Page 126 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

Elinor threw herself into practical preparations—organizing supplies, checking inventories, making sure the castle was ready for anything. David watched her transform from terrified wife to capable chatelaine, and felt pride mix with his worry.

On the third day, the scouts returned with news.

David was in the courtyard, overseeing sword practice, when he saw the rider approaching at full gallop. He knew before the man even opened his mouth that the news would be bad.

"Me laird!" The scout dismounted in a rush. "They're movin'. Langley's forces. Headin' this way."

"How many?"

"We counted at least a hundred. Maybe more. They've been reinforced."

A hundred men. That was a proper army. Enough for a siege.

"How long until they arrive?"

"If they maintain their current pace? Tomorrow mornin' at the latest."

David's mind raced. "Send word tae the Covenant. Tell them we need reinforcements. Now." He turned to his captain. "Lock down the castle. Nay one in or out without me express permission. And get everyone inside the walls. I want every crofter, every family from the surrounding lands, brought inside where they'll be safe."

Orders were shouted. Men scrambled to obey. David stood in the center of the chaos, his mind already moving through defensive strategies.

"David."

He turned to find Elinor standing a few paces away, her face pale but composed. She'd heard.

"How long?" she asked quietly.

"Tomorrow mornin', maybe. If we're lucky, we'll have until afternoon." He moved to her, taking her hands. "I need ye tae dae somethin' fer me."

"Anything."

"I need ye tae go tae the keep. The most defensible part of the castle. And I need ye tae stay there until this is over."

"No." Her voice was flat. "I'm not hiding while you fight."

"Elinor, listen tae me."

"I said no." She squeezed his hands. "I'm not some delicate flower who needs to be locked away for her own protection. I can help. I can tend the wounded. Organize supplies. Coordinate with the servants. I can do something useful instead of just sitting in a room waiting and worrying."

"If Langley breaches the walls⁠—"

"Then I'll deal with it when it happens. But I won't hide. Not from this. Not from him." Her eyes were fierce. "You said we face things together. So let's face this together."

David wanted to argue. Wanted to order her to the keep and post guards to make sure she stayed there.

But looking at her face, at the determination written in every line of it, he knew it would be pointless. She'd made her decision. And he'd promised to treat her as a partner, not a possession to be protected.

"Alright," he said finally. "But ye stay away from the walls. Away from anywhere arrows can reach. Understood?"

"Understood."

"And if I give an order, any order, ye follow it immediately. Nay questions. Nay arguments."

"I can agree to that."

He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "I love ye, lass."

"I love you too." She pulled back, cupping his face. "Now go. Dae what ye need tae dae. I'll handle things here."

David watched her walk away, her spine straight and her shoulders squared. His wife. His partner. The woman who refused to hide even when death was coming for them.

God, he loved her.

"Me laird?" His captain was waiting. "What are yer orders?"

David turned back to the courtyard, to his men waiting for direction. To the castle that needed defending and the people who needed protecting.

"We prepare," he said, his voice carrying across the suddenly quiet space. "We prepare, and we show Langley what happens when ye threaten a MacDonald's home."

The men roared their approval.

And as the sun began its descent toward the horizon, Keppoch prepared for war.