Page 140 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

The castle had returned to something resembling normalcy over the past week. The dead had been buried, both MacDonald clansmen and Langley's forces. The wounded were healing. Repairs were underway on the damaged gate.

And slowly, carefully, life was settling back into its rhythm.

"Me laird! Me lady!" Malcolm appeared at the top of the stairs, looking harried but pleased. "Perfect timin’. Everyone's assembled. Just waitin' on ye."

"Is everythin' ready?" David asked, then caught Elinor's pointed look. "I mean, ye've done excellent work, Malcolm."

"Aye, well." The steward looked surprised at the compliment. "It's been a team effort, really. Lady Elinor handled most of the details."

"Did she now?" David glanced at his wife, who was trying not to look smug.

"Someone had tae, since you were resting." She squeezed his hand. "Come on. Let's go face our public."

The great hall had been transformed. Torches blazed in their sconces, casting warm light over tables laden with food.

The high table had been decorated with autumn flowers and MacDonald colors. And the hall itself was packed, every clansman who could attend, plus representatives from allied clans who'd sent men to help defend Keppoch.

A cheer went up as David and Elinor entered. Men and women rose to their feet, applauding, shouting welcomes.

David felt heat creep up his neck. He'd never been comfortable with this kind of attention, even after years of being laird.

But Elinor seemed to shine in it. She smiled and waved, acknowledging familiar faces, looking every inch the Lady of Keppoch she'd become.

"Speech!" someone called from the back. "The laird should give a speech!"

Others took up the call. David shot Tristan a look—his friend was grinning, clearly enjoying David's discomfort.

"I hate ye," David mouthed.

Tristan's grin widened.

David raised his good hand, and the hall quieted. All eyes turned to him, expectant.

"I'm nae much fer speeches," he started, and several people laughed. "But I want tae thank ye. All of ye. Fer defendin' Keppoch. Fer protectin' each other. Fer provin' that this clan is more than just stone walls and sharp swords."

He paused, gathering his thoughts.

"We lost good people in that battle. Brave men and women who gave their lives tae keep our home safe. We'll honor them. Remember them. Make sure their families are cared fer." His voice roughened. "But taeday, taenight, we also celebrate. We celebrate survivin'. We celebrate comin' taegether when it mattered most. And we celebrate the fact that Keppoch still stands. Still strong. Still ours."

Another cheer, louder this time. David waited for it to die down before continuing.

"I also want tae thank me wife." He turned to Elinor, who looked surprised. "Lady Elinor showed more courage and strength than anyone had a right tae expect. She tended the wounded. She fought off attackers. She refused tae hide or cower, even when it would have been easier." His hand found hers. "She's made Keppoch a home in ways I never could have alone. And I'm grateful. Tae her. And tae all of ye fer welcomin' her."

Elinor's eyes were suspiciously bright. She squeezed his hand hard.

"So eat!" David called out. "Drink! Celebrate! Because we earned this!"

The hall erupted in cheers. People began settling into their seats, reaching for food and drink. The musicians in the corner struck up a lively tune.

David and Elinor made their way to the high table, where Tristan was already seated along with the other council members.

"That was a good speech," Tristan said as they sat. "Surprisingly emotional fer ye."

"Shut up."

"I'm serious. Ye actually showed feelings in public. I'm proud of ye."

"I'm goin' tae stab ye with me fork."