The King's Keep is the royal palace and primary seat of power for the Ranald Dynasty in the capital city of Dalreoch Situated on a hill and surrounded by the city proper, it serves as the residence for the Grand Duke of Reoch and King of Dael Riata.

The current structure is a four-turreted keep constructed from light grey stone. Its design is notable for several ornate features:

• Golden Domes: Each of the four turrets is topped with a golden dome that stands out against the sky.
• Royal Standards: Green flags, representing the Grand Duchy, fly atop the domes.
• Historical Reconstruction: While it contains much of the original ancient keep, it was significantly rebuilt and converted into a palace by King Alasdair II following his “grand tour,” during which he adopted several foreign architectural ideas.
• Inner Bailey: The road to the keep opens into a stone-flagged square dominated by a building featuring many pillars and statues, topped with a green verdigris dome. For formal arrivals, an open-sided pavilion with a cloth-of-gold roof is often erected, housing gilded chairs on a carpeted dais.

The Keep is divided into several functional levels and specific chambers used by the royal household:

The royal apartments are located in the upper sections of the tower and are designed around a central light well. These include:

• The King's Chambers: Includes a bedchamber, a dressing room, and an ante-chamber where visitors wait for an audience.
• The Queen's Chambers: Mirroring the King's layout, these include dedicated galleries and a specific Queen's Garden area.
• Galleries: Internal walkways and galleries overlook the central light well and provide access to the various rooms.

• The Grand Hall: Located on the lower floors for formal events, meetings of the nobility, and state dinners.
• The Roof: The top of the keep features lanterns and allows for observation over the city and the River Reoch.
• Cellars and Services: The base of the tower and adjacent wings house the necessary support services for the palace.

The Keep is the headquarters of the King's Life Guard, led by their Knight Commander.

• The Life Guard: These veterans wear polished green-and-gold enamelled armour with matching helmets featuring horsehair plumes.
• Sentries: Green-armoured guards in full plate provide 24-hour security, challenging all who approach the private royal areas.
• Access: The inner bailey is protected by a gatehouse where twelve trumpeters traditionally signal the arrival of high-ranking dignitaries.

In 769, the King's Keep was the site where King Alasdair V asserted his adulthood and personal rule, supported by the Life Guard who prevented the regents from interfering in his proclamation. In 774, it was prepared for the royal wedding to Lady Elizabeth Wallis, a festive occasion that saw the city and the bailey extensively cleaned and decorated with the banners of the great houses.