Page 139 of Blood & Claw

“Your daughter, eh?” The king’s lips curved. “You look nothing alike.”

Gregor snorted. “The Kayla I remember didn’t fancy pricks much.”

Kayla met the druid’s gaze with silent contempt.

“Your daughter is a tattooist too, I take it?” Niall asked then.

Kayla’s lips compressed.

“She’s her apprentice,” Maol drawled from behind them. “A resourceful lass … tracked her mentor from Farnoch.”

The king cocked an eyebrow, his gaze remaining on Ailsa. “An apprentice tattooist will come in useful,” he replied. “We’ve much work to do here.”

“What are you doing in the North, Niall?” Darach ground out.

A ripple passed through the hall.

It was a fair question. The King of Braewall was supposed to be visiting his allies in Baldeen, discussing trade between the two kingdoms. Not building forts in the deepest, darkest corner of The Goatfells.

Niall smiled at his brother. “Preparing. You know how poorly things have gone for me in the South. Queen Lara claws back territory inch by inch. Soon, she’ll be at the gates of Braewall.” He paused then, his expression hardening. “I won’t let her take my kingdom. I’ll knock that fire-wielding crow from her perch and take Duncrag and her crown.” His gaze swept the hall. “This is where it begins. An army no one will stand against.”

“You always had more ambition than brains,” Darach growled.

His brother huffed a laugh. “Strange … I always thought you the stupid one.” He took a step closer. “So bitter these days, brother … what’s wrong? Don’t like being bested?”

Darach glared back at him.

“If you had any honor, you’d know when you’re beaten.” Niall folded his arms across his chest. “You tried to kill me, so I returned the favor … what’s wrong with that?”

Murmurs rippled through the hall.

Ailsa stiffened before cutting her gaze to Darach. “I don’t understand … you said he tried to have you murdered?”

Darach looked at her, expression shuttering. “He did,” he admitted gruffly. “In retaliation.”

She stared at him. “What?”

Niall smirked. “Ah, so the lass thought you were the wronged one, did she? Poor misunderstood Darach?”

Darach tore his attention from Ailsa and faced his brother once more. “It doesn’t matter.”

Heat rolled over Ailsa. Doesn’t it?

“You had it coming,” Darach added, face stone-hewn now. Unrepentant. “My only regret is that I failed.” His gaze flicked—just once—to Ailsa.

Niall snorted.

“What is it you’re up to here?” Kayla interrupted the brothers then.

Niall nodded to Gregor. “Our good druid has been working hard of late. Now these warriors have tattoos imbued with earth magic … and the strength and speed to rival enforcers.”

A chill washed over Ailsa, her discovery about Darach’s lie momentarily forgotten.

Aberrations.

Darach muttered an oath.

The king ignored him, gesturing to where a man with dark braided hair stood silently next to Gregor. “A Circines village once stood on this hill. Tadhg mac Cormac here was chieftain of these people, yet now, he and his people fight for me … isn’t that right, Tadhg?”