Chapter 23
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Helena woke up with Alexander’s arm draped over her protectively, his chest rising and falling steadily beneath her cheek. For a moment, she lay still, her fingers lightly trailing through the dark hair on his chest.
Her lips curled into a soft smile as she glanced at his sleeping face, his features soft in repose.
She felt different, fulfilled, as if the final piece of the puzzle had fallen into place.
She traced the scar on his cheek before moving down to his jaw, wondering how a man so strong and fearsome could be so gentle with her.
As if sensing her gaze, Alexander stirred, his hazel eyes fluttering open. His lips curled into a sleepy smirk as he looked down at her.
“Ye’ve been starin’ at me a while now, have ye nae?” His voice was gravelly with sleep, sending a shiver through her.
Helena laughed softly, propping herself up on his chest. “Aye, I couldnae help meself. Ye look peaceful when ye’re sleepin’.”
He chuckled, the sound reverberating through her. “Peaceful, eh? That’s a first. How are ye feelin’, lass?” His expression grew serious as his hand came up to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Was it too much for ye last night?”
Her heart swelled at his concern.
She shook her head, leaning down to kiss him softly. “Nay, it was wonderful, Alexander. Truly.” She blushed as she added, “Even the ache this morning feels… like a memory I’ll cherish.”
His smirk returned, and he pulled her closer, his lips brushing against hers. “Good. I dinnae want ye to regret a single moment of last night.”
He kissed her more deeply, his hands sliding down her back as she melted into him.
Their passion was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door.
Alexander groaned, dropping his head back on the pillow. “Who in their right mind is knockin’ at this hour?”
“Apologies, but it’s important,” came Michael’s voice through the door. “It concerns Laird MacPherson.”
Helena froze, her eyes meeting Alexander’s. Concern flickered between them before she reluctantly slid out of his embrace.
She put on her long chemise and wrapped herself in a robe, tying it tightly around her waist. “I’ll add wood to the fire,” she said softly, moving toward the hearth.
Alexander grumbled, wrapping the linens around his waist and striding toward the door. He swung it open, glaring at Michael. “This had better be worth interruptin’ me morning, Michael.”
Michael held up a sealed envelope. “A messenger from MacPherson Castle delivered this nae long ago. It’s from Laird MacPherson.”
Alexander took the envelope, his brow furrowed as he turned it over in his hands.
Michael moved to leave, but Helena stopped him.
“Wait, Michael,” she called, standing by the fire. “Ye’re Alexander’s most trusted friend, and ye’re his braither. If this letter concerns the truce, then ye should hear what it says.”
Alexander glanced at her, his eyes glinting with approval. “She’s right. Stay.”
Michael nodded, stepping further into the room.
Alexander broke the wax seal and unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning the words before he began to read aloud.
To my dearest daughter, Helena, and her husband, Alexander,
It brings me great joy to write these words, hoping that you are both well. The news of our truce fills me with hope for the future of our clans, and I wish to move forward with our agreement in a manner that ensures fairness and trust.
In two days, at high noon, I propose we meet at the ruin by the riverside—a neutral ground that is both secluded and safe. I will bring two guards for my safety, and I encourage you both to do the same.
I look forward to seeing you both and taking the next step in uniting our clans for the prosperity and peace they so deserve.
Yours faithfully,
Chester Fraser, Laird of Clan MacPherson.
The room fell silent as Alexander folded the letter, his jaw tightening. He glanced at Helena, whose expression was thoughtful, her gaze fixed on the fire.
“Well,” Michael said, breaking the silence. “At least he’s bein’ formal about it. Neutral ground, two guards—it doesnae seem like a trap.”
“Nay,” Alexander replied, though his tone was cautious. “But I dinnae trust him yet. This could be a show, somethin’ to lull us into a false sense of security.”
Helena finally spoke, her voice calm but tinged with emotion. “I dinnae think it’s a trap. Me faither… he’s prideful, aye, but he’s nay fool. If he truly wanted to betray us, he wouldnae go to the trouble of makin’ this seem so fair.”
Michael nodded. “Still, we’ll need to be careful. Who will ye take with ye?”
Alexander rubbed his chin, glancing at Helena. “I’ll take ye, of course,” he assured, turning to his brother. “I trust nay one else.”
Michael inclined his head. “Aye, I’ll be ready. I’ll pick me second-best man to accompany us.”
Helena watched their exchange, her mind racing with thoughts of her father’s letter.
She wanted to believe his words, to trust in the sincerity of his intentions.
Felicia might have stirred her doubts, but her father would never hurt her or the man she loved.
He’d never hurt the father of her children, even if the children hadn’t been born yet.
Alexander stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. “What are ye thinkin’, lass?”
She looked up at him, her doe eyes meeting his. “I’m thinkin’ that I hope he means it. I hope he truly wants this peace as much as he says he does. For the sake of our marriage and our future children…”
He gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll find out soon enough.”
Helena managed a small smile, but her heart was heavy with the weight of what lay ahead. She knew the meeting would determine the future of their clans—and perhaps their marriage as well.
“Ah, I’m here for another reason as well, Me Laird, Me Lady,” Michael added, looking sheepish. “I thought ye might want a reminder—it’s the monthly tenant and servant breakfast. Breakfast is already laid out in the hall for the tenants and the servants, and they will be arrivin’ shortly.”
Alexander sighed, his head falling back in exasperation. “Of course it is. I’d forgotten all about it.”
Helena, however, perked up, her doe eyes bright with excitement. She shifted from beneath Alexander’s arm, brushing her hair back from her face. “Oh, that’s wonderful! We shouldnae keep them waitin’.”
Michael chuckled. “I’ll go and stall them as best I can, though I dinnae think they’ll mind, especially as it’s ye they’ll be waitin’ on, Me Lady.”
“Thank ye, Michael,” Helena said with a gracious smile. “We’ll be down shortly.”
With a respectful nod, Michael walked out of the room, leaving Alexander to raise an amused eyebrow at Helena. “Ye’re awfully eager for this. Care to explain?”
Helena turned to him, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “Because it matters. These are the folk who keep the castle runnin’ and the tenants who make this place what it is. If we’re to rely on them, then we should show them that we care about them.”
Alexander’s expression softened as he reached out to take her hand. “Aye, ye’re right, as usual. Remind me never to argue with ye.”
She laughed, gently swatting his hand away. “Come on, then. Wear something decent but nae too fine. I’ll do the same. We cannae have them thinkin’ we’re too grand to sit at their table.”
“Simple but elegant, then?” Alexander teased, already dropping the sheets around him.
“Precisely,” she replied with a wink, heading toward the wardrobe to select her gown.
A short while later, Helena and Alexander descended the wide stone staircase arm in arm. The hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter echoed up from the Great Hall, mingling with the tantalizing scent of fresh bread, cooked meats, and warm ale.
“Are ye sure ye should be walkin’ so steadily this morning?” Helena teased, her tone light as they reached the hall’s entrance.
Alexander smirked, leaning slightly toward her. “After last night’s exertions, I can handle a bit of exercise. But if ye keep teasin’ me, I might reconsider.”
Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she swatted at his arm playfully. His deep laugh followed her as they entered the hall.
The lively room quieted as the tenants and servants noticed their arrival. They stood up respectfully, their eyes fixed on the Laird and his Lady.
Alexander observed them with a proud smile and lifted a hand. “Sit down, all of ye! Be merry, enjoy the food, and speak freely. It’s been a long month, and me wife and I are glad to see ye all gathered here.”
The crowd relaxed, returning to their seats, though a few clapped politely at his words. The benches were filled with servants, tenants, and their families. Children sat wide-eyed next to their parents, and laughter echoed through the hall as people resumed their conversations.
Helena’s gaze fell to the high table, where Alice and Felicia sat, their faces bright with amusement.
Felicia gave her a knowing smirk. “Took ye long enough, ye two,” she quipped as they approached.
“We were delayed,” Alexander replied dryly, though the corners of his mouth twitched with humor.
“Delayed,” Alice repeated with a sly grin. “Aye, well, I’m sure ye had yer reasons.”
Helena shot her a playful glare as she slid into her seat, her eyes sparkling. “Keep talkin’, Alice, and I’ll have ye joinin’ Michael in stallin’ the tenants next time.”
Alice laughed, raising her hands in mock surrender.
Servants bustled about, bringing fresh trays of eggs, cured meats, and warm loaves of bread to the High Table.
As the meal began, Alexander leaned slightly toward Helena, his voice low. “I’ll be in the courtyard today, swingin’ a sword and ridin’ me horse—maybe loosin’ arrows too.”
Helena gave him a skeptical look, arching an eyebrow. “Ye think that’s wise after… well, after everything?”
He grinned roguishly. “After last night, I feel ready to conquer a kingdom. Ye neednae worry.”
Her blush deepened, and she shook her head, smiling despite herself. “If ye hurt yerself again, Alexander, I swear I’ll tie ye to the armchair in yer study.”
He chuckled, reaching for her hand under the table. “Careful, lass. Ye dinnae want me to tie ye anywhere.” He winked, and she blushed from her face to her chest.
After finishing their meal, Helena and Alexander left the High Table to mingle with their guests.
Helena found herself drawn to the women and wives, their chatter focused on children, the upcoming harvest, and worries about the winter ahead.
She listened intently, offering kind words and suggestions where she could.
“Me Lady,” one of the women said, her voice warm with gratitude, “ye have a kind heart. It’s clear to see.”
“Thank ye,” Helena replied, her smile genuine. “We’re all in this together. If there’s ever somethin’ ye need, dinnae hesitate to ask.”
As she moved from group to group, Alexander stayed close by, speaking with the men about the state of their lands and the castle’s defenses. Yet, his eyes often strayed to Helena, watching the way she interacted with their people, her compassion and warmth shining through.
When she caught him looking, she raised an eyebrow and mouthed, “What?”
He simply smiled, shaking his head.
By the time they returned to their seats, Helena felt a deep sense of fulfillment. These were her people now, and she would do everything in her power to ensure their well-being. Alexander, too, seemed content, his arm resting lightly across the back of her chair.
As the morning drew on, Helena glanced toward the windows, sunlight streaming in through the tall panes. “It’s a fine day,” she remarked.
“Aye, it is,” Alexander agreed.
Felicia leaned in, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “But let’s hope it stays fine after ye head out to the courtyard, Alexander. Ye have a knack for findin’ trouble.”
Helena laughed, nodding in agreement. “Maybe we should tether ye to the castle walls, after all.”
.