"No, I mean about the people here being yours."
"I pledged my loyalty to ye and yours yesterday, Callum. I dinnae make promises lightly."
"I love ye, Mhairi." Deep emotion turned his voice into a subterranean rumble.
He kissed her with all the adoration in his heart. For a long time, he forgot everything but the woman in his arms. Until she wriggled free and regarded him with dazed eyes.
"Ye have to go. We'll have time later."
"Aye, I pray so."
Callum also prayed that his bride didn't hear the grim note underlying his answer. He buckled on his sword and dagger and strode out of the room.
Chapter 25
"No, absolutely not." Mhairi’s hands formed fists in her lap. "I willnae have it."
She, Callum, Duff, and Brian, the spy from the Drummond stronghold, held a council of war in the solar at the top of the north tower. It was a small jewel box of a room that usually offered a view of Skye. Today thick cloud hid the spectacular panorama.
From where Mhairi perched on the window seat, she had no attention to spare for the misty scenery. Instead she was fighting a rearguard action to save her husband’s life.
"It's the only way to avoid bloodshed," Callum said in a decisive tone that told her it would take an earthquake to change his mind. As he stood tall in the center of the room, she'd never seen him look more the Laird of Achnasheen.
Through this long, arduous day, they’d only managed to snatch a few minutes together. But she'd been constantly aware of his presence in the castle. She couldn't mistake how he bolstered his people’s spirits, and he did it all with a quiet strength she applauded. There was no panic or rush. A mere word here or there coordinated the keep’s defenses and ensured his kin were prepared for attack.
In her time at Achnasheen, she'd come to admire Callum. At this moment, she realized he was the most remarkable man she'd ever met.
The glorious truth was this remarkable man was hers.
If she could manage to keep him safe from her kin’s malice.
A couple of hours ago, the Drummonds had set up camp on the flat ground, newly cleared of any vegetation they could use for cover or fuel, before the castle. Her father had just sent an ultimatum. Callum must return Mhairi to her family or await the consequences.
"The keep’s never been taken, and we’re well provisioned, Mackinnon," Brian said from where he stood near the blazing hearth. "We could sit it out."
Mhairi had been shocked when she learned one of her father's personal guards was in fact a Mackinnon spy. Brian had looked uncomfortable when she walked into the solar holding the Mackinnon’s arm.
"The Drummond has brought his cannons," Callum said sharply. "How long do ye think we can withstand artillery?"
"We've got cannons, too," Duff said from where he leaned against the opposite windowsill.
"Aye, and all that means is that even more men will die."
"Drummonds," Duff said.
"Ye forget my wife is a Drummond, Duff," Callum said coldly. "And that makes me one, too, by marriage."
Duff shot her a quick apologetic glance. "Your pardon, my lady."
"The only solution is for me to go to William Drummond under a flag of parley and try and talk him into seeing reason," Callum said.
This was what they'd been arguing about since the Drummond messenger had delivered her father's demand. By now, Mhairi was ready to slam her husband’s handsome dark head against the wall to beat some sense into him.
"He willnae listen, Callum," she said. "For the love of heaven, pay heed to what I say. I know him better than anyone. He's convinced himself you're the devil incarnate and murdering ye is the best thing no’ only for William Drummond, but for the world in general."
"If he breaks the rules of parley, his name will be disgraced throughout the Highlands. I’ll be there as a herald. He's honor-bound to see I return safely to Achnasheen."
"Ye stole his dearest treasure, and he wants revenge," she said acidly. "He willnae give a fig for the conventions of warfare. If he gets his hands on ye, you willnae come back alive. Send someone else to offer your terms."