Frederick saw it then. The tightening of her shoulders. The careful composure settling over her like armor.
She did not trust grandeur, nor did she trust safety offered too easily. Which is rather opposite from what he remembered of her from that night when she was just a drenched, tired, hungry stranger.
The carriage halted before the main steps.
Frederick dismounted first and offered a hand, not as command but as courtesy.
Jamie leapt down before it could be taken.
Frederick almost laughed.
The great doors opened before he reached them.
Lady Caitlin Milligan descended the steps as though she had been waiting precisely at that moment. She wore deep blue wool trimmed with modest embroidery, her greying hair swept neatly back. Graceful. Composed.
Until she saw the child.
Her composure fractured instantly.
“Frederick,” she breathed, eyes widening.
He had spoken well of her on the road. He had promised kindness, respect, steadiness.
Instead, what stood before him was a mother barely restraining herself from rushing forward.
Jamie looked up at her without hesitation.
“And who might ye be?” Caitlin asked softly, already bending slightly despite herself.
Jamie studied her boldly. “Jamie, ma’am.”
“Jamie,” she repeated, as if tasting the name. “That is a fine name.”
Her gaze flicked briefly toward Iona.
Frederick watched the exchange like a hawk.
His mother straightened and turned fully to Iona. “Ye must be the lass that me son has brought up to the keep then,” she said gently.
Not accusation. Not judgment.
Recognition.
Iona dipped her head slightly. “I am Iona Pearson, Me Lady.”
“Caitlin, please, dear,” his mother corrected at once. “There is no need for such formality when we are within these walls.”
Frederick noted the subtle shift in Iona’s stance. Surprise, carefully masked.
“And I know Erin, of course,” Caitlin continued, noticing the older woman emerging slowly from the carriage with an armful of bundled herbs.
Erin did not bow immediately, but did so slowly as she assessed.
“Aye,” Iona answered.
“Well, ye are both welcome here,” Caitlin said, as if the matter were entirely simple.
“It has been a while, Me Lady,” Erin said, still slowly rising.