“Thank you, Anor.”
“You must not trouble yourself with worries of legacy, my lady. Lord Lulach is a fine boy and will grow into a strong and wise man. And a man of our faith, I think.”
I paused then looked at him. “What have you seen?”
Anor cast a glance over his shoulder.
“It’s all right,” I said.
“Lord Macbeth will have no rightful heir save Lulach. You must not trouble yourself, my lady, if you cannot conceive his child. The gods have willed it.”
“And my son?”
“In my visions, I have seen him on a throne. But around his head, I see a crown of mistletoe. More I cannot see.”
A druid king. My heart lurched. But druid kings were often year kings, sacrificed to the slaughter when the year ended. There was no way to know what the skald had seen. I would press Andraste on the issue.
“Thank you, Anor.”
He bowed to me. “Jarl Thorfinn thinks I know things before they pass because I am a spy. It is merely Odin speaking through me.”
“Bring him news of Ingibjorg. That, no doubt, will win you some favor.”
Anor laughed. “You are right, my lady. The only time Lord Thorfinn was ever pleased with me was when I told him he would win his bride.”
“Indeed? And when will that come to pass?”
“When Macbeth becomes king.”
“When?”
“Ask your red lady,” he said with a smile. “I wish you safe journeys south, Lady Gruoch.”
“Thank you. May the gods bless you.”
“And you.”
* * *
We sailed the following morning. Thorfinn and Macbeth stood on the dock beside me as Banquo and Merna prepared to board their ship.
“I hope to see you again soon,” Merna said, hugging me in farewell. Lulach, whom I was holding, giggled at being squished between us.
When she let me go, Morag embraced me. “My lady, take care.”
I smiled at them. “I shall miss you both. And you, little Fleance,” I told the boy who made a silly face at me, making me laugh. Slipping from Merna’s grasp, he rushed off. Merna turned and raced after him.
“Lady Macbeth,” Banquo said, giving me a formal bow.
Lady Macbeth. What a cursed name. “Thane,” I said, nodding to him. “Safe voyage to you and yours. We will see you soon, I hope.”
If things remained cold between Macbeth and Banquo, it might be a long time.
With a nod, Banquo turned to go.
“Baaaannccc,” Lulach screamed at him.
Taking a step back, Banquo leaned in and kissed Lulach on the cheek. “Be a good boy. Watch over your mother,” he said, his eyes resting on mine for a moment before he turned once more.
I love you. I love you. I love you. I willed him to hear the words that hung unspoken in the air.
Snatching Fleance from Merna’s grasp, Banquo turned to go. Merna, Fleance, Banquo, and Morag boarded their ship.
“Lady Macbeth,” Thorfinn said, wrapping an arm around me. “We shall see you next spring, I hope.”
“Thank you for your hospitality.”
He nodded kindly, but there was sadness behind his eyes.
I whistled to Thora, who bounded down the dock toward me. “No more playing wolf pack. Let’s go,” I said, turning to look at Ute who stood staring glassy-eyed behind me. With a nod to Thorfinn, we boarded our own ship.
Thorfinn and Macbeth stayed behind a few moments more. Thorfinn was telling Macbeth something. My husband, such as he was, stood listening, his arms crossed, nodding on occasion. When Thorfinn finished speaking, they both looked up at me.
I frowned and took a spot along the rail out of the way. Not long after, Macbeth boarded the ship.
We headed out to sea, sailing once more to Inverness.
And not once did my husband either speak to or look at me.
And I was glad.
Chapter 27
We returned to Inverness with little fanfare. At once, I sent a rider south to Madelaine asking to make a visit. Within the week, a rider returned with an invitation and a bubbly letter from Madelaine who was brimming with excitement at the prospect of seeing me.
I had not seen Macbeth more than in passing since we’d returned. When word came from Madelaine, I sought him out for the first time. Not finding him in this chambers or the hall, I headed to the stables. I had neglected Kelpie all this time and had missed him during my time away.
The stables were quiet. Some of the horses were out. Either Samuel had them out exercising or Macbeth had everyone on a hunt.
That would be a very courtly thing to do.
I set my husband from my mind and chatted with the horses as I made my way through the stable. Finally catching the sound of my voice, Kelpie started nickering and kicked his gate. Along with his noisy hello, I also caught the sound of whispering and a few moments later, Elspeth climbed down from the hayloft above. Her cheeks were flushed red and she had an odd air about her. The boards overhead creaked. Ahh. Pretending I didn’t notice she had a lover stashed away, I smiled nicely at her.
“Lady Gruoch,” she said politely, pushing her hair back. “Someone is excited to see you,” she said, motioning to Kelpie who was neighing loudly.
I chuckled. “So it seems.”
“I’ve kept him exercised. Had him out almost every day. He’s such a strong beast,” she said then smiled.
I went to Kelpie, patting him on his nose. “How about a ride, old friend?” I said, hugging his neck.
“I’ve got something to show you,” Elspeth said, waving me along behind her. We headed out to the pasture where some of the other horses were grazing. “Look there, the white mare. See how round she is?”
“Kelpie’s?”
She nodded. “I think so, at least. He wouldn’t let any of the other horses near her. I put him in his pen this morning because he’s been picking at the other stallions. He trying to keep his herd in line, I think.”
“Grumpy old man,” I said with a laugh, looking back at him.
When I did, I caught just the flash of a coattail turning the corner out of the barn.
I coughed lightly and pretended I had not seen Elspeth’s lover making a hasty escape.
“I’ll be heading south soon. He’ll get his exercise then.”
“Indeed? I didn’t know.”
“Word has just come,” I said, tapping the scroll on my hand. “I still need to make the arrangements. Have you seen Lord Macbeth?”
“No, my lady,” she said softly, turning to pick up some grain buckets.
“Very well. Thank you for taking such good care of my horse.”
“Of course,” she said. Her eyes downcast, she gave me a little curtsey.
Turning, I headed back inside.
I was surprised to find Macbeth in the great hall. He was pouring himself a mug of ale.
“Gruoch,” he said as I approached. He ran his fingers through his hair.
I handed the scroll to him. “I’ll ride south, and stay south, until the weather turns,” I said then turned and walked away.
“Maybe we should discuss—”
The raven sneered at him. “There is nothing to discuss. I will ride south and stay south until the weather turns,” I said then turned on my heel and stormed out of the hall.
When I returned to my chambers, I found Ute and Lulach playing with a wooden top. Ute’s face looked drawn, a sad expression thereon.
“I’ve had word from Madelaine. I will ride south. Are you well enough to travel?” I asked Ute.