Page 88 of The Highlander’s Savage Vow

"The charges against ye are dismissed pending further investigation," the king announced. "Ye are free tae return tae yer lands, though we may call upon ye again as witnesses when Murray MacNab faces justice."

They bowed deeply, neither trusting their voices to respond without betraying their overwhelming relief.

Outside the audience chamber, Ruaridh pulled her into a stone recess, his hands framing her face as he searched her eyes.

"Why?" he asked quietly. "Ye said ye wouldn't present the letter. What changed yer mind?"

Tears she'd been holding back finally spilled over. "Because I saw what ye were willing tae sacrifice fer me. Yer standing with the king, yer clan's reputation—everything. I couldnae risk ye losing all of that when I had the power tae save us both."

He kissed her then, fierce and grateful and full of love. "Ye magnificent, brave lass. I thought I'd lost ye fer certain when they questioned yer story."

"We're nae out of danger yet," she reminded him, though she allowed herself to lean into his strength. "Murray will face justice, but he'll ken it was our testimony that brought him down."

"Let him come," Ruaridh said grimly. "After taeday, I dinnae think he'll find many Highland lairds willing tae support a proven blackmailer."

Outside the castle doors, Iona felt the full weight of their victory settle over her as the afternoon sun warmed her face. They had walked in under accusations of treason and emerged vindicated, but the relief made her legs unsteady.

"Duncan," Ruaridh called to their waiting captain, his voice carrying both exhaustion and relief. "Ride hard fer home. Tell me faither the charges against us have been dismissed - we're free tae return. The king will investigate Murray MacNab further based on the evidence we provided."

Duncan's weathered face broke into a broad grin as he took in the message. "Thank God and all the saints!" he exclaimed, his relief evident. "We feared the worst when ye went in there, me laird. The lads will be overjoyed - we've been prayin' fer yer vindication." He turned to Iona with a respectful bow. "Well done, me lady. Ye must have showed real courage in there."

Iona could only smile up at Duncan, seeing the relief she felt reflected in his own eyes. He was already mounting his horse, eager to carry word of their triumph. "I'll have this news tae the castle before nightfall. The clan will celebrate, I can promise ye that!"

They rode from Stirling as the sun began its descent toward the horizon, their MacDuff escort surrounding them with obvious relief.

But as the royal palace faded behind them, Iona couldn't shake the feeling that while they had won that battle, the war with Murray MacNab was far from over. Men like him didn't accept defeat gracefully—they planned revenge.

Still, for the meantime, they were free, they were together. And as Ruaridh's hand found hers as they rode, she allowed herself to hope that their love might be strong enough to weather whatever storms still lay ahead.