Page 14 of Ashes of Betrayal

Ancestors, the reek of it stuck in her throat and made her eyes water.

She’d have to keep her distance from it.

She spied Mirren first—a small woman with a riot of curly peat-brown hair and sky-blue eyes, weaving through the crowd.

Her breath catching, Bree resisted the urge to push her hood back and call out to her. Shades, she’d missed Mirren. They’d gone through much together during Bree’s stay at Duncrag.

But to draw attention to herself now would be idiotic.

She reminded herself then that she no longer looked like Fia, the chief-enforcer’s estranged wife. Mirren wouldn’t recognize her.

Bree’s attention shifted to the regal, auburn-haired woman in an emerald fur-lined cloak, who walked just ahead of Mirren. Lara stopped to survey the wares of a leather merchant—coin purses, belts, and gloves—on display. The vendor, delighted to have caught the princess’s attention, fawned and smiled.

However, Lara didn’t smile back.

Watching her heart-shaped face, Bree frowned. The princess loved Market Day, and on the occasions when she had accompanied her, Lara’s eyes had shone with excitement, her mouth curved into an easy smile. But even from yards away, her tension, her shadowed mood, was evident.

Bree’s belly tightened. Lara would still be grieving her brother. How would she react if she knew her friend was responsible for his death? Her heart started to pound as she imagined hate darkening Lara’s pine-green eyes.

As always, four of the Fort Guard shadowed the princess and her maid. Stern-faced men with domed iron helmets, theywalked a few feet behind Lara, hands upon the pommel of their swords.

Wary of them, Bree pulled the edge of her hood lower and edged closer.

The women had stopped before a jewelry stall now, and Lara had picked up a jade brooch.

Seizing her opportunity, Bree sidled alongside, pretending to peruse the wares as well. Then, closing her eyes, she summoned an image of what she’d looked like as Fia—a woman with lush curves and gentle features, with knowing hazel eyes, long oaken-colored hair, pale skin, and a scattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose.

She then flicked her fingers gently at her sides.

A shiver passed over her as her guise changed.

It was dangerous to take this form, for Fia mac Callum wasn’t welcome at Duncrag any longer, but it was necessary. Lara and Mirren wouldn’t talk to her otherwise. Of course, there was the risk that her friends would betray her, yet she had to hope they wouldn’t.

Halting just two feet from the princess, Bree’s gaze went to the green brooch she was now holding up to the light. Drawing in a deep breath, Bree pushed back her hood just a little so that her shadowed face was visible.

“A fine choice, Your Highness,” she murmured. “It will match your eyes.”

Lara’s gaze snapped to her.

Their eyes met, and shock rippled over the princess’s pale face. Relief swiftly followed. “Fia,” she breathed, warmth igniting in her eyes. “What are—”

“Careful, princess.” Bree edged close, bowing her head as she pretended to examine a pair of amber earrings. “I shouldn’t be here.”

A heavy pause followed, and when Lara replied, the joy in her voice was tempered. “No … you shouldn’t.” She put down the brooch and reached for the earrings Bree was staring at. Picking them up, she then exclaimed. “Aren’t these lovely?”

“Aye, Your Highness,” Mirren replied, oblivious to whom the princess had just met. “Honey-colored amber … the same color as your handfasting tunic.”

“Thank you, Mirren,” Lara muttered, “as if I need reminding.”

“You’re not yet wed to King Dunchadh then?” Bree asked.

“No,” Lara replied, a nerve flickering in her cheek. “The ceremony is tomorrow.” Her brow furrowed then, and she leaned closer. “Where have you been, Fia?” she whispered. “After you disappeared, I sent word to your parents in Braewall, but they said you never returned home.” Her eyes narrowed then. “Two guards and a prisoner died on the day you disappeared … did you have anything to do with that?”

“I’ll explain everything later,” Bree replied, her own voice lowering urgently. “Right now, I—”

“Father has put a price on your head,” Lara cut her off. “You need to get out of the fort … while you can.”

“I can’t,” Bree whispered back. “I must see Cailean.”

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