Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
“How’s this?”
Helena adjusted the pillows behind Alexander, her hands gentle but firm as she ensured his comfort. He had been recovering well, his strength slowly returning, though she and Alice still refused to let him venture beyond his chamber.
“Ye fuss too much,” Alexander muttered, though there was a trace of amusement in his voice.
He leaned back against the fluffy pillows, his hazel eyes watching her closely.
“I fuss exactly as much as I need to,” Helena countered with a playful smile, smoothing the blanket over his lap. “Ye’re healin’ well, but I willnae have ye undoin’ all of me hard work by pushin’ yerself too hard.”
Alexander chuckled, the sound low and rich, as he reached for her hand. “And here I thought I was the Laird.”
She blushed faintly, squeezing his hand before pulling away to retrieve a fresh set of clothes she had brought from his dressing room earlier. “Ye are the Laird, and that’s precisely why ye need to be cared for properly.”
Alexander smirked, his hazel eyes twinkling with amusement as he leaned back, watching her fuss over him. “So, ye think I need proper care, do ye?” His voice was smooth, teasing, his gaze never leaving hers.
Helena huffed, straightening the collar of his shirt, refusing to meet his eyes. “Aye. A castle without its laird is like a ship without its captain. And ye cannae command much if ye’re bleedin’ through yer bandages.”
He caught her wrist, his touch firm but warm. “I prefer a stronger hand on the helm, lass.” He pulled her a bit closer, his voice dropping. “Do ye mean to take charge, then?”
Heat crept up her neck, but she refused to let him fluster her. “If it means keepin’ ye from doin’ somethin’ reckless again, then aye.”
Alexander chuckled, his fingers brushing over the inside of her wrist before he released her. “A bold claim.”
She lifted her chin, trying to ignore the way her pulse fluttered under his touch. “Once ye’re properly dressed, I was thinkin’ we might play a game of cards.”
His smirk widened. “A game, is it? And what stakes are we playin’ for?”
She crossed her arms. “Braggin’ rights.”
Alexander leaned forward, his face inches from hers. “Nay, lass. If we’re playin’, I’ll win. And I always get me dues.”
Helena swallowed, her breath caught between protest and anticipation. “Ye havenae won yet.”
His fingers traced the side of her hand—a slow, lazy touch. “Aye, but I will. And when I do, ye’ll owe me somethin’.”
She narrowed her eyes, trying to ignore the shiver that ran down her spine. “We’ll see about that, Me Laird.”
Before Alexander could respond, a soft knock sounded at the door. Helena glanced over, and her heart swelled slightly when she saw Felicia standing hesitantly in the doorway.
The girl’s cheeks were pink, and she shifted on her feet, her arms wrapped around herself.
“Felicia,” Helena greeted warmly, stepping toward her. “Is everythin’ all right?”
Felicia hesitated, her dark eyes flicking to Alexander before returning to Helena. “Everythin’ is fine,” she said quietly, her tone lacking its usual sharpness. “I… I wanted to apologize.”
Helena blinked, surprised. “Apologize?” she repeated cautiously. “Why?”
Felicia bit her lip, looking anywhere but at her. “For how I’ve treated ye,” she admitted. “I was harsh. Unkind. Alexander suggested I speak to ye, but… it’s more than that. I’ve seen how ye’ve cared for him, how ye step aside whenever I visit. Ye didnae have to do that.”
Helena’s eyebrows knitted together. “Are ye sure Alexander didnae pressure ye into sayin’ that?” she asked gently, her tone more curious than accusatory.
Felicia grimaced but shook her head. “He suggested it, aye. But this is me choice.” She hesitated, then added softly, “Ye’ve been kinder than I deserve. I’d like to… start over if that’s all right with ye.”
Helena’s heart softened. Felicia’s sincerity was evident, and while she was surprised by the gesture, she was also touched.
“I’d like that,” she said, offering a warm smile. “When ye’re ready, of course.”
Felicia’s lips curled into the faintest smile. “Thank ye,” she returned, her voice barely above a whisper.
Helena took a step closer. “Why dinnae ye stay for dinner?” she suggested. “Alexander and I were just about to eat. It would be lovely to have yer company.”
Felicia looked startled by the invitation, her eyes darting to Alexander. He nodded encouragingly, a small smile playing on his lips.
“I’d like that,” she said after a pause. “I’ll go fetch some fresh herbs and honey for his poultice first.”
Helena beamed. “Thank ye, Felicia. That’s very thoughtful.”
The three of them sat around a small table that had been set up in Alexander’s chamber, the scent of roast meat, fresh bread, and herbs filling the room. A servant had brought the meal on a tray, and Felicia had helped Helena set the table with care.
“This is a feast,” Alexander remarked, his voice carrying a hint of humor as he eyed the spread. “Ye’ve both gone to great lengths for a man confined to his chamber.”
“Ye deserve it,” Helena replied simply, pouring wine into a goblet and handing it to him. “Ye’ve been through enough.”
“And ye’ve earned it,” Felicia added warmly, surprising them both. “Though I’ll admit, I’ve never seen anyone quite so spoiled.”
Alexander chuckled, the sound deep and pleasant. “Careful, Felicia. Ye’re startin’ to sound like Helena.”
Helena feigned offense, placing a hand over her heart. “Spoiled? I’ll have ye ken that I’m simply attentive. There’s a difference.”
Felicia giggled, her earlier shyness melting away as the conversation flowed.
They ate and talked, the tension between Helena and Felicia gradually dissipating. Helena listened intently as Felicia shared stories from her childhood, her voice tinged with both sadness and fondness as she spoke of her parents and the life she had lost.
“I used to help me maither tend the garden,” Felicia said, a soft smile on her lips. “She grew the most beautiful flowers—roses, violets, and marigolds. The whole village would come to see them.”
Helena’s doe eyes lit up with interest. “I love gardenin’,” she admitted. “Perhaps we could tend the castle gardens together during the warmer season.”
Felicia looked surprised but pleased. “I’d like that,” she murmured, glancing shyly at Helena.
Alexander watched their exchange with quiet satisfaction, his hazel eyes warm as he observed the growing camaraderie between the two women.
“I never thought I’d see the day when the two of ye got along,” he teased gently.
Felicia smirked. “Dinnae get used to it. I’m still nae afraid to speak me mind.”
“I’d expect nothin’ less,” Alexander replied, his tone affectionate.
The meal continued with easy conversation, the three of them sharing stories and laughter.
Helena found herself growing more and more fond of Felicia, her admiration for the girl’s resilience deepening with every word.
She could see why Alexander cared for her so much, and she silently vowed to do the same.
When the plates were cleared and the candles burned low, Felicia stood up, brushing crumbs from her skirt. “Thank ye for havin’ me,” she said, her voice soft but sincere. “It was… nice.”
Helena smiled warmly, standing up as well. “Ye’re welcome anytime, Felicia. Truly.”
Felicia hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Alexander. “I’ll visit again soon. Dinnae try to do anythin’ foolish while I’m gone.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching with amusement. “Nay promises.”
Felicia rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. She turned back to Helena, her expression tentative but grateful. “Goodnight, Helena.”
“Goodnight, Felicia,” Helena replied, her heart light as she watched the girl leave.
When the door closed behind her, Helena turned to Alexander, her gaze softening. “She’s a remarkable young woman.”
“She is,” Alexander agreed, his eyes lingering on her. “And so are ye.”
Helena blushed, but she didn’t look away. Instead, she crossed the room and took his hand in hers, her heart swelling with quiet determination.
Without hesitation or strain, Alexander pulled her into his lap again, this time pulling down the shoulders of her gown to reveal the swell of her breasts.
“Me Laird…”
“Ye’re beautiful, wife,” he whispered, his lips finding the most sensitive part of her neck and trailing down.
Helena shivered, her hands going to his hair as his tongue lapped at her shoulder.
She wanted more, but the sight of his wound glimmering in the firelight, still fresh, made her stiffen atop him.
He noticed immediately, his hands sliding over her hips to her back.
She blushed and kissed his forehead gently before lying next to him, eager to cuddle but no more—for now.
Alexander obviously didn’t approve of this.
“Ye cannae ken how much I want ye,” he growled. “I need me wife.”
“Husband,” she warned, looking up at him sternly. “Ye cannae risk reopenin’ yer wound. Do ye want to be abed for longer?”
He stared down at her in disbelief and annoyance, his eyes searching hers before he huffed, looking up at the ceiling. “Fine,” he grumbled. “But when I’m out of this bed, I will claim ye.”
The huskiness of his voice and the promise of his rough attentions only invigorated her more.
She cursed herself for wanting to ignore her own advice, to sit astride him and allow him to claim her. However, she simply nodded, blushing as he planted a fervent, passionate kiss on her lips.
The chatter in the small chamber the next morning was light, a smile coming to her face whenever he spoke.
Helena sat with Alexander at the small table under the window, sharing a quiet breakfast. The room was quiet, the soft clink of silverware and occasional murmur of conversation the only sounds.
Alexander seemed more like himself with each passing day, his color returning and his movements more steady, though Helena still kept a watchful eye on him.
“Ye look better,” she remarked softly, pouring him another cup of tea.