such a long ride?” Madelaine asked, keeping her words as guarded as possible. But I hadn’t missed her meaning.

“It will be fine.”

“All right. Be careful, love,” she said, kissing my cheek.

“Take your rest,” I told Madelaine. “There is no rush.”

She smiled softly, but there was a dullness to her eyes I hadn’t seen before. All that mirth that used to live inside her had gone dim.

I let her go then returned to the courtyard. There, I found Macbeth. He was already mounted, a dozen of his own men in attendance. I also spotted Killian mounted and ready.

“Sir,” Magnus said then went to him.

I mounted Swift then watched as the two Moray men exchanged words. Magnus nodded to me then headed back into the castle.

Killian reined his horse in alongside mine. “I will come with you. Just to be safe,” he said, eyeing Macbeth warily.

I was glad. While I trusted all the men who had come with me from Moray, I had faith in Killian.

“Ready?” Macbeth asked, glancing quickly at Killian.

I nodded, and then our party set out.

The ride to Dunsinane was, to my surprise, enjoyable. A road had been cut through the winding, hilly path between the old fortress and Glamis. We rode through a thick forest filled with ancient trees. The old oaks swayed in the wind, their limbs rubbing against one another.

---