Page 121 of Promised to the Forbidden Laird

Alasdair turned slightly, allowing his voice to carry toward the elders and observers gathered along the walls.

“The Crown’s report concerning Laird Lachlan MacNicol’s death came from Crown officers. The marriage accord was written by Crown ministers. Now that same accord is used tae join two powerful houses beneath one authority.”

“My authority,” Donaldina corrected.

Alasdair’s gaze moved toward her at last.

“With respect, me lady, that is what is yet tae be determined.”

The hall altered. Roy felt it in the sudden stillness of the men beside the hearth, in the scrape of one elder’s boot and in Donaldina’s silence.

His anger rose coldly. He could have ended the audience. He could have ordered the envoy escorted beyond the walls and forbidden his armed escort to return. Every instinct sharpened by war urged him to close the threat before it spread.

But Alasdair had not declared rebellion. He had come hoping Roy would treat questions as treason and prove Cormac’s argument before half the clan.

Roy kept his hands loose at his sides.

“Lady Donaldina’s authority wasnae granted by the marriage accord,” he explained. “She governed Dun Ard while its laird was at war. She held it after his death. Nae northern chief has the right tae determine whether her own clan recognizes her.”

Alasdair’s mouth tightened. “The concern is that affection may have influenced the council before the Crown’s purpose has been independently examined.”

Affection.

The word moved through the room more dangerously than accusation.

It diminished Donaldina’s judgment to mere weakness and Roy’s position beside her as manipulation. Even more, Roy overheard some whispers among the visitors near the lower tables—men who stayed neutral because maintaining neutrality cost them nothing.

Donaldina stepped forward, her eyes fixed ahead.

“I will answer,” she said.

The command was quiet, meant as much for Roy as for the envoy. He stepped back. It cost him more than drawing a sword would have done. Every protective impulse within him rebelled against allowing her to stand alone before men who intended to diminish her. Yet restricting her voice would accomplish the same work as Cormac’s lies.

Donaldina faced Alasdair. “Ye question whether me authority may be recognized until strangers investigate me brother’s death and decide what the King intended for me life.”

“The independent clans ask only for certainty.”

“Nae. They ask for delay.”

Her voice carried cleanly beneath the rafters.

“Lachlan’s death has been verified by a surviving officer beneath royal seal. Roy MacIver’s innocence has been acknowledged before both clans. The accord is lawful, but the decision tae marry is ours.”

Alasdair glanced toward Roy. “Can a choice be freely made while MacIver warriors occupy Dun Ard?”

Donaldina’s expression cooled.

“MacIver warriors defended Dun Ard when Cormac Gunn attempted tae seize it. They fought beside MacNicol men when I was taken. They remain here at the invitation of this council and its mistress.”

She moved one pace closer.

“Ye entered me home beneath a banner of peace, Laird Alasdair. Dinnae mistake courtesy for uncertainty.”

Several MacNicol elders murmured approval, while others remained silent. Roy noticed those men instead. Cormac did not require the whole hall. He required hesitation, just one elder looking toward another before agreeing, one neutral chief wondering what might be gained by waiting, and one whispered question surviving after its answer had been given.

Alasdair folded the document again. “I will carry yer answer tae those who sent me.”

“Carry it accurately,” Donaldina advised.