Colette stirred in his arms,her eyes fluttering open. "Kenneth," she whispered, her voice weak. "Sophie... is she safe?"
"Aye,"he assured her, his voice gentle. "She's safe. I willnae let any harm come to her."
A faint smiletouched Colette's lips before she slipped back into unconsciousness. Kenneth quickened his pace, worry gnawing at him. Colette had been like a mother to him in his youth, and seeing her in this state filled him with a cold rage.
Reaching the healer's quarters,Kenneth carefully laid Colette on a bed. The healer, an older woman named Fiona, immediately set to work.
"Will she be alright?"Kenneth asked, his voice gruff with concern.
Fiona looked up,her eyes grave but not without hope. "It'll take time, me laird, but aye, I believe she'll recover. She's a strong woman, our Colette."
Kenneth nodded,relief washing over him. "See that she gets the best care," he ordered. "Spare nay expense."
LeavingColette in Fiona's capable hands, Kenneth made his way back to the great hall. He needed to gather his council, to prepare for the war that was surely coming. But first, he had to check on Sophie.
He foundher pacing in the great hall, her face etched with worry and guilt. The moment she saw him, she rushed forward.
"How is Colette?Will she be alright? This is all me fault, I should never have?—"
"Sophie,"Kenneth cut her off, his voice firm but not unkind. "Colette will recover. Fiona is tendin' to her now."
Sophie's shoulderssagged with relief, but the guilt didn't leave her eyes. "Perhaps I should go back," she said softly. "I cannae bear the thought of more people getting' hurt because of me."
In two long strides,Kenneth was before her. He cupped her chin gently but firmly, tilting her face up to meet his gaze.
"Listen to me, Sophie,"he said, his voice low and intense. "Ye're mine now, and I will protect ye with me life. Do ye understand?"
Sophie's eyes widened,a mix of fear and something else – something warmer – flickering in their depths. Slowly, she nodded.
"Good,"Kenneth said, releasing her chin. "Now, I need ye to be strong. War is comin', and we must be prepared."
Sophie straightened,her chin lifting with determination. "What can I do to help?"
Kenneth felta surge of pride at her resilience. "For now, help Fiona with Colette's care. I'll need to meet with me council."
As Sophie hurriedoff to the healer's quarters, Kenneth called for Lachlan. His man-at-arms appeared quickly, his face grim.
"Gather the council,"Kenneth ordered. "And send riders to our allies. We need to ken who will stand with us when the time comes."
Lachlan nodded,turning to carry out his orders, but Kenneth stopped him with a hand on his arm.
"And Lachlan,"he added, his voice low, "double the guard. I want eyes on every approach to the castle. If Mason so much as sneezes in our direction, I want to ken about it."
"Aye, me laird,"Lachlan replied, a fierce grin spreading across his face. "We'll be ready for the bastard when he comes."
As Lachlan leftto carry out his orders, Kenneth moved to the window, his eyes scanning the horizon. He could almost feel the storm gathering, the tension in the air palpable. War was coming, and with it, challenges he had never faced before.
But as hethought of Sophie – her strength, her kindness, the way she had stood up to her brother despite her fear – Kenneth felt a resolve settle over him.
I'll protect her,no matter the cost
The soundof footsteps drew his attention, and he turned to see his council members filing into the room. Old Fergus, his most trusted advisor, approached him first.
"Is it true, me laird?"the old man asked, his bushy eyebrows furrowed with concern. "Are we truly facing war with Clan Allen?"
Kenneth nodded grimly."Aye, it seems we are. Mason Allen has made his intentions clear."
A murmur ranthrough the gathered men, a mix of concern and determination. Kenneth raised his hand for silence.
