Jamie’s attention shifted fully now, the earlier line of questioning set aside for the moment, though not forgotten. Frederick knew better than to think it gone entirely.
Caitlin leaned back slightly, her composure returning fully now that the storm had passed.
“Well handled,” she mouthed, careful not to let the young lad see, but she did not hide her amusement.
Frederick shot her a look.
“I have seen ye face worse with less hesitation,” she added quietly, lifting her cup.
He chose not to respond.
Jamie slid from the bench with renewed energy, already thinking ahead. “Will there be swords?”
Frederick stood as well, shaking his head once. “Nae yet.”
Jamie’s face fell slightly. “Why nae?”
“Because ye are nae ready,” Frederick said simply, moving toward the door with the boy beside him. “And because I would prefer ye keep all yer limbs where they belong.”
Jamie huffed at that, though there was a flicker of acceptance beneath it. “When will I be ready?”
“When ye can follow instruction without question,” Frederick replied.
Jamie glanced up at him. “I can do that.”
Frederick arched a brow. “Can ye?”
There was a brief pause.
“…Aye,” Jamie said, though the delay gave the answer away.
Frederick almost smiled.
“We shall see,” he said.
They stepped into the corridor, the morning light stretching long across the stone floors. The air carried a faint chill, though it would not last once the day fully took hold.
Behind them, Caitlin remained at the table.
Frederick did not need to turn to know she was watching.
As they walked, his thoughts returned, unbidden, to the earlier exchange.
Jamie’s question had not been idle curiosity. It had been tied to uncertainty and a lack of belonging.
I am nay heir.
The words echoed again.
Frederick’s gaze shifted briefly to the boy at his side.
There was more beneath the surface. Something that Iona had still not told him.
He would not press it here with the lad. Not in passing. Not without understanding what he risked unsettling. But it would be addressed in time.
For now, there were simpler matters to tend.
“Stay close,” he said as they neared the outer doors. “The ground will be uneven past the yard.”