“I will be old enough to be king soon enough and I understand the ways of the court better than you think.”
Angus moved a bit closer. He could see Louis was becoming angry, but Marie was obviously not bothered. In fact, she seemed rather dismissive of her son’s concerns.
“Until the day that you take the throne and no longer need me, I will continue to act as regent. No argument you may have will change my mind.” She paused for a moment, seeming to think. “I have been thinking it might be best to send Robert back to Scotland and get you a new guard.”
Louis erupted on hearing this. “You wouldn’t dare. I will not allow it.”
“Then I suggest you understand that nothing you can say or do will change matters.”
Louis turned and spun away, charging past Angus. An angry scowl on his face spoke of the tumultuous relationship he had with his mother. Angus continued staring at the green leaves in front of him as though he really cared about what he was seeing.
“You there,” Marie called to him. “You are Edna Campbell’s husband, are you not?”
Angus bowed his head to Marie. “Angus Campbell, Yer Highness.”
“Do you have a son?” Marie looked quite perturbed as she stared past him at Louis’ retreating back.
“We have been blessed with a daughter, but nae, we do no’ have a son.”
“Consider yourself lucky then,” Marie huffed.
“They may no’ be sons, but in addition to our daughter, me wife has taken many a young lady into her heart, treating each of them as if they were her own. She can tell ye that even without that familial connection they doona always understand that we are only doing what we feel is best for them.”
“Hmmm… they can be most ungrateful as well.” She pursed her lips, accentuating the frown that wrinkled her brow.
Not sure what to say at this point, Angus said the only thing a polite gentleman should say. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Not unless you can get Robert MacMillan to go home.” She pulled a fan from the sleeve of her gown and waved it back and forth in front of her reddened face.
Angus realized that this could change everything and not for the better. “He is devoted to yer son. He wouldnae wish to leave his post, I am sure.”
“Yes. Well, he may have to. Good day to you, sir.” Marie marched off to the palace, leaving Angus standing there with plant material still in his hands.
Angus would have much to share with Edna when they met a little later on. For now, he would enjoy the fair weather and a good walk. Hopefully he wouldn’t run into anyone else who had anything to do with Edna’s mission here, but it seemed that wasn’t going to be the case.
“Angus I must speak with ye.” Robert MacMillan strode towards him like a man on a mission.
“Aye. What is it?” Angus spun the flower he now held in his hands.
“Yer wife.” Robert’s voice rose in apparent anger.
“What about her?” Angus asked, using his hands to tell Robert to bring his voice down.
“She’s telling lies to Emilie,” Robert’s voice was gruff with emotion.
“I’m no’ sure what ye mean,” Angus said. He wasn’t sure what Edna had done this time, but he was sure she wasn’t lying.
“She has Emilie believing some fairytale about the moon and love and that we’ll be together. It’s a lie and ye must ken it.” Robert was barely controlling himself.
Angus wasn’t sure he should be sharing this information with Robert, but he could see the pain the man carried with him.
“Tell me what has happened.” Angus kept his voice low and his demeanor calm.
“I told Emilie we cannae see each other again. She was angry and upset with me.” His chest heaved up and down as he spoke.
“And she told ye about Edna.” Angus didn’t like this. If he didn’t share with Robert there was every chance Robert would say something to Louis and then Edna would be accused of witchcraft. But if he did tell him, the same may be true.
“Aye. She did.”
