Magnus narrowed his eyes. “What are ye about, Lizbeth?”
“Naething, I daena ken what ye mean!”
Her eyes swept the trailer and the chests piled on it, she looked away.
Magnus said, “I am verra glad tae see ye. And looking forward tae yer comin’ trip tae m’kingdom. I was thinkin’ on it aswe walked today, Lizbeth, did ye ken that the forest yonder is the same as the one in Riaghalbane?”
“Tis?”
Magnus planted his feet. “Aye, the tall trunks stand for centuries.” He swept his arm out. “Ye hae seen the beginnin’ of the seedlings here in this time, and when ye get tae the kingdom ye will get tae see them fully grown. Tis the same forest. Here the branches reach for the sky. In Riaghalbane the trees are ancient — strong, intertwined. This forest will provide shelter for us, bring us strength taegether.”
Lizbeth listened quietly, her arms folded, nodding. “This is a tale tae bring me solace?”
“Ye need solace, sister?”
She frowned slightly, then looked down and shook her head. “Of course nae, why would I need solace? My brother, the king, has asked me tae come tae his kingdom. Tis an honor.”
Sean nodded approvingly. “Aye, tis, Lizbeth, we are goin’ tae hae a good life there, ye will see.”
“I ken, of course we are, the decision has been made and tis a good one. We are all going tae be the better for it.” She dug through the bag at her hip as if looking for something, but she was hiding that she was becoming emotional.
I wasn’t used to Lizbeth getting emotional.
Sean said, “Sister, now we hae more than enough chests for packin’ yer possessions. Where would ye like them?”
She glanced at him sharply. “Why must I decide?”
Sean looked perturbed. “Because ye are usually the one tae make the decision!”
“I daena care where they go, I hae plenty tae deal with as tis. Ye will need tae decide where they go.”
“Fine, I will hae the men load them intae the store rooms on the…”
She gave him a withering look.
“Och nae, ye daena want them there?”
“They will be in my way as I am organizin’ the room, ye ken this!”
I had never heard her voice so high.
Sean looked at me and Magnus.
She finished, raising her chin. “Put them in the back of the cellar store room.”
Magnus said, “But Lizbeth, twill be difficult tae pack if ye…” His voice trailed off at her expression.
“I hae a great deal tae do, I daena want trunks underfoot. Honestly, Sean, if ye dinna want tae ken my answer, why did ye ask?”
He gave a sheepish grin. “Sister of mine, I am goin’ tae put these chests our brother brought with him tae the cellar store rooms until we are able tae begin tae pack. Twill be what ye want?”
She said, with a clipped tone, “Thank ye, it daena really matter tae me.” Then she added, “Kaitlyn, I am verra busy in the upper storerooms, so I will look forward tae seeing ye at dinner. We will discuss all ye hae been doing since ye left.”
She turned on her heels and stalked away.
Sean muttered, “Och nae.”
I glanced at Magnus, his eyes were wide. “Tis how she has been?”
