“Aye, important,” Sophia agreed, though her tone was far from reassured. “But dinnae ye think it’s a bit… aggressive?” Her eyes searched Helena’s face. “Considerin’ what our clan has done tohis? Guiltin’ his new bride with the sight of the orphans her family has created.”
Helena stiffened. The weight of old bloodshed hung between them. She did not have to think hard to recall the battles, the raids, and the losses that had defined her childhood. Ian and Broderic’s faces flashed before her, and she blinked away the tears in her eyes. It couldn’t be helped; here she was, bound to the very man who had grown up on the opposite side of it all.
Alice, sensing the tension, spoke up, her voice gentle but firm. “It’s nae like that, Lady Sophia. Alexander takes this matter seriously. It’s nae about revenge or pride. It’s about makin’ things right where he can.”
Sophia exhaled through her nose, skeptical but thoughtful. “Makin’ things right,” she repeated, more to herself than anyone else.
Then, with a quiet sigh, she picked up her teacup and took a slow sip.
“Tell me,” she said after a moment. “What can ye tell me about this castle? I’ll admit, I’ve seen little of it since I arrived, and I find meself restless sittin’ here after so long a journey.”
Helena let the breath she’d been holding slip past her lips, relieved by the change of subject. “It’s older than I first thought when I arrived,” she admitted. “There are parts of it that seem ancient, as if the stones have seen more than we ever would.”
Alice nodded. “Aye, and some parts were built later. Me faither oversaw some of the additions. It’s a blend of old and new, though ye can hardly tell where one ends and the other begins.”
Helena forced a small smile, hoping to keep things light. “Would ye like a tour, Aunt Sophia?”
Sophia arched an eyebrow. “Aye, I would. It would be good to stretch me legs, and perhaps learn more about this place.”
Alice clapped her hands together, rising to her feet. “Then it’s settled. I’ll take ye both on a tour.”
Helena stood up as well, smoothing the fabric of her gown. As they moved toward the door, she couldn’t shake the thought lingering in her mind.
Convincing Sophia that she was safe, that she was happy, was going to be far more difficult than she had anticipated. Even though she was starting to develop feelings for Alexander.
The scent of roast meats and fresh bread lingered in the Great Hall as Helena stepped inside, her boots clicking softly on the stone floor. The morning light streamed in through the tall windows, casting golden beams over the long wooden tables. Only one was set for breakfast, and as expected, Alexander sat there, already dressed for the journey ahead.
What she had not expected was to see Sophia sitting beside him and casually sipping from a steaming cup of tea.
She hesitated, her gaze flickering between them before she strode forward. “Auntie, ye’re up early.”
Sophia gave her a knowing look over her cup. “Aye, well, I heard ye were off to visit the village, and I decided to join ye.”
Helena’s eyebrows rose as she glanced at Alexander. She had half-expected him to object, but instead, he merely nodded as if it had been his plan all along.
“That’s a fine idea,” he said, setting his cup down. “The more eyes on the matter, the better.”
Helena hesitated. “I dinnae ken if?—”
“Ye wanted me out of it, did ye nae?” Sophia arched an eyebrow. “Well, I dinnae care. I’m goin’.”
Helena sighed, realizing there would be no changing her aunt’s mind. “Fine.”
“Good,” Alexander said, rising to his feet. “I’ll see to the horses and the carriage. Be ready soon.”
With that, he strode toward the doors, leaving Helena and Sophia alone.
Helena sank into the chair across from her aunt, reaching for an oatcake. She had barely taken a bite when Sophia leaned forward, her expression sharp with scrutiny.
“Do ye really want to go see the orphans?”
Helena stiffened but did not look away. “It’s important.”
Sophia exhaled, shaking her head. “Ye’ve always been stubborn, but this is different, Helena. These are the consequences of war, the ones left behind. Ye ken that, aye?”
“Aye, and that’s why it matters. If I’m to be a MacAllister now, I should see what our clans have done to one another. Make amends where we can.”
Sophia tapped her fingers on her cup. “And if ye get hurt in the process?”
