He walked her to a log on the far side of the clearing, waited for her to sit and then joined her. "I want to know all about your life in the Highlands. Is your husband well?"
"Very well indeed. He sends his regards."
"And your sister? A dreadful thing finding her in the closet that way."
"She too is well." Anna sighed, "You did not happen to bring any English wine, did you? The highlanders make it, but not as well as the English. Pray do not tell my husband I said so."
The king smiled. "I left in such a hurry, the thought did not cross my mind. Your sister is well? I think of her often. What happened to her was my fault, you know. If I had listened to your plea..."
"She is happy, married and with child. 'Tis all in the past and just as well forgotten, but I do have a question." She watched his expression carefully. "Sixteen years ago, an Englishman gave my husband a gift. Do you know what the gift was?"
The king closed his eyes and bowed his head. "Tell me she is not dead."
"She is not dead."
"Thank God. You cannot know how often I have wanted to go get her and bring her home. But it is not yet safe. She is my sister's child and she is first in line to my throne. Once I am dead, she will become the Queen of England if she so chooses. Tell me about her?"
Anna smiled. "She is a wonderful young woman and so handsome, men walk into walls staring at her. Her hair is red, her eyes are green and her laughter is glorious. She is also quite determined to have her own way, temperamental at times and not easily persuaded to do anything she does not want to do."
The king chuckled. "She sounds just like my beloved sister. My Victoria was slain, you know. She and her husband were put upon by blackhearts who confessed to receiving payment for their deed. In my rage, I cut them down and neglected to discover who paid them. But I have my suspicions. The one I suspect most sits at my right hand where I can keep a keen eye on him. He is my nephew and second in line."
"How did the baby survive?"
"Victoria's maid rescued the child. She was but three days old."
"Does your nephew know about her?"
"I am afraid so. He does not know where she is, however. When I am dead, a guard will go get her."
"I will tell her what a good lad you are, but she will miss never knowing you."