Page 53 of Ashes of Betrayal

Stepping inside the room he’d taken behind the inn, Cailean found Bree still awake. His wife sat upon the pile of furs, knees drawn up under her chin.

She’d been staring into the mid-distance, her golden eyes shadowed, but upon his entrance, her gaze cut his way. “It’s done?”

“Aye.” Cailean pushed the door closed behind him and dropped the wooden bar to secure it.

“And is your companion safely indoors?” There was no mistaking the pointed edge to her voice.

He nodded, thinking it best not to mention that he’d had to peel Evina off him moments earlier. The Slew and the prowling creatures outdoors weren’t the only ones to be wary of tonight—and the lass hadn’t been pleased when he’d refused a tumble.

Her gaze roamed his face. “It went well?”

“Aye … until we met a trow just outside the ale-hall.” He approached her then, lifting the dagger he’d retrieved from the street outside. “And it attacked me with this.”

Bree took the weapon, examining its hilt and blade in the glow of the candle burning next to the sleeping nook. “You realize it’s a Shee weapon?”

“Aye,” he replied, lowering himself to sit on the edge of the furs next to her. “A fine one too.”

“You’re right about that.” She glanced his way then, a groove etching between her eyebrows. “The dagger has a moonstone pommel and a folded steel blade … it was made in the forges of Caisteal Gealaich.”

Cailean inclined his head. “How does a trow get its hands on such a fine blade?”

Bree glanced back down at the dagger. “I’m wondering the same thing.” She paused then, her features tensing. “When a faery creature of Albia wields Sheehallion steel, it makes them stronger.” She raised her chin, her gaze fusing with his. “A trow can fight in daylight if it grips one of these … without the fear of turning to stone.”

24: KILLING DISTANCE

BREE WATCHED CAILEAN butter an oatcake. His movements were deft and hurried. His brow was furrowed as if the oatcake had done him a personal injustice. Ever since awakening, he’d been on edge, taciturn.

They sat at a small table in a corner of the room they’d taken, knees brushing as they broke their fast. It was a companionable moment, one Bree would have usually enjoyed—if Cailean hadn’t been so tense.

Nonetheless, his face was far more rested. They’d curled up together in the furs the night before, wrapped around each other. He’d fallen asleep within moments—slipping into a deep, exhausted slumber—although Bree had lain for a long while, listening to the steady beat of his heart against her ear.

She hadn’t questioned him further about the blood-letting. In truth, she was still sore about it. No, it wasn’t jealousy that chafed at her now—for she’d been impressed to hear about Evina throwing salt in the trow’s eyes—but the knowledge that this would be repeated, many times, if she and Cailean remained together.

She’dneverbe part of the blood-letting with her own husband.

“Can I join you today … when you face Eilig?” she asked finally.

Cailean glanced up, his frown sliding into a scowl.

Seeing his reaction, Bree’s jaw tightened. “I won’t interfere.”

Her husband quirked a dark eyebrow. “Can I trust you to keep your blade sheathed … even if things don’t go my way?”

The oatcake she’d just eaten churned in her stomach at these words. “Of course, things will go your way,” she scoffed. “You’re the best warrior in Albia.”

“Oneof the best,” he corrected her. “Eilig was once an enforcer too. He served mac Brude’s father but decided the life wasn’t for him. He never liked taking orders from anyone but himself.”

Bree pulled a face. Her husband didn’t need to worry though—she wouldn’t intervene. This was his reckoning, and she’d let him have it.

“Will he still call on earth magic?” she asked after a pause.

He nodded. “Even if an enforcer leaves the service of an overking, or the High King, he remains a warrior-druid,” Cailean replied. “We are bound to earth magic … which was why I had to undergo the blood-letting last night.” He paused then, his blue eyes shadowing. “There’s no getting rid of it.”

Apprehension fluttered up in the cage of Bree’s chest. “Aye, well, you’re younger than him,” she replied. “And I swear I will stand back.”

Their gazes fused, the moment drawing out before Cailean replied, “Very well.”

“Why did it have to take him? My boy!”

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