“And ye did what she expected ye to do, and ordered her to join ye here – her opinion and choice didnae matter.”
They stepped into a small alcove overlooking the inner courtyard. From here, he could see the tower where her chamber had been prepared.
The wind tugged faintly at the banners above.
“That was necessary. But this… I willnae force her on this matter,” Frederick said at last.
“I didnae think ye would,” Lennox replied simply.
Another silence settled between them. This one easier.
After a moment, Lennox’s tone shifted again, faintly amused. “Yer mother will nae be so patient.”
Frederick exhaled through his nose. “She has already begun.”
“Aye,” Lennox said with a grin. “I passed her in the hall earlier. She was speaking of seating arrangements.”
Frederick closed his eyes briefly.
Lennox raised his hands slightly in surrender. “I am jesting.”
“Ye are a fool,” Frederick said, and exhaled the breath he had been holding.
Lennox’s expression softened just a fraction. “Ye look changed.”
Frederick’s gaze sharpened. “I am quite the same.”
“Nay, it is as though ye are calculating something beyond grain stores and patrol routes and revenge.”
Frederick turned away, looking out over the courtyard again.
“I always calculate,” he said.
“Aye,” Lennox agreed. “But this time it is different.”
Frederick did not answer that.
“The hounds will continue along the southern ridge,” he said quietly. “And I will keep watch.”
Frederick nodded once.
“And ye?” Lennox added.
“I have matters to settle,” Frederick replied.
Lennox clapped a hand briefly against his shoulder, firm and wordless. “Whatever ye decide, I stand with ye.”
Frederick inclined his head.
That was enough.
He turned from the alcove, his stride purposeful once more.
Loose ends could be chased. Patrols doubled. Borders watched.
But there was one conversation waiting that required more precision than any blade in the yard.
He headed toward her chamber.