Page 87 of The Highlander’s Savage Vow

"Ye found correspondence," the king repeated slowly. "How exactly did ye come tae be reading Murray MacNab's private papers?"

Heat flooded Iona's cheeks, but she held the royal gaze steadily. "I was hiding in his study, Yer Majesty. After he... after his attack on me. I was too frightened and shaken tae leave immediately."

The king's councilors exchanged glances, and Iona could read the skepticism in their faces. Her story sounded convenient, exactly the kind of tale a guilty party might concoct.

"Convenient timing," the same councilor observed coldly. "Ye just happened tae discover evidence of treason while hiding from an alleged assault."

"It's the truth," Ruaridh said, his voice sharp with frustration. "Me wife has nay reason tae lie about⁠—"

"Peace, Laird MacDuff," the king warned. "Ye are in me presence. Moderate yer tone."

Ruaridh's jaw clenched, but he bowed stiffly. "Fergive me, Yer Majesty."

The king studied them both for a long moment. "The problem before us is simple. We have Murray MacNab's word against yers. He claims Lady MacDuff stole sensitive documents and fled justice. Ye claim he is a traitor who attacked yer wife. Both stories cannae be true."

"Murray presented forged documents," Iona said desperately. "Letters supposedly written by me that I never penned. Surely the court has ways of detecting such deceptions?"

"Perhaps. But Murray MacNab's evidence appears genuine, while ye offer only accusations and claims of hidden correspondence that may or may not exist." The king leaned forward. "Dae ye have any proof of these alleged treasonous letters?"

This was the moment. Iona felt the weight of the decision crushing down upon her. Across the chamber, she could see the skepticism in the councilors' faces, could feel their growing certainty that she was exactly what Murray had claimed—a desperate woman spinning lies to save herself.

She looked at Ruaridh, seeing the strain in his face, the way he held himself ready to defend her even if it meant his own downfall. That man had risked everything for her—his clan's reputation, his standing with the crown, his very future. He was prepared to lose it all rather than abandon her to Murray's lies.

He would sacrifice everything fer me. The least I can dae is match his courage.

"Aye, Yer Majesty," she said, her voice growing stronger. "I dae have proof."

Surprise flashed across Ruaridh's face as she reached into the hidden pocket of her traveling gown. The letter crackled as she withdrew it, the parchment worn from her careful handling over those many weeks.

"This letter was among Murray MacNab's correspondence," she said, approaching the royal table with careful steps. "Written in his own hand. It details his attempts tae blackmail Laird Campbell of Argyll."

The herald took the letter from her and placed it on a golden platter before presenting it to the king. Iona watched his expression carefully, but it remained unreadable as he studied the parchment. He handed it to his councilor, and a few of them huddled together to examine it, their whispered conversation too low for Iona to overhear.

One of them read aloud: "'Yer indiscretions with the English merchants are well documented, Campbell. Continue yer opposition tae me proposals in Council, and I'll ensure every laird in Scotland kens of yer treasonous dealings.'"

"This appears authentic," the councilor looked up, finally speaking. "The paper has the seal of MacNab, and it would be easy to confirm the handwriting."

"Trace any business correspondence ye have with MacNab and compare the handwriting now," the king ordered grimly.

Silence fell over the chamber like a shroud. The implications were clear—this was not the letter of an honorable Highland laird, but of a man who traded in secrets and threats.

"Repeat the circumstances in which ye obtained this letter." the king asked, his tone sharper now.

Iona's heart hammered against her ribs. "I willnae tell a lie, Yer Majesty. When I was hiding in his study after his attack, I kent that if I could prove his true nature, people might believe me about what he'd done. So I searched through his documents in his desk."

"Ye admit tae theft?"

"Aye, Yer Majesty. I stole that letter." She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze directly. "But I would dae it again. Murray MacNab has been using such correspondence tae manipulate Highland politics fer his own gain, while presenting himself as a loyal servant of the crown. "

The king was quiet for several minutes, studying the letter and then looking between Iona and Ruaridh. Finally, he spoke.

"This evidence suggests that Murray MacNab may indeed be guilty of the crimes he has accused ye of committing, Lady MacDuff. Blackmail of fellow Highland lairds is a serious matter, and if he has other such correspondence..."

"There were more letters, Yer Majesty," Iona said quickly. "This was only one of many I saw in his study. I thought one would be enough."

"Then we shall summon him fer further questioning." The king's expression had hardened considerably. "If Murray MacNab has been playing false with the crown while accusing others of his own crimes..."

Relief flooded through Iona so powerfully she swayed on her feet. Ruaridh's steadying hand found her elbow, and she could see the pride and gratitude blazing in his green eyes.