Page 89 of Hollow Court
The morningof the executions was appropriately gloomy.
Despite the cold front and overcast skies, villagers and courtiers alike came out in droves for the event. Between them and the larger army we had with the new soldiers from Alech joining our ranks, it was a sea of bodies pressed in on each other, leaving little room to move around.
Lina’s arm was threaded through mine as we walked to the outskirts of the estate. Right off of the road, next to a towering oak tree and surrounded by a large crowd already, were Lithlinglau’s brand new gallows.
The macabre edifice that promised nothing but death was apparently prime entertainment, if the expressions of some were anything to go by.
Unfortunately, some of those expressions belonged to children.
Even though we had our reasons for a public execution, it made me want to be sick. A few were propped up on the shoulders of their parents, while others ran around in the grass just on the outskirts of the crowd, playing games and laughing as if this were market day.
“Last chance to go back,” I whispered as we moved closer, the crowd finally taking note of our arrival.
Some of the children ran up to us, already asking for sweets or trying to speak to Galina, which only cemented my previous feelings.
She expertly navigated the exchange, pulling out treats that she had apparently brought with her, as if she had expected them to be here and planned ahead.
As soon as they ran off again, she tucked her arm in mine once more and leaned in close enough so that only I could hear her.
“I already told you no, Davin,” she murmured. “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before. We have public executions back home. Besides, this is what they expect of the Lady of Lithlinglau.”
She gestured behind us toward my mother standing resolutely at my father’s side, and I nodded reluctantly.
She was right. It wouldn’t be a good look for her to stay behind.
“I’m not as delicate as you seem to think I am,” she added a moment later, punctuating the statement with a challenging expression.
“Lina, love,” I said quietly. “Delicate would not be the first word I used to describe you. Or the second.”
She let out a short, disbelieving breath before raising her eyebrow. “So what would be, then?”
We locked eyes for a single charged moment before the oppressive crowd pressed in once more, truncating our conversation. It was probably for the best, since I wasn’t sure either of us wanted the answer to that question.
I forced my attention back to the people around us.
Given the amount of courtiers present, one might think that today’s mass execution had replaced tomorrow’s ball to kick off the social season. The thought shouldn’t have made me as bitter as it did.
That had been the point, after all.
To remind the villagers and nobles alike that we wouldn’t tolerate this rebellion any longer.
I scanned each face as we passed, taking note of them. Lady Fenella spoke with her nieces near the Campbells and Stewarts, while Lairds Gray and MacFarley stood off to the side, barely deigning to acknowledge any of the commoners surrounding them.
Our current path, though, led us directly where Laird and Lady Buchannan were speaking with the MacBays and Lady Fiona.
Since her impromptu visit to my room, Fiona had given me the space I asked for, and Gracie had been rather subdued since my return. Still, given my history with both of them, I was more than a little eager to steer us away from that side of the crowd.
Which, unfortunately, meant that we nearly plowed right into the Andersons.
Tavish’s narrowed gaze was fixed on me and Galina, fury rolling off of him in waves. I wasn’t sure if I should take it as a personal victory that he was so angry, or if I should be offended that he felt he had the right to be angrier than I was.
What I wouldn’t give to add a noose to the stage for him.
“Laird Davin,” he seethed.
“Tavish,” I responded curtly, choosing not to use his title. “I do hope you enjoy yourself today.”
His face reddened, his lips parting to respond before Galina cut him off.