Chapter 21
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
“Ye dinnae have to come with me,” Helena murmured, glancing up at him as they reached the grand staircase.
The steady rhythm of Alexander’s footsteps against the stone floor echoed through the castle as he and Helena made their way to the main hall. Though his movements were slow and deliberate, his posture was still proud and commanding, his hazel eyes sharp as they glanced at Helena beside him.
She was quieter than usual, her lips pressed into a thin line, but Alexander could see the tension in her shoulders.
“And let ye face him alone?” His voice was firm, though not unkind. “Nae a chance. If Chester Fraser wants to play the doting faither, I’ll be there to see it.”
Helena gave a small nod, though she didn’t look convinced.
Together, they entered the main hall, where Chester stood waiting.
His presence filled the room, his bulky frame dressed in fine, slightly ostentatious garments. His round face split into a wide smile as he saw them approach, his arms open wide in greeting. A servant stood nearby with a large chest, its polished surface gleaming in the light.
“Helena, me dear girl!” Chester exclaimed, stepping forward. “And Alexander! Look at ye, up and about. I was worried when I heard about yer injury, but it seems ye’re recoverin’ well.”
Alexander’s grip on his cane tightened, though his expression remained neutral. “Laird MacPherson,” he said coolly. “What brings ye here today?”
Chester’s smile didn’t falter, though his eyes flicked to Helena. “I’ve come to make amends,” he began, his tone dripping with practiced sincerity. “I admit, I’ve been stubborn—perhaps even unreasonable—about yer marriage. But time has a way of softenin’ a man’s heart.”
Helena’s lips parted in surprise, and she glanced at Alexander before addressing her father. “Ye’ve… changed yer mind?”
“Indeed, I have,” Chester said, nodding solemnly. “I see now that this union is what’s best for our clans. And why should I stand in the way of happiness? After all, I’m eager to see me grandchildren.”
The words struck Alexander like a stone, but his expression remained unreadable. He glanced at Helena, who seemed caught off guard, her cheeks tinged red.
“Ye brought gifts,” he said, his tone neutral as he motioned to the chest. “Why?”
Chester gestured for the servant to open the chest, revealing a collection of fine textiles, ornate jewelry, and other valuables.
“A token of goodwill,” he explained smoothly.
“Consider it a gesture of me sincerity. I wish to make amends and sign the truce—officially, this time. But, of course, I’d like to do it on neutral ground. ”
Alexander’s jaw tightened. He didn’t trust Chester as far as he could throw him, but if this could finally bring peace, it was worth considering.
“Neutral ground?” he repeated. “Where do ye propose?”
“There’s a chapel just beyond the borders of both our lands,” Chester said, his smile never wavering. “It’s small and quaint, but it’s perfect for such a meeting. What do ye say?”
Alexander studied him for a long moment, his gaze piercing. He didn’t trust the man’s sudden change of heart, but he also knew that outright refusal could escalate the tension.
Finally, he gave a slow nod. “Alright.”
Helena turned to him, her doe eyes wide with something he couldn’t quite place—hope, perhaps, or gratitude. Then, she turned back to her father, her expression softening.
“Thank ye,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “Thank ye for doin’ this.”
Chester’s smile widened as Helena stepped forward and embraced him. “Of course, me dear.” He patted her back. “Anythin’ for me little girl.”
Alexander’s grip on his cane tightened again, though he kept his composure. The sight of Helena embracing the man who had caused her so much pain stirred something unpleasant in his chest, but he said nothing. This was her moment, and he wouldn’t take it from her.
When she stepped back, Chester adjusted his cloak, his expression turning businesslike once more. “Now, I must take me leave,” he said. “There are preparations to be made for the truce. I’ll send word once everything is in order.”
Alexander gave a curt nod. “We’ll be waitin’.”
Chester’s eyes flicked to him, his smile thinning just slightly before he turned back to Helena. “Take care of yerself, me dear. And take care of him,” he added with a wink. “He looks like he needs it.”
Helena’s cheeks flushed again, and she nodded. “Safe travels, Faither.”
With that, Chester turned on his heel and strode out of the hall, his servant following closely behind with the chest. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the space, growing fainter until they disappeared.
For a moment, Helena and Alexander fell silent. Then, Helena let out a shaky breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
“I cannae believe it,” she breathed. “Do ye think he really means it?”
Alexander didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he turned and began walking toward a nearby chair, lowering himself into it with a wince.
“I think Chester Fraser always means something,” he said finally, his tone careful. “Whether it’s peace or something else entirely remains to be seen.”
Helena approached him, her expression conflicted. “Ye agreed to the meeting,” she said, almost questioningly.
Alexander looked up at her, his hazel eyes steady. “Because if there’s even a chance to end this war, I’ll take it. But dinnae mistake agreement for trust, Helena. Yer faither is a cunning man.”
Helena sighed, sitting beside him. “I ken,” she relented, her voice barely above a whisper. “But for now, I want to believe him. I have to.”
Alexander reached out and took her hand, his touch firm yet comforting. “Then we’ll proceed carefully,” he said. “Together.”
Helena looked down at their joined hands, her lips curling into a faint smile. “Together,” she echoed.
For the first time in a long while, Alexander felt a flicker of something he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in years: hope. Whether Chester’s intentions were genuine or not, he was eager to see how this played out.
The warmth of Helena’s hand in his brought him comfort as she guided him back to their chambers.
The ache in his side was a constant reminder of how close he’d come to losing everything, but her presence dulled the edges of that pain.
The halls were hushed, save for the faint sound of the servants carrying out their duties.
“Ye dinnae need to fuss over me so much, lass,” Alexander said, his voice low but tinged with humor as they reached the heavy oak door to their chamber.
Helena shot him a wry look, her doe eyes sparkling. “And ye dinnae need to argue with the one who’s keepin’ ye on yer feet,” she fired back playfully.
A faint chuckle escaped his lips as she pushed open the door, and they stepped inside. The room was a haven, warm and inviting compared to the cold hall. The fire crackled in the hearth, its glow reflecting off the polished wooden furniture and the tapestries.
Shelves of books lined one side, a testament to Alexander’s fondness for reading, and the massive bed dominated the center of the chamber. Fresh linens and a tray bearing a pitcher of wine and two goblets sat waiting.
Helena guided him to the bed, her touch firm yet gentle. Alexander leaned against her, lowering himself onto the edge of the mattress with a relieved sigh.
“Ye have the hands of a healer,” he murmured, watching as she adjusted the pillows behind him.
“I’ve had enough practice with ye,” she replied, her lips quirking into a small smile. “Now, rest here for a moment. I’ll send word to Felicia that I’ll come see her drawing later.”
As she moved to the door, Alexander called after her, “Ye’re spoilin’ the lass, ye ken?”
“Ye’re just jealous!” Helena glanced over her shoulder, one eyebrow arched. She couldn’t suppress the smirk on her face. “I’ll be back soon. Besides, she deserves a bit of spoilin’. Ye’ve done it plenty yerself.”
Alexander shook his head, smiling after her and waving lazily.
When she returned after speaking to a passing servant, she closed the door behind her and crossed the room, her movements fluid and steady. She sat beside him on the bed, her hand brushing his briefly before resting in her lap.
“Are ye comfortable?” she asked softly.
He nodded. “Aye, I am now.”
Helena smiled, leaning closer as if to better study his expression. “Good. I wouldnae forgive meself if ye werenae.”
Alexander shifted slightly, turning to face her fully. “Ye surprise me, Helena.”
She furrowed her brow, curious. “How do ye mean?”
He hesitated, searching for the right words. “The way ye care for everyone—me, Felicia, even yer faither today. Ye handled him with a grace I didnae expect.”
Helena’s expression softened, though a shadow of uncertainty flickered in her eyes.
“It didnae feel like grace,” she admitted quietly. “Seein’ him… hearin’ his words about our marriage… it wasnae easy.”
Alexander’s gaze lingered on her. “He surprised me, as well. I didnae think he’d come bearin’ gifts and promises of peace.”
Helena sighed, folding her hands in her lap. “I want to believe him,” she began. “But after everything, how can I?”
Alexander reached for her hand, his fingers brushing hers gently. “It’s nae wrong to be cautious,” he said. “Yer faither isnae a man to trust lightly. But if there’s a chance for peace, it’s worth pursuin’.”
She nodded, though her lips pressed into a thin line. “I wish I could ken what he’s truly thinkin’.”
“Ye’ll ken soon enough,” Alexander said firmly. “And whatever comes, we’ll face it together.”
Her tension seemed to ease at his words, and she shifted closer, her hand resting lightly on his chest. “I’m grateful I’m nae alone in this.”
“Ye never will be,” he vowed, his voice steady with promise.
The moment stretched between them, quiet but charged. The crackle of the fire and the distant murmur of voices in the castle filled the silence, grounding them in the warmth of the present.