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Page 29 of The Highlander’s Iron Hold (Kilted Kisses #4)

"Stay safe," Colin said immediately, then caught the flash of fire in her eyes. "I mean it, Morag. I need tae focus on makin’ sure our people are safe, and I cannae dae that if I'm worrying about ye."

"I'm nae some helpless flower," she said, pushing herself up to face him properly. "These people trust me. They'll move faster and with less panic if I'm there tae help organize them."

Colin hesitated. Even with sleep-mussed hair and wearing only her nightgown, there was a fierce determination in her expression that reminded him of her fierce Highland nature that he was growing to admire more each day.

"Ye're right," he said quietly, reaching out to cup her face in his hands. "But promise me ye'll stay close tae the guards I assign ye. Promise me ye willnae take any unnecessary risks."

"I promise," she said, leaning into his touch. "But Colin... what aren't ye telling me? There's something else, isn't there?"

For a moment, he considered telling her about the dowry delivery, about the complex timing that made today so crucial. But looking into her trusting eyes, he couldn't bring himself to taint this moment with talk of gold and political arrangements.

"Just that I need ye safe," he said instead, pressing his forehead against hers. "Whatever happens today, I need tae ken ye're safe."

"Then we'd better get started," Morag said, already moving to get dressed. "How long dae we have?"

"Nae long enough," Colin replied grimly, watching as she moved with quick efficiency to prepare for the day ahead. "Nae nearly long enough."

Within the hour, the great hall buzzed with controlled activity. Colin stood at the center, a map spread before him on the long oak table, his finger tracing evacuation routes while his captains gathered around.

"Hamish, I'll ride out with ye, but ye take charge of the company.

Maintain the strategy I told ye when ye escort the villagers back tae their homes," Colin commanded, his voice carrying across the hall with quiet authority.

"Divide the men intae four units and let each unit watch the villagers from every possible angle.

When they are safely in the village, I want ye tae repair any critical damage before ye leave them—roofs, doors, anything that would leave them vulnerable.

Make sure ye dae this efficiently, position the strongest among them tae take turns watchin' fer invaders and return back here. "

"Aye, me laird," Hamish replied with a sharp nod. "We'll see it done proper."

"Good." He turned to Duncan. "Any new reports from the scouts watching the eastern approach?" Colin continued, his mind working through the logistics with military precision. "If Fraser's men move closer, I want warning before they're within striking distance."

"Nay. Nay sign of them yet, me laird," Duncan confirmed. "We have three teams, rotating every four hours."

Out of the corner of his eye, Colin caught sight of Morag entering the hall.

She'd dressed quickly but efficiently—her hair neatly braided, her dress practical for the day's work.

Without fanfare or instruction, she moved immediately toward a cluster of worried mothers and elderly villagers, her voice calm and reassuring as she began organizing them into manageable groups.

Colin paused in his tactical discussion to watch her work.

She knelt beside a crying child, speaking softly until the little girl's sobs turned to hiccups.

She helped an elderly man gather his few possessions, her movements gentle but efficient.

Within minutes, she'd transformed a corner of nervous chaos into orderly preparation.

She's a natural leader. She sees what needs tae be done and simply daes it.

Pride swelled in his chest.

"The northern route is our safest option fer the carriage tae arrive at the castle," Niven said, drawing Colin's attention back to the map. "It keeps us furthest from where Fraser's been spotted."

"Agreed," Colin replied, though part of his attention remained on Morag's quiet efficiency across the hall. "But we'll need?—"

As the morning progressed, Colin found himself increasingly aware of how seamlessly Morag had integrated herself into the evacuation preparations.

She moved through the hall like she'd been managing crisis logistics for years, anticipating needs before they were voiced, calming fears with her steady presence.

When their paths finally crossed near the supply tables, she looked up from helping an elderly woman pack her belongings.

"How are the preparations going?" she asked, her voice pitched low so only he could hear.

"Better than expected," Colin replied, glancing around the now well-organized hall. "Ye've worked miracles with the families. They're ready tae move when we give the word."

Morag's cheeks flushed slightly at the praise, but her expression remained focused. "Is there anything else I can dae? Any other way I can help?"

The simple question, asked without demand for recognition, made something dangerously close to love rise in Colin's chest. Here was a woman who didn't need to be asked twice, who saw a crisis and stepped forward to meet it.

He glanced around the bustling hall, acutely aware of how her presence immediately settled something restless in his chest. Even in the midst of a crisis, having her near made everything feel more manageable.

"Keep daein’ what ye’re daeing, me love," he said, nodding to his men to continue their preparations.

"Aye. And ye're doing exactly what needs tae be done," Morag said without preamble, her blue eyes warm with understanding. "I can see how much they trust ye. The way they follow yer orders without question, the way they look tae ye for guidance—they ken ye'll keep them safe."

Colin felt some of the tension in his shoulders ease at her words. After their intimacy the night before, after the way she'd looked at him with such trust and affection, her opinion mattered more than he cared to admit.

"It daesnae feel like enough," he said quietly, his voice rough with strain. "There are so many variables, so many things that could go wrong. If Fraser strikes at a vulnerable moment... "

And I have ye tae protect now, too. If something happens tae ye because of me decisions...

"Morag... stay close tae the guards I assign ye, please" he said quietly. "I need tae ken ye're safe if things go wrong."

Her hand found his, squeezing gently. "We'll face whatever comes together," she said firmly. "But Colin, ye cannae carry the weight of everyone's safety alone. Trust in yer people, trust in yer decisions. And trust in me."

Colin brought her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles despite the watching eyes around them. "I dae trust ye. More than I've trusted anyone in a very long time."

"Then let's get our people home safely," Morag said, her smile warming him even in the midst of the crisis.

By midday, the evacuation was underway. Colin rode at the front of the column alongside Hamish, his eyes constantly scanning the treeline for signs of Fraser's men.

Behind them, the villagers moved in organized groups—families with young children in the center, the elderly supported by willing arms, their few possessions packed onto sturdy carts

Morag rode near the middle of the column, her presence a calming influence on the more nervous travelers. Colin watched her lean down from her horse to speak reassuringly to a young mother carrying a fussing infant, saw her dismount to walk beside an elderly man whose legs were giving him trouble.

"She's good with them," Hamish observed, following Colin's gaze. "They trust her."

"Aye," Colin replied, pride evident in his voice. "She is."