Page 12 of The Laird's Vengeful Desire
Fergus looked up from the parchments spread across the massive oak table, his weathered face creased with concern. “Aye, me laird. There’s much that needs discussin’.”
“Aye, there is.” Ian took his place at the head of the table, his jaw set with grim determination. The events of the previous night – the attack, Rhona’s escape attempt, the weight of decisions he’d never wanted to make – had crystallized something in his mind. “In the week I’ve been in this castle, I’ve discovered things that are despicable.”
Murmurs rippled through the assembled men. At his right sat Fergus MacDougall, his most senior advisor, a man whose gray beard and keen eyes spoke of decades spent navigating clan politics. Beside him, sat Duncan MacLeod, the clan’s treasurer, his thin face pinched with perpetual worry. Across from them, sat Hamish Fraser, the master-at-arms, who shifted uncomfortably in his chair. These were good men, Ian had come to realize, trapped in the legacy of a laird who had led them to ruin.
“I’ve heard about the battle that killed Douglas,” Ian continued, his voice carrying the authority he was still learning to wield. “And I ken ‘twas the previous laird’s greed that caused it. His hunger for the MacAlpin lands, his willingness tae take by force what should’ve been negotiated in good faith.”
Duncan cleared his throat nervously. “Me laird, the previous arrangements–”
“Were built on cruelty and ambition,” Ian cut him off, his green eyes flashing. “I willnae be a ruler who acts as Douglas did. That path leads only tae destruction.”
Hamish leaned forward, his scarred hands folded on the table. “Then what would ye have us dae, me laird? The clan’s position is…” he grimaced. “Precarious daesnae begin tae cover it.”
“Aye, which brings me tae last night.” Ian’s expression darkened. “MacPherson raiders, bold as brass on our lands. We’re vulnerable – too bloody vulnerable.”
“Our forces were decimated,” Fergus said grimly. “Lost near three-quarters of our fighting men.”
“Then we recruit new ones. Train the village lads, bring in mercenaries, we dae what we must to survive.” Ian’s fist struck the table. “But first – the lass. What dae we dae about her?”
The men exchanged glances, and Ian caught the weight of unspoken knowledge passing between them.
“About that, me laird…” Duncan’s voice was as careful as a man walking on cracking ice. “We ken who she is.”
Ian’s blood chilled. “Speak plainly.”
Duncan’s voice dropped to barely above a whisper. “Rhona MacAlpin. Second daughter of Laird MacAlpin.”
The words hit Ian like a mace to the chest. A MacAlpin. The very clan Douglas had died trying to conquer, the family whose lands had been coveted for their size and strategic importance. He’d been harboring their daughter like some common prisoner.
“Curse it all,” he breathed. “How long have ye kent this?”
“Suspected from the start,” Hamish admitted, having the grace to look uncomfortable. “But with Douglas dead and everythin’ in chaos…”
“Ye thought ye’d wait fer me guidance.” Ian’s voice was deadly quiet. “How considerate.”
“Me laird–”
“Then we return her.” Ian’s decision was swift, decisive. “Send her back tae her clan with apologies. Might help bring peace.”
The Council erupted like a kicked anthill.
“Me laird, nay!” Duncan’s voice cracked with alarm. “They’ll use this an excuse tae attack! They’ll say we dishonored their daughter!”
“Which we have,” Ian pointed out.
“Aye, but they dinnae need tae have more ammunition against Clan Wallace,” Fergus said coolly. “Return her now, they’ll smell weakness. And we cannae–”
“Cannae defend ourselves,” Hamish finished. “They could sweep through here like wildfire.”
“So, I ask ye... what would ye have yer laird dae?” Ian demanded.
The men exchanged looks before Fergus spoke carefully “Bring the lass tae our side. Make her want tae stay.”
“And how precisely–”
“Marriage.” Duncan said it like he was ripping off a bandage. “Alliance through marriage. She becomes Lady Wallace, the MacAlpins cannae cry foul.”
Ian’s hands clenched, turning his knuckles white. “She’d never agree.”
