Chapter 24

The Laird took in her suggestion with a neutral expression… but her heart was already beginning to sink into her toes. Why wasnt he reacting with more enthusiasm? This was the solution to his problem with the Gilroys.

Its an idea, Malcolm said softly at Laird Donals side, glancing sidelong at him. It would certainly clarify a few things quickly. Everyone knows that nothing from that side of the burgh can stand iron. Even old Maggie refuses to visit the Keep unless its a dire emergency because of all the iron weve got in the place.

I saw Darter Hobs arm, Ivy said, gesturing in the direction of Maggies cottage. Once we touch the child with iron and theres no reaction, the Gilroys will be forced to agree that the baby isnt a Fae. Then I might be able to share what I know with them, help them understand that their child is autistic?—

And what if youre wrong? Laird Donal said simply, dropping his hands onto the table. If, against all our expectations, the child is in fact a Changeling? If before both Clans, the iron burns his skin?

Ivy blinked, utterly thrown by the suggestion. Hadnt Laird Donal himself said that he didnt believe the baby was a Changeling?

It would be war, Brendan said softly. Elenas burly, bear-like husband was a man of few words, but when he spoke it was with a tone of finality. With undeniable confirmation that the child is a Changeling, wed know that the true child was with the Fae. The Chieftain would insist he be recovered… which would mean going to war with the Sidhe.

And if we refused to do that, it would be war with the Gilroys, which I like even less, Laird Donal said heavily, the lines in his forehead deepening as he furrowed his brow. Were stretched thin enough protecting this world from the Unseelie Fae without attacking one another… but that would be the choice wed face.

But— Ivy bit her lip, feeling her frustration making her unwary.

Ivy, were in agreement that its highly unlikely, Laird Donal said, turning back to her. But I cannot rule out the possibility — however slight — that were wrong. The one thing we know for certain about the Fae is that theyre unpredictable. And the consequences for misjudging them now would be catastrophic.

But Maggie said?—

Maggie doesnt know everything that goes on beyond the burgh, no matter what impression she may like to give.

But we cant just stay like this, Ivy said, feeling herself rushing to contradict the Laird but powerless to stop herself. Poor baby Colin is already missing his parents, already suffering… and who knows what could happen to him if we dont intervene?

Ivy, I appreciate your passion on the matter, but my decision here is final. Cold steel in the Lairds voice, though he kept his tone modulated, and Ivys jaw snapped shut as though shed been struck. But she couldnt stop thinking about the baby shed met… about every autistic child shed ever worked with, about the fate that lay in store for Colin if she couldnt make his family see sense.

What if I test him privately? she said desperately. Touch a tiny piece of iron to his foot, make sure hes not going to react, then?—

Absolutely not, Laird Donal said firmly, his eyes hard. The Gilroys have made it clear that they dont want you coming near their child, and as much as I might disagree with their reasoning, they are still guests under my roof and their wishes will be honored. I forbid you from this course of action, do you understand?

She shut her eyes for a moment, willing her emotions to subside. The Laird was still looking at her when she opened them again, and she swallowed hard. Yes, Laird Donal. I apologize.

His expression softened, just a little. Truly, Ivy, I appreciate your passion on the matter. But this is a more difficult situation than you understand.

Thank you for hearing me out, she said, forcing herself to stay polite. There was no sense in alienating Laird Donal — not only would it not help the situation with Colin one bit, but it would put her own position here in danger. Shed come to accept the Lairds hospitality and welcome without a second thought, but this interaction had reminded her that her position here, at the end of the day, was precarious too. And so she left the chambers with her head held high, waving away Nancy and Elena when they made to go with her.

She needed some time by herself to think this through. She needed to decompress. And most of all, she needed to talk to Edward. Part of her was worried, as she made her way through the now-familiar halls of the Keep, whether she should have waited for Edward to finish his guard duty before shed gone to speak to the Laird. Perhaps the two of them together might have brought about a different outcome… but that wasnt likely, was it? What Donal had said had made sense, as much as she hated to admit it. The political situation was fraught, and though the likelihood of Colin reacting badly to the iron was incredibly low, it was still a possibility.

After all, she herself had recently traveled thousands of miles and hundreds of years into the past. Who was she to make bold statements about what was and wasnt possible?

The day dragged by interminably, but dinner finally arrived — and despite her bad mood, seeing Edward waiting for her in the hall still did a lot to lift her spirits. She filled him in quickly on how the meeting with the Laird had gone, and he shared her frustration… though he didnt seem particularly surprised that the answer to her request had been a no.

Its not easy, the work Laird Donal does, he said softly. I dont doubt that Donal the man wouldnt hesitate to do what youd suggested. Donal the Laird, on the other hand, must keep a lot more in mind…

Its just frustrating, she said, fighting the urge to bury her head in her hands. Shed hoped Edward would be as angry as she was, at least for a moment. Hes being naive, and superstitious, and stupid. What good does it do to delay the inevitable? Sooner or later, theyre going to have to test whether the childs a Faerie or not… that is, unless something horrible happens to him first. She scowled down at her dinner, prodding the roast vegetables listlessly around the plate with the tip of her knife. When she looked up at Edward, his expression was pained.

I know youre frustrated, Ivy, but… Laird Donals a good man, and a much-beloved leader here. It would be most unwise to cross him.

Very diplomatic of you, she said, fighting the urge to roll her eyes as her frustration targeted itself at Edward. Catching that, she exhaled. Sorry, Edward. I shouldnt take my anger out on you. And of course I wont defy the Laird. I havent forgotten how much hes done for me. She rubbed her forehead. I just need to vent a bit, I think.

Well, that I can help with, Edward said, the faint trace of a smile lifting his features. And when youre feeling better, you and I can come up with a new plan.

A new plan? She sighed bleakly, forcing herself to eat a mouthful of food as she considered the prospect. I cant think of anything, Edward. Ive spent the whole afternoon trying to work out what I can do for Colin if Im not allowed anywhere near him or his family, and Im drawing blank after blank.

Maybe its not a question of doing anything, Edward suggested. Maybe its a question of patience. We wait, we observe… and we do what we can to persuade them to see our point of view, whenever we get the chance.

She sighed. He was right, of course — it was the only course of action that remained to them. But still, it frustrated her to have to move so slowly when the solution was so obvious to her. Edward could clearly sense her unease, and he reached across the table — but instead of taking her hand, he brushed a piece of hair back from her face in an intimate gesture that surprised her out of her funk for a moment.

Were going to figure this out, Ivy, he told her firmly, and as she looked back into his blue eyes, she found herself believing it. Together, well make sure that child leads a long, happy life.