“She will be fine. She’s going to take vows at the convent, ye said so yerself. She’ll be protected and cared for by the sisters. This has nothin’ to do with her.”
“It has everythin’ to do with her! If our parents lose their income, they’ll have nay way to support themselves. They’ll lose the castle, the lands, everythin’ they’ve built.”
“They should have thought of that before raisin’ a hand to the wife of a Highland Laird.” Elijah’s voice was implacable. “I willnae tolerate anyone threatenin’ ye, Iris. Nae yer parents, nae anyone. And I need to make an example of them, so everyone kens what happens when they dare.”
Iris stared at him, seeing the determination in every line of his face. This wasn’t just about protecting her, this was about sending a message. About establishing that Lady McMurphy was under his protection, and anyone who threatened her would face severe consequences.
“How long?” she asked quietly. “How long will the blacklist last?”
“Permanently. Unless I choose to lift it.”
“And will ye? Choose to lift it?”
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“On whether they ever show genuine remorse for how they treated ye. On whether they ever apologize properly instead of makin’ excuses.” His hand came up to cup her cheek. “But honestly, Iris? I daenae think they will. People like them never see their own faults. They’ll blame ye for their ruin instead of acceptin’ responsibility for their actions.”
She knew he was probably right. Her parents had never apologized for anything in their lives, had never admitted fault or shown genuine remorse. They’d blame her for “provoking” them, for “forcing” Elijah’s hand, for everything except their own choices.
“What if I asked ye nae to do it?” The question came out hesitantly. “What if I asked ye to show them mercy?”
He was quiet for a long moment, studying her face. “Why would ye ask that? After everythin’ they’ve done?”
“Because they’re still me parents. Because despite everythin’, some part of me still remembers when things were better. When I was small and Faither would smile at me sometimes,when Maither would brush me hair.” Her voice cracked slightly. “I ken they’re terrible people. I ken they daenae deserve me compassion. But I cannae help feelin’ it anyway.”
“That’s because ye have a good heart. Better than they deserve.” He sighed, his expression softening slightly. “But Iris, I need ye to understand. If I daenae make an example of them, if I let this pass without severe consequences, it sends a message that threatenin’ ye has nae real repercussions. And that puts ye in danger.”
“I understand that.”
“I still think ye’re bein’ too kind to them.” His arms tightened around her. “But I suppose that’s one of the things I love about ye. Yer ability to show compassion even when it’s nae deserved.”
“Or me inability to fully harden me heart even when I should,” she said dryly.
“That too.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “Ye’re a better person than I am, Iris Craig.”
“I’m nae sure about that. Ye rode out to find me and bring me home. That takes a good heart too.”
“Or just a desperate one.” But there was warmth in his voice now, the coldness from earlier fading. “I meant what I said yesterday. I love ye. And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep ye safeand happy. Even if it means showin’ mercy to people I’d rather see destroyed.”
“I ken. And I love ye for it.” She settled back against him. “Now, how much longer until we’re home? I miss Codie.”
“Miss him?” Elijah’s voice held amusement. “Ye’ve only been gone three days.”
“Three days is a long time when ye’re worried about someone.” She smiled. “He’s ours now, Elijah. Mine and yers. And I hate the thought of him bein’ frightened or upset.”
“Ours,” Elijah repeated, and she heard the wonder in his voice. “Aye. He is ours.”
They crested a hill, and suddenly, Castle McMurphy was visible in the distance, its gray stone towers rising against the morning sky. Iris felt her heart leap at the sight.
“Home,” she breathed.
“Home,” Elijah agreed. “Ready?”
“More than ready.”
He spurred Thunder forward, and they began the final stretch of their journey. As they drew closer to the castle, Iris could see figures gathering in the courtyard—servants, guards, and mostimportantly, a small figure with dark hair who was practically vibrating with anticipation.
