“I have fought for this clan,” Ian continued, stepping forward now, his presence commanding the room. “I have bled for it. I have held these lands through war and threat from every side. And ye dare to speak to me of weakness?”
George faltered slightly. Ian took another step closer.
“The respect I have earned will nae be undone by refusing to force a woman into a contract built on deceit,” he said, his voice rising with each word. “If any man believes otherwise, he is welcome to stand before me and say it plainly.”
No one spoke. George swallowed, his confidence wavering.
“But…” he began again weakly.
“Enough,” Ian snapped.
The word cracked through the chamber like a whip. George fell silent.
“I am yer Laird, and ye will obey,” Ian’s gaze burned into him, leaving no room for further argument. The older man took a stepback, then he sat down as the weight of Ian’s authority pressed down upon him.
Ian turned back to the table. Without hesitation, he took the contract in his hands. “For the sake of honor,” he said, his voice steady once more.
Then he tore it in half. The sound echoed through the chamber. No one moved.
Ian dropped the torn pieces onto the table and placed his hand over Arianna’s. “She stays by choice,” he said firmly. “And that is the only bond that matters.”
“It is true,” Arianna said. “I am a part of Clan McGuire now and that willnae change, but we will face nay pressures of time to produce an heir as required by this contract.”
Silence lingered for a long moment. Then, slowly, one of the councilmen nodded. Others followed.
George said nothing more. And Ian felt Arianna at his side; she stood taller than she ever had before.
A slow breath left Ian as regret settled deep within his chest.
I should have destroyed the contract sooner.
The thought struck with sharp clarity, leaving no room for denial. The moment they had uncovered the hidden clause, the moment truth had come to light, he should have destroyed it without hesitation. Instead, he had allowed it to linger, allowed doubt to take root where trust should have stood firm. He closed his eyes briefly.
It had cost her peace, trust, and nearly her life.
I failed her. But I will fix it now.
Regret would serve no purpose now unless he acted upon it. There were still wrongs to be righted, still truths to be spoken aloud where all could hear them. And this time, he would not delay.
“I will be taking Lady McGuire to Castle McDonald,” Ian announced, his voice firm.
“We wish to speak to me family directly,” Arianna added.
A murmur passed through the council. George shifted in his place, though he did not immediately speak.
Another councilman cleared his throat. “Me Laird, is that wise, given recent events?” he asked cautiously.
Ian’s gaze swept the room. “It is necessary,” he replied.
George stepped forward at last, his voice measured but wary. “And what purpose does this journey serve?”
Ian did not hesitate.
“I will speak with her brother,” he said. “Laird McDonald will hear the truth of this matter from me directly.”
The room fell quiet.
“There will be nay misunderstandin' between our clans,” Arianna said. “Nae now, and nae after all that has passed.”
