Helena’s lips parted in surprise, and she glanced at Alexander before addressing her father. “Ye’ve… changed yer mind?”
“Indeed, I have,” Chester said, nodding solemnly. “I see now that this union is what’s best for our clans. And why should I stand in the way of happiness? After all, I’m eager to see me grandchildren.”
The words struck Alexander like a stone, but his expression remained unreadable. He glanced at Helena, who seemed caught off guard, her cheeks tinged red.
“Ye brought gifts,” he said, his tone neutral as he motioned to the chest. “Why?”
Chester gestured for the servant to open the chest, revealing a collection of fine textiles, ornate jewelry, and other valuables. “A token of goodwill,” he explained smoothly. “Consider it a gesture of me sincerity. I wish to make amends and sign the truce—officially, this time. But, of course, I’d like to do it on neutral ground.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened. He didn’t trust Chester as far as he could throw him, but if this could finally bring peace, it was worth considering.
“Neutral ground?” he repeated. “Where do ye propose?”
“There’s a chapel just beyond the borders of both our lands,” Chester said, his smile never wavering. “It’s small and quaint, but it’s perfect for such a meeting. What do ye say?”
Alexander studied him for a long moment, his gaze piercing. He didn’t trust the man’s sudden change of heart, but he also knew that outright refusal could escalate the tension.
Finally, he gave a slow nod. “Alright.”
Helena turned to him, her doe eyes wide with something he couldn’t quite place—hope, perhaps, or gratitude. Then, she turned back to her father, her expression softening.
“Thank ye,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “Thank ye for doin’ this.”
Chester’s smile widened as Helena stepped forward and embraced him. “Of course, me dear.” He patted her back. “Anythin’ for me little girl.”
Alexander’s grip on his cane tightened again, though he kept his composure. The sight of Helena embracing the man who had caused her so much pain stirred something unpleasant in his chest, but he said nothing. This was her moment, and he wouldn’t take it from her.
When she stepped back, Chester adjusted his cloak, his expression turning businesslike once more. “Now, I must take me leave,” he said. “There are preparations to be made for the truce. I’ll send word once everything is in order.”
Alexander gave a curt nod. “We’ll be waitin’.”
Chester’s eyes flicked to him, his smile thinning just slightly before he turned back to Helena. “Take care of yerself, me dear. And take care of him,” he added with a wink. “He looks like he needs it.”
Helena’s cheeks flushed again, and she nodded. “Safe travels, Faither.”
With that, Chester turned on his heel and strode out of the hall, his servant following closely behind with the chest. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the space, growing fainter until they disappeared.
For a moment, Helena and Alexander fell silent. Then, Helena let out a shaky breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
“I cannae believe it,” she breathed. “Do ye think he really means it?”
Alexander didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he turned and began walking toward a nearby chair, lowering himself into it with a wince.
“I think Chester Fraser always means something,” he said finally, his tone careful. “Whether it’s peace or something else entirely remains to be seen.”
Helena approached him, her expression conflicted. “Ye agreed to the meeting,” she said, almost questioningly.
Alexander looked up at her, his hazel eyes steady. “Because if there’s even a chance to end this war, I’ll take it. But dinnae mistake agreement for trust, Helena. Yer faither is a cunning man.”
Helena sighed, sitting beside him. “I ken,” she relented, her voice barely above a whisper. “But for now, I want to believe him. I have to.”
Alexander reached out and took her hand, his touch firm yet comforting. “Then we’ll proceed carefully,” he said. “Together.”
Helena looked down at their joined hands, her lips curling into a faint smile. “Together,” she echoed.
For the first time in a long while, Alexander felt a flicker of something he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in years: hope. Whether Chester’s intentions were genuine or not, he was eager to see how this played out.
The warmth of Helena’s hand in his brought him comfort as she guided him back to their chambers. The ache in his side was a constant reminder of how close he’d come to losing everything, but her presence dulled the edges of that pain. The halls were hushed, save for the faint sound of the servants carrying out their duties.
