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.”
