“I’m surprised ye didnae pour boiling oil on me head.”
He gave a bitter smile. “If I had some on hand, maybe I would have.”
He reached the bottom of the steps and began to walk toward Evander, cutting a swathe through the crowd. People moved respectfully aside, creating space for their Laird.
By the time Hunter reached Evander, a growing circle of space had been left for them both. People didn’t move far away, however. They stayed nearby, staring.
Hunter didn’t seem to notice. He kept his eyes fixed on Evander, fury contorting his face. It was easy to notice if you knew what you were looking for. His eyes were narrowed, his jaw tense, his lips pressed together in a taut, thin line. He stepped too close to Evander, almost nose to nose.
His hand rested on the sword strapped to his hip. Evander pointedly did not reach for his own.
“I heard that ye murdered one of yer councilmen during a meeting,” Hunter breathed. “And that me sister’s guard, Mason, is still in the dungeons.”
“I killed the man who arranged for Skye’s kidnapping,” Evander responded. “Mason was just a tool. He’s sorry for his part in it, and in a way, he saved Skye’s life. Me councilman wanted her dead.”
“Yercouncilman.”
“Aye, mine. Me problem. I dealt with it.”
Hunter gave an incredulous huff. “Ye seem pleased with yerself. What are ye doing here, Evander? Ye shouldnae have come.”
“I had to come.”
“Why? Have ye brought news of the annulment? I want it over and done with. I want me sister to be free.”
Evander let out a ragged sigh, forcing himself to meet Hunter’s eyes. He kept his arms hanging loosely by his sides.
Show him that I’m nae here to fight.
“I’m here to see Skye.”
Hunter blinked, missing a beat. “Ye what?”
“Skye. I want to see her. I want to talk to her, if she’ll agree to it.”
He let out a harsh laugh. “Like hell ye will.”
“Hunter…”
“Nay. It’s nae up for debate. Ye arenae seeing me sister. Nae now, nae ever. She doesnaewantto talk to ye.”
Evander clenched his jaw. “Then let me hear it from her.”
“Absolutely nae. Take yerself out of me keep, Evander, before I cut off yer head and spike it on the keep walls.”
High above, the gray clouds that had been gathering all morning seemed to turn darker. A lazy roll of thunder rumbled through the air. Several people in the crowd flinched, eyeing the sky with trepidation. A few backed away from the chaos, wisely heading toward shelter.
Hunter didn’t spare the crowd a single glance. He kept his gaze fixed on Evander. “Leave. Now.”
“I cannae leave, Hunter.”
“Where are ye soldiers? Ye cannae have come here alone.”
“I did,” Evander answered simply. “Let me see her.”
By way of answer, Hunter took several steps back, drawing his sword with a neat flourish. He aimed the point toward Evander.
“If ye stay, we’ll duel,” he hissed. “Those are yer choices. Leave or fight.”
