Page 54 of Highland Guard
“Good night, wench,” he replied.
***
Truth and Blood
IT WAS THE FOLLOWINGmorning, and Macbeth was hearing matters in his private council room. Only his trusted retinue were present, including Queen Gruoch and Dalziel.
“I demand recompense for losing my betrothed,” Guy of Brionne said, as he paced the floor with a half-swollen jaw. “Her father promised her to me.”
“Tell me again exactly how it was her father came to sign the contracts? Because from what I gather, she was a mere bairn when he passed away,” Macbeth said.
“There are many intricacies, but the Duke of Normandy can prove it,” he replied.
“Then we shall wait until the good duke tells us himself.”
“That is not possible. He is away inAngliafor some time.”
Macbeth said, “Mrs MacKenzie.”
Naomi paused for a moment until she realized the king was addressing her. She stepped forward. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I’d like you to hold this for me.” A guardsman brought out a reliquary box and placed it in front of Naomi. He pulled the necklace out. It was exquisite. It mesmerized those present.
Naomi frowned in confusion but held it, and immediately it glowed.
“Lord Guy, could you please come closer to Mrs MacKenzie?”
Guy moved towards her but looked wary.
Then Macbeth said, “Mrs MacKenzie please ask the kind baron why he wants to marry you.”
Guy shook his head, realizing what was coming next, and tried to take a step back, but Macbeth’s men held him firmly in place.
Naomi nodded and asked, “Guy of Brionne, why do you wish to marry me?”
He gritted his teeth as sweat began streaming down his face and against his will. The words came tumbling out. “I don’t want to marry you, but Matilda of Normandy and Will FitzOsbern insist I do so. They want the power you have over the relic so they can use it to their advantage.”
There was a hush that came over the room, as those in attendance were astonished by what they were seeing. The legend of theTruth-Seekeramulet was true. Macbeth realized that Naomi MacKenzie was indeed the most powerful woman in the room.
Kieran could not believe that his wife wielded the power of the amulet. At first, he was in awe, and then he was terrified for her safety. Many would kill to have the relic and her in their control.
Then Naomi asked, “Guy of Brionne, why does FitzOsbern want this power?”
Against his will, Guy replied, “He leads theBrotherhoodand holds sway with Matilda. He intends to keep you as his mistress once we are wed. I overheard them speaking. When he learns that I have failed, he will unleash theBrotherhoodupon you.”
Naomi took a step back. She handed the necklace to Macbeth and moved towards Kieran. He immediately wrapped his arm around her and said, “I will protect you with my life, wife.”
***
MACBETH PACED THE LENGTHof his private council chamber strategizing his next move. “This changes everything,” he said. “I cannot risk having that level of power just freely wandering about the Highlands.”
“I agree,” Dalziel replied.
“Am I the only one who thinks it is incredible that something we believed as a myth is real? Not only that, but we have a living example of its power within our walls,” Queen Gruoch said.
“Aye, love. But it also brings great danger to the MacKenzies and anyone who wishes to utilize that power against the Crown.”
“Well, what do you plan to do?” Queen Gruoch asked. “You cannot keep them locked up here like prisoners. They’re newly married, their whole life is ahead of them.”
