Page 81 of The Night Prince

I glimpsed a tattoo in the same spot as Elsie’s, and I guessed at the symbol that might be inked there. “He worships Night, doesn’t he? We were in one of Night’s chapels. Why would he fear it?”

“It’s said that places of worship bring us closer to the gods and goddesses. Alexander isn’t a true supporter. He tried to trick the God of Night into giving him power, or so I heard. Now, he fears retribution. He wouldn’t dare set foot in a place like that.”

“What do you think he wants with me?”

He shakes his head. “Let us hope we don’t find out.”

Dawn approaches when we reach the hill overlooking Madadh-allaidh. Birdsong fills the sky as it lightens over the castle—an angular building made of dark stone. An army of about three hundred surrounds the outer walls, and theirkilts and sashes add a burst of yellow to the shadow-painted landscape. Morning mist coats the loch behind them.

Lochlan’s army.

I can’t determine where the alpha is himself, but I’m surprised—and delighted—to see that there are women warriors on horseback among the men.

“Did Callum and Lochlan free Alexander’s prisoner?” I ask.

“Yes,” says Blake. “Although, based on what Alexander said to us, I’m starting to wonder if it’s a trap. It seemed a little too easy.”

“He said he was sending someone to us.”

“Exactly.”

He shifts back on the saddle. “They’re not going to bite, Duncan. Let’s go.” Duncan throws Blake an unpleasant look, then digs his heels into the horse. “We should go too, little rabbit. I’m sure Callum is overreacting because you’re not there yet.”

Do as he says.I push Callum’s voice out of my mind.

I lead the horse down the grassy hill.

We make our way back to Castle Madadh-allaidh.

***

The castle courtyard is full of noise when we ride through the gates.

Morning mist coats the cobblestones. There must be thirty or so Wolves congregated in small groups, and the conversation is agitated. Some carry dead game, or buckets filled with chicken feed. Others have halted with bundles of hay in their arms. I catch Mrs. McDonald, the formidable cook,gossiping with Kayleigh, the kitchen maid, by the water pump—both rosy-cheeked and wide-eyed. People look out of the narrow windows looking onto the yard. Three women wearing blue tartan dresses swarm Duncan’s horse to ask him for news. Isla, the woman from Highfell who was hostile to me, and clearly had feelings for Callum, flicks her mousy brown hair over her shoulder. She whispers something behind her hand to her friend.

I catch snippets of their conversations. Among the chatter, a phrase is repeated.Callum is king.

Some Wolves sound curious. Others hostile. Yet relief floods me that this is not a trap. Callum is here, and he won.

As we head further into the courtyard, the Wolves around us quieten. I’m reminded of the morning I first arrived here in the Northlands with Callum. People had been wary of the human woman with wild red hair, dressed in nothing but a nightgown, who rode on a horse with the alpha of Highfell.

I was frightened then. I’m not now, even if it’s even tenser. People stop what they’re doing and straighten. A woman pulls a freckled boy behind her. A couple of the men put their hands on their swords. Wolves have always feared Blake, but their fear seems to extend to me, too.

I’m not sure what they’re most wary about. My wild appearance, having been held prisoner by James, Blake’s equal dishevelment and his bloodstained clothing, or our affiliation with their new king.

Perhaps it’s because we’re both southerners. Or perhaps they heard what happened at the manor house. James forced Blake to kiss me.

Do as he says.

Blake pays the onlookers no heed. When I bring the horse to a halt, he presses against me as he slides his leg over the horse, then dismounts.

He looks significantly better than he did when we set off a couple of hours ago. Some of the color has come back to his cheeks, and though his dark hair is messy, it no longer sticks to his skin. He could pass for his usual self.

“Are you coming?” His eyes glint in the grey light.

I slide off the horse, and land close enough to him that his body heat sears into me. Ahead, Duncan strolls through the oak doors of the castle.

Blake snaps his fingers. “Kayleigh, can you take Nell to the stables, please?”

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