‘Your kindness knows no bounds,’ I managed through clenched teeth. ‘But my mind is made up.’ And then, because I could think of nothing better than seeing the expression on her face when I outdid her in every single challenge, I asked, ‘And you? Will you be competing?’
She tittered. ‘Of course. But we all know who’s going to win.’
‘Do we?’
Her grip on Byron tightened. ‘Of course. He’s the most powerful Sidhe we’ve seen in decades, aren’t you, darling?’
‘It takes more than brute strength to win the Games,’ he said, his eyes on me. His focus – especially while Tipsania was hanging off him like a limpet – was making me uncomfortable.
‘May the best Sidhe win,’ I murmured. ‘I’ll look forward to holding the same title my father did.’
Tipsania was taken aback that I’d chosen to invoke my father’s ghost but Byron smiled.
Seeking the fastest route out of the conversation, I searched for anyone who might provide an escape route. Brochan gave me a meaningful glance – he was ready to step in if necessary – but I’d spotted someone else.
‘Chieftain MacBain!’ I called.
The woman, draped in her Clan tartan and holding herself stiffly upright as she swept through the hallway with numerous Sidhe trotting behind her, turned at the sound of her name. When she saw me, she blanched.
I wasn’t going to let her get away. ‘Excuse me,’ I said to Tipsania and Byron and darted away before the Chieftain could make a run for it.
‘I was hoping we might get a chance to catch up,’ I said, sweeping a wholly unnecessary curtsey.
She looked down her nose. ‘How nice but I’m in an incredible hurry.’ She tried to push past me but I held my ground, ignoring the vicious looks I was receiving from her hangers-on.
‘I have something you might be interested in,’ I told her.
She sniffed. ‘I doubt that.’
‘When did Matthew MacBain go missing?’
Her body stilled. ‘Pardon?’
You heard me, you old bint. ‘Matthew MacBain,’ I repeated. ‘One of your ancestors. When did he disappear?’
She looked speculative. ‘A long time before you were born.’
‘Do you know what happened to him?’
I could see that she desperately wanted to get away from me but curiosity was getting the better of her. ‘There are … stories,’ she said stiffly.
‘He went to the Veil, right? Passed into the Lowlands?’
She had a good poker face but she couldn’t control the faint flush around her neck. It drew attention to the ugly silver and pearl necklace which hung there. There was no accounting for taste.
‘How did you know that?’
I looked round. There were too many people eavesdropping on our conversation. ‘Perhaps we can meet in private later,’ I said. ‘I really do think I can shed some light on what happened to him.’
She stared at me. She had dark hair shot through with threads of grey which was pulled back tightly in an elaborate bun. Her mouth was pursed and tight. I had the impression that this was someone who wouldn’t suffer fools gladly. All the same, I’d piqued her interest.
‘Very well,’ she said finally. ‘I am otherwise engaged tonight but after tomorrow’s opening ceremony, I will grant you an audience.’
The MacBain leader had delusions of grandeur – grant me an audience indeed. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Taylor shake his head at me. He was right. She might well prove to be my ticket in. ‘How about before the ceremony?’ I hedged.
Chieftain MacBain’s eyes turned cold at my presumptuousness. I thought she’d deny me but she wanted to know what information I had. In fact, I’d say she was desperate. ‘Was Matthew your grandfather?’ I asked, before she could answer.
‘Uncle,’ she said shortly. She glared at me for a moment as if it were my fault he was no longer with us. ‘Very well. My quarters at 11 a.m.’ Then, in case I tried to change the time again, she marched away.
