“Well enough,” he replied.
A servant approached and placed a plate before him. Frederick reached for his cup, taking a measured drink as he assessed the ease between them.
Jamie did not shrink from Caitlin, did not sit stiffly or guarded as some boys might in unfamiliar company. He spoke freely,though not without moments of quiet observation, as if still measuring the space, weighing what was safe and what was not.
It was…acceptable.
Caitlin folded her hands neatly atop the table. “I have sent word to Ariella.”
Frederick stilled slightly. “Have ye now?”
“She will wish to see ye and receive an update,” Caitlin continued, her tone light, though there was a note of intent beneath it. “And Maxwell will insist upon accompanying her. They should arrive within a fortnight, if travel is favorable.”
Frederick nodded once. That had been inevitable.
“They are eager,” Caitlin added, her gaze shifting again to Jamie. “It is nae every day our family gains an heir so unexpectedly.”
The word landed.
Frederick saw it the moment it did.
Jamie’s shoulders tensed. Subtle, but unmistakable.
The boy’s hand stilled where it held a piece of bannock.
Caitlin noticed as well. “Is something amiss?” she asked gently. “Do ye nae wish to meet yer aunt?”
Jamie’s gaze dropped to the table.
“Nay,” the boy murmured after a moment.
Frederick’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“That isnae it,” Jamie added quietly.
Caitlin leaned forward, concern threading through her voice. “Then what troubles ye?”
Jamie hesitated, then spoke in a near whisper.
“I am nay heir.”
The words were soft. Careful.
But they struck harder than they should have.
Caitlin’s brows drew together, confusion flickering across her face. “Why would ye say such a thing?”
Frederick set his cup down.
He did not like the direction of the conversation. Not with the boy already unsettled, not when there were truths yet unspoken and lines not yet drawn between them.
He shifted forward slightly, redirecting with deliberate ease.
“What games do ye play here?” he asked, his tone steady, as though the question had always been his intention.
Jamie blinked, caught between answers.
“Games?” the boy repeated.