Lady Macbeth

King Malcolm and his men arrive at Elgin, and Macbeth greets them. Gruadh hopes that the King has come to avenge her dead husband but is disappointed when Macbeth invites him inside and he peacefully consents.

Gruadh also returns inside. A man introduces himself as Banchorrie. He is Macbeth’s uncle, and sent a messenger to Gruadh the night Gilcomgan died. She appreciates this “unexpected ally.” In the great hall the men drink. Gruadh wishes she had poison on hand but notes that she would spare Banchorrie.

Macbeth suggests that Gruadh leave the room while he discusses politics with King Malcolm and the others, but Gruadh refuses, insisting she is interested in their conversation. Malcolm is unhappy to find Gruadh alive and is distressed to hear that Macbeth has married her. Macbeth claims he did it to protect her, but Gruadh protests this. She confronts Malcolm and “appeal[s] to king’s justice.” Malcolm asks Macbeth to send her away.

King Malcolm insists that his descendants must continue to rule Scotland for the nation’s own good. Macbeth disagrees, and argues that the old Celtic way is better. Malcolm insists Macbeth pledge his loyalty, especially since he gave him Moray. Gruadh understands that the two conspired to kill Gilcomgan.

Gruadh turns to go, but before she does she grabs her sword, which leans against the wall. She swears to protect her unborn child, and declares, “No more of Bodhe’s blood shall suffer for your ambitions.” The men stare at her, shocked, before Macbeth finally escorts her from the room.

That evening, Maeve and Aella comfort Gruadh as she cries. Gruadh knows women, especially ladies, are not meant to be impulsive and vengeful. Still, she stands by her oath.

Two weeks later Gruadh is happy to see the banner of Fife and Bodhe in the yard of Elgin. She is disappointed when she finds that her father has not come to save her. Instead he has sent thirty men and horses as a wedding gift and a sign of his approval.

As time goes on, Gruadh realizes she is the only one who has not accepted Macbeth as the new mormaer. She comes to understand that he had broad popular support even before he took power.

Gruadh tries to find peace in her precarious situation, and one day goes to the chapel to pray. She is surprised to see Macbeth there, already praying. For the first time, she feels sympathy for him, and begins to soften.