Page 121 of Under the Laird’s Promise

"In the training yard," someone called. "We sent fer him when the first refugees arrived."

Maighread was already moving. "Get these people inside. Kathleen!" Her cousin appeared, taking in the chaos instantly. "Organize shelter and food. I want every able person assigned tae help."

She found Tavish in the training yard, already armed, already barking orders to gather men. His face was hard as granite when he saw her.

"How bad?" she demanded.

He turned, relief flashing across his features before the mask returned. "Bad. Coordinated attacks on at least three villages. Deliberate. Calculated."

"Casualties?"

"Dinnae ken yet. The survivors who made it here said people were fleeing intae the woods. Some stayed tae fight." His jaw clenched. "We need tae move now before it gets worse."

"How many men are ye taking?"

"Forty. Enough tae engage but nae so many that we leave the castle undefended."

Maighread's mind raced. "Ye'll need supplies. Medical supplies especially. And fresh horses at the halfway point if ye're riding hard."

"Aye. I've already⁠—"

"I'll handle it." She turned toward the steward, who'd emerged from the kitchens. "Wake everyone. I want bandages, ointments, clean cloths, and food baskets ready within the hour. Send runners tae the stables tae prepare extra mounts."

The steward nodded and disappeared. Tavish caught her arm, his grip firm.

"Maighread—"

"Dinnae." Her voice was steel. "Dinnae tell me tae stay calm or that ye'll handle everything. Just tell me what ye need."

His expression shifted. "I need ye tae coordinate the defense here. Keep the castle secure. If this is a distraction and Sinclair tries something while I'm gone⁠—"

"I'll handle it."

"And prepare space fer the wounded. We'll be bringing people back. Probably a lot of them."

"Already planned."

They stared at each other for a long moment. Around them, organized chaos swirled as men gathered weapons and horses stamped nervously.

"Be careful," Maighread said quietly.

"Always am."

"Liar."

His mouth curved briefly. Then he pulled her close and kissed her hard, fast, claiming. When he released her, his eyes were blazing.

"I'll come back tae ye," he said. "I promise."

"Ye better. We have a wedding in less than two days."

"Nothing will stop that. Nae Sinclair, nae war, nae anything."

He turned and strode toward his horse. Greg appeared beside him, already mounted, his expression grim. Tavish swung into the saddle with practiced ease. Maighread watched as he raised his arm and shouted, "Move out!"

The men rode through the gates in formation, torches bobbing in the darkness. The sound of hooves thundered against stone, then faded as they disappeared down the road. Silence fell over the courtyard. Maighread stood alone, her robe fluttering in the night breeze, and forced herself to breathe. Then she turned and went to work.

Within minutes, the castle transformed around her. Maighread moved through the corridors issuing orders in a calm, steady voice that belied the fear coiling in her stomach. Servants rushed past carrying linens and supplies. She directed them toward the Great Hall, pointing out where tables needed to be cleared and space made for the injured.