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She turned on her side to face him. “I have something to tell you.”
Magnus turned his head. “This sounds important.”
“The Dark One spoke with me this evening when I was on my way to my parents’ cottage. He told me that Kilkern looks to substantiate his claim on Dunhurnal land and to do so he must produce a map designating the land as his. To do this he needs the assistance of a—”
“Mapmaker,” Magnus finished.
Reena looked at him oddly. “You were aware of this?”
“I have known from the start that Kilkern needs you more than anyone.”
She frowned. “From the start?”
Magnus stroked her hip, his tender touch meant to soothe.
“From when we first met?” she asked before he could answer.
Magnus gripped her hip as if he feared her leaving his side. “The day you arrived, my people were packed and ready to leave the next day for Dunhurnal land.”
“My mapping made no difference in your decision, then?”
“Your mapping made a large difference in my choice.”
Reena sprang up and turned wide eyes on him. “Your arrival here and my association with you would force Kilkern’s hand in claiming what he believed is his land.” She shook her head, doubting her own explanation. “He could have had me map for him any time since his arrival. It makes no sense.”
Magnus took her hand. “A map was not necessary until now.”
“Why?” She more demanded than asked, hurt by the truth that it had not been her skills at all that had brought him here but his own intentions.
“Because he needs one now.”
“Why?” she demanded again.
“To prove a false claim.”
“You know it is false.” Her stomach ached from what she might hear.
“Aye.” He gripped her hand tightly.
“How do you know?”
“I possess the map that shows Kilkern land was originally Dunhurnal land and was falsely divided by Robert Kilkern to give to his brother.”
Her heart thudded in her chest, and she waited.
“Philip Kilkern was Robert Kilkern’s brother, and Robert Kilkern was my stepfather.”
Reena closed her eyes for a brief moment. “Making Peter Kilkern your—”
“Half brother.”
Chapter 27
Reena sat in bed, shocked, a chill racing through her. Magnus was quick to wrap a blanket around her, and he hugged her shoulders tightly.
“Let me explain,” he said, his voice apologetic, though firm in his resolve.
He rested his hands over hers where they lay in her lap. “Peter Kilkern is the son my mother had by Robert Kilkern. My stepfather barely let my mother see her own son, so therefore Peter cared little for my mother. I, on the other hand, saw Peter quite often and watched as my stepfather showered him with attention and adoration, giving him whatever he wished from a very young age, and making certain that Peter knew I was insignificant and entitled to nothing.”
