Page 97 of The Laird’s Sinful Secret

“What ye’d expect. She’s angry, hurt, but she’s nae broken.” Pride colored Euan’s tone despite the grim situation. “And she had a suggestion—one that could solve our support problem.”

“Which is?” Fergus leaned forward.

“The Crown.” Euan straightened. “Lady Moyra pointed out that Keith’s planning an invasion of Skye—that’s nae just a clan dispute anymore. That’s an attack on crown territory without royal sanction.”

Understanding dawned around the table.

“She’s right,” Daniel said. “If we can get the king’s attention, Keith’s invasion becomes treason rather than internal Highland politics.”

“But will the king care?” Fergus challenged. “He’s got enough problems without involving himself in clan feuds.”

“He’ll care if we present it properly,” Euan said. “Lady Moyra’s already drafting a formal letter—detailed, emphasizing the threat tae crown authority. The burned villages, the planned invasion, the sheer scale of Keith’s ambitions. She kens how her father thinks and how the crown will respond. She’ll make it clear this isnae about family politics—it’s about a Highland laird gathering enough force tae challenge royal authority itself.”

“Using his own daughter’s knowledge against him,” David said with grim approval. “There’s justice in that.”

“Aye. She’s putting her education in court politics tae good use.” Euan’s expression hardened. “Her faither taught her well before he decided she was expendable. Now we’ll use that against him.”

“When will the letter be ready?” Malcolm asked.

“Within the hour. She’s working on it now in the solar.” Euan looked around the table. “Once it’s finished, it goes tae the king immediately with our fastest rider. In the meantime, we prepare fer siege. I want every defense ready within two days.”

“And Lady Moyra?” Fergus asked. “If Keith’s coming specifically tae kill her⁠—”

“She stays in the keep’s center when the attack comes. Surrounded by our best guards. But until then, she’s helping organize the refugees and drafting the correspondence we need. She’s nae sitting idle while we prepare.”

“She’s got spine,” Calum observed. “Learning her faither wants her dead and immediately turning it intae strategy.”

“Aye. She’s exactly who this clan needs as Lady MacLeod. Which is why we’re going tae make damn certain Keith doesnae get anywhere near her.”

The Council murmured agreement.

“Then let’s begin,” Euan said. “The rest of ye—begin preparations fer siege. Strengthen the walls, stockpile provisions, drill the men. When Keith arrives, I want him tae find Dunvegan ready fer a long fight.”

The Council dispersed with purposeful urgency, leaving Euan with his Covenant brothers.

“She really suggested the crown approach?” David asked once they were alone.

“Aye. Soon as I told her about Keith’s plans.” Euan’s mouth quirked despite everything. “Didnae even hesitate. Just started thinking strategically about how tae turn her father’s threat into our advantage.”

“Ye chose well,” Archibald rumbled. “A wife with both courage and cunning.”

“I ken.” Euan moved toward the door. “Now if ye’ll excuse me, I need tae check on that letter. And make sure me wife is actually eating something instead of just working herself intae exhaustion.”

“Go,” Calum said, his grin returning. “We’ll handle the defense preparations. Ye handle yer wife.”

“That’s the harder job,” David observed dryly.

Despite everything, Euan found himself smiling as he left. His brothers at his back, his wife by his side—Keith MacKenzie had no idea what he was walking into.