Page 76 of Under the Laird’s Promise

Kathleen's expression shifted, softening into something knowing. "Och, lass. I wondered when ye'd admit it."

"Admit what?"

"That yer feelings fer him have changed." Her cousin leaned forward, voice dropping low. "That this isn't just a convenient arrangement anymore."

Heat crept up Maighread's neck. "Is it that obvious?"

"Tae anyone paying attention, aye." Kathleen smiled gently. "The way ye look at him when ye think nay one is watching. How ye gravitate toward him in a room. The fact that ye nearly came undone when that mercenary reached fer him during the fight."

"I didnae⁠—"

"Ye did. The servants heard from the guards. How ye went pale as death until ye saw him stand up again." Kathleen set her untouched tea aside. "Maighread, ye care fer him. Deeply. Why are ye so afraid tae say it?"

Because saying it makes it real. Because real things can be lost.

"What if it's only obligation for him?" The words tumbled out before she could stop them. "What if he's just honoring a debt tae me faither? What if, when Keir is dealt with and the danger passes, he'll want tae leave?"

"Dae ye truly believe that?"

Maighread thought of how Tavish had held her in the courtyard, refusing to let go. How his hands had moved over her so frantically after the battle, checking for injuries. How he'd looked at her on the ride home, his expression stripped of all pretense.

"I dinnae ken what tae believe," she admitted. "Me head says one thing, but me heart..."

"What daes yer heart say?"

That I'm falling fer him. That the thought of losing him terrifies me more than anything Keir could dae. That I want this tae be real so badly it aches.

"It says I'm a fool," Maighread whispered.

"Nay, lass. Yer heart says ye’re brave enough tae feel despite the risk." Kathleen reached across the space between them, gripping Maighread's hand. "But ye'll never ken how he truly feels if ye dinnae ask him."

"I cannae just walk up tae him and demand tae ken his feelings."

"Why nae? Ye've demanded everything else from him. His protection. His name. His presence in yer life. Why should honesty be any different?"

Because honesty is terrifying. Because once the words are spoken, they can't be taken back.

"What if he daesnae feel the same?" Maighread's voice came out small, vulnerable in a way she hated. "What if I tell him how I feel and he… pities me?"

"Then at least ye'll ken the truth. But Maighread," Kathleen squeezed her hand tighter, "I've watched that man with ye. I've seen how he looks at ye when ye’re nae payin’ attention. How he positions himself tae always be between ye and any threat. How he smiles at yer sharp tongue instead of being offended by it."

"That could just be⁠—"

"Actions matter as much as words, cousin. Sometimes more." Kathleen's expression turned serious. "He nearly died protecting ye today. He didnae hesitate. Didnae calculate the risk. He just moved. Dae ye truly think that's merely obligation?"

Maighread's throat tightened. "I want tae believe it's more."

"Then talk tae him. Give him the chance tae show ye instead of torturing yerself with maybes and what-ifs." Her cousin released her hand, sitting back. "Ye've never been a coward, Maighread. Dinnae start now."

The words struck home, sharp and true. She wasn't a coward. She'd faced down her Council, stood up to Keir's machinations, claimed a false betrothal in front of armed men. Why should seeking clarity be any more frightening than that?

Because those things didn't involve her heart.

The walk to Tavish's chambers felt endless. Each step took effort, her nerves screaming at her to turn back. To protect herself from potential heartbreak. But Kathleen's words echoed in her mind.

Actions matter as much as words.

Tavish had proven he cared through his actions repeatedly. He'd protected her, challenged her, stood beside her when he could have walked away. Perhaps it was time she trusted that those actions meant something real.