Alexander took the envelope, his brow furrowed as he turned it over in his hands.
Michael moved to leave, but Helena stopped him.
“Wait, Michael,” she called, standing by the fire. “Ye’re Alexander’s most trusted friend, and ye’re his braither. If this letter concerns the truce, then ye should hear what it says.”
Alexander glanced at her, his eyes glinting with approval. “She’s right. Stay.”
Michael nodded, stepping further into the room.
Alexander broke the wax seal and unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning the words before he began to read aloud.
To my dearest daughter, Helena, and her husband, Alexander,
It brings me great joy to write these words, hoping that you are both well. The news of our truce fills me with hope for the future of our clans, and I wish to move forward with our agreement in a manner that ensures fairness and trust.
In two days, at high noon, I propose we meet at the ruin by the riverside—a neutral ground that is both secluded and safe. I will bring two guards for my safety, and I encourage you both to do the same.
I look forward to seeing you both and taking the next step in uniting our clans for the prosperity and peace they so deserve.
Yours faithfully,
Chester Fraser, Laird of Clan MacPherson.
The room fell silent as Alexander folded the letter, his jaw tightening. He glanced at Helena, whose expression was thoughtful, her gaze fixed on the fire.
“Well,” Michael said, breaking the silence. “At least he’s bein’ formal about it. Neutral ground, two guards—it doesnae seem like a trap.”
“Nay,” Alexander replied, though his tone was cautious. “But I dinnae trust him yet. This could be a show, somethin’ to lull us into a false sense of security.”
Helena finally spoke, her voice calm but tinged with emotion. “I dinnae think it’s a trap. Me faither… he’s prideful, aye, but he’s nay fool. If he truly wanted to betray us, he wouldnae go to the trouble of makin’ this seem so fair.”
Michael nodded. “Still, we’ll need to be careful. Who will ye take with ye?”
Alexander rubbed his chin, glancing at Helena. “I’ll take ye, of course,” he assured, turning to his brother. “I trust nay one else.”
Michael inclined his head. “Aye, I’ll be ready. I’ll pick me second-best man to accompany us.”
Helena watched their exchange, her mind racing with thoughts of her father’s letter. She wanted to believe his words, to trust in the sincerity of his intentions. Felicia might have stirred her doubts, but her father would never hurt her or the man she loved. He’d never hurt the father of her children, even if the children hadn’t been born yet.
Alexander stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. “What are ye thinkin’, lass?”
She looked up at him, her doe eyes meeting his. “I’m thinkin’ that I hope he means it. I hope he truly wants this peace as muchas he says he does. For the sake of our marriage and our future children…”
He gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll find out soon enough.”
Helena managed a small smile, but her heart was heavy with the weight of what lay ahead. She knew the meeting would determine the future of their clans—and perhaps their marriage as well.
“Ah, I’m here for another reason as well, Me Laird, Me Lady,” Michael added, looking sheepish. “I thought ye might want a reminder—it’s the monthly tenant and servant breakfast. Breakfast is already laid out in the hall for the tenants and the servants, and they will be arrivin’ shortly.”
Alexander sighed, his head falling back in exasperation. “Of course it is. I’d forgotten all about it.”
Helena, however, perked up, her doe eyes bright with excitement. She shifted from beneath Alexander’s arm, brushing her hair back from her face. “Oh, that’s wonderful! We shouldnae keep them waitin’.”
Michael chuckled. “I’ll go and stall them as best I can, though I dinnae think they’ll mind, especially as it’s ye they’ll be waitin’ on, Me Lady.”
“Thank ye, Michael,” Helena said with a gracious smile. “We’ll be down shortly.”
With a respectful nod, Michael walked out of the room, leaving Alexander to raise an amused eyebrow at Helena. “Ye’re awfully eager for this. Care to explain?”
