Though she didn't know the details of the battle, Dani shook her head. "If Silas had the upper hand in battle, would he have spared Gavin's life?"
Wilona's expression turned stony. "You are not to call him Silas! He's Laird MacRae to you."
Each time the MacRae name popped up, Dani realized, yet again, some of these barbarians were her ancestors. Not Wilona, she hoped, but perhaps the current chief, who wasn't blood-related to this harpy.
Dani shrugged. "Whatever. The truth is Alpin used your son to set up an ambush with the goal of taking away Gavin's birthright, title, and property. Gavin had a right to defend that and a right to defend his own life."
"'Tis your opinion, which means naught." Wilona's lips turned down at the corners. "I underestimated Gavin and whatever powers he used to find you in a distant land. As for the curse, either you have no love and trust for Gavin, or he has none for you. But given time, he could fall for you. Bring her inside, Malcolm," she ordered the guard standing beside her.
Dani glanced up into the twilight. If Gavin hadn't already shifted, he would soon. Had he shown up here yet? Did he care enough to rescue her? What if he came alone or with just Ewan and Finch? Either way, Gavin could be outnumbered and killed.Please, God, keep him safe.
The hulking guard shoved her forward, and she stumbled, her pulse spiking. She righted herself in time to avoid a fall.
"Bully!" She glared around at him, hating the way all the guards laughed at her. Taking her arm, he guided her up the steps and into their great hall after Wilona. A few torches, candles, and the hearth fire revealed two women in drab clothing clearing the long tables of the recent meal. They glanced up at her sheepishly. They might have miserable lives, but at the moment, hers paled in comparison. The scents of bitter smoke, garlic, and fish hung in the air, making her nauseous.
After they climbed more steps, Malcolm dragged her along a dark, narrow corridor behind Wilona and inside what looked like a parlor—a dim room with ancient, dark wooden chairs and tables, knick-knacks, and candles. Tapestries hung on the stone walls. The guard released her, then moved back to the closed door.
Wilona sank into a comfy-looking red chair and eyed Dani with speculation for several moments. Of course, she would never offer Dani a seat. Was the hag devising a method of death? With a shiver, Dani glanced around for a weapon. The heavy silver candlestick on a nearby table looked promising, as did the pointed fire poker by the hearth.
With a start, she remembered the small knife Gavin had given her the night before. She had grown so used to it strapped around her upper thigh she no longer noticed it. At the moment, with her hands tied, she couldn't reach it. She would keep it a secret until later.
"I want my keek-stane returned," Wilona said.
Confused, Dani frowned. "What is that?"
"Did your husband nay tell you?"
"No."
Wilona continued to glare at her for long minutes. "'Tis a scrying stone."
Dani remembered him mentioning it once. "A magic mirror or crystal ball?"
"Similar. Your demon husband stole it."
"He is not a demon!" Dani formed her bound hands into one big fist, wishing she could bash Wilona's face.
"I've seen how he kisses you."
The unexpected words startled Dani. "When… if you no longer have a scrying stone?"
"I attended your loathsome wedding."
"Oh, yeah. Thanks for the scratch, you depraved owl." Dani glanced down at her hand and the light pink scar.
"You enjoy him far too much in the bedchamber. And he you."
Embarrassment washed over Dani, and her mouth dropped open. "How do you know?"
"I can take any form I choose, not just an owl, wolf, or lamb."
"What were you, a fly on the wall of our bedroom?"
Wilona sneered. "Being a midge is far more interesting."
"Oh my gosh! Those damned midges almost ate us alive."
Wilona cackled like a crazed hyena.
