“Mum,” Bercelak kindly said, their mother being one of the few dragons he showed any true respect for. “We can’t just dismiss this. Whether it was Addiena or her mother, this is something that would be considered treachery by any who held the throne.”“He’s right,” Braith said softly, her gaze now on Shalin. “I don’t know why my father did this, whether he has intentions of taking the throne for himself or for someone who has offered him more than Addiena. But whatever his reason, this cannot be ignored. It has to be dealt with.” “Aye, it does,” Brigida announced as she made her slow way back into the hall. She had her walking stick in one hand and a jug of Ailean’s ale in the other. “And what do you suggest, Auntie Brigida?” Ghleanna asked. Brigida stopped by Bercelak’s side and began to tap him on the head with her walking stick. With an annoyed growl, Bercelak got the hint and moved out of the chair and into another one while Brigida took his place and slowly settled her ancient

“She told you to?” Bercelak barked. “What are you? A well-trained dog?”“Last night you were ready to cut her down in Da’s hall.”“That was last night. Today is different! And we’re not talking about me, we’re talking about you, you idiot!”“Big-headed Bercelak is right!” one of their cousins called out, earning a glower from Bercelak. “We should follow those Queen’s Guards and slaughter them all!”Addolgar’s kin cheered in agreement, but a calmly spoken, “No,” stopped them from doing just that.Ailean still stood at the top of the stairs, staring down at them all. “We will not slaughter anyone.”“So we just let them take her?” Ghleanna asked.Ailean grinned. “I didn’t say that either.”Braith would admit, she’d expected rougher treatment from the Queen’s Guard as