Ian shifted slightly, forcing his gaze toward the window, though it did little to quiet the thoughts in his mind.
“God help me,” he muttered under his breath, more to himself than to her. For all his strength in battle, this quiet restraint tested him in ways no enemy ever had.
The carriage rolled through the gates of Castle McDonald beneath a sky brushed with pale light, the banners of Arianna’s clan snapping proudly in the breeze. Ian stepped down first, his boots striking the stone courtyard as his gaze lifted to take in the gathered figures awaiting them. Arianna followed close behind, and in an instant, her family surged forward to greet her. The warmth of their welcome stood in stark contrast to the tension Ian had carried with him on the journey.
“Arianna!” her mother, Eilidh, cried, her voice thick with relief as she gathered her daughter into a tight embrace.
“Oh, Mother. I missed ye. There is much to discuss,” Arianna said softly, though she held her just as tightly.
Hugh stepped forward then, his expression both guarded and welcoming as his gaze shifted to Ian. “Ye’ve brought her back to us in one piece,” he said, his tone measured but not unkind.
Ian inclined his head slightly. “Aye,” he replied. “And I intend to keep her that way.”
Hugh studied him for a moment longer before nodding. “Then ye are welcome here, Laird McGuire,” Hugh said, extending his hand with Anna at his side.
Ian took it firmly. “I thank ye.”
Marcus lingered nearby, his sharp eyes flicking between them.
“Brothers, Anna,” Arianna hugged each of them.
“Arianna, I'm so glad to see ye,” Anna said.
“Let us go inside,” Arianna said. “This is nae a matter for the courtyard.”
They moved together into the castle, the heavy doors closing behind them as they were led to a sitting room warmed by a low-burning fire. The family gathered. Ian remained standing beside Arianna, his presence steady, his resolve clear. He did not delay.
“I will speak plainly,” Ian said, his voice firm as it filled the room. “I have come here to set matters right between our clans.”
Hugh crossed his arms slightly. “Then speak,” he said.
Ian met his gaze. “I have torn up the marriage agreement.”
The words landed heavily. Eilidh’s hand rose to her chest, Marcus’s brows lifted, and Hugh’s expression sharpened.
“Ye’ve done what?” Hugh asked, his voice edged with disbelief.
“I have made it void,” Ian continued. “I want it kent that I am married to Arianna because I wish her to be me wife, nae for any debt owed between our clans.”
Hugh’s eyes narrowed slightly. “And what brought this on?”
Arianna stepped forward before Ian could answer.
“There was a page missing from the contract,” she said, her voice steady. “One that was found in the McGuire archives.”
The room stilled. “It stated that if I didnae bear an heir within a year,” she continued, “then Clan McDonald would owe land or wealth to Clan McGuire.”
Eilidh gasped, “Hugh… did ye ken of such a thing?” she asked, her voice shaken.
Hugh shook his head immediately. “I didnae,” he said firmly, his gaze darkening. “I would never have agreed to such terms.”
Marcus stepped forward slightly, his expression grave. “Indeed.”
Ian spoke again. “Nor would I,” he said. “I kent nothin' of that clause when I agreed to the marriage.”
The weight of his words settled over them. “I came here to tell ye this meself,” Ian continued, his voice unwavering. “Against the wishes of me council, I have declared the contract void on behalf of Clan McGuire.”
Silence followed. Arianna turned to Hugh then, her gaze steady and resolute. “Will ye do the same for Clan McDonald? Declare it void?” she asked.
