Page 41 of Ashes of Betrayal

18: AN OUTSIDER

“FEAR NOT,” BREE replied, deciding it was best not to make Mor’s brother shit his breeches. “I’m not here for you.”

Flynn’s brow furrowed, even as his fingers tightened around the grip of his eating knife.

“I’ve left Sheehallion too,” she admitted then, “although not through the stones.” This wasn’t the time or place to regale him with the tale of her past six moons.

Over two hundred and fifty years ago, when they’d been younglings, Bree and Gil had been friends with Mor’s younger brothers, Grae and Flynn.

But time had changed many things.

She shifted her attention to the woman next to her. High spots of color had risen to her pale cheeks, her green eyes shadowed with fear. “You must be Ava,” she murmured.

The woman swallowed. “I haven’t gone by that name in a long time.”

“No,” Bree answered, her voice lowering. “Not since you were wed to Talorc mac Brude. You did a fine job of making him believe the Shee stole you away. He’s persecuted my people ever since.” She glanced Flynn’s way once more. “And Mor hasn’t forgiven you either … although she knows the truth.”

Aye, that her brother had passed through The Ring of Caith and given up his long life. For a Marav.

“I don’t expect her to understand,” he replied, his tone still wintry. “Or you.”

Bree stiffened at the scorn that now laced his voice. Naked suspicion hardened his face.

She was aware of Cailean’s gaze upon her then, stabbing into her like twin blades.

A warning.

She ignored his stare. Let him fume. She’d return to their table when she was ready. After all, he’d just made his feelings clear.

“She must be special,” Bree said then, trying to ignore the ache in her chest. “To give up your long life for.”

Flynn stared back at her, and as the moments passed, his gaze softened just a little. “She is,” he murmured.

“But you’re aging now,” Bree said with a shake of her head. Indeed, crow’s feet radiated out from his eyes, and lines furrowed his brow and either side of his nose. Silver threaded his once jet-black curls. Lowering her voice again, lest anyone overhear, she continued, “You could have lived for many centuries more, and seen the rise and fall of countless High Kings of Albia, yet you’ve given it all up … for her. Why?”

Her gaze flicked back to Ava, whose mouth had now pursed. “Sorry,” she said, favoring her with an apologetic smile. “But I’m just trying to understand.”

“Do you even have to ask, Bree?” Flynn replied, drawing her attention once more. “Or are you so lacking in empathy that you fail to see the obvious?” His dark eyes gleamed. “I gave everything up forlove… and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.”

Heat swept over Bree. She wanted to tell Mor’s haughty brother that she knew what love was. Nonetheless, envy tightened her throat as the moments drew out. Flynn was now part ofthisworld, yet she’d always be an outsider looking in.

“I do sometimes think about Sheehallion,” Flynn admitted softly, “and those I left behind.” He leaned toward her. “How are my kin? Has Mor exiled Grae yet, or have they finally buried their differences?”

Bree went still.

The heat drained from her, a deep chill replacing it. For the first time since rising from the table opposite, she regretted approaching Flynn. Of course, he had no idea what had transpired in Sheehallion in the years since he left.

“They never reconciled,” she admitted, her voice roughening.

Flynn’s gaze narrowed. “No?”

Bree shook her head. “In the end, Grae tried to overthrow your sister … and in response, she put a price on his head.” Flynn’s lean body went rigid, but she pushed herself to continue. “I killed him.”

“That woman was Queen Ava?” Cailean came to an abrupt halt. Turning to Bree, he then reached out and pulled her around to face him.

They’d left the ale-hall and had been walking back to their lodgings. And along the way, Bree revealed the identity of the man and woman she’d spoken to. And as she’d done so, her manner was stiff, unusually formal.

Dusk was settling, and lads were out lighting the torches and braziers that would illuminate the crannog once night fell. The air was raw, and their breathing steamed in clouds before them, a sign there would be a frost the following morning.

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