Page 127
He nodded, his hand stroking weakly down Duke’s head. “So we are in Mom and Dad’s castle?”
“Yeah, the uncles have moved us all in. It’s beautiful, but I don’t remember anything about it.”
“I daena remember this room, but I daena think I was ever here. I look forward tae seein’ the place.”
He addressed Torin, “I daena need tae ken how ye fared. Ye told me all about it when ye were tearful at my bedside.”
Torin said, “Och, ye are an arse, I couldna see because the lights were so bright. Were ye pretending tae die so ye could mock me later?”
He shook his head. “Nae, not pretending, and I appreciate all that ye said. Ye were right, ye canna live without me —”
Torin joked, “I take it all back.”
“Tellin’ me, remindin’ me that I had tae keep on living or my sister and my brother would hae tae rule in my stead. Ye kept me alive with that long story about when we fell off a small cliff.” He chuckled again and clutched his chest.
Torin said, “I am glad yer teasin’ is causin’ ye pain, m’laird.”
Max said, “Ye ken, most friends sitting by a bedside would pray tae God for the health of their dyin’ laird, but ye told a long story about when we slept in a ditch. Ye ken, God was listening.”
“God is listening tae ye right now, m’laird, and as soon as ye are well I will take ye out and kick yer arse.”
He weakly said, “I would like tae see ye try.”
Torin said, “I feel the same, m’laird, I was uncertain ye were goin’ tae survive the night.”
“I did, though it feels as if I hae a stone layin’ upon my heart, the grave weight is givin’ me pause… I think we need tae hae a coronation, for the succession, I believe my hold on the throne is weak—”
I said, “Uncle Aenghus agrees, when do you want…?”
“Now, Alexandria. I ask that ye tae tell the uncles tae bring the pastor and the crown…” His dropped his head back on the pillow. “I assume there is a crown… dost ye think our parents left behind a crown?”
I said, “I hope so….”
“And while ye do it, I will speak tae Torin privately.”
I stood up. “You want them all to come in here for the coronation?”
He said, “Aye, tis not great, but we need tae move with haste tae secure the succession.”
“I am all for this plan, I want your succession sealed and planned, I also need you to have like four sons so I can just be the princess.”
“I would think ye would be braver about the possibility.”
“You forget I had no idea I was a princess until recently. I am not ready for thinking beyond that. Let’s put a crown on your head, big brother, then I can get used to my own thing, doing things that I’m supposed to do. What is it that I’m supposed to do?”
“Be a princess.” Torin and Max said it at the same time.
I left the room to gather the elders.
50
TORIN
THE CORONATION OF MAXIMILLIAN - SEPTEMBER 24, 2185
“Iam relieved ye are well, m’laird.” I sank intae the chair Alexandria had just vacated.
“It meant a lot tae me, the things ye said, Torin.”
