Handfasted to the Bear: Reformed Rogues Book 2 by Elina Emerald

Author:Elina Emerald [Emerald, Elina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-10-19T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 10 – Macbeth’s Castle

Dunsinane, Scotland

The MacGregor contingent reached Birnam Wood. Just beyond stood Macbeth’s fortified castle on Dunsinane Hill. Its grey stone exterior and ominous presence was like a Leviathan rising from the depths of the sea, eager to devour its prey.

Orla had been here once before when Amelia was called before the Commissary to defend charges brought against her. It was a perilous journey then, as it was now. Orla too wondered what fate awaited them beyond the Castle walls.

When they arrived, they were shown to their rooms in the guest quarters.

As they walked down the hallway, a voluptuous red headed woman greeted Brodie and touched his arm. “Brodie?” She purred.

Brodie instantly removed her arm from his and said, “Please keep your hands to yourself.”

“Come now, ye never worried where my hands went before.” She gave him a lascivious smile.

“Well, I do now so does my wife.” He pulled Orla into his side.

The woman flinched and stepped away. “I beg yer pardon.” She moved away.

Orla knew there was no escape from Brodie’s past indiscretions. Was there no woman on the planet, who had not been intimate with her husband? She sighed.

“A past acquaintance?” Orla raised her eyebrow.

“Aye, Jocelyn or… Janice…”

“You dinnae even remember her name, do you?”

“No. As you said, she’s in the past. You are my present and my future.”

Brodie urged Orla forward and attempted to distract her. “Look at that tapestry, love! Is that not the largest tapestry you have ever seen? Tis amazing, the fine detail and all those bright colors...”

Orla just shook her head and laughed.

***

Truth

Later in the evening Brodie, Dalziel, Torstein and Orla were summoned into King Macbeth’s private study. This was a privilege as very few entered the King’s private wing.

It surprised Orla to see how relaxed Brodie and Dalziel were in the King’s presence. It was as if, they knew each other well.

She and Torstein were the only ones who seemed nervous.

“Come sit, my dear.” Macbeth ushered Orla into the room and pulled out a chair for her, he then ushered everyone else to be seated around the table. “Now then, what do we have here?” Macbeth turned to Torstein. “Torstein Hagansson you are Hagan Alfsson’s son,” Macbeth said as a statement not a question.

“Aye yer majesty.” Torstein nodded reverently.

“And your family shared the unenviable task of protecting Orla all these years.” Macbeth stated.

“Aye,” Torstein said.

“I believe my humble thanks are in order.” Macbeth said.

Torstein nodded in acknowledgement.

Macbeth turned to Orla with a warm smile, “Now then my dear cousin, let us see if we can understand your predicament.”

Macbeth turned once more to Torstein and said, “I received a missive from your da and I think tis safe now to tell us the full truth.”

The others looked confused. They assumed Torstein had divulged everything he knew.

To their surprise Torstein said, “Aye, yer majesty.” He then began at the beginning.

“My mor Runa was a lady’s maid at Thorfinn’s stronghold. The Jarl had gone away to see to matters in Caithness and Norway when his thrall… Izara, went into an early labor.

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