“He has returned to Inverary Castle which is his home.”
She was not sure if she should be relieved or if she would lose the little food she had just consumed.
“I see this news troubles you and I do not wish to upset you. If it is your wish to return to your parents, I shall call for the carriage straight away. But know this, my friend,” she said in a gentle tone, “you will not leave this place with any guilt over these past days. You and I have struck a friendship that is only beginning, and I will take great care in your wellbeing.”
“I thank you, Your Majesty. I do wish to return home and I am very grateful for your fellowship and your kindness. Truly, it has been a singular moment in my life I will not soon forget.”
That seemed to satisfy the queen enough that she waved to the butler and gave instructions for Marion’s safe passage to the manor house where her parents no doubt waited for news of a betrothal. What in the world was she to tell them?
*
There was noplace like home. A common conception, but that sentiment was no truer to Alexander than it was in the moment the carriage pulled up the drive and Alain roused him with the announcement they were home.
He stretched and scrubbed his hand down across his face then exited the carriage without a word to anyone. It was still very early in the morning and so there were few people about, so he made his way straight to his chamber, stripped off his clothes, and crawled into his bed. Sleep hit him hard and fast as if he’d not slept in an eon.
The sun was high in the sky when he woke again, momentarily unaware of his surroundings with a pounding in his head. He sat up and looked around him. His trunks had been brought up, but not unpacked, and a tray of food and tankard had been placed on a table by the fire. The day was cooler than those he’d experienced at Linlithgow and so someone had also lit a fire which was welcome.
He pulled on his trews and leine and tunic and made his way to the food. Whether it was the relief of being home or the extra sleep, he couldn’t be sure, but he was ravenous. First things first. He would eat then go see his sister. He wanted to ensure a nice quiet evening meal with his family, and since she was not expecting him, he was not sure if she’d had anything specific planned. He was in the mood for meat and lots of it.
He finished his meal and took advantage of the water basin and cloth left for him to freshen himself. He then left his chamber to see who was about.
Finding them in the great hall, he was delighted when his youngest sister, Cora, ran to him. He picked her up and raised her high above his head before swinging her around, immediately regretting it as the hall spun for a moment, and he then placed her on the stone floor.
“We did not expect you so soon, brother,” his eldest sister Jean said. “Alain has told me of your accident. Truly, you look like a dung heap.”
Kissing her on the cheek, he said, “You are always my biggest flatterer, sister. I thank you for keeping my feet firmly planted on the ground.”
“Come and join us. Have you eaten?”
“I have, but wanted to ask you about the evening meal. Have you planned it yet?”
“I have ordered mackerel. Your ghillie should be leaving here shortly.”
“Call him back. Has the cook any wild boar? Rabbit pies?”
“Well, someone has an appetite. I will go see what I can do, and when I return, you will tell me all about your time in the king’s fancy palace.”
“I want to know about the fancy palace too!” Cora said as she jumped up and down.
“Aye, little one, I will tell you all about it. Did you know the king owns a lion?”
“What is a lion?”
“Don’t you say another word until I’ve returned from the kitchen,” Jean said and rushed off.
Putting his hands up in defeat, he said, “All right, I won’t say another word.”
Alexander took his seat at the head of the table and kissed the top of her head when Cora crawled into his lap. She had always been possessive of him and particularly in the three years since their father’s death. Now at eight summers, she would soon lose interest in her older brother and find other interests. For now, he would accept her attention. He watched his younger brothers fight with their wooden swords while Thomas, at nineteen, was trying to prove he would make a good master and instructed them in their swordplay. At nineteen, at least he was not making trouble in which he excelled.
He and Thomas had had their moments since their father’s passing. Thomas, who had always been headstrong, would prove difficult when it came to being patient and appropriately planning for their futures. He was more interested in the drink and games of chance he found in the local taverns than settling down. He now had the responsibility of helping to raise siblings, particularly after their mother died, followed by their father five years later.
Little Cora was his biggest worry. She had never known her mother and barely knew her father before he too left this world. It was no wonder she clung to him and Jean so much. But before long, Jean would be married off as well. Within a year, he was determined to findher a suitable match, though he would miss her quick wit and impeccable ability to run a household.
“It is all sorted,” she said upon her return. “The cook had already put a boar on a spit last eve for he’d been planning for that upon your return, but he said it will be done for this evening if you wish.”
Alexander did wish. He wanted nothing more than to enjoy the peace and quiet of his home with his siblings by his side all safe and sound.
“Now will you tell us all about the palace?” Cora asked from his lap.
