"Thank ye." Mhairi flexed her fingers carefully, testing the bindings. They were snug but not too tight, supportive without being restrictive. "Ye did a good job."
"I've had practice." He stood, offering her his hand. "Now. Let's get ye moved to that other chamber so ye can actually rest."
Mhairi let him pull her to her feet. But as she stood, she found herself suddenly very aware of how close they were. How the firelight played across his bare chest. How his hand was still holding hers, warm and strong.
"Is there..." Alpin's voice was rougher now. "Is there anythin' else ye need? Anythin' that would help ye feel safer?"
Mhairi thought about it. Really thought about it.
What did she need? A locked door, aye. That was important.
But beyond that?
"I dinnae ken," she admitted finally. "So much has happened so fast. I havenae had time tae think about what I actually need. Just... what I'm afraid of."
"Then think about it," Alpin said gently. "And when ye figure it out—when ye ken what would help ye feel safe, feel whole again—ye tell me. Whatever it is, if I can provide it, I will."
Then he stepped back, breakin' the moment before it could become something more. Something neither of them was ready for.
"Come on," he said, his tone lighter now. "Let's get ye settled somewhere with a proper lock. Ye need rest."
Mhairi nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
As Alpin grabbed a shirt and pulled it on—which was somehow both a relief and a disappointment—she touched her newly bandaged wrists.
“Nay, the room is fine fer now, I’ll manage.” She said abruptly and left the room before Alpin could say anything.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Alpin was halfway through his porridge when Callum leaned against the doorframe of the small breakfast room, arms crossed and wearing a knowing smirk.
"What?" Alpin asked without lookin' up.
"Naethin'. Just wonderin' if ye're plannin' tae stare at that door all mornin' or actually eat."
"I'm eatin'."
"Ye're movin' yer spoon around. That's nae the same thing." Callum's grin widened. "Waitin' fer someone?"
"I invited Mhairi tae join me fer breakfast," Alpin said, keeping his tone deliberately casual. "She should be here soon."
"Ah. And ye're nae nervous about that at all."
"Why would I be nervous?"
"Because ye've checked yer hair three times, straightened yer plaid twice, and ye're wearin' yer good shirt." Callum pushedaway from the doorframe. "The one ye save for council meetings and impressin' visitin’ lairds."
"It was clean."
"So were four others."
Alpin finally looked up, glarin'. "Dinnae ye have somewhere else tae be?"
"Probably. But this is more entertainin'." Callum's expression softened slightly. "She's good fer ye, ye ken. I havenae seen ye this... present... in a long time."
"Present?"
"Aye. Usually ye're halfway tae the next crisis before ye've finished dealin' with the current one. But with her, ye're actuallyhere. Payin' attention." Callum clapped him on the shoulder. "It's nice tae see."
