Ragnall’s smile was sharp. “Straight to the point. I appreciate that in a man.” He shifted, and Leona’s heart stopped.
Because there, half-hidden behind Ragnall’s larger frame, was Skye.
The little girl’s face was tear-streaked, her dark hair disheveled. Her small body shook with suppressed sobs, and when she saw Murdock, a desperate sound escaped her throat.
“Da!”
“Skye.” Murdock’s voice cracked on her name, and Leona heard the barely leashed fury in it. Saw the way his hand tightened on his sword until his knuckles went white.
Ragnall pushed Skye forward, one hand gripping her shoulder hard enough that she whimpered. His other hand held something that writhed and hissed with feline fury.
Nyx.
The little black cat was a ball of rage in his grip, her claws extended, her yellow eyes blazing. She’d already drawn blood.
Leona could see the scratches covering Ragnall’s arm, the way crimson seeped through his sleeve. But he held on, his grip unyielding, using the animal’s struggle to emphasize his control.
“She really loves kitties,” Ragnall said conversationally, giving Skye a little shake that made her stumble. “Found her in the kitchens eatin' honeycakes with this little beast. Made our job so much easier, really. We just promised we had special sweets for the cat, and she followed right along. Ye might want to check yer kitchen maids, by the way, Ainsley. I think they got quite the fright.”
Leona felt sick. Behind her, more people had arrived. She heard Ailis make a sound of pure rage, felt Kristen’s hand grip her arm tight enough to bruise.
Around the courtyard, Murdock’s men had appeared, weapons drawn. She spotted Murdock’s brothers-in-law, their faces dark with fury.
Hamish stood near the gate, his hand on his sword, waiting for the signal to attack.
But they all held back. Because Ragnall had Skye.
“Let her go.” Murdock’s voice was deadly quiet. “Whatever quarrel ye have, it’s with me. The child has nothin' to do with this.”
“Doesnae she?” Ragnall tilted his head. “I disagree. I think she has everything to do with this.” He looked down at Skye, his smile turning cruel. “After all, she’s the reason ye killed me brother, is she nae? Tryin' to protect yer wee bairn.”
“Yer brother tried to ransom me for gold,” Murdock bit out. “He made his choice.”
“And ye made yers.” Ragnall’s grip on Skye tightened. “Now I’m makin' mine. I’m here to pick up me bride via battle or a simple exchange.”
The words hung in the air.
Skye whimpered again, trying to pull away from Ragnall’s grip. Nyx yowled and managed to sink her teeth into his thumb. He cursed but didn’t release either of them.
“Da, please.” Skye’s voice was small, terrified. “I’m sorry. I didnae mean… I just wanted to make Nyx happy and?—”
“Shh, wee one,” Ragnall said with false gentleness. “Ye did nothin' wrong. Yer faither is the one who needs to make this right.”
Murdock took a step forward, and instantly a dozen swords rose, pointed directly at him. He froze, his expression murderous.
“I’ll nae warn ye again, Kerr,” he said, his voice dropping to that dangerous register that made seasoned warriors flinch. “Let. Her. Go.”
“Or what?” Ragnall’s smile widened. “Ye’ll kill me like ye killed Keith? In front of yer daughter? I wonder how that would affect the poor lass. Watchin' her faither become a monster.”
The calculated cruelty of it made Leona’s hands curl into fists.
Ragnall knew exactly what he was doing, knew exactly how to twist the knife. He’d weaponized Murdock’s greatest fear: becoming his father, becoming the monster he’d spent his whole life trying not to be.
Killian started forward, murder in his eyes, but Murdock threw out an arm, stopping him.
“Nay.” His voice was strained. “Nay. He wants us to attack. Wants an excuse to hurt her.”
“Smart man,” Ragnall said approvingly. “Glad to see ye understand the situation.” His grip on Skye shifted, fingers digging into her shoulder.
