"Gentle Mariana; wake now! Treachery is afoot" came the voice of Banquo. "What causes thou to disturb me at this hour" I asked, slowly opening my eyes that were still heavy with sleep. "Good maiden; your royal master hath been murdered" Banquo replied. I shot awake instantly and asked "Does thou speak true?" "I fear I do gentle lady" he answered, heading back toward the door. Quickly; I changed into a dress but did not bother with shoes as I met Banquo in the hall and he led me down the hall to Duncan's chambers. There my eyes were met with a horrific sight.
Carefully; I entered the room and saw my king, severely slashed in several places and his blood stained the bed and I cried out in horror. "The heavens bless my master's soul. Oh; help me hence" I cried out, nearly about to pass out. Banquo rushed over and caught me and I passed completely out.
Banquo's P.O.V
I carried Mariana out of the room and back to her room and laid her on the couch. After finding a hand fan Mariana had in her possessions; I opened it and fanned her until she woke up. She woke up awhile later and asked "What happened?" "You fainted Mariana" I answered, helping her sit up. "I apologize Banquo but I need to go for a ride" she told me, getting up and putting her riding boots on and running out of the room.
I followed her but stopped in the courtyard and finally after letting out my internal thoughts; I saw Macbeth and Lady Macbeth dressed formally and the others following them. It was apparent now that Macbeth had taken the crown since Malcolm and Donalbain had fled. The others had suspected that they might have been guilty of paying the chamberlains to kill their father. I had my doubts on that theory for all had respected King Duncan and had no desire to wish him dead.
Macbeth announced there would be a solemn supper tonight and asked if Fleance, Mariana, and I would be present. I knew Fleance and I would be there but I had no knowledge if Mariana would come. I finally left the grounds with Fleance and we started on our ride. Still; I was innocent in knowledge of what horror lay ahead.
Mariana's P.O.V
Hours passed and I was just about all cried out and I really needed to go back to the castle. I had heard about Malcolm and Donalbain leaving Scotland which meant in maid loyalty; I would now have to serve Macbeth. I was about to start back when the weird sisters appeared yet again. "Hail Mariana; queen of Scotland" they greeted. Now; I was confused. "I be not of royal blood. How can I be queen" I asked just as they vanished. 'First a promise of marriage and now being queen; do they take me for a fool' I thought as I mounted my horse and started back for the castle.
I was almost back when I heard Banquo's voice cry out "O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly fly! Thou mayst revenge. O slave!" I caught Fleance and told him to remain here. Quickly; I drew my sword and ambushed the first man that was trying to ambush Banquo. "Thou shag haired villain shall die here tonight" I said, swiftly cutting off his head. "Brave Mariana; thank thee" Banquo said, knocking out the other. "Go, take thy horse and wait with Fleance beyond that apple tree" I told him as the other started to wake. Banquo did as I asked and waited in the dark.
The other man started to wake and asked "Where be my targets?" Swiftly; I backed this man into a tree and asked "Who sent thee?" "I shalt not tell a lowly woman" the man replied. I slammed harder, raised my sword and told him "Tell or thy head shall fall like thy partner's." When he refused; I told him "I hope mercy be with you" before I swiftly executed the second man. I rejoined Banquo and Fleance and checked that neither had any injuries and I asked "Heading back to the castle?" "Yes; his majesty will be wondering what happened to us" Banquo told me.
We arrived back at the castle and were greeted by Macbeth himself. "Banquo, old friend and fair Mariana what happened to thee" he asked looking at our state of disarray. "Faith good friend, Fleance and I were ambushed. Had it not been for Mariana; neither Fleance nor I would be able to be here right now to share in thy good fortune" Banquo replied. "Mariana; thank thee for rescuing Banquo and Fleance tonight. Come and get in fresh clothes and then join us for supper" Macbeth said, allowing us in. Macbeth returned to the dining hall and I rushed to my chamber to trade dresses.
When I was freshly dressed; I came downstairs and met with Banquo. We walked into the dining hall and joined the others but we noticed Macduff was not present. There was great merriment tonight but still sorrow in mourning for Duncan. Still; I felt a sneaking suspicion in the air whenever I looked at Macbeth. He seemed to be thinking and I worried that it might have been him who ordered Banquo and Fleance's deaths. I did not say anything for I feared that if anyone knew I had suspicions; he too might order my death. I continued in the merry making and Banquo whispered "Mariana; could we skip courtship?"
"Has the wine gone to thy head" I asked. "What keeps you two so in thought" Lady Macbeth asked. "Merely asking if I may be so bold as to make a joyful announcement" Banquo asked in reply. "Of course: Macbeth replied. Banquo pulled me out of my seat and in front of everyone; he boldly asked "Mariana; wilt thou be my bride?" "Yes" I replied, tears filling my eyes. "Brave friend; congratulations, a toast to the future of Banquo and Mariana! To Banquo and Mariana, may your marriage be all that a marriage is meant to be" Macbeth announced, raising his chalice. The others raised their chalices and called back "To Banquo and Mariana" as Banquo kissed me for the first time. I still found it hard to believe that I going to finally give my life to someone but there was more to come and I had the feeling of dread that whatever was coming would be the hardest curve on this path to love.