(Untitled)

[hands_unclean]

She is a glamorous woman, standing in the open door with a jacket draped over one arm. Patent leather high heels, small waist above an A-line skirt, silk blouse that's sensual but also approachable. Appropriate for communicating on satellite TV

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[kinghereafter]

Macbeth has always known his wife would return.

Every day since her departure, he has come just far enough down the stairs to look around the room, searching the crowds for her face. With no sight of her, he returns to his (their) rooms.

Tonight, he takes the first step back up the stairs reflexively before he realizes that the striking woman at the bar is his queen. He crosses the room to stand by her side; he says nothing at first, simply taking in the fact that her presence is real.

[hands_unclean]

The year has felt like a thousand; so much has changed, and she has done so much. Gruoch has worked hard to keep her husband from her thoughts. It has been months since she moaned into her pillow at night. She has occupied herself with a world that stretches out at her feet. Through sheer practice alone, she nearly walks right by him.

But she does not.

She schools herself, as best she can, and comes to a stop, arm's length away. "God save you, my lord," she murmurs, eyes bright and back rigid.

This will be difficult.

[kinghereafter]

"He already has, my lady," he says, nodding deeply to her.

"I hope the evening finds you well?"

[hands_unclean]

"More than passing well," she replies, dipping her own head.

(Aphelise will not like this, she thinks to herself.)

She does not allow herself to feel her words. She cannot. She must not.

Macbeth's lady slips her arm through his and tilts her face up to his. "And how do you fare? You look hale and happy."

(That much was well done.)

[kinghereafter]

"I am well," he says, laying his hand over hers.

"Moreso now that you are here."

[hands_unclean]

Something in her chest flutters; she cannot give it name.
I dreamed it last night that my true love came in.
(So softly she entered, her feet made no din.)

"What have you done today, my husband?" She begins leading them toward a secluded booth.