Page 96 of The Laird’s Sinful Secret

The prisoner’s mouth clamped shut.

“Answer me.” Euan crouched again, his voice dropping to something dangerous.

“She’s—” The prisoner swallowed hard. “She’s meant tae die. In the assault. Make it look like a MacLeod killed her. That’d remove her as a potential rival tae whatever heir his new wife gives him.”

Euan stood slowly, his hands clenched. “Get him below deck. Keep him alive—he’s worth more as a witness.”

The return to Dunvegan took half the time the outbound journey had.

Euan pushed his ships hard, urgency making every minute feel like an eternity. Behind them, the captured MacKenzie vessel limped along under guard.

“We need tae call a full council meeting the moment we dock,” David said. “If Keith’s truly bringing ten ships, we’ll need every allied clan we can muster.”

“Already planned.” Euan stared at the approaching towers. Somewhere in those walls, Moyra waited—unaware her father had just ordered her death.

The ships slid into harbor. The moment the gangplank touched stone, Euan was moving—striding toward the castle with purpose that made warriors scramble to keep pace.

He had to see Moyra. Had to confirm she was safe.

The castle courtyard bustled with activity. Euan pushed through it all, heading for their chambers.

But before he reached the stairs, a familiar voice stopped him.

“Euan!”

He turned to find Moyra emerging from the great hall, her wedding gown replaced by a simple work dress, copper hair escaping its braid. She looked exhausted—shadows under her eyes, flour dusting her sleeves—but whole. Safe.

Relief nearly drove him to his knees.

“Ye’re back.” She crossed to him, her hands finding his. “I heard the ships. Are ye hurt? What happened?”

“I’m fine.” He pulled her close, not caring who saw. “Are ye all right? Ye were supposed tae rest⁠—”

“I was resting. Then the refugees needed organizing and I couldnae just—” She stopped, studying his face. “Something’s wrong. What happened out there?”

His jaw clenched. “Our chambers. Now.”

The council chamber filled quickly at Euan’s summons.

“Ten ships,” Euan said without preamble. “Six hundred warriors, maybe more. Keith’s planning a full invasion within days. Multiple landing sites with overwhelming forces. He means tae break us completely.”

Grim silence followed.

“We cannae hold against those numbers,” Malcolm said finally. “Nae without significant reinforcements.”

“Which is why the Covenant clans need tae mobilize immediately.” Euan looked at his brothers. “I’m calling in every oath, every favor. We need warriors here within days.”

“Ye’ll have them,” Calum promised. “But even with our full forces, we’ll be hard-pressed.”

“There’s more.” Euan’s knuckles whitened against the table edge. “The prisoner revealed Keith’s true objective. This isnae just about territory—it’s about Lady Moyra. She’s meant tae die in the assault. Keith wants her eliminated, tae remove her as a potential rival tae his heir.”

Shocked murmurs rippled through the chamber.

He’d murder his own daughter?” Malcolm’s voice carried disbelief.

“Aye. I’ve already informed Lady Moyra of the threat.” Euan’s jaw clenched. “Which changes everything. This isnae just an invasion—it’s an assassination plot against me wife.”

“What did she say?” David asked carefully.