Page 95 of Under the Laird’s Promise

Trapped.

Tavish's blade came in low, under Keir's guard, and pressed against his throat. Not cutting. Not yet. Just resting there, cold steel against vulnerable skin.

"Yield," Tavish commanded.

Keir's chest heaved, his eyes wild. "Never."

"Then I'll make ye." Tavish increased the pressure fractionally. Enough to draw a thin line of blood. "Yield. Now."

The silence stretched. Everyone watching held their breath.

Finally, Keir's sword arm dropped. "I yield."

Tavish stepped back immediately, lowering his blade. "Then honor yer word. Leave MacEwan lands. Withdraw yer claim. And dinnae return."

Keir's hand went up to his throat, fingers coming away bloody. The cut was superficial, barely more than a scratch. But the humiliation ran deep.

"This isnae over," he hissed.

"Yes, it is. Ye lost. Ye gave yer word in front of witnesses." Tavish gestured to the watching crowd. "Unless ye'd like tae publicly declare yerself an oath-breaker as well as everything else?"

Keir's jaw clenched so hard Tavish could hear his teeth grind. But he gave a sharp nod and turned to his men.

"Mount up. We're leaving."

The Sinclair delegation moved quickly, clearly eager to escape the hostile atmosphere. Within minutes, they were mounted and heading toward the gates.

At the threshold, Keir turned back one final time.

"Enjoy yer victory while it lasts, MacBain. Because I promise ye, this is far from finished."

Then they were gone, hoofbeats fading into the distance.

Tavish stood in the center of the courtyard, sword still in hand, breathing hard. The adrenaline began to fade, leaving him shaking slightly.

Maighread appeared at his side, her hands on his arms. "Are ye hurt?"

"Nay. I'm fine." He sheathed his blade, covering her hands with his. "Are ye?"

"Aye. Thanks tae ye." Her voice wavered slightly. "That was incredibly reckless."

"It was necessary." He met her eyes. "He needed tae ken we're serious. That this isn't some game he can manipulate his way around."

"Ye could have been killed."

"But I wasnae." He squeezed her hands. "And now he's gone. Bound by oath tae stay away."

"Ye heard his parting words. He'll find a way around it."

"Let him try. We'll be ready."

The crowd began to disperse, servants returning to their duties and guards resuming their posts. Greg appeared, clapping Tavish on the shoulder.

"Well fought," he said. "Though ye gave me a scare when he went fer yer throat."

"Had it under control the whole time."

"Liar." But Greg grinned. "Still. Ye won. That's what matters."