"Liar." He grabbed his discarded shirt from where it hung over the fence but didn't put it on immediately. "What did ye need tae speak tae me about?"
Mhairi swallowed hard, visibly trying to focus. "The dance comin’ soon. I... I cannae go."
"Why nae?"
"Because I'm nae a great dancer." The words came out in a rush. "Actually, I'm terrible at it. I always have been. Me maither tried tae teach me when I was younger, but I kept steppin’ on me partners' feet and countin’ the steps out loud and—" She broke off, looking miserable. "I'll just embarrass ye in front of yer whole clan."
Alpin studied her face, the genuine distress there, the vulnerability. "So ye're afraid of lookin’ foolish?"
"I'm afraid of makin’ ye look foolish. Ye're the laird. People expect ye tae have a partner who can actually dance."
"Mhairi." He reached out and tilted her chin up so she had to meet his eyes. "I dinnae care if ye trip over yer own feet the entire night. I want ye there. With me."
"But I care."
"Well, then come tae the solar after dinner taenight and I'll teach ye."
Her eyes widened. "Ye would teach me tae dance?"
"Of course." He grinned. "I have tae be a good dancer, ‘tis part of the job description. I often dance. Between 'lookin’ stern at Councils' and 'mysterious laird business.'"
Despite her worry, Mhairi's lips twitched. "Ye remembered that."
"I remember everything ye say." The admission came out more serious than he'd intended. "So. After dinner. Me solar. I'll teach ye everything ye need tae ken."
"Ye really think ye can teach me a lot in the little time?"
"I think ye're more capable than ye give yerself credit fer." Alpin finally pulled his shirt on, though he noticed with satisfaction that Mhairi's eyes followed the movement. "Besides, the most important part of dancin’ isnae the steps. It's trustin’ yer partner."
"And ye think I trust ye?"
"I think ye're startin’ tae." He paused. "Am I wrong?"
"Nay," Mhairi said softly. "Ye're nae wrong."
"Good. Then come taenight, and I'll prove ye have naethin’ tae worry about."
"All right." She took a step back, then hesitated.
"Now go. I need tae finish trainin’ before Fergus decides I've gone soft."
Mhairi left, glancing back once before disappearing through the gate. Alpin watched her go, very aware that several of his men were watching him with knowing grins.
"Nae a word," he warned.
"Wouldnae dream of it, me laird," Fergus said, though his smile was wide. "Though I will say, I've never seen ye stop trainin’ fer anyone before."
"Then perhaps ye should train harder so I dinnae have time tae be distracted."
The grin only widened. "Aye, me laird. Whatever ye say."
Dinner seemed to last an eternity. Alpin forced himself to eat, to engage in conversation with his council members, to act like his mind wasn't entirely focused on what would happen after the meal ended.
Finally, finally, the plates were cleared and people began drifting away. Alpin made his excuses and headed to his solar, pushing furniture aside to create an open space in the center of the room.
A knock came precisely on time.
"Come in."
