Caitriona pushed back from the table and stood up abruptly. Almost as one, the men instantly rose, an old-fashioned, chivalrous reaction that didn’t allow them to sit when there was a woman standing in the room. Caitriona glared at them, her intent clear in her eyes. She was damned tired of being everybody’s pawn.

“Sit down, Caitriona,” Duncan demanded, his eyes meeting hers. She could feel the tension in the room and briefly considered his request. But she had set this train in motion and there was no stepping off now.

Taking a deep breath, she met his steely gaze. “No.” The single word reverberated throughout the vast room. “You can’t actually be considering his request, Duncan,” she stated, fury fueling her fight.

“He has asked for intercession and parlay, Caitriona. I am duty bound tae honor such a request. I’ve explained this tae ye.” The exasperation was barely kept from his voice. He nodded once again to her chair and to the others who also remained standing. Pausing only briefly, Nicolas, who had been seated at her left, held her chair out for her in an exaggerated gesture meant to diffuse the growing tension. She noted the almost pleading look in his eyes as she took her seat next to him.

The other men took their chairs once again as a tense silence settled around the guests. Duncan glared at her, the fury in his eyes unmasked as he allowed the camarara to pour him another cup of coffee. The Grand Maester was the first to break the silence.

“My troops are at your disposal, MacKinnon,” the older man said softly, but with a distinct air of authority that came only with age. “But I agree with the Seer,” he stressed her title. “Hawkins is cunning and will stop at nothing to get what he wants.”

A slight smile creased the corners of Caitriona’s mouth as she realized she might just have an ally in the room.

“However,” he stressed, watching as Caitriona slumped in her chair, “Duncan is correct. We are bound by law to honor Hawkins’ request. I will also add that if there is a way to end this bloody war and have both sides living in peace, we should make every effort to nurture that.” He took a sip of coffee and looked pointedly at Duncan. “I trust you will take every precaution to see that the Seer is well guarded and protected during the event.”

“There is no way I’m letting my sister anywhere close to that monster,” Dani replied haughtily, glaring at the small ensemble who’d gathered to discuss the missive that came through earlier that day. The message was short, formally requesting intercession and parlay as was the custom.

“We need to discuss all our options, mi niña dulce,” the Grand Maester stated. “I don’t think any of us want to risk the Seer’s life, but Hawkins is within his right to request who he wants at the intercession and parlay.” As Nicolas and Dani both started to protest, he raised his hand. “Just as it is within our right to ensure adequate guards and precautions are undertaken.”

“The fact that Hawkins is requesting this now leads me to believe we may have weakened him more than we thought,” Gawain said. He had arrived at Casa Naica earlier that day, unescorted and without the fanfare that was customary for a man in his station. Caitriona presumed it was because of Hawkins’ request. She knew the older man would have preferred to gather his strategic advisors at Castle Dunrobin, but Hawkins would be expecting that. Casa Naica, she knew, provided a well-hidden advantage.

“He also doesn’t seem to know we have Danika, which gives us an even more powerful advantage,” Gawain added.

“Yes, but her powers are weaker than Caitriona’s,” the Grand Maester interjected.

“We haven’t yet taken both women to the caves,” Duncan stated, all eyes turning to him.

Caitriona looked at her sister, who also seemed taken aback by the turn in conversation. “Quit talking about us as if we aren’t in the same room, let alone at the same table,” Dani quipped. She reached for Caitriona’s hand under the table and squeezed it reassuringly.

“This is absurd,” Caitriona said. “Why can’t you just tell Hawkins we aren’t interested in his offer of intercession and parlay?” she stressed the last part sarcastically. “I can’t believe you people would actually entertain this idea. This man is no more interested in a truce than I am in going to the caves.” She rolled her eyes and exhaled loudly.

“I’m with Catie on this one,” Dani spoke firmly. “I saw what our caves did to her. I can’t imagine going to the Crystal Caves—even with full gear.”

Duncan pushed his chair back and stood. “I want to talk to Caitriona…alone.” All eyes were on him, but his grey eyes never left Caitriona’s face.

Caitriona gave Dani’s hand a reassuring squeeze and nodded at Duncan. She folded the napkin that had been in her lap and delicately placed it next to her half-eaten meal. Pushing her chair back, she rose gracefully, her eyes never leaving his face. Nicolas rose as well and almost as one, the remaining men rose to their feet, all eyes focused on the commander of the Templars Knights. The next move was his and they all knew it.

“I will accompany her,” Nicolas announced, his blue eyes locked on Duncan’s, challenging his authority.

“Nay,” Duncan replied sternly. “This doesna concern ye, LaFelle.” He pressed closer to Caitriona and took her arm, leading her from the room. Nicolas pushed back his chair, his intent clear. A low growl erupted from Duncan as Nicolas crossed the room, effectively blocking the door. Caitriona placed her hand on Duncan’s chest, attempting to diffuse what she knew would soon be an impossible situation.

“Nicolas, I will be fine,” she said hurriedly. “I need to talk to Duncan as well…in private.”

He stared at her and she knew he was reading her emotions. He finally stepped back. “If you need me…” The unspoken statement spoke volumes.

She kissed him lightly on the cheek and leaned in close to his ear. “Thank you.”

Duncan touched her elbow and guided her from the room. She stole a glance at him and could see the tick in his jaw, evidence—she knew—of his burgeoning anger. She glanced behind her at Nicolas and could see the worry etched in his brow. What a mess, she thought. She didn’t dare glance at Dani; she knew her sister would jump to her defense in a heartbeat if she thought she was being mistreated. And while she knew Nicolas would protect her—with his own life, if necessary—she also knew he would do almost anything to end this war. Her role was not up for debate.

Duncan led her to a smaller room just outside of the main dining hall. He pulled the door open for her and ushered her inside. Her gaze swept the room where rows and rows of printed books lined the wall. She walked to the array of books and ran her hand over the old, worn volumes. Even in her century, printed books were becoming more and more obsolete as digital technology took over. She knew this was a rare find.

Duncan cleared his throat and she turned to face him. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders, preparing for a lengthy and fiery debate. Crossing the room in three easy strides, he swept his arm around her waist and pulled her tight against him. His mouth found hers in crushing urgency, stealing the very breath from her. His tongue lightly raked across her teeth and for a moment, she forgot everything: the war, her powers, and the upcoming meeting with Hawkins.

After what felt like minutes, Duncan released her, his hand brushing the hair from her face. “Caitriona, I am yours,” he told her. “In every conceivable way, every part of me is yours. I willna let anythin’ happen to ye.”

“Duncan, you can’t promise that,” she interjected. She didn’t need to remind him that Hawkins had penetrated their defenses once already and that one small breach had almost cost her, her life…and Duncan his war.

He sighed and pulled her against his chest. He rested his chin on her head and she snuggled deeper into his arms. She loved the way she fit in his arms. She only wished she fit as easily into his life.

“Even if I said yes, Duncan, I won’t risk Dani’s life as well.”

“Dani kens the risk, lass. And there’s a good chance she’ll try something even more reckless on her own. She’s as keen to end this war as any of those men sitting in that room. With parlay, Hawkins will be unable tae touch ye. Neither side is permitted any weapons and the intercession is purposely kept to only a handful of men and women from either side.” At her worried look, he continued. “Catie, lass, this may be the only chance we get tae see what Hawkins is really up tae.”

“Then you don’t believe he really wants a truce?”

“Nay. He kens ye have power—but I dinna ken if he knows the depth of yer abilities.”

“That makes two of us,” she said, resentment in her voice.

He ignored her jibe remark and instead began pacing the floor. He was once again in warrior mode, and she was once more relegated to his warrior’s tool chest. She sighed.

“I need to ken what ye and Dani can do together. I believe yer abilities are tied together and I’m certain the caves hold the answers. Yer last vision also said as much.” He turned to her and stopped his pacing. “I willna force ye, lass, but I’m asking ye, please give this a try.”

“Duncan, I don’t know what you’re hoping to prove,” she said, exasperated. “We’ve been over this a million times. I can’t control the powers I have and they are weak at best.”

“Nay,” he interjected quickly. “Yer powers simply need tae be developed.”

“You and I both know magic requires discipline and practice for it to mature and gain strength,” she replied, picking her words carefully. “Nicolas may be able to teach me these skills, but it will take years to harness so that it can be controlled and mastered. We simply don’t have that kind of time.”

“Aye,” he said, holding up his hand when she started to interject. “But dinna forget yer last vision. Ye said there was power in three. I’m fairly certain Danika is yer second, possibly yer equal...”

“But nothing happened at the caves,” she interrupted. “I don’t know, Duncan. Maybe we’re going about translating the vision too literally. After all, I did that once before and nearly got us both killed.”

“Aye,” he said, running his hand over stubble that hinted at the full beard that would soon take its place. “Catie, tell me again what happened at the caves. Dinna leave out any details,” he said taking up his methodical pacing once again. He turned and looked at her when she hesitated. “What aren’t ye sharing with me, Catie?” He crossed the room in three easy strides and tilted her face to his.

“Nothing,” she said pulling her face away. She didn’t want him to read the emotion on her face. She had deliberately not told him about the barrage of voices or the energy she felt emanating from the crystals. In truth, she didn’t want to go back to the caves.

“Catie,” he said sharply, grabbing her arm. “What is it?”

She sighed. How much should she tell him? All of it? “What are you hoping to find in the caves, Duncan?” she questioned, deciding for deflection instead.

“Perhaps yer sister’s powers can be amplified if ye both call upon the magic together.”

“I’m not even sure how to go about doing that,” she replied, watching the shadow cross over his handsome features. “Dani seems to be better at tapping into her magical abilities. But from what I saw, her magic was weak there as well.”

“Damnu!” Duncan thundered, his voice echoing in the tall room. “We dinna have the luxury of perfection, lass. We need tae try this. We canna continue to wait for Hawkins to make his move hoping your visions will give us the insights we need when we’re deep intae it.”

“Why not?” she quipped. “That strategy seemed to work well enough for the last battle.” She cringed when she remembered how the visions had barraged her shortly after the fighting had erupted. She didn’t know how to control them but they seemed to arrive at very purposeful moments that allowed them an ever-growing advantage. They had also left her incredibly weak, fatigued, and disoriented.

“Dinna force me tae haul ye tae the caves, lass,” he growled.

“Nicolas might have something to say about that,” she tossed back, knowing the words would cut him to the bone. In truth, she wasn’t quite sure where Nicolas stood. She’d like to think her wellbeing came above any of Duncan’s requests, but she also knew Nicolas was fiercely loyal to the Templar cause—and Duncan.

“Aye,” he growled. He suddenly strode to the door and opened it wide. “LaFelle,” he bellowed. The single word echoed through the long hallway and was almost promptly met by boots on the hard-stone floor.

Duncan held the door open for Nicolas as the younger man cast a wary eye at him and entered the room. Nicolas joined Caitriona, who shook her head and rolled her eyes.

“We leave tomorrow before dawn. Be sure she has the proper gear. I want extra security around her and Dani, always. Yer not to leave her side.” Duncan’s tone was brusque and commanding.

Caitriona could only stare at both men. I guess that answers my question about Nicolas, she thought, her eyes getting glassy. Squaring her small shoulders, she pushed past both men and moved to the door. Pulling open the large, heavy door, she spun around on her heels. She could feel the tears building behind her eyes and hoped she’d be able to hold herself together until she was free of their scrutiny. “Fuck you both,” she said, venom dripping from her voice. Before either man could retort, she fled the room, the tears she’d so courageously held back now coursing down her cheeks and across her heart.