Page 125 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

"Most likely, aye."

"But the Duke just declared our marriage legitimate. He said he'd order Langley to stand down."

"I ken. And he's goin' tae send a letter makin' his position clear." David squeezed her hand. "But men like Langley, they dinnae always listen tae reason. Even when it comes from the Crown."

"So what do we do?"

"We prepare. I've already increased patrols, sent word to our allies." He tried to keep his voice calm, reassuring. "Keppoch's defenses are strong. We've plenty of supplies. And Langley daesnae have the numbers fer a proper siege."

"Then what's he planning?" Elinor's voice was sharp with fear. "Why would he position men there if he's not planning to attack?"

"I dinnae ken yet. But I will." He pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I promise ye, lass. Whatever he's plannin', we'll be ready fer it."

They sat like that for several minutes, neither speaking. David could feel the tension radiating from Elinor's body, could hear the slight tremor in her breathing.

"The Duke thinks the letter will help," he said finally. "That it might make Langley reconsider."

"Do you believe that?"

David wanted to lie. Wanted to tell her yes, that everything would be fine, that Langley would read the king's letter and immediately withdraw.

But he'd promised her honesty.

"Nay," he admitted quietly. "I wish I could say yes. That men like Langley respond to authority and reason. But in me experience, obsessed men dinnae stop just because they're told tae. They find ways around obstacles. They plot and scheme until they get what they want."

"So he's going to attack."

"Probably. Eventually." David shifted to face her fully. "But that daesnae mean he'll succeed. Keppoch has never been breached. Never. We've withstood worse than one English knight with delusions of ownership."

"He doesn't just think he owns me." Elinor's voice was bitter. "He thinks he deserves me. That I was stolen from him unfairly. In his mind, he's the wronged party. The hero coming to rescue me from the barbarian Highlander."

"Let him think that. It'll make him sloppy." David cupped her face with both hands. "Listen tae me. Whatever happens, I will protect ye. I swear it. He willnae take ye from here. Nae while I'm alive."

"That's what I'm afraid of." Tears shone in her eyes. "That protecting me will cost you everything. Your life. Your clan. Everything you've built."

"Then it costs me everythin'." His voice was fierce. "Because ye're worth it. Ye're worth all of it and more."

"Promise me something," she whispered.

"Anythin'."

"Promise me you won't do anything reckless. That you'll think about the clan. About yourself. Not just about protecting me."

"Elinor."

"Please. I need to know that if it comes down to a choice between your life and mine, you won't just—" Her voice broke. "I couldn't bear it. If something happened to you because of me."

David pulled back enough to look at her. "Naethin's goin' tae happen tae me. Or tae ye. We're goin' tae survive this taegether."

"You can't promise that."

"Nay. But I can promise I'll dae everythin' in me power tae make it true." He brushed away a tear that had escaped down her cheek. "Now come on. Let's go see what Cook can prepare fer a potential siege. We might as well make sure we're well-fed while we wait fer Langley tae make his move."

Three days passed in tense anticipation.

David increased security, posted extra guards, and drilled his men until they moved like a well-oiled machine.

And they waited.