Helena turned to him, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “Because it matters. These are the folk who keep the castle runnin’ and the tenants who make this place what it is. If we’re to rely on them, then we should show them that we care about them.”
Alexander’s expression softened as he reached out to take her hand. “Aye, ye’re right, as usual. Remind me never to argue with ye.”
She laughed, gently swatting his hand away. “Come on, then. Wear something decent but nae too fine. I’ll do the same. We cannae have them thinkin’ we’re too grand to sit at their table.”
“Simple but elegant, then?” Alexander teased, already dropping the sheets around him.
“Precisely,” she replied with a wink, heading toward the wardrobe to select her gown.
A short while later, Helena and Alexander descended the wide stone staircase arm in arm. The hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter echoed up from the Great Hall,mingling with the tantalizing scent of fresh bread, cooked meats, and warm ale.
“Are ye sure ye should be walkin’ so steadily this morning?” Helena teased, her tone light as they reached the hall’s entrance.
Alexander smirked, leaning slightly toward her. “After last night’s exertions, I can handle a bit of exercise. But if ye keep teasin’ me, I might reconsider.”
Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she swatted at his arm playfully. His deep laugh followed her as they entered the hall.
The lively room quieted as the tenants and servants noticed their arrival. They stood up respectfully, their eyes fixed on the Laird and his Lady.
Alexander observed them with a proud smile and lifted a hand. “Sit down, all of ye! Be merry, enjoy the food, and speak freely. It’s been a long month, and me wife and I are glad to see ye all gathered here.”
The crowd relaxed, returning to their seats, though a few clapped politely at his words. The benches were filled with servants, tenants, and their families. Children sat wide-eyed next to their parents, and laughter echoed through the hall as people resumed their conversations.
Helena’s gaze fell to the high table, where Alice and Felicia sat, their faces bright with amusement.
Felicia gave her a knowing smirk. “Took ye long enough, ye two,” she quipped as they approached.
“We were delayed,” Alexander replied dryly, though the corners of his mouth twitched with humor.
“Delayed,” Alice repeated with a sly grin. “Aye, well, I’m sure ye had yer reasons.”
Helena shot her a playful glare as she slid into her seat, her eyes sparkling. “Keep talkin’, Alice, and I’ll have ye joinin’ Michael in stallin’ the tenants next time.”
Alice laughed, raising her hands in mock surrender.
Servants bustled about, bringing fresh trays of eggs, cured meats, and warm loaves of bread to the High Table.
As the meal began, Alexander leaned slightly toward Helena, his voice low. “I’ll be in the courtyard today, swingin’ a sword and ridin’ me horse—maybe loosin’ arrows too.”
Helena gave him a skeptical look, arching an eyebrow. “Ye think that’s wise after… well, after everything?”
He grinned roguishly. “After last night, I feel ready to conquer a kingdom. Ye neednae worry.”
Her blush deepened, and she shook her head, smiling despite herself. “If ye hurt yerself again, Alexander, I swear I’ll tie ye to the armchair in yer study.”
He chuckled, reaching for her hand under the table. “Careful, lass. Ye dinnae want me to tie ye anywhere.” He winked, and she blushed from her face to her chest.
After finishing their meal, Helena and Alexander left the High Table to mingle with their guests. Helena found herself drawn to the women and wives, their chatter focused on children, the upcoming harvest, and worries about the winter ahead. She listened intently, offering kind words and suggestions where she could.
“Me Lady,” one of the women said, her voice warm with gratitude, “ye have a kind heart. It’s clear to see.”
“Thank ye,” Helena replied, her smile genuine. “We’re all in this together. If there’s ever somethin’ ye need, dinnae hesitate to ask.”
As she moved from group to group, Alexander stayed close by, speaking with the men about the state of their lands and the castle’s defenses. Yet, his eyes often strayed to Helena, watching the way she interacted with their people, her compassion and warmth shining through.
When she caught him looking, she raised an eyebrow and mouthed, “What?”
He simply smiled, shaking his head.
