Outside, the air was crisp and cool. The horses stamped impatiently, breath puffing white.
Frederick stepped forward as they emerged.
“Ready?” he asked.
Iona nodded once.
His gaze jumped briefly to Jamie, assessing, measuring.
Jamie did not shy away.
Instead, Jamie skipped ahead toward the carriage, curiosity overcoming caution.
Iona lingered a few steps behind and caught only part of the exchange.
“What do I call ye?” Jamie asked.
Frederick crouched slightly to be heard more easily. “Whatever ye are comfortable with.”
Jamie frowned thoughtfully. “Do I have to call ye me Laird?”
A flicker of amusement crossed Frederick’s face. “Nay.”
“Can I call ye Frederick?”
“If ye wish.”
Jamie tested it under the breath. “Frederick.”
The name sounded different in a small voice.
Iona approached then, unable to avoid the moment any longer.
Frederick straightened.
“Is there room for all of Erin’s… supplies?” she asked, gesturing toward the bundles of herbs and satchels Lennox was currently eyeing with suspicion.
“There is room,” Frederick said evenly.
Lennox grinned. “Though if any of those start cursing the horses, I claim nay responsibility.”
“They arenae curses,” Erin snapped from behind Iona. “They are protection.”
Lennox held up both hands in surrender. “Of course they are.”
Jamie snorted quietly at that.
They settled into the carriage with surprising efficiency. Erin insisted on sitting beside Jamie and launched into a low lecture about proper posture and observing one’s surroundings. Iona took the opposite seat; hands folded too tightly in her lap.
Frederick mounted his horse rather than joining them inside.
As the carriage began to move, Jamie leaned toward the small window and peered out. “Is it far?” came the inevitable question.
“Far enough,” Lennox called from somewhere near the front.
“Is the castle large?” Jamie pressed.
“It is sturdy,” Frederick answered from horseback, voice carrying back. “And it doesnae fall over when the wind changes.”