Page 50 of Under the Laird’s Promise

"It's the truth." He straightened, rolling his shoulders. "Which means we need tae take direct action. Sitting in the castle waiting fer problems tae come tae us helps nobody."

"What are ye suggesting?"

"A show of strength. Public. Something that makes the border villages remember who they owe loyalty tae." His hand flattened on the map. "And something that makes Keir understand ye're nae as vulnerable as he thinks."

"Such as?"

"That depends. What would make the biggest impression on those wavering villages?"

They were both silent for a moment.

"We bring them supplies," Tavish said decisively. "Grain, salted meat, whatever they need tae get through till spring. And we deliver it personally - ye and me taegether, showing them their future lady and her husband will provide and protect."

Maighread blinked. "That would take significant resources⁠—"

"Which ye will have tae sacrifice fer now. Then, perhaps through an alliance with me clan, MacBain stores, which are well-stocked this year, can be sent here." He traced the route between villages. "We visit each settlement, distribute aid, leave a small garrison of warriors tae protect them. Show them concrete proof that MacEwan strength hasn't died with yer faither's illness."

"The Council⁠—"

"We present it tae yer faither first, get his blessing, then tell the Council our plans rather than asking permission." His expression was firm. "This needs tae happen before Keir has more time tae poison minds against us."

She studied his face, seeing the conviction there. "Ye've been thinking about this."

"Since I first looked at this map." He moved around the table toward her. "These people are starving and scared. Words willnae help them. But food, protection, and seeing ye fight fer them? That might."

"How long tae organize?"

"Three days if we move fast. I'll coordinate with Malcolm on supplies. Ye prepare yer faither and select the warriors we'll take." His voice dropped. "We need tae act now, while we still have momentum from the betrothal announcement."

"Aye." She met his gaze. "Three days then."

He caught her hand briefly, squeezed once. "Trust me on this, lass. We move forward taegether or we lose everything."

The contact sent familiar sparks racing up her arm, awareness flooding through her in ways she was learning to expect but never quite prepared fer. His palm felt warm and calloused against hers, his grip firm without being controlling. before he released her and turned back to the map, already planning logistics.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

They left Angus's chamber with his blessing and moved immediately to prepare. Malcolm met them in the storage areas, already organizing supplies with quiet efficiency.

"Twenty warriors," Tavish said. "Men loyal tae Lady Maighread. We leave at first light."

Malcolm nodded. "I've selected the men. They're gathering their gear now."

Maighread moved among the supplies, checking grain sacks and bundles of salted meat. "This should be enough fer the village."

"Aye," Malcolm confirmed. "Enough tae see them through till spring planting."

Tavish watched her work, noting how she knew exactly what to check, what quantities mattered. She'd done this before, he realized. Probably with her father in better times.

"Horses are being readied," Malcolm continued. "We'll have the wagons loaded within the hour."

"Good." Tavish turned tae Maighread. "Get some rest. We ride hard tomorrow."

She straightened, brushing dust from her hands. "I could say the same tae ye."

"I will. After I've checked the route one more time."

Their eyes met across the supplies, and something passed between them; an understanding, perhaps, of what they were about to face together.