The spell was broken by a sharp knock at the door.
Helena pulled back quickly, her face flushing as Alexander groaned in annoyance.
“Whoever it is can wait,” he muttered, his voice low and gruff.
Before either of them could protest further, the door creaked open, and Alice stepped inside, her expression bright and mischievous. “Well, it’s about time ye two started actin’ like a married couple,” she said, her eyes sparkling as she took in their tangled forms on the bed.
Helena scrambled to sit up, tugging the blanket over herself in a futile attempt to look composed. “Alice!” she exclaimed, mortified. “Ye could’ve asked if we were decent.”
Alice laughed, unbothered by her embarrassment. “I did knock. Twice, if ye must ken. But I figured I’d better come in before ye ignored me altogether.”
“Perhaps ye should learn to mind yer own business,” Alexander grumbled.
Before Alice could retort, Felicia appeared behind her, balancing a tray laden with breakfast.
“I brought food,” she said simply, stepping around Alice and setting the tray on a nearby table. “Alice said we should have a family breakfast.”
As if on cue, two more servants entered, carrying trays laden with eggs, meats, warm bread, jams, and honey. The scents were enough to make Helena’s stomach growl, and she pressed a hand to it in embarrassment.
“I suppose we cannae refuse,” Alexander relented, shifting to sit up with a wince. He gave Alice a pointed look. “But next time, give a man a warning.”
Alice smirked as she helped arrange the trays. “Duly noted, Me Laird.”
Helena climbed out of bed, smoothing her hair as best as she could and putting on a dress before taking a seat at the table.
“I’m starvin’,” she admitted as she began to fill her plate. “Thank ye both for this.”
The four of them chatted as they ate, the atmosphere growing lighter with every bite. By the time the trays were nearly empty, Helena was feeling more at ease than she had in weeks.
“We should have a feast to celebrate yer recovery,” Alice suggested, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“I dinnae see why we have to. It’s too much of a hassle,” Alexander grunted.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Helena chimed in, her eyes daring him to go against her.
He chuckled, shaking his head. “I guess I have to keep me wife happy. Fine, we’ll have a feast—but I am nae plannin’ a single thing.”
“Dinnae worry, Braither, I will deal with everything!” Alice exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.
They finished their meal, and Alice excused herself, standing up and brushing off her skirts. “I’ve got to head to the village,” she announced. “We need a few things for the feast, and I’d like to stretch me legs.”
Helena nodded, rising from the table. “Safe travels, Alice.”
Alice winked at her before she left, leaving the three of them to tidy up.
Soon after, Felicia excused herself, finally leaving Helena and Alexander alone.
Once the door closed behind her, Helena turned to the wardrobe, selecting a simple but elegant gown for the day. She began to change, acutely aware of Alexander’s eyes following her every move. His expression was unreadable, but the weight of his gaze made her pulse quicken.
“Ye’re watchin’ me,” she teased without turning around.
“Aye,” he admitted, his tone unrepentant. “I’m enjoyin’ the view.”
Helena couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head as she pulled the gown over her shoulders. “And here I thought ye’d be too injured for mischief.”
Alexander, despite the strain of moving, began to dress himself. She watched him carefully, ready to assist, but he managed on his own, his determination evident in every move.
When they were both ready, Helena approached him, resting her hands on his chest. “Ye’re stubborn, ye ken.”
