by Kira Freitas
Aideen blushed looking away, but I could tell she was smiling. It was clear that she didn't get many compliments and once again I was intrigued.
- I'm sorry I hurt you. - she said again, putting her hand on my bruised arm. - If there's a little aloe vera, maybe I can make a balm to dry the cut and heal the wound.
- You know about herbs? - I asked in amazement.
There were few women in the village who understood herbs and most of them were ladies. Personally, I did not know any young person who mastered plant knowledge, except of course, the woman who now commanded the battalion in my place.
- Yes. - She sighed. - I learned it a long time ago.
- Wow, you talk like an old lady. - I let out a laugh. - How old are you?
- Seventeen. - she fired.
I was amazed at the revelation. I knew she was young, but I didn't expect her to be that young. Nevertheless, she did not speak as a young woman, but as a determined woman. Except when she was in Ravenna's presence, then she'd shrink like a scared rat.
- You shouldn't have talked to my mother like that. - Aideen suddenly said with a worried voice. - That will only make her angry with your highness.
I let out a laugh by shaking my head from side to side.
- Believe me, I've known Ravenna since I was very young. I know something pisses her off. - he said. - Please call me Alistair. I hate those nobility protocols.
She smiled shaking her head.
- The fact, Alistair, - she said with debauched voice emphasizing my name. A shiver ran through my spine when that angelic sound came out of his mouth. - is that many fear my mother and you shouldn't defy her. She can be very dangerous when she's angry.
Smile for your warning tone. We were approaching Dunhill Bridge and I was frustrated that our tour was coming to an end. Dismounting from the saddle, I raised my arms to take Aideen's waist and help her down. She was so light that it didn't take much effort to put her down. As I descended, Aideen kept her gaze fixed on mine at the same time as she held her breath in my arms. They were naked and I could feel the warmth of the skin of the palm of his hand again.
- The fact, Aideen, - I whispered in your ear when I put it up. - is that I'm not one of those many and I'm not afraid, Ravenna. You already seem to be part of that core. I just don't understand why, but I intend to find out. Since we'll be related, I think I'll have plenty of time for that.
She pant and I walked away smiling. Aideen took a step backwards swallowing dry and then I caught her hand kissing gently.
- It's been a great pleasure!
Aideen turned around and then mixed with the rest of the entourage. Bruce approached me with his falcon on one of his forearms and smiled.
- For someone who didn't want any involvement with a woman of the "marriage" type, - he debated. - you seem very interested in the little one.
I turned my eyes to him and then I folded my arms.
- Intrigued, my dear! Just intrigued! - I answered and then I let out a laugh. - As for you, did you soften the beast for me?
Bruce rolled his eyes.
- That thing is not a woman! That's a poisonous snake! - he said harshly. - I'm glad she's your fiancée, if she hadn't already ripped that tongue out of your mouth.
- And it didn't cross his mind to try to silence her like you so much like to do with the damsels? - I asked ironically.
Bruce rolled his eyes looking disgusting.
- God forbid! - he fired. - If I tried to kiss her, I'd be the one to lose my tongue.
I let out a laugh by slapping him on the chest and made Bruce come with me.
- Come on, I still have time to try to persuade my father to stop this bullshit. - he said. - Then, who knows, you might not claim it for yourself?
- Jesus Christ!
Bruce made the sign of the cross pulling more laughter out of me and then followed me into the castle. I still hoped that this union would not take place and I would hold on to it until the end.
Chapter 04
Aideen
Dunhill was agitated when we arrived. By order of the prince, the king had made a point of giving me a room where I could be alone. He had a large window that led to Lake Duich. The waters were calm and, despite the torrential rain outside, the landscape was beautiful, even at night. The lights of the surrounding village illuminated and sparkled everything on the shore of the lake, traveling a great distance to the entrance to the forest. The town of Dunhill was extensive, I believe it was bigger than Inverness, which was on a hillside, but it was still a big clan. Sighing, I turned to contemplate the spacious and well-ventilated room. The king did not need to say that Alistair had made a point of keeping me away from the others. I'd know it was his idea, even if Brice didn't say anything. I had noticed that he had found my attitudes strange and I was happy with the gesture. At least I'd be away from my mother for a few hours. Just imagining that I would return to Inverness for an even more severe isolation, as my sister would stay in Dunhill, gave me the chills. I had worked out the plan to scare the horses and run away with Annabel. It would distract everyone and I could go out in flames to plunge into the forest along the trail. Then we'd find a way to survive. Problem is, the horse went off ahead of time. I was too scared to realize that one of the soldiers was coming after me with a beast in his hand. He fired just before I screamed for help, perhaps on the orders of my mother, who preferred to see me dead, but for some sadistic reason, loved to torment me. It's been a long time since I rode. I had already forgotten what it was like to control an animal as big as that. Certainly, Ravenna had given me the biggest horse in the stable on purpose, knowing that I had not ridden in many years. I had already given up hope of survival when Alistair showed up.
Alistair MacCalister, the prince of battles. The commander of the hopeful legions. He wasn't like I imagined, I must confess. I had him as a ruthless, bloody and rude warrior, but until he knew how to be kind. I didn't have the scars I figured he'd have at least not in plain sight. His face was angled with a square jaw covered with a close beard. The traces were strong and the only scars I noticed were on the corner of his left eye and the square chin. A small thin line cut, perhaps made by the tip of a sword. The eyes were deep blue, almost black. The black hair even went just below the wide shoulders. The chest had a few strands of hair over the V-neck opening of her white shirt. His arms were firm with muscles that stretched each time he moved. I felt it when Alistair got me involved, after putting me on the horse. His strength was so great that it didn't take him much effort to lift me to the saddle. That, done with just one hand. It was hard to talk to him because of his height. At various times, I had to bend my neck down so that I could reach his gaze. He was tall as a Viking, even taller than my father. If we were in ancient times, I would say that he was one of the Nordic gods that a little bit of our story told. When I was in the saddle, I was at the mercy of the heat emanating from his body and the hot breath coming from his breathing, at times or again, around my neck.
- So, what's he like? - I heard Annabel ask.
It got me out of my trance when I remembered Alistair. I sighed, turning my gaze to her.
- Different, I think.
- Different how?
- Unlike anything I imagined in a Scottish lord or a warrior. - said by shrugging his shoulders. - Different.
She rolled her eyes smiling, but there was still a bit of worry in her gaze.
- What about Bruce, Duke of Dunvegan? - I asked. - You were rude to him. The man was trying to help her.
- Help me? - Annabel grumbled. - That idiot jumped on me by knocking me off my horse. I almost broke my bones in the fall. If that's helping, I don't even care if he was ready to kill me.
He laughs at your scornful comment. It was clear she didn't like her future cousin. Although he didn't say much, I sympathized with Bruce's way. Like Alistair, he was quite tall. He had blue eyes as well as Alistair's and the same black hair, however, a little shorter and with straight strands. I had not yet met his young
er brother, but I could see that beauty came from the family, because, despite his age, King Brice was still as beautiful as his children. I believe that if she were alive, Cora MacCalister would have the traits of her mother.
I breathed deeply, banishing the thoughts that came to me.
- Don't worry," he said in a soft, but sad tone. - Incredible as it may seem, Alistair is not as rude as I imagined. Considering what you've done for me today, I'm sure the prince will take very good care of you.
Strange as it may seem, I was sure Annabel would be safe with the MacCalisters. Alistair might even continue to hate our clan, but something told me that he would take good care of my sister. That was enough for me and it brought me some comfort to follow the fortune that awaited me.
- You? Defending a man? - she debated approaching. - I must confess that I am surprised by your words and, although I am more secure with this link, I would like it to be you in my place.
- Stop! You know I'm afflicted by the idea of being touched by a man. - I said with a voice embargoed. - I'm glad that's never gonna happen again.
Annabel touched my shoulder sighing with sadness. There were things that were kept under lock and key by both of them that I hated to remember.
- I thought you were happy with that idea from the beginning. - I shot him changing the subject.
- You know better than that. - she said sitting on the bed. - The idea of marrying a stranger gives me the creeps, even if he's so handsome.
- Annabel! - I exclaimed unbelievingly.
- Don't look at me like this, like you judge me by eating the last slice of the blackberry cake. - she pointed her finger at me. - I bet you think the same way.
She laughed taking a break.
- Or he thought at some point, while he was between his arms on the way to the castle.
I narrowed my eyes and tuned my lips when I looked at her. I had to admit that Alistair was a very beautiful man, but still I wouldn't marry anyone like him or anyone else. Even if you were so handsome and gentle and very cultured... Just imagining a man touching me again made me feel nauseous.
- It doesn't matter! - he said, approaching the bed. - What matters is that you'll be safe here and I believe you can be very happy.
She stretched her hand past my face.
- It was you who was supposed to be safe, not me. - she whispered. - I know Mommy sent the soldier to end his life and make it look like an accident. She knew she'd try to escape somehow. So I'm worried I'm gonna have to see her leave with her again.
- It's okay. It's okay. - I sighed. - We know well that I wouldn't survive alone and the proof is that I couldn't control the horse.
We let out a loud laugh. Despite the moment of relaxation, I thought that God had a terrible sense of humor and was using me for his own amusement.
Annabel retired so I could finish getting ready. My mom should be in the salon with my dad by now. I suspected that Annabel's visit was to make sure I came down and I considered not leaving the room that night. From where I was, I could hear people's voices echoing in the main hall. There was laughter, laughter, music and a lot of talk.
Sighing, I contemplated my reflection in the mirror and smoothed the long turquoise dress. My eyes were deep and tired because I didn't sleep well last night. Not even this afternoon, I had managed to get enough rest. I had the impression that sleep was no longer part of my physiological needs. I spent a lot of time braiding my hair. I hated doing that, but in order not to annoy my mother even more and to look like a well-educated maiden, I decided to arrest them. Throwing the braid back, I went to put on the sneakers that my mother had separated, as well as the dress I was wearing that night. One of her control freaks. On the one hand, I even liked it, since I hadn't participated in a celebration in a long time and wouldn't know what to choose to wear. This did not extinguish the fear of being surrounded by countless strangers. What would I do if he appeared there, in the shadows, hidden in a place from where he could observe me and only me, felt his presence? That thought brought me chills and only served to increase my fear of being surrounded by so many people.
- Aideen MacBride?
A male voice called outside my room making me come out of my thoughts.
- Who's there? - I asked in a shaking voice.
- I'm one of the guards! - he answered dry. His voice sounded hostile, as if he knew I was inclined to give up coming down. - I've come to pick you up and make sure you're present in the lounge. My lady's orders, your mother.
I shook my head from side to side in anger. I was outraged by my mother's attitude. She had the courage to send a guard to make sure I got down. Not that I didn't think she'd be able to do that, but it was surreal what was going on.
- Yeah, tell my mom I changed my mind and I'll stay here! - I replied harshly from inside the room.
There was a moment of silence.
- Your mother warned me about this and gave me express orders to act in the event of refusal. - he took a break before continuing. - Unfortunately, you leave me no choice.
I froze my forehead turning towards the door. There was a second of silence before she was violently opened and the guard came in. I recognized him. It was the redhead who was escorting us with the one who was knocked out in the woods.
- What do you think you're doing?
Before I said anything, I saw myself being pulled off the ground and in seconds I was on the guard's shoulders.
- Get your hands off me! - ...I screamed on his shoulders. - Don't touch me!
- I'm so sorry! - he said in a tone of false regret. - I have orders to take her by force if necessary.
- How absurd! Let me go now! - I ordered a punch in the man's back. - Put me down! You can't do this! That's embarrassing!
Ignoring my appeals, the guard continued to walk down the corridor towards the stairs. Everyone was in the hall and no one heard my screams or appeals. At that moment I missed a dagger to defend me from that barbarian. They always did exactly what Ravenna told them. His hands were right over my legs, making it impossible for me to kick myself. With the other he held my back steady so that I would not move. As we were about to arrive at the front door, he made a sudden stop as if something was stopping him from passing.
- What's going on?
I recognized Alistair's deep, firm voice. He seemed to be angry, but still, a little relief came over me.
- Are you hurt?
I realized that the question had been directed at me and then I snorted trying to raise my body to look over the guard's shoulder, but I was unsuccessful.
- Not at all. - I answered frustrated. - I'm perfectly good at walking, even though I look like a bag of potatoes or an animal slaughtered on this asshole's shoulder.
- I'm sure the position is quite uncomfortable for you. - Alistair said in a loud voice. - Why don't you let the lady go and let her walk on her own legs?
The guard was not intimidated by the question, answering it firmly and decisively.
- Sir, with all due respect! I'll have to ask you to get out of my way, because I'm following orders.
- Whose orders?
- Ravenna MacBride, sir!
I heard Alistair growl. When I looked under the guard's arm, I saw him approaching dangerously. His face was transfigured and he seemed to be very angry. I saw that his huge hands were closed and he was squeezing them very tightly.
- Ravenna MacBride doesn't run this fiefdom. - he said between his teeth. - Now, I suggest you do as I say and put Aideen down.
Hearing my name said by him gave me the creeps. Not the creeps of fear, but of a strange pleasure. I didn't know why my body reacted like that, but it was such a good feeling that I preferred not to question it.
- I'm sorry, but no! - the guard said and made mention of moving.
- All right! All right! You'll be sorry for that. - Alistair said in a calm voice. - Hold on tight, Aideen.
There wasn't much time for some reaction from the guard. Before he could do anything, I heard a s
lap and the man's body bent to the ground. I drowned out a surprised scream when I fell on the guard from my stomach. Before I knew what was going on, a pair of huge hands held my arms up as if I were a feather.
- Are you all right?" asked Alistair, evaluating me with concern.
- Hmm! I think... Yeah. - I stuttered backwards by going up against the wall. - Thank you!
I felt dizzy, so I leaned on the frozen rocks. I didn't know if it was because of the upside down position, the fall or if it was Alistair's presence that had confused me.
- Still afraid of me? - he asked when he saw my scared look. - You know I'd never hurt you, right?
- I'm not sure about this. - I said don't shake. - I believe you killed him.
Alistair smiled with the abrupt change of subject.
- He's not dead, just disagreed. - he said smiling. - I don't have that much strength to kill a man with my fist.
- I don't think so, but with a sword, I think so. - I said impulsively.
I didn't want to offend him and I didn't know where I was getting those words from. Something in Alistair left me safe to share my thoughts. He took a deep breath with a more closed face and nodded.
- You're right about that, but I would never do it without a good reason or if there was no alternative. - he justified it. - Why do swords scare you so much?
- It's not the swords, Your Highness! - I answered coldly. - But yes, the instincts of the men who wield them.
Again Alistair arched his eyebrow by surprise.
- There are not only men in my army and she wields a sword with much more fierceness than I do. - he replied. - She would be more frightened if she saw it in action and, perhaps, the impression of a caveman that I pass, would be erased from her mind.
- I doubt that very much! - I fired. - I've seen a woman shout a sword in anger.
- And what makes me different from her, then?
- Nothing, really! - I responded by shrugging my shoulders. - I owe my life to both of you.
Alistair frowned without understanding my words. I did not want to have to explain, because I was running the risk of exposing more than what was necessary. Shaking my head from side to side I made mention of moving away, but he held my arm preventing me from leaving.