King Malcolm II of Scotland had three daughters and no sons. His eldest daughter, Bethoc, was married to the Senescal of Kings Rents, the Athbane of Dule, Duncan Erivine. Their son, also named Duncan, was named King on the death of Malcolm II, his grandfather in 1004A.D. Within a few years, the son of Malcolm's second daughter and Duncan's first cousin named McBeth (yes, that McBeth) killed Duncan and assumed the throne. Duncan's three sons, including Malcolm his eldest, fled to the north of England and lived with Lord McDuff.