Chapter 23

23

A islinn bit at a cuticle until Sorcha drew her hand away, before it could bleed. Her friend squeezed her hand sympathetically as they stood in the small posterior foyer to the great hall, where they could wait for everyone to gather before entering.

Orek had left earlier in the morning to take the children back to the Brádaigh estate, promising to return by the afternoon. Aislinn was grateful for her friend's continued presence; if she couldn't hold Hakon's hand and seek his comfort in the daylight, at least she could hold Sorcha's.

Leaning around the corner, Sorcha peeked out into the hall. "It looks like everyone's ready for you," she reported.

Drawing in a long breath to settle her nerves, Aislinn nodded and preceded Sorcha out into the hall. The eyes of all her staff found and followed her as she made the dais.

Aislinn had struggled over the decision but ultimately decided they deserved to know. It wasn't yet time to worry anyone outside the castle, for Connor's message didn't lead her to believe Jerrod's mercenary force was imminent. Still, there were things that now needed to be done, and she didn't want to keep secrets from the staff.

Well, any more secrets.

Her eyes skated across the gathered crowd; she saw green in the corner of her eye but didn't want to make it obvious. Still, when her gaze fell on Hakon, standing off to the side with the other blacksmiths, her heart went pitter-patter .

It was lonely atop the dais, in a place she was so accustomed to seeing her father, but the sight of Hakon gave her comfort.

Clasping her hands behind her back, Aislinn let her mother's training guide her. She'd never enjoyed public speaking, but this was her staff, the people she saw every day. She didn't relish standing before all of them at once, but they deserved to hear it from her.

"Good day, everyone. Thank you for taking the time. I wanted to inform all of you of recent developments." Whoever hadn't been giving her their full attention before now did, and the atmosphere of the great hall cooled to see the stiff, serious way she stood there. "As you all know, my brother Jerrod was stripped last autumn of his title and inheritance. He was sent to the Ward to serve his penance for crimes. In summer, he ran away from the Ward, and nothing was heard of him. Last night, I received intelligence that my brother has been using his name and promises of future favors to gather a mercenary force to retake Dundúran."

A nervous murmuration went through the staff, anxious eyes bouncing from her to their neighbors and back. She'd caught them by surprise, but then, she could hardly believe it herself.

Jerrod running away from the Ward hadn't surprised her. Neither had discovering he was looking to have others reclaim his life for him. Yet, going to mercenaries was a shock—that he'd endanger himself and throw his lot in with much rougher, more desperate people meant…Jerrod was just as desperate himself.

A desperate Jerrod was a dangerous one.

Why couldn't he have just made a new life for himself somewhere?

Away from Dundúran, away from the Ward—somewhere he wouldn't make more trouble for his family.

That's not like Jerrod.

No, it wasn't. And that was why Aislinn stood before her staff now. She wanted to be proactive and assuage any fears. As heiress, she would defend her people and her position. She would prove she was the one to lead them.

Even if everything about this terrified her.

"I tell you this now not to frighten you. Many of you have worked loyally for my father and me for years, and you all deserve to know. This is an ongoing situation, and I'm seeking more information before a decision is made. I have already sent for my father to return home."

The nervous energy of the staff swelled, and Aislinn gave them a moment. She understood what a shock this was; Dundúran hadn't come under attack since before Aislinn was born. Many staff couldn't remember a time when the city was threatened. Her own father had to go looking for danger in the borderlands with how safe and secure he'd made the Darrowlands.

Stepping forward, she said, "If you have any information that may be useful, please come forward. We don't suspect that Jerrod has much of a force, and nothing at all may come of this. Everything is to go on as it normally would. The autumn council meeting will still take place in three days, and we expect guests to begin arriving tomorrow."

Something of a sigh released from the staff, and Aislinn was proud to see her people rallying. The danger wasn't yet at their door, if it ever came, and ensuring normalcy would go a long way to allay fears.

"I will speak to Captain Aodhan today, and please come to him or me if you have any concerns. For now, keep this news within the castle walls. Before you go, I want to thank you all for your service to me and my family. Each of you fulfills an important part in Dundúran, and I'm grateful for all you do." And with a nod, she dismissed them back to their duties.

The staff rallied, and a few called out well-wishes to her. Aislinn descended the dais and met several of the more nervous staff, assuring them that everything was in hand and she would call them again to share any news.

As the crowd dissipated back into the castle, Captain Aodhan, Brenna, and Fia stepped forward, staying as she'd asked them to. Over Brenna's shoulder, Aislinn spied Hakon lingering, having only made a few cursory steps for the door.

She wished he could stand beside her, but for now, there was nothing for it. All she could do was offer a small smile before turning her attention to the group gathered around her.

"Captain, Brenna, I'd speak with both of you, please. Follow me."

Aislinn led their small party from the great hall toward her study. Her nerves gnawed at her and what she needed from each of them, but she made herself walk at a steady pace, her chin up and shoulders back.

It was only when they neared her study that she realized an issue. She couldn't fit all of them in her study, crowded with books and drafting tools. Aislinn's cheeks heated as she slowed to a stop.

Just imagining Captain Aodhan in there, amongst her piles of books and scattered papers, was laughable. Next to the stoic warrior with his shining breastplate and short-cropped hair, her study seemed almost…childish.

"We'll use my father's study," she decided, turning to lead them to the much larger room.

The space was a familiar one, and as she walked into it after Captain Aodhan opened the door for them, she took comfort from the scent of leather and wood oil. Her father's presence lingered in his study, in the wide, dark-stained desk and deep green cushions. His bookcases were orderly, his maps and tools organized.

She was so used to walking into this room; what grated against her with unfamiliarity was rounding the heavy desk and sitting in her father's chair.

Aislinn ran her palms over the rounded pommels on the chair arms, feeling the grooves her father had worn in them over his years as Liege Darrow.

It's too soon, her heart cried. She didn't want his place nor his title. Not yet.

None of that changed her situation, though.

So, Aislinn moved the chair closer to the desk and laid her hands on its cool surface.

"Was it wise to tell them?" asked Brenna as they gathered round the desk. "The news will undoubtedly find its way into the city. Tongues have a way of wagging."

Aislinn blinked, realizing that she could have lied, or at least kept silent about this to the staff. It hadn't occurred to her, honestly. They deserved to know.

"I don't wish to lie to them," said Aislinn.

"It wouldn't look well on Aislinn if they found out later, when Jerrod's at the gate," Sorcha argued.

" Lady Aislinn," Brenna corrected under her breath.

"I thought they should know. And…should there be any sympathy for Jerrod within the castle, best to know sooner."

"Indeed, my lady," agreed Captain Aodhan. "We will be vigilant. It's also why I must advise that at least two guards stay with you at all times."

Aislinn opened her mouth to argue, that she of course was safe within the castle itself, but had she not just admitted she waited to see if someone would betray her to Jerrod?

I won't be able to see Hakon. Not without an audience.

She trusted her knights to be discreet, but her situation had grown evermore fraught. Aislinn couldn't help remembering Brenna's warning about the Darrows seeming so cozy with otherly folk. She wanted to believe her swordsmen and staff wouldn't be so bigoted as to care either way, but it was na?ve to think that the lady of the castle sneaking off to the blacksmith's bedchamber wouldn't at least cause gossip.

Aislinn swallowed that bitter truth with effort and a heavy heart.

"And no more disappearing for a whole day," added Brenna.

Lips thinning, Aislinn said, "I will agree to two guards. For now, have them keep back unless we know there is a possible threat. We must be cautious, not paranoid."

Captain Aodhan nodded stiffly. Aislinn knew he would have preferred to have her surrounded by six knights just to walk from her bedchamber to the dining hall, but Aislinn chafed against such an obvious show of defense. She wasn't scared of Jerrod, and she wouldn't allow him to dictate her daily life from over a hundred leagues away.

"I'm hoping none of this will be necessary in the end, but it may be worthwhile seeking new recruits to help round out the numbers."

"Yes, my lady. I will also increase patrols and send a few into the countryside, just to ensure we won't be taken by surprise."

Aislinn nodded. "I don't want the people to be frightened or feel a heavy hand, but we must be vigilant, as you say. I want to know if anyone is sympathetic to Jerrod. I'm hoping his plan will fall apart, but if he does manage to marshal any sort of force, we can't have a threat within, too."

"That won't happen, my lady, rest assured. The people are loyal to those who treat them well. I'm sorry if I overstep," Captain Aodhan pressed his fist over his heart, "but we all remember your brother. The Darrowlands rejoiced when you were named heiress—no one will want to see you replaced."

"Thank you, captain." Aislinn's heart stung with gratitude at the captain's words.

Bowing, Captain Aodhan said, "We will weather this, my lady."

"You're right. We will."

After a few more words, the captain departed to see to his duties, leaving Aislinn a little more confident in his wake.

Aislinn would take what time she had to find a solution—something other than violence and bloodshed. With a little luck, she'd find one before her father even returned home.

The alternative was to test the loyalty of not only her staff but her people. To call upon a force to defend Dundúran—something even her father had never had to do. She had the authority, and her father's seal of writ, but did she have the loyalty of all her people, from the farmers to the barons?

I don't know.

Aislinn thought she knew and could trust people before and had been proven wrong.

"Brenna."

The chatelain stepped forward, her expression even more closed off than usual. That unreadable face had upset Aislinn many a time. Left to fill in her own interpretation, she often imagined Brenna was disappointed in her, mad at her.

Now, it didn't matter so much. The sting was still there but buried under the cold indignation that Aislinn clung to.

"My lady?"

"I need to know everything that goes on in the castle. If there is sympathetic talk over Jerrod. If there's discontent with my father or me. Anything."

"Yes, my lady."

"That goes for you as well, Brenna."

That got a coolly arched brow. "Me?"

"I know Jerrod has long been a favorite of yours. I know you feel for him as if…" Aislinn pushed past her tightening throat. "I know he's dear. But what he's planning to do—it endangers us all. I hope I can count on you in this time."

Brenna's lips drew thin, and for a moment, Aislinn thought she was about to receive a classic, curt telling off. Brenna was a proud woman and held herself and her position to the highest standard. To have her loyalty questioned was no doubt insulting.

And yet, Brenna had let Jerrod get away with most everything. Always she had a reprimand or scolding for Aislinn, yet Jerrod could do no wrong. Perhaps if Jerrod had faced any consequences, from his parents or Brenna, things might have been different.

Perhaps, if their parents hadn't been so preoccupied with making sure Aislinn was given what she needed to not only survive but succeed with her different mind, they might have seen the angry, jealous boy their son was becoming. The first to notice was Brenna, and she spoiled him for it, giving him the affection his family couldn't. When he wanted something, he went to Brenna. When he didn't get something, he went to Brenna.

Brenna forgave him. Brenna loved him. Even when he wasn't lovable or kind.

She'd been more of a mother to him than Róisín or Aislinn had. Which was why Aislinn had to bury her guilt and ask now.

"He's just a silly boy," was what Brenna said. "I'm sure he'll give it up soon."

"That's my hope. But we both know how he can be when he truly wants something." Aislinn often lamented that he never translated that fervor into dedication to Dundúran and his duties. He could be single-minded and determined, but the darker side of this was when it still didn't get him his way. His disappointment was ugly and vicious, and Sorcha's ordeal was proof of it.

"Your brother has had a difficult life."

Sorcha audibly scoffed.

Aislinn bit her tongue to keep the retort inside. It was true, for all his privilege and position, Jerrod hadn't had an easy time of it. There were many reasons to show why he'd done what he did.

And yet—

"That's no excuse, though, for threatening his family and his home," said Brenna.

"Indeed." Aislinn sat back in her seat, trying to assess if Brenna spoke true. She thought so, but then again, she'd thought many things before.

The risk was too high to be wrong now.

"Very well. Keep me informed on whatever you learn."

"Of course." Dipping into a quick curtsey, Brenna departed.

The chatelain left an uneasy silence in her wake.

"I want you to keep an eye on her," Aislinn told Fia softly, whispering as if Brenna might hear through the very walls.

"Yes, milady."

"Is all this watching and reporting back necessary?" asked Sorcha.

"I hope not," Aislinn replied. "But there were a few who liked Jerrod."

"Not enough to threaten your position," insisted Fia. "Your people are loyal, milady. They've seen what you do for them, when your brother was heir and now. They understand who the better leader would be."

"He can't be very popular when people hear he's bringing mercenaries. Fates know what they could do to a city like this," added Sorcha.

The pit of dread gaping in her stomach opened a little wider at the thought. Fates, she couldn't allow whatever mercenary force Jerrod might rally anywhere near Dundúran and its people. Anyone desperate enough to take Jerrod up on merely promises would ravage the city and leave nothing behind.

"You look ill." Sorcha came around the desk and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's going to be all right. You'll see. The people of the Darrowlands are loyal to you."

She had to hope so.

The consequences of being wrong were too much to bear.