Page 75 of Under the Laird’s Promise

"He still fears causing harm. Making the wrong decision."

"All good leaders carry that fear. It's what keeps them cautious." Angus coughed, the sound rattling in his chest. When he recovered, he fixed her with a stern look. "But tell me true, daughter. Dae ye care fer him?"

The question pierced through her carefully constructed defenses. Did she care for Tavish? The man who made her pulse race and her thoughts scatter? Who touched her so gently while fighting so fiercely? Who looked at her as though she was worth dying for?

"Aye," she whispered. "I care fer him. More than I should. More than is wise."

"Why is it nae wise tae care fer the man ye could marry?"

"Because I dinnae ken if he feels the same." The admission hurt to voice. "What if this is still just a burden tae him? A debt he's repaying? What if when Keir is dealt with and the danger passes, he'll want tae leave? This was never supposed tae turn intae a marriage."

"Dae ye nae see how he looks at ye? "

"That is just⁠—"

"Love, daughter. That was love." Angus's voice softened. "The kind that drives a man tae madness when the woman he loves is threatened. I ken that look. I had it meself when yer maither was alive."

Maighread's throat tightened. "Ye really think so?"

"I ken so. That lad would walk through fire fer ye. The question is, are ye brave enough tae let him?"

Was she? Could she set aside her fear of losing control, of being diminished by marriage, long enough to trust what was growing between them?

"I dinnae ken how," she admitted.

"Start by being honest. With him and with yerself." Her father's grip loosened, his strength waning. "Life is too short fer games, Maighread. Trust me on that. If ye love him, tell him. Give him the chance tae love ye back."

"And if he daesnae?"

"Then at least ye'll ken. But I'd wager me remaining days that he daes." A faint smile crossed his weathered face. "Now go. The Council will be gathering, and ye need tae wash that blood off before ye give old Malcolm a heart attack."

Maighread leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her father's forehead. "Rest, Faither. I'll handle the Council."

"I ken ye will."

She left the chamber quietly, her mind spinning with everything he'd said. He thought Tavish loved her. The possibility made her heart race and her palms sweat. Could it be true?

She replayed the day in her mind. How Tavish had checked her for injuries, his hands frantic and thorough. How he'd held her close in the courtyard, refusing to let go until he was certain she was safe. How he'd looked at her during the ride, his expression raw and unguarded. Maybe her father was right. Maybe Tavish did feel more than obligation.

But what if he didn't? What if she confessed her growing feelings only to discover he was merely being honorable? The thought made her stomach twist. She couldn't bear it. Couldn't bear to see pity in his eyes when she told him the truth.

Better to stay silent. To protect herself from that particular devastation. Even if it meant never knowing what they could have been. Maighread made her way to her chambers, her thoughts a tangled mess of hope and fear.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

The council meeting had been mercifully brief. Maighread had recounted the attack, watching the faces of her father's advisors shift from concern to outrage. They'd agreed to increase patrols and tighten security, but beyond that, the solutions felt thin. Inadequate. Keir Sinclair was escalating, and they all knew it.

Now, hours later, Maighread found herself in a small sitting room tucked away in the east wing, far from the bustle of the main halls. Kathleen sat across from her, pouring tea neither of them would drink.

"Ye've been quiet since the meeting," her cousin said, settling back into her chair. "More than usual, I mean."

Maighread traced the rim of her cup with one finger. "I've been thinking."

"About?"

Everything. The attack. The traitor somewhere within these walls. How close she'd come to being stolen. How Tavish had thrown himself between her and death without hesitation.

"Tavish," she said finally.