Chapter 22
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Helena stirred, her cheek pressed against the solid warmth of Alexander’s chest. His arm was draped over her waist, holding her close even in sleep. The rhythmic rise and fall of his chest soothed her, and she smiled to herself, a quiet happiness blooming inside her.
The memory of their conversation the night before made her cheeks flush. She was surprised by how eager she felt about the evening they’d planned. An intimacy she hadn’t thought she’d long for was now something she anticipated with a mix of nerves and excitement.
Gently, she tilted her head up and pressed a feather-light kiss to Alexander’s forehead. He stirred, his brow furrowing slightly before his hazel eyes fluttered open, sleepy but sharp as ever.
“And where do ye think ye’re goin’?” he asked, his voice rough with sleep but tinged with amusement.
Before she could answer, his arms tightened around her, pulling her back into the bed.
“Alexander!” she exclaimed, laughing softly as she fell back against him. “I was only gettin’ up.”
“Ye dinnae need to be anywhere but here,” he murmured, his lips brushing her temple. His hand slipped to the small of her back, holding her close.
Helena sighed in contentment and let herself melt into him for a moment. “Ye’re impossible,” she said in a mock exasperated tone.
“Aye, but ye like it,” he teased, tilting her chin up with his fingers.
His lips claimed hers in a slow, deliberate kiss, one that made her pulse quicken and her thoughts blur. She returned the kiss, her hands moving up to rest on his broad shoulders, feeling the strength beneath her palms.
The spell was broken by a sharp knock at the door.
Helena pulled back quickly, her face flushing as Alexander groaned in annoyance.
“Whoever it is can wait,” he muttered, his voice low and gruff.
Before either of them could protest further, the door creaked open, and Alice stepped inside, her expression bright and mischievous. “Well, it’s about time ye two started actin’ like a married couple,” she said, her eyes sparkling as she took in their tangled forms on the bed.
Helena scrambled to sit up, tugging the blanket over herself in a futile attempt to look composed. “Alice!” she exclaimed, mortified. “Ye could’ve asked if we were decent.”
Alice laughed, unbothered by her embarrassment. “I did knock. Twice, if ye must ken. But I figured I’d better come in before ye ignored me altogether.”
“Perhaps ye should learn to mind yer own business,” Alexander grumbled.
Before Alice could retort, Felicia appeared behind her, balancing a tray laden with breakfast.
“I brought food,” she said simply, stepping around Alice and setting the tray on a nearby table. “Alice said we should have a family breakfast.”
As if on cue, two more servants entered, carrying trays laden with eggs, meats, warm bread, jams, and honey. The scents were enough to make Helena’s stomach growl, and she pressed a hand to it in embarrassment.
“I suppose we cannae refuse,” Alexander relented, shifting to sit up with a wince. He gave Alice a pointed look. “But next time, give a man a warning.”
Alice smirked as she helped arrange the trays. “Duly noted, Me Laird.”
Helena climbed out of bed, smoothing her hair as best as she could and putting on a dress before taking a seat at the table.
“I’m starvin’,” she admitted as she began to fill her plate. “Thank ye both for this.”
The four of them chatted as they ate, the atmosphere growing lighter with every bite. By the time the trays were nearly empty, Helena was feeling more at ease than she had in weeks.
“We should have a feast to celebrate yer recovery,” Alice suggested, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“I dinnae see why we have to. It’s too much of a hassle,” Alexander grunted.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Helena chimed in, her eyes daring him to go against her.
He chuckled, shaking his head. “I guess I have to keep me wife happy. Fine, we’ll have a feast—but I am nae plannin’ a single thing.”
“Dinnae worry, Braither, I will deal with everything!” Alice exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.
They finished their meal, and Alice excused herself, standing up and brushing off her skirts. “I’ve got to head to the village,” she announced. “We need a few things for the feast, and I’d like to stretch me legs.”
Helena nodded, rising from the table. “Safe travels, Alice.”
Alice winked at her before she left, leaving the three of them to tidy up.
Soon after, Felicia excused herself, finally leaving Helena and Alexander alone.
Once the door closed behind her, Helena turned to the wardrobe, selecting a simple but elegant gown for the day. She began to change, acutely aware of Alexander’s eyes following her every move. His expression was unreadable, but the weight of his gaze made her pulse quicken.
“Ye’re watchin’ me,” she teased without turning around.
“Aye,” he admitted, his tone unrepentant. “I’m enjoyin’ the view.”
Helena couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head as she pulled the gown over her shoulders. “And here I thought ye’d be too injured for mischief.”
Alexander, despite the strain of moving, began to dress himself. She watched him carefully, ready to assist, but he managed on his own, his determination evident in every move.
When they were both ready, Helena approached him, resting her hands on his chest. “Ye’re stubborn, ye ken.”
“And ye’re lovely,” he countered, leaning down to kiss her softly.
The kiss lingered, warm and filled with unspoken promises. When they finally parted, Helena rested her forehead against his. “I should go meet Felicia.”
“Aye,” he murmured, though his arms tightened around her briefly. “But I’ll see ye later.”
She smiled, brushing a hand over his cheek before stepping away.
She could see the twinkle of mischief in his eyes as he watched her. She knew what he was looking forward to, and the blush on her cheeks and tingling in her limbs made her wish she had just finished dinner and not breakfast.
The Great Hall was alive with celebration, candlelight flickering off the stone walls and casting a golden glow over the gathered guests.
Garlands of ivy and winter roses draped the beams overhead, while long tables were laden with roast meats, fresh bread, and golden pastries.
The scent of spiced wine and honeyed fruit filled the air, mingling with the laughter and music that echoed through the chamber.
The feast was in full swing, and at the head of it all sat Alexander, his hazel eyes sharp and assessing as he watched over his people.
Helena sat beside him, a goblet of wine in her hand, though she had taken only a few sips.
The warmth of the evening, the steady hum of conversation, and the flickering torchlight made the moment feel oddly intimate, despite the crowded hall.
She could feel Alexander’s presence beside her—his solid form, his warmth, the casual way his fingers drummed on the table between courses.
“Ye’ve barely touched yer wine, lass,” Alexander murmured, leaning closer so only she could hear.
Helena raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps I dinnae wish to dull me senses. Ye seem the sort to take advantage of such a thing.”
A smirk played on his lips. “Ach, and here I thought ye might loosen up a bit if ye had a drink or two.” His voice dropped, rich with amusement. “Or are ye worried ye might let slip that ye actually enjoy me company?”
Helena scoffed, setting her goblet down with a quiet clink. “Dinnae be ridiculous.”
Alexander chuckled, his gaze dropping briefly to her lips before meeting her eyes again. “Aye, of course. I must be mistaken, then.”
The way he was looking at her—so knowing, so confident—made her pulse quicken. He had a way of seeing right through her, and she wasn’t sure she liked it.
Before she could think of a retort, he stood up and offered her his hand. “Come,” he said simply.
She blinked at him. “Come where?”
“A walk.”
Helena hesitated.
The room was warm, the heat of so many bodies pressing in, and a breath of fresh air was tempting. Still, she didn’t like the idea of following him just because he said so.
He sighed, his fingers brushing against hers before he took her hand, his grip firm. “Ye can argue with me, or ye can walk with me, but either way, I’m takin’ ye outside.”
Helena let him lead her out of the hall, ignoring the curious glances of a few guests.
The garden was quiet, the air crisp and scented with the faint fragrance of frosted roses. The sound of laughter and music drifted through the open doors, but out here, beneath the vast stretch of night sky, it felt as though they were in their own world.
Alexander slowed his steps, glancing at her. “Ye look beautiful tonight.”
She turned her face away, though she felt the warmth rise in her cheeks. “Ye say that as if ye’re surprised.”
He chuckled, stepping in front of her so she had to stop. “I’m nae surprised, but I dinnae think I’ve told ye before.” His voice softened, but there was a possessive edge to it. “And I should.”
Helena’s heart pounded. “Ye can be rather difficult, ye ken that?”
Alexander smirked. “Aye, I ken.”
The music in the hall swelled, the sound of a lively tune carrying through the air.
Alexander tilted his head, listening, then turned his gaze back to her. “Dance with me.”
“In the garden?” she asked, amused.
“Why nae?”
Before she could protest, he pulled her into his arms, one hand on her waist, the other clasping her fingers. He led her in an easy step, guiding her through the motions with a confidence that made it impossible not to follow.
Helena let herself relax, let herself enjoy the feel of his hands on her, the way his strength was always there—controlling but not confining.
His touch was firm, his presence commanding, and yet there was a gentleness to it, a steadiness that made her feel as if she could trust him, just for this moment.
“Ye’re better at this than I expected,” she admitted, breathless.