Ada's pulse quickened. "What fer?"
"Tae tell ye how glad I am. That ye're finally seein' sense." Donnan's hand came up to touch her arm. "Yer faither never deserved ye, ye ken. Treatin' ye like property tae be traded. And Magnus—" His lip curled. "He's nae better. Cold. Distant. A man who cannae even appreciate what he has."
"That's why I'm here," Ada said, forcing herself not to pull away from his touch. "Because I realized ye were right. I deserve better than this."
"Ye dae." Donnan's smile widened. "And I've been thinkin', Ada. About us. About what could happen after Magnus is dealt with."
Ada's stomach dropped. "What dae ye mean?"
"I mean that ye'll need someone tae take care of ye. Someone who appreciates ye properly." His hand slid down to grasp hers. "I've wanted ye fer years, Ada. Since before ye ran away. Since before all of this. And now—well, now there's naethin' standin' in the way."
Horror crawled up Ada's spine. "Donnan, wha?—"
"Yer faither already agreed. Once Magnus is gone and yer free, ye'll be mine. We'll marry. And I'll show ye what it means to be truly valued." He pulled her closer despite her resistance. "Ye'll learn tae love me, Ada. I promise ye that."
Ada fought to keep the revulsion off her face. "I—we should go. Me faither's waitin' fer us."
"Let him wait." Donnan's other hand came up to cup her face. "I've been patient fer so long. Just let me say this."
"Nay." Ada pulled away sharply. "We need tae go. Now. Before someone notices I'm gone."
Something flickered in Donnan's expression—disappointment, maybe, or anger. But he nodded. "All right. But soon, Ada. Soon ye'll be mine properly."
He led her through the trees, his hand possessive on her arm. Ada's mind raced. She hadn't expected that. Hadn't realized that Donnan's interest went beyond simple loyalty to her father.
The man was delusional. Thought that she'd somehow fall in love with him after he helped destroy Magnus.
It made her sick.
They reached the camp as full darkness settled. Torches burned between the tents, casting dancing shadows. Men moved about—more than the fifteen Magnus had estimated. Ada counted at least twenty, maybe twenty-five.
Her father stood near the central fire, speaking with several armed men. When he saw her, he went still.
"Ada." His voice was flat. Surprised. "Ye actually came."
"Aye." Ada forced herself to move forward, to stand before him. "Donnan said ye wanted tae see me."
Conall studied her for a long moment, his dark eyes assessing. "Did he tell ye why?"
"He said ye had a plan. Tae free me from Magnus."
"Free ye." A cold smile touched Conall's lips. "Is that what ye think this is about? Yer freedom?"
Ada's stomach clenched but she kept her expression neutral. "Isnae it?"
"Oh, daughter. Ye're still so naive." Conall circled her slowly, like a predator assessing prey. "This has never been about ye. Ye were always just a means tae an end. A way tae get inside Magnus's walls. Tae weaken him from within."
"But ye're me faither."
"And ye're me property. Me tool tae use as I see fit." He stopped in front of her. "Though I'll admit, I'm surprised ye came willingly. Thought maybe that Norse savage had actually managed tae turn yer head."
"Nay." Ada forced herself to meet his eyes. "He's exactly what everyone says he is. Cold. Cruel. I couldnae stand another day in that keep."
"And yet ye stayed fer weeks." Conall's eyes narrowed. "Why should I believe ye now?"
"Because I have nowhere else tae go." Ada let desperation creep into her voice—not entirely feigned. "Ye're me blood. Where else would I turn?"
Conall was silent, studying her. Ada's heart hammered against her ribs. If he didn't believe her, if he suspected?—
