by Kira Freitas
Bruce was preparing the animals, and besides his horse, there were only the guard horses, which were not few. He had put on his black clothes again and that included a hooded cape. I had to twist my arm when I agreed with myself that Bruce looked much better dressed in those black robes. The color matched his thick hair that had the same tone. The way they were messed up, they gave him a wild appearance.
The memories of the night before brought warmth to my whole body. I decided to ignore them by breathing deeply. I still felt like a fool to give myself to Bruce. I did not imagine that my first night with a man could be so magical and perfect, until Bruce accused me of having seduced him. It was as if he had possessed me against my will. After he left the room, I collapsed in tears and cried all night long. When it dawned, I decided I wouldn't give him the taste of knowing how hurt and hurt I was. Hating him again was a much better and less painful path. Indifference would kill him, but it would certainly make him regret what he did to me.
- We came together, so we'll come back together!
Bruce's authoritative voice had returned. That arrogant and determined tone caused me more anger. He knew how to provoke me and piss me off.
- I'd rather die than have to share the saddle with you! - he said between his teeth.
Returning to the inn, I sat on the step and folded my arms.
- Annabel, please, I know you're angry with me, but we don't have much time - he said by running his hands over his face. - Not many horses are available. Could you come over here and ride the horse so we can leave?
- Then I'll go with one of the knights! - I fired.
They all looked at Bruce, who snitched.
- You're coming with me! - he emphasized.
I didn't move and I ignored him. He snorted and took a dagger stuck to his waist, with his sword and a beast, and walked towards me, in wide and decisive steps. That attitude didn't frighten me, but I was worried when he bent over in front of me.
- Listen, I'm trying to be a good knight, but my patience is running out! - he whispered in a deep, deep voice. - I will not be at the mercy of your pirates!
- Really? - I said in a debauched way trying to disguise my nervousness. - In case you haven't noticed, I don't care what you think.
Bruce was staring at me for a while. He started laughing, making me confused. I didn't understand Franzi's forehead, but his attitude didn't last long. I jumped in fright as he walked over me, close enough for his nose to almost touch mine. With a dry blow, he stuck his dagger in the wood next to my left leg and looked at me very angry.
- Will you come with me for good, or will I have the immense pleasure of tying you up and throwing you over that animal's back, like a sack of potatoes? - he threatened. - The choice is all yours!
Without believing what I heard, I stared at him for a while. His dark blue eyes turned black. I saw that Bruce was fighting a storm inside you. An anger I didn't really know where it came from or what its purpose would be. All I could be sure of was that he spoke very seriously and I did not doubt that Bruce would comply with that threat. Still, it wouldn't please him to know that I feared his words.
- First, - said grabbing his shoulders and pushing him, so that Bruce fell sitting on the floor. - I told you to stay away from me. Second, don't you ever dare threaten me again.
As he tried to recover, I quickly caught the beast that was stuck to his waist and stood up. I ran over Bruce, who snitched, and went towards the horse. Before riding, I fastened the beast to my belt around my waist and looked towards him.
- You're not coming? - I asked provocatively. - I thought you were in a hurry.
The soldiers laughed, making him growl. Taking a jump, he stood up. With wide and decisive strides, Bruce reached the horse and rode the saddle behind me. I held my breath when he passed one of his arms around my waist and took the reins of my hands.
- Let me drive, ma'am! - he said whispering in my ear. - I'll warn you not to dare use the beast you took from me.
I crossed my arms snorting.
- I think we've been in this place too long. - I grumbled. - All I want is to get to Dunhill right away, take a long shower and get rid of everything that this village has represented.
I felt Bruce's body stretch and he snitched. He grumbled something I didn't understand and remained silent for much of the way.
The trip to Dunhill was being suffocating. I was bothered by Bruce's presence and proximity. He made a point of keeping me leaning on his chest while he held my waist with his other hand. It was static and my body was already starting to hurt.
- Why don't you relax? - he asked. - I wouldn't let her fall off my horse, even if it cost me my life.
- Pull! I'm flattered by your words! - I returned it ironically. - I didn't know you cared so much about me that you put your life in danger.
Bruce laughed provocatively.
- It's not you I'm worried about, it's my health. - he returned in a mocking tone. - If I get to the castle without you, the queen will rip my skin off.
I growled angrily and then hit an elbow on his waist, just where he was recovering from the wound.
- Damn it! - he grunted. - Why'd you do that? Don't you know I'm still in pain?
I let out a laugh and stretched out my hand carrying it to my chest. I felt pain the moment I stretched it over the neckline of my dress, so I shook it.
- Well done! - he whispered in my ear. - It's done here, it's paid for here!
I let out a growl and then I folded my arms in front of my chest. I concentrated on observing the landscape around the trail that was on the edge of a cliff. We were in the lead while the guards were escorting us. I didn't know if they kept the back of their idiot captain or if the valuable cargo was really me. All I could figure out was that they were very attentive to everything. The hand began to throb in a very painful way, bringing tears to my eyes. I was already weakened by the night before, I didn't need a stupid wound to make me cry. I sniffed, at the same time, that I was holding the wounded hand.
- Does it hurt that much? - Bruce asked with a worried voice.
- Yeah, since yesterday, actually. - I answered. - It's throbbing a lot.
- All right! All right! I'll give the parade warning so we can take care of it.
- You don't have to! - said disagreeing. - We're almost there. We can take care of that when we're safe in Dunhill.
- I insist!
- Why is that?
- Because I'm worried to see you're in pain.
- What strangers!
- What's weird?
- I thought I was nothing but a witch to you. - I fired ironically. - How can you be sure you didn't try to trick him into going it alone? Maybe these tears are false and I'm just trying to confuse you, so that you have a minimum of compassion.
I felt Bruce holding his breath. He squawked low in an incomprehensible whisper.
- All right! All right! We'll do as you wish. - he said in a tone full of sorrow. - In my defense, I'm very sorry for what I said. I didn't mean to hurt her.
- Now it's too late to be sorry! - I said exasperatedly. - I just want it to end and forget all about it.
Bruce nodded with a sigh that sounded sad. We remain silent the rest of the way. I began to thank God that I knew I was coming soon and that I would never have to look Bruce MacCalister in the eye again, although I knew I would meet him on some occasions. He smiles with sadness at the thought of the words of that woman in the woods. For a moment I thought the knight she mentioned might be Bruce. Those words were nothing but a mistake and that crazy old woman was nothing but a fake riddle that only wanted to deceive me.
Smile when I saw Dunhill's tower. Ecstasy invaded my body thinking I'd see my sister anyway. The road ended in the village and everyone stopped to pay off Bruce and the men who accompanied him. I realised how dear he was in his cousin's fiefdom and imagined what Duvengard would be like. I'd never been there, but my dad said it was a fabulous place. We crossed the bridge that connected the villag
e to the castle and stopped at the entrance courtyard.
- Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay. - he said, coming down from the horse and extending his arms to help me dismount. - Safe and sound as promised!
- Thank you! - I answered with a dry tone. - You must be happy, since you'll get rid of me.
Bruce shook his head in negative, closing his eyes at the same time as he took a deep breath. There was a mix of frustration in his tone when he growled his fists tightly.
- Annabel, I...
- Annabel!
My sister's anxious scream interrupted what Bruce would say and made us look in Aideen's direction. She was wearing a green dress with a belt adorning her waist. There was a small saddlebag attached to it, leaving the handle of small daggers on display. I smiled with surprise and hugged her when she approached.
- I'm glad you're all right. - she said squeezing me. - I almost died of worry, my sister.
- I missed you so much! - I whispered between tears and smiles. - I'm sorry about everything!
- Don't be! The important thing is, she's alive and well. - she answered. Looking towards Bruce, Aideen smiled and then hugged him. - Thank you, Bruce! I knew I'd bring her back safe and sound. I hope it wasn't so much trouble.
I swallowed dry when Bruce looked in my direction. He shook his head giving one of his bright and seductive smiles.
- It wasn't any work, Your Majesty! - he answered without taking his eyes off me. - Your sister is very skillful and knows how to take good care of herself. I owe her my life, and I doubt she can afford it.
He took a break, smiling again.
- Anyone would feel safe by her side.
The surprise of hearing those words made me stunned. Aideen embraced me again, but this time with even more force. She sniffed her hands into my hair.
- Bruce, my cousin! - Alistair left the castle and embraced Bruce. - I'm glad you're back... and alive!
- Yeah, I got lucky this time! - he replied with sarcasm.
- When don't you have one? - Alistair returned it and everyone laughed. - What took you so long?
- I'm sorry! I'm sorry! We had the unforeseen blizzard and there was an attack from some soldiers. - he explained. - I can give you more details if you wish, during a nice dinner.
Alistair laughed.
- Yes. I'll want to know a little more about this attack and I'll be happy to fill this hole you call the stomach. - he paused to turn his eyes. - I'm afraid we have a problem to solve!
Bruce frowned when he spotted a pair of horses that weren't inside the stable. He seemed to recognize the horses and then turned to Alistair.
- What is Lord Macintosh doing here? - asked Bruce.
I looked at Aideen who just took a deep breath. I knew something was wrong, but I couldn't imagine what it might be. As far as I knew, the Macintosh were allies of the MacCalister since the war against the people of the north. That was a wedding ring that had lasted for years.
- Bruce!
A girl's voice caught my attention and I looked in her direction. She was beautiful, with her long black hair and eyes, honey color. She was slender, with full breasts hidden in the generous neckline of a navy blue dress. It bothered me the way she practically threw herself into Bruce's arms when she hugged him.
- Adelaide, how nice to see you! - he said in return for the hug. - Your Majesty, I believe you already know Adelaide Macintosh.
- Yes, I've had the pleasure! - Aideen answered. - Your father and Adelaide have been staying in Dunhill for almost a week.
- A week? - Bruce frowned. - Is something wrong in Las?
- No, not at all! - said Adelaide with animation. - I'm here because I'm getting married.
- Congratulations! - Bruce smiled hugging Adelaide again. - You really deserve to be happy. Who's the lucky guy?
- Come on! Who? - she laughed with disdain. - You, of course!
The air was missing in my lungs as soon as the words came out of Adelaide's mouth. There was the reason why Bruce regretted lying with me. He was engaged to Adelaide. His words that he couldn't make any commitment to a woman fell like a bomb. Once again I felt like a fool.
- Annabel? - I heard Bruce say before he approached me.
- Breathe, Annabel! - Aideen said with a worried voice. - Take a deep breath, my sister!
I started coughing when the air returned to my chest and the feeling of fainting began to dissipate.
- Are you all right?" Adelaide asked.
- I'm sorry! I'm sorry! - said looking at Adelaide. - What are you?
- About marrying Bruce? - she repeated it by frowning. - We've been engaged since we were kids.
Without being able to control myself, I started laughing. I took Bruce seriously.
- So, you're a man of war? - I said sarcastically. - To me, you're nothing but a coward, miserable!
- Annabel, it's not what you think! - he said as he stared at me. - I didn't even know that...
There was no time for him to continue his useless speech. Without thinking, I slapped Bruce's face hard. I heard the surprise sigh of those watching, but I didn't care.
- Don't ever come near me again! - ...I ordered, before I fired into the castle...
- Annabel! - Bruce screamed. - Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait!
I ignored their appeals and kept running. Now I knew I'd been rejected because he was engaged. Bruce MacCalister was the biggest scoundrel I ever had the displeasure of meeting and would do his best to forget him. To hate him would be my only goal now.
Chapter 12
Bruce
- Annabel! Stop now!
She did not listen to me and, ignoring me, continued to run into the castle. I reached her right at the foot of the main salon staircase. She'd been to Dunhill before, and apparently hadn't forgotten the path she was taking to the upstairs quarters.
- I told you to stop! - he said between his teeth. Holding her left arm, I made her turn to me. - Are you deaf? Didn't you hear me call you?
- I heard him perfectly, but if I really knew myself, I'd know that I don't usually take or take orders. - she returned it in a harsh tone and pulled her arm. - Especially if they come from you.
- Look, it's not exactly what it looks like!
- Oh, yeah? - she said ironically. - Then I must be an idiot, because I hear you're engaged.
I took a deep breath, passing one hand over my face.
- It's okay! It's okay! That's what it looks like, but, at the same time, it's not.
Annabel frowned confusingly. She grunted making mention of starting to climb the steps, but I held her again.
- Let go of me! - she ordered. - I said don't touch me! Remember, I still have that beast!
She pushed me. I took a few steps back when Annabel advanced on me in anger.
- You made me think you were to blame for lying with me outside of me. He made a fool of me when he said he wasn't sorry he kissed me and seduced me. What person would accuse the other for her actions? - she took a break. - It doesn't matter now! The fact is, you lied and hurt me. As bad as it sounds, I never thought you'd be able to do what you did.
Annabel threw up her words. The worst part is she was right. I was cruel in saying those words and this story of Adelaide being my fiancée only reinforced my bad side. Even if I don't have it, it makes Annabel get the wrong impression about me. It just made things even worse.
- Annabel, I know I was very cruel about last night, but I didn't lie that I didn't regret kissing you. - I fired. - I just said that because...
- Why were you engaged? - she retaliated. - Or why did you regret lying with a disgusting MacBride?
Annabel's hate-filled words hit my chest like a dagger, through my flesh and into my heart. She was deeply hurt and it was my fault. I've never thought of her being a MacBride before. She was completely different from Ravenna, Loch and even Roy.
- Don't stoop like this! - I said in a soft, deep voice. -
Of course you're not disgusting. You're much more than you think you are.
- I know what I am! - she said between tears. - A dreamy fool!
I closed my eyes hard. I couldn't imagine how much pain I had inflicted on her, until I looked into her eyes.
- I've seen and heard enough. - she sighed. - All I want now is a nice hot bath and a bed, from where I will only come out, when I'm very old and less ashamed to have believed that I could...
She took a break.
- That I could what? - I asked, but Annabel was taking steps backwards and shaking her head from side to side. - That I could what, Annabel?
- Forget it!
With this, Annabel gave me a hateful look and turned around. Holding the bar of the dress she went out the staircase towards the top. I watched as she disappeared from my sight. I closed my eyes, sighing with tiredness. Because of what I said last night, I turned around in bed trying to control my desire to go to her room to ask forgiveness and hug her, but I knew Annabel would put me out again. I've never met a woman as intense as she is. To make matters worse, I'd like that insolent way and your arroubles. I was suspicious of my real feelings for her.
- Bruce?
Aideen's voice took me out of my daydream. She came up to me with a worried look. Alistair was right behind, followed by Adelaide and Lord Macintosh. Those were the last two people I would like to see now, but I needed to understand the situation.
- Is everything all right? Aideen asked with a worried voice.
- What happened to Annabel to go out like that? - said Alistair. - what did you do?
Damn it! I'd forgotten the audience we left behind. Now I'd have to answer questions I didn't want or wasn't ready for.
- I didn't do anything, Alistair! It was just a mistake, which I intend to resolve as soon as possible. - I said evasively. - Annabel is a little intense and takes things literally. I must have said something she interpreted quite hostilely.
Aideen sighed looking at the top of the stairs.
- Unfortunately, my sister is pretty stormy sometimes. - Aideen responded by making a face.
I smiled as I sat back and breathed a sigh of relief that she did not continue with the questions, but Alistair looked at me with a glance of doubt. He shook his head showing that he hadn't swallowed my explanation, but to my surprise, he changed the subject.