by Kira Freitas
- What was that about? - Bruce asked by taking his hand the beast stuck in the saddle of his horse.
- Cover the north I'm going south! - said pointing in the direction he was supposed to go.
I signalled to Bruce and he went off in the direction I was pointing. I went the other way, going after the three horses. If I was right, I'd surround them and save whoever was in danger.
- Freeze! - I shouted at the man.
He looked back with the beast in his hands and prepared to shoot me. Without thinking, I took the lead and got the animal to take him down. The woman who walked in front of him came up on a curve just ahead. By surprise, Bruce showed up and jumped on her horse making them both go down.
- You fucking, miserable bastard! - the woman screamed.
- All right? I asked.
Bruce nodded, but the woman growled.
- Christ! Somebody stop that animal! - I heard the other one scream again.
- Idiot, miserable! - the woman responded by filling Bruce with slaps.
- Go, go, go, go! - he said holding her hands. - I'll take care of this one!
I ran towards the animal, which was frightened by something that came up in the clearing and pushed the Amazon down. I jumped off my horse as soon as he stopped. I knelt beside her and pulled the hood off the cape she was wearing. Tired hair, colored by fire, was revealed to have fallen from his forehead. She had a thin, rounded face. His lips were fleshy and pink. He looked very young. I've never seen a girl as beautiful as that girl before.
- Jesus! You brought me an angel! - I whispered. - An angel made of porcelain.
The girl was disordered, so I held her face to see if she was breathing. I noticed that the hands were small and delicate, but it was the wrists that caught my attention. They were wrapped in bandages hidden under the sleeve of the blue dress.
- Good Lord! - I whispered. - What was there to get him hurt like this?
Impulsively I carried his wrist to my lips and kissed them with my eyes closed. I was in a second of distraction when I felt a spike in my throat.
- Get your hands off me or I'll rip your neck off! - the girl said in a threatening tone, pulling her hand hard.
- Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. I'm not gonna hurt her! - he said by raising his hands. - You fell off your horse. I was worried, because I was disagreed. I only tried to find out if it was alive, because the fall was ugly.
- Thank you for your concern, but never touch me again! - she ordered. - Now back off!
I made an incredulous face looking at her.
- You're kidding me, right? - I asked with ironic air. - I can take this dagger at any time, because I'm taller and stronger than you, young lady. I've been trained for battles, and I can easily knock her to the ground. Now stop your nonsense and give me this dagger!
Her eyes widened and it was then that I noticed the most beautiful green eyes I had ever seen. They were so expressive and brilliant, I couldn't look away. I was bewitched by its shine and swallowed it dry when I felt hypnotized. She took advantage of my distraction to push me with one foot and then stand up. I collapsed sitting on the floor.
- If you try to touch me, I swear I'll kill myself first! - she screamed, pointing her dagger at her throat.
I panicked my eyes, because I didn't want to see her hurt. I did not expect that threat and something within me turned with the possibility of having his blood on my hands or spreading it on the ground. I jumped up and made gestures to calm her down. I was used to dealing with men threatening others, but not threatening their own lives. That was new to me.
- Look, I wouldn't hurt you if I wanted to. - I said in a soft voice. - I would never do anything against a woman's will. I just wanted to know if you were okay, because I saw her running away on an uncontrolled horse with a man behind you and a woman....
- Where are they? - she asked, looking around.
She seemed scared and worried at the same time.
- The man is lying further back. - I answered. - As for the woman, my cousin accidentally knocked her off her horse and went to help her.
- Damn it! - she whispered in a worried tone.
- Listen, why don't you drop that dagger and tell me your name? - I asked softly. - I'm getting very nervous about the possibility of you getting hurt.
- Why do you want to know my name? - she asked me taking a step back when I moved on. - I'm not kidding! Get back or I'll kill myself in front of you!
The girl was, in fact, making me very nervous about the possibility of getting hurt. She didn't seem afraid to take her own life and I felt like I wasn't bluffing. That really made me very curious. She seemed to be a noblewoman and must have belonged to some very rich clan. Why would such a beautiful girl attempt on her own life? I remembered the bandages on his wrists and the worry increased.
The girl squeezed the dagger even harder against the skin of her neck and made a face when she felt the blade open a superficial cut. Without thinking, I took two steps covering the distance that separated us and grabbed her wrist to prevent her from getting hurt.
- Stop it now! - I commanded you to try and take the dagger. - I won't let you get hurt, you fool1
- Let go of me! - she screamed trying to keep me from getting the object.
With his attempt to take the dagger, the tip passed through my forearm opening a cut from the elbow to the wrist. I felt the skin burn because of the object that was extremely sharp. Linking his waist with one of his arms, I pulled the gun out of his delicate hands. I was upset that he had hurt me, but at the same time I was relieved that I had been able to disarm it.
- That hurts! - I whispered between my teeth. - Did you see what your recklessness did?
- I'm sorry! - she said in a worried tone. Putting her hands on my shoulders, she tried to walk away. - I... I didn't mean to hurt him! Please don't hurt me!
I had a laugh.
- What brave person apologizes after hurting his opponent?
- One who doesn't like pain very much and fears anyone who might hurt her?
My smile faded and I frowned without understanding. Somehow I didn't like that observation. She stared at me with begging green eyes. His breathing was panting and heavy. I softened my expression so I wouldn't scare her any further.
- I'm sorry if I implied I'd hurt you somehow. - said almost breathlessly because of his closeness.
Her eyes caught me again with their intense glow. I didn't know if it was fear or something else.
- I'm Alistair MacCalister. What's so funny?
She rolled her eyes out in a surprised and frightened way.
- Aideen MacBride. - she whispered.
I was surprised, I couldn't contain the words that came out of my mouth.
- That's not possible! You don't look at all like a witch. - he said. - Maybe a witch, but not a witch.
She blinked and blushed. I liked the way my words affected her. Maybe she was ashamed that she didn't recognize me, but I preferred to imagine that the blush was because of my presence.
- I'm sorry, Your Highness! - she choked. - I really didn't mean to hurt him. I've never done anything like this before. I ask you not to punish me so severely, but I will accept any punishment.
I took a deep breath, only then did I realize I had a MacBride in my arms. If she was there, then there was a entourage that should be next to her. Where were they anyway?
- Calm down1 I do not intend to punish you in any way. Besides, it was just a scratch. - I sighed with a smile afterwards. - I ask you not to be afraid of me, for it is not in me to frighten you. I'm sorry if I gave you that impression.
I released her returning the dagger and Aideen stared at me.
- Just don't hurt yourself, okay?
She hesitated for a few moments and looked at me suspicious.
- Come on, take it! - said pointing the gun at you. - You can trust me. I'm not gonna hurt her.
She frowned on my foreh
ead looking down on me.
- I don't usually trust people.
- Why shouldn't I?
- Because they're capable of horrendous, stupid things on their own behalf. - she answered in a shaking voice. - They're capable of hurting innocent people if they have the chance, without any remorse.
I was surprised by your firm statement, but you smile. I've never talked to anyone so direct before, especially a woman. Men feared me and women used to be very restrained. I was even more curious, because there was something behind those words. Something I couldn't decipher.
Bruce appeared behind us, mounted on Odin. Another horse accompanied him with a man tied and disagreed, leaning over the animal's back. The reins were stuck in the saddle Bruce was riding on. The woman I saw knocked down was on the horse with Bruce, trapped in his arms. She seemed very angry because of that situation and very unhappy with Bruce, who squeezed her so she wouldn't run away.
- The other horse got away! - ...he fired, making a face. - I managed to tie the knight up. I believe I am a guard of some clan, but I have not yet been able to discover the girl who is nervous and has a dirty mouth, and she does not stop offending me.
He pointed to the blonde who was struggling in his arms. She had the most beautiful hair, silver color I'd ever seen. I stared at her for a few seconds. Where have I seen that hair before? I blinked when I heard her squirming with Bruce.
- Dirty mouth? Nervous? Say that again and I'll rip your tongue out! You big-headed troll!
Bruce rolled his eyes.
- Did you see what I said? That's why I couldn't find anything. She won't stop offending me and I've come to the conclusion that I'd rather she shut up.
I had a laugh. Never before had a woman acted like that with my cousin. On the contrary, they fainted at his feet.
- It's okay! It's okay! If I'm right," he said, turning to face Aideen. - this is one of the MacBride girls.
Aideen stared at me by shrugging her shoulders.
- MacBride? - Bruce smiled with irony looking at the blonde girl. - Hmm! So what they say is true? You're a witch. At least you have the temperament of one.
- Let me go and I'll show you who the witch is! - she grunted
- Annabel! Is that any way to talk to the knight?
A voice raced through the woods and amazed me with its ferocity. It was a woman's voice, and she looked very angry. Then Ravenna appeared in the middle of the clearing. She was riding on a beautiful white horse, dressed in a blue dress and pie. Loch MacBride came right behind her and looked at me seriously, but then looked away.
- Your Highness! - Ravenna's made a move. - It hasn't changed much since the last time we saw each other.
- Your kindness! - I shook my head with an ironic smile. - You, on the other hand, have changed absolutely nothing.
Ravenna looked down on me. She knew I didn't like her. Loch did not outline any reaction to my comment. He looked more like a supporting doll than Ravenna's husband. It aroused more hatred in me. Why did he just let his wife dominate him?
- Aideen, you rat! - she said looking at her daughter very hard. - I thought you were dead.
- Not yet! - Aideen replied with irony.
- You dare answer me? - Ravenna fired in a threatening way.
Aideen suddenly shrank like she feared her mother somehow. She took a step back. I looked around looking for an escape and could see the panic growing in her eyes when she saw that there was no way out. I was surprised by her attitude, but I took a defensive stance.
- Stay behind me and don't move! - I whispered. - Why do you talk to this young lady like that?
- This young woman, my daughter, scared the horse on purpose to escape from the entourage and return to Inverness. On top of that, he dragged his sister, who came to his rescue. - she answered between her teeth. - I almost die of worry!
The last sentence sounded false and I realized that Ravenna was more concerned with the blonde girl than with the redhead.
- Annabel, what are you doing riding this horse? - she asked. - Is that manners? What will the prince think about your behavior?
- All right, Ravenna! - I said with a frustrated sigh. - Bruce is my cousin and I trust him. Your daughter is safe, trust me.
- Is that angry troll cub your cousin? - Annabel asked him to turn Bruce's eyes again. - I'm sorry, but I should teach you some manners.
Bruce grunted.
- Will you stop offending me? - he fired angry. - Do you know who I am? The Duke of Dunvegan. I'm the third son of the MacCalister house.
- Swear it! - she debated. - Have you ever been told you're nothing but an arrogant bully?
I had a laugh. Although my future wife was very beautiful, with her hair, silver color; very expressive blue eyes and a fertile tongue, it was the redhead of the eyes, emeralds that enchanted me.
- Annabel! - Ravenna reprimanded her. - Apologize and get off this horse right now. Come and ride with me and your father will take his sister.
- I... - Aideen took a break. - I can't have a horse all to myself?
- Cut the nonsense, young lady! - Ravenna responded. - Your father might as well take her. In this way, we will avoid further incidents. Do you agree? I know what you tried to do, and I won't let it happen again.
Aideen gasped and then held her breath. Suddenly the brave girl who attacked me was no longer there and she looked like a cornered animal. He's cornered and he doesn't know where to go. She lowered her head slightly. Bowing, she turned towards where Loch's horse was and began to walk slowly. She didn't seem to want the distance to shorten and was delaying her footsteps as much as possible. Was it me or was she afraid of Loch?
I couldn't believe that the brave girl who had faced me had suddenly become submissive. It was clear that she had not been brought up to be rude to anyone, but somehow knew how to defend herself when necessary. Suddenly I took my hand to my injured arm by accident. I remembered my wrist covered with bandages and closed my eyes. The way Ravenna spoke, the way Aideen looked at me in fear, led me to believe that Ravenna didn't treat her like a mother should treat a daughter. The words about pain and suffering that Aideen had uttered, hit my mind hard. My heart squeezed in anguish. I was not given to sweet feelings for anyone, but something inside me begged me to protect her from anything. Instinctively and possibly for some reason that I couldn't explain, I grabbed his arm hard.
- Wait! We'll escort you to the castle. - said looking around. -- I believe my father is anxiously awaiting you. Aideen, you're coming with me.
- Your Highness, but that would be reckless! - Ravenna hit back. - Aideen, ride the horse with your father.
I looked at Bruce firmly.
- Bruce, you take Annabel and go ahead and make your way. - I commanded. - Aideen will come with me so we can save time with the lack of horses.
Bruce smiled at Annabel's disgusting face and before she even replied, he went out and asked them to accompany him. Ravenna snorted, but then, controlling herself, tried to smile.
- Forgive me, but I don't think that's appropriate.
- You don't understand, do you? - I said no patience at all. - That's an order. Aideen will come with me if I have to drag her down.
Ravenna made mention of saying something, but Loch held her hand preventing her from speaking. She let out a long frustrated sigh and then looked at me with disgust.
- Yeah, well! Then you escort Aideen to Dunhill and get us out of this fucking woods. - Ravenna said between her teeth.
That said, I made a gesture with my head and took the reins of the horse that had knocked her down. Releasing Aideen's arm, I went to the saddle of my horse and tied it so that the other animal would stay behind to accompany us. Loch followed the motorcade without blinking, but Ravenna was still reluctant, but decided to follow the others. Before that, however, she still looked down on her own daughter with hatred.
- Are you coming? - he said by reaching out to Aideen.
She looked at my hand with fear, but extended her hand so
that I could help her. His touch was soft and his skin was very delicate. I felt the warmth emanating from her and held her tightly to pull her towards me. Instead of putting her in the cell behind me, I simply held her between my arms against my chest.
- Don't worry, for I won't let you fall off your horse. - that sounded more like a promise and she looked amazed. - Trust me and stop looking at me like I'm a monster.
- But you're a monster, Your Highness! - she said unceremoniously.
- How can you say something so sure if you don't know me? - I asked. - Last time I saw her, she was just a kid. I'm offended by your words.
- You shouldn't. I know your fame as a warrior and I know how cruel you can be! - she responded promptly.
- Yes, I am ruthless and bloodthirsty on a battlefield. What warrior isn't he? - I asked, shrugging. - That doesn't mean I'm rude. Have you ever seen a warrior up close, besides, of course, hearing "stories" about me? Is that why you were afraid?
Aideen remained silent for a few seconds and I felt her body shiver against the skin of my arm.
- I'm not afraid of you, I just don't like being touched.
- Not even for your father?
She took a deep breath.
- No one! - Aideen whispered.
We were silent for a few minutes. I no longer felt Aideen's body tense against mine. In fact, she was already very relaxed and this led me to believe that I had won a vote of confidence.
- Why are we mocking instead of galloping? - she asked, turning her head to face me.
Aideen was short and I could lean my chin against his head.
- I'm in no hurry to get here.
- Why shouldn't I?
- Because I'm enjoying your company. - he smiles when he says. - Believe me, I rarely enjoy the company of a woman without having undressed her before.
- That was extremely rude! - she snorted.
- I'm sorry, but you talk so openly, I'm tempted to correspond.
- And that's bad?
- No. On the contrary. - I paused and looked at her and smiled. - I love the frank and witty way you talk. Few have the audacity to talk to me on an equal footing. I've only been away from the battalion for three months and I already miss talking to the men. Although I'd rather talk to you, which is a lot prettier.