Felicia looked surprised but pleased. “I’d like that,” she murmured, glancing shyly at Helena.
Alexander watched their exchange with quiet satisfaction, his hazel eyes warm as he observed the growing camaraderie between the two women.
“I never thought I’d see the day when the two of ye got along,” he teased gently.
Felicia smirked. “Dinnae get used to it. I’m still nae afraid to speak me mind.”
“I’d expect nothin’ less,” Alexander replied, his tone affectionate.
The meal continued with easy conversation, the three of them sharing stories and laughter. Helena found herself growing more and more fond of Felicia, her admiration for the girl’s resilience deepening with every word. She could see why Alexander cared for her so much, and she silently vowed to do the same.
When the plates were cleared and the candles burned low, Felicia stood up, brushing crumbs from her skirt. “Thank ye for havin’ me,” she said, her voice soft but sincere. “It was… nice.”
Helena smiled warmly, standing up as well. “Ye’re welcome anytime, Felicia. Truly.”
Felicia hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Alexander. “I’ll visit again soon. Dinnae try to do anythin’ foolish while I’m gone.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching with amusement. “Nay promises.”
Felicia rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. She turned back to Helena, her expression tentative but grateful. “Goodnight, Helena.”
“Goodnight, Felicia,” Helena replied, her heart light as she watched the girl leave.
When the door closed behind her, Helena turned to Alexander, her gaze softening. “She’s a remarkable young woman.”
“She is,” Alexander agreed, his eyes lingering on her. “And so are ye.”
Helena blushed, but she didn’t look away. Instead, she crossed the room and took his hand in hers, her heart swelling with quiet determination.
Without hesitation or strain, Alexander pulled her into his lap again, this time pulling down the shoulders of her gown to reveal the swell of her breasts.
“Me Laird…”
“Ye’re beautiful, wife,” he whispered, his lips finding the most sensitive part of her neck and trailing down.
Helena shivered, her hands going to his hair as his tongue lapped at her shoulder.
She wanted more, but the sight of his wound glimmering in the firelight, still fresh, made her stiffen atop him. He noticed immediately, his hands sliding over her hips to her back. She blushed and kissed his forehead gently before lying next to him, eager to cuddle but no more—for now. Alexander obviously didn’t approve of this.
“Ye cannae ken how much I want ye,” he growled. “I need me wife.”
“Husband,” she warned, looking up at him sternly. “Ye cannae risk reopenin’ yer wound. Do ye want to be abed for longer?”
He stared down at her in disbelief and annoyance, his eyes searching hers before he huffed, looking up at the ceiling. “Fine,” he grumbled. “But when I’m out of this bed, I will claim ye.”
The huskiness of his voice and the promise of his rough attentions only invigorated her more.
She cursed herself for wanting to ignore her own advice, to sit astride him and allow him to claim her. However, she simply nodded, blushing as he planted a fervent, passionate kiss on her lips.
The chatter in the small chamber the next morning was light, a smile coming to her face whenever he spoke.
Helena sat with Alexander at the small table under the window, sharing a quiet breakfast. The room was quiet, the soft clink of silverware and occasional murmur of conversation the only sounds. Alexander seemed more like himself with each passing day, his color returning and his movements more steady, though Helena still kept a watchful eye on him.
“Ye look better,” she remarked softly, pouring him another cup of tea.
Alexander smirked, his hazel eyes alight with amusement. “Are ye sayin’ I wasnae handsome before?”
Helena rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched. “Ye ken that’s nae what I meant. Ye’ll have to forgive me for carin’.”
