The words stung because they held truth. Roderick took a long drink of whisky, feeling it burn down his throat.
“The letter,” Roderick said finally, his tone cold and deliberate. “I’ll have it written tonight.”
Campbell arched a brow. “Oh? And what exactly will it say?”
“That the MacDonald laird has stolen what’s mine by right. That he used deceit and false bidding tae take her from me. I’ll demand her return under clan law and by the authority of the Pact.”
A slow smile spread across Campbell’s face. “Stronger words than I expected. Careful, Roderick. Too much heat and they’ll smell desperation.”
“I dinnae care what they smell,” Roderick snapped. “He humiliated me in front of every laird in the room. I’ll nae let it stand.”
Campbell leaned back, studying him with mild amusement. “Then perhaps temper the rage with precision. A formal demand fer her return, aye, that will dae nicely. Cite irregularities in the auction process, hint at coercion. Diplomatic on the surface, but sharp enough tae cut.”
Roderick’s mouth twisted into a grim smile. “Let them see I’ve teeth, Angus. I’ll nae be made a fool in me own Highlands.” Roderick's mind was already racing ahead. "I have another daughter. Nessa. She's young still, but in a few years…"
"Dinnae." Campbell's voice cut like a blade. "Dinnae even think about offerin’ another daughter until we ken how this situation resolves."
"Why nae? If Liliane is truly lost tae me, Nessa could take her place."
"Or she could become another embarrassment if ye rush intae arrangements before the ground is solid." Campbell's eyes were hard. "How will it look if ye lose two daughters tae poor plannin’? The other lairds will think ye cannae control yer own household, let alone contribute meanin’fully tae the Pact."
"The girl." Roderick's eyes narrowed. "Liliane. She hates him, I'm sure of it. Nay daughter of mine would welcome a forced marriage." Roderick’s jaw worked as he paced before the fire, fury simmering just beneath the surface. “MacDonald may have her now, but the Highlands have long memories. If the marriage hasnae been sealed, truly sealed, then it’s nay a marriage at all.”
Campbell’s brow rose, the hint of approval flickering in his eyes. “Go on.”
“A union unconsummated is a union unblessed. Church law, Highland custom, it’s all the same. If word of that spreads, the Council will side with me. I’ll have grounds tae demand her return. Legal grounds.”
“Aye,” Campbell said smoothly, swirling his wine. “And that demand will force MacDonald into a corner. He’ll either produce proof or expose himself as a liar. Either way, he bleeds.”
Roderick’s mouth curved into a cruel smile. “Let him choke on his pride. He humiliated me before half the lairds in the Highlands, now I’ll strip him of his honor piece by piece.”
Campbell leaned forward slightly, his tone mild but edged. “A fine start, Roderick. But a clever man daesnae simply demand. He makes the other side come tae him. Send the letter, aye, but make sure it reaches every clan worth the name. Let them all see that MacDonald’s honor hangs on the word of one frightened lass.”
Roderick’s expression hardened with satisfaction. “Then that’s what I’ll do.” He turned toward the door, firelight catching the cruel glint in his eyes. “If he’s nae yet claimed her, he’ll wish he had before I’m done.”
"We wait. We watch. We gather information." Campbell's voice was patient. "And when the opportunity presents itself, we strike. Carefully, strategically, but decisively."
"I want yer backin’," he said finally. "If this daes escalate intae conflict, I need tae ken the Pact will support me."
Campbell was quiet for a long moment. "Me loyalty is tae the Pact of Argyll, Munro. Nae tae any single laird's personal ambitions."
"This isnae personal ambition. This is about maintainin’ the order we've all agreed tae uphold."
"Is it? Because from here, it looks remarkably like wounded pride dressed up as principle."
Roderick's jaw clenched. "MacDonald defied us both. He violated the spirit of the auction, if nae the letter."
"The spirit daesnae matter. Only the letter." Campbell's voice was cold. "That's how law works, how power works, how survival works in these Highlands. Ye can rage about spirit and intention all ye want, but at the end of the day, MacDonald followed the rules. We wrote those rules, Munro. We cannae cry foul when someone uses them better than we expected."
"So ye willnae support me."
"I didnae say that." Campbell poured more whisky for them both. "I said me loyalty is tae the Pact. And right now, the Pact's stability requires we handle this carefully."
"That's nae an answer."
"It's the only answer ye're getting’." Campbell met his eyes steadily. "If yer actions serve the Pact's interests, if they strengthen our position, weaken our enemies, advance our goals, then aye, ye'll have me support. But if ye act out of pride or vengeance or impatience, ye'll be on yer own."
"I ken the difference. Ye dinnae need tae teach me."
