by Kira Freitas
- I'm not gonna hurt her. - he whispered nibbling at my lower lip. - I promise to be a knight.
He kissed me again and I felt it when he lifted me up from the ground in a strong hug. Alistair walked to a nearby wall and held me against her using her weight. He wasn't hurting me and I was feeling more and more lewd. My body was out of control. I wanted him so badly, I got scared when I moaned. My mind was confused, but I had to tell him before Alistair found out for himself. I didn't want to lie to the only man who ever cared about me. I felt I owed it to him.
- Please, please, please, please, please, please! Stop! - I asked with a trembling voice. - You'll be sorry if you continue.
Alistair frowned, but gave me back an arrogant smile.
- I don't think so! - he tried to kiss me again, but I turned my face.
Tears hung from my eyes. I was throwing away the only chance I had of a dignified life, but if it meant deceiving someone who was willing to love me, then I preferred the sentence I already knew.
- Alistair, I'm not worthy to be your wife. - I started to say. Soon tears appeared in my eyes. - You're not who I thought you were, but I still can't let you be fooled in this way. The sooner this is over, the better.
- What are you talking about? - he asked apprehensively. - Of course she's worthy to be my wife. I chose her for myself.
- Yeah, you made the wrong choice!
He frowned a little. Gathering all the courage I had in me, I breathed deeply.
- I've already been taken by a man! - said sniffling. - I'm not a virgin anymore.
Chapter 07
Alistair
- What did you say? - I asked away from Aideen.
- Exactly what you heard. - she said in a soft but fearful voice.
I paused to grit my teeth.
- Does Ravenna know that? - I asked.
- Yes. Aideen nodded.
I released a roar that made Aideen startle. She stared at me with frightened eyes.
- I can't believe I picked a prostitute for a wife! - ...I've stirred up.
- I'm not a hooker like that woman who came into my room hinting! - she screamed angrily. - It was you who insisted on marrying me, even after I begged you not to. I tried anyway to dissuade him, but his ego is so big that he preferred to challenge Ravenna MacBride on pure whim.
I turned my eyes to her.
- How dare you! I didn't try to challenge Ravenna! - I fired. - I chose you because...
- Yes, you did! - she cut me off. - That's all he's been doing for years. Challenge and challenge, without measuring the consequences. He's so spoiled that he convinced his father to accept a law that doesn't even exist anymore.
I looked at her incredulously. No one's ever spoken to me like that before. I didn't know if I was angry that Aideen was trying to turn the table or fascinated by his breakup.
- I'm not spoiled! - he said between his teeth. - You don't know me to declare such a thing.
- And neither do you to me, to declare that I'm a prostitute. - she took a break. - It wasn't my will that I was taken. I tried to tell you, but all you think about is yourself and you don't listen to anyone.
I just stood there for a second. I knew the tricks women used to fool us. That's how Rose convinced me to go back to her bed every time I tried to get away. Snarling, I closed the gap between us with broad strides and grabbed Aideen's throat hard. I leaned her against the wall and lifted her up like a sheet of paper. She grabbed my wrist with both hands. Her eyes were wide open and they denounced the dread she felt.
- I don't believe you! I know every trick a woman uses when she wants to seduce us. - I whispered cold. - You're nothing but a witch with those bewitching eyes.
- So it's not a lack of dignity? - she said between laughter and panting voice. - You're angry because you're attracted to me, so you're reluctant to deny me?
It provoked him even though he was in a lower position.
- If I'm a witch, throw me in the fire! - she fired. - Believe me. It'll be better for both of us if you do that.
Once again I was speechless because of your challenging stance. I was trying to humiliate her, but she didn't seem to care. I just wouldn't accept being called a whore. She also seemed to want death. That was clear when you challenged me to send her to the fire. She knew the punishment for treason was the gallows. In our tradition, a woman should marry a virgin. If this condition was not met, the husband had the possibility to return the bride and annul the marriage. Still, to wash her honor as a betrayed man, I could send her hanging.
I didn't want to send her to the gallows, because I didn't want her dead. If I gave it back, I'd have to explain it to my dad, the motive and that, it'd be a good sermon. I'd have to accept that I was wrong about my choice and he'd insist on marrying Annabel. I could already see Ravenna's triumphant smile when I got the news. Anger flooded my body when I realized I'd be humiliated by that treacherous woman.
- Get your things ready! - said by loosening his throat. - You're going back to Inverness tonight. You and that whole bunch you call family. In the morning I'll talk to my dad and we'll see what we can do to get the wedding annulled.
Aideen coughed trying to catch her breath. She raised her challenging gaze at me, but instead of sudden courage and the will to challenge me again, there was fear. For a moment, I almost regretted my decision, but I soon remembered that I was dealing with a daughter of Ravenna. That fear was merely a front, for Aideen knew all the tricks to manipulating a person.
- I thought you were gonna have me killed. - she fired in a desperate voice.
I stopped that comment, but I ignored it by going to the door.
- I'm not cruel at this point. - I said coldly.
- It wouldn't be cruelty, but a gesture of compassion. She argued.
Once again, your words have intrigued me. I did not understand why she wanted me to take her life, but that was out of the question. I wouldn't have Aideen's blood on my hands and I was convinced of it.
As I left, I slammed the door and left it. I sat back with my eyes closed for a few moments. I could hear Aideen crying on the other side and a sudden anguish took over my being. That cry was desperate. Aideen should be happy to come home instead of having to lie with someone who might never replace the man she had loved before. I was breathing slowly as I tried to calm down. I had the feeling I was betrayed. I knew I was being hypocritical, because I was used to lying with Rose, even though I knew she was lying with my brother and my cousin. If Aideen hadn't said anything or suddenly I hadn't been suspicious, maybe I never knew she'd already had another lover and I'd look like a fool. I was so angry, I wanted to kill Ravenna.
I took a deep breath and removed myself from the door. I looked at the end of the corridor where the top of the staircase that led to the downstairs was located and I started to walk towards the hall.
- Alistair?
A soft voice called when I was arriving at the stairwell. I didn't have to turn around to know it was Aideen. I closed my eyes counting to ten. Hearing my name coming out of those lips brought me chills all over the length of my spine.
- Please, wait! She begged when I ignored her. - Don't go there!
- Why shouldn't I? - I asked without turning around.
My patience was already hanging by a thread and I was about to explode.
- Because I'm begging you not to give it back to me! - she begged for it. - If you don't want to send me to the gallows, let it go tonight. When everyone's gone, I promise to leave. You can say that I was attacked by wolves while walking in the forest to justify my absence. Have a funeral if you want to look even more convincing. I promise I'll never come back to Dunhill and you'll never see me again.
Surprised I stared at her. Once again, she baffled me. It wasn't a bad idea, since you'd both win. She'd get rid of an unwanted marriage and I wouldn't be ridiculed before society. Still, I wondered why she was so afraid to go back to Inverness.
- Why are you so afraid to go back to your home? - I asked.
- You should be grateful and happy.
She took a deep breath by twisting her finger.
- I'll die as soon as I step out of Dunhill. - she fired, shrugging her shoulders. - My mother will kill me for being incompetent and losing the prince. But unlike you, it will make it very painful.
Even though I was surprised by that further revelation, I ignored it. I was so angry, I didn't even care what Ravenna would do from then on. I just wanted them out of my sight.
- Please! - she begged even more. - Alistair, don't do this!
Dropping a growl, I went in wide steps to where she was. Aideen shrunk like a child when I approached her. She was still wearing her wedding dress. Aideen didn't deserve to wear that dress and I wanted to tear it. Tear it up and possess it right there. My anger only grew with this thought.
- I don't give a damn what Ravenna will do to you! - I said so harshly. - I just don't want the blood of a woman tarnishing my reputation. Especially a prostitute's!
- I'm not a prostitute! - Aideen screamed.
I couldn't stop the slap she hit me in the face. You had to admit I deserved it. It had been cruel and insensitive, but that only made my anger inflate. I let out a growl and grabbed her wrist, squeezing hard. Aideen grumbled with pain and soon her eyes filled with tears. I was sick of that act.
- Don't ever do that again! - I said between my teeth, bringing my face closer to hers. - Otherwise, I'll rip every pretty finger out of that delicate hand.
Releasing her wrist with a push, I turned around and walked back towards the stairs.
- I never wanted this or any other union! - she said with her voice embargoed. - Your Highness, I'll do as you wish, just don't give me Ravenna.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath and stopped for a moment. Fear dominated her voice, so my pride spoke louder and I decided to take advantage of that situation. I'd make her suffer for trying to trick me. You'd turn your life into hell, starting that night. I turned around and walked back to where she was. Stopping in front of you, I stared at Aideen for a few minutes. She lowered her gaze at the ground. Grabbing her chin, I lifted her face so that she could see my cold smile. Aideen gasped, but she didn't look away. Releasing her chin, I turned around in silence and went down the stairs. I reached the salon with determined steps. Soothing my expression so that no one would notice, I went to Loch.
- Can I have a word with you? - I looked at Ravenna who looked at me with a dark expression. - You too.
They looked at each other, but they nodded by standing up.
- Something wrong, my son? - my father asked, making mention of getting up to accompany us.
- Nothing serious, my father! - I answered calmly. - It's something private I want to talk to you both about.
My father nodded and I had them both walk me to the library. Ravenna seemed cautious, like she already knew what was going on.
- I want you to keep my words, because what I am going to say is in no way a request, but an order! - I said in a cold voice. - You leave tomorrow without permission to return to Dunhill. Any invitation made by my father must be refused immediately.
- May I ask why you decided that? - said Ravenna afraid. I was weird about the question, but I decided to play her game.
- You know very well that Aideen is no longer a virgin.
- Wow! How fast you are! - Ravenna said ironically. - It went up so recently.
Grunhi punching the table.
- Don't make me lose my composure, woman! - he said between his teeth. - I'm not as patient as my father.
Ravenna swallowed it dry, but she didn't get scared. On the contrary, she laughed at my attitude.
- That's enough, Ravenna! - said Loch raising his voice for the first time. She looked at him incredulously, but Loch ignored her. - What about Aideen?
- She stays! Aideen is mine now, but you must leave! - I answered dry. - Take Annabel's money and impeccable reputation. Never step on Dunhill again, just as Aideen is forbidden to see any of you. That includes Annabel.
- I thought you were going to obey the law and hang her or return her. - Ravenna fired a cold shot. There was something behind that observation that made me apprehensive.
- With what interest do you want her back? - I asked coldly. - To try to fool another lord or sell it to a brothel?
Ravenna stayed static in her place. Strangely enough, I noticed she was expecting me to accuse her of other things. It seemed she was hiding something more than Aideen's impurity.
- You're lucky I didn't send them away in this rain right now. - I said coldly. - You can drink and dance tonight, but tomorrow you'll leave no matter what the weather.
Without leaving room for arguments, I went to the door and opened it, making a gesture for them to leave. Ravenna looked at me with a hatred that I didn't quite understand. Like Aideen, she should be happy to take the money and get rid of a daughter who wouldn't have that same opportunity again.
- Alistair MacCalister, you will regret this! - she promised when she walked past me.
Your words came out as a threat that intrigued me. I had felt the taste of contradicting and offending the queen of pettiness, but I was still not satisfied. Taking a deep breath, I went back to my room and walked in without knocking. Aideen was sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall next to the balcony door. She cried copiously.
- Your family will leave tomorrow! - I said rough. - Without you!
She raised her gaze and I could see a glimmer of hope in her eyes, an emerald color, as well as the foreshadowing of a smile.
- Thank you! - she said relieved.
- Don't thank me yet. - I said in a cold tone. - I've ordered them not to come back, just as you'll never see them again. You can stay, but you won't ever set foot in Inverness again. You'll be confined to the castle and give me the heir I need to rub MacGregor's face in.
I paused to walk to Aideen who looked at me with perplexity.
- That will be your punishment for trying to trick me. I'm gonna torment her just like you did me.
Aideen's gaze withered, as did her smile, when I announced the sentence.
- But how much my sister? She won't be able to come see me either? - she asked me in tears.
- No. No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
- How long will that sentence last?
- For the rest of your life or until my anger passes. - I responded with a crooked smile. - Who knows, my anger will last less than your life? Pray for that to happen. Maybe God is kind to you.
She looked at me incredulously. I knew I was being cruel, but I had enough hate to justify my actions.
- I think you should make the most of the time you have left next to Annabel, because she's leaving tomorrow too. - I trampled on your already wounded heart even further.
- You asshole! - ...she got up and walked over me. - You swore to protect me! You asked me not to be afraid of you! You're a monster!
I held Aideen's hands and laughed.
- I lied! - I shot him laughing and whispered in his ear. - Welcome to hell!
Releasing Aideen, I left the room and walked back to the lounge. I stopped by the kitchen and talked to Rose to meet me at the lake after midnight. I needed to relax and I did it on impulse, not willpower. You need to lose my dad, too. Grabbing a bottle of wine and a mug, I headed for the library and sat on one of the armchairs. I'd stay there until it was time to leave, and then I'd see Rose until dawn.
Chapter 08
Aideen
My sister left with my parents right after dark. It was supposed to be in the morning, but Brice, seeing me crying, insisted that they stay a little longer. Not to arouse suspicion, but very much against taste, Alistair agreed. Little did Brice know the tears were about Annabel.
I cried all morning in Annabel's arms. She was trying to calm me down by saying I'd be fine. I hated my life more every day. I hated my mother more than anything in the world. Now I hated Alistair too. Every instant that the night spread announcing the dawn, I cursed against my mot
her.
- Good morning! - Rose greeted me with her sarcastic smile.
I took a deep breath when I heard Rose's boring voice, who decided to provoke me since my parents left the day before. The last thing I wanted at that moment was to have to deal with that girl.
- Good morning! - I answered without enthusiasm.
I was wearing the sweater Annabel had given me as a gift. I haven't taken it off since the night before. Alistair had spent the rest of his wedding night, and last night too. I always turned around alone when it came to getting dressed. I didn't need a maid; I didn't want a maid and I definitely didn't want Rose near me.
Rose put the things she was carrying in her hands on top of a sideboard by the window.
- My lord asked me to help you get ready for breakfast. - she said walking towards me. - We don't serve anything in the rooms here, unless you're sick or dying.
She winked at me ironically.
- You're not dying, are you?
That sarcastic tone pissed me off.
- I thought I made it clear that you wouldn't address me at any time. - I answered between my teeth. - I want to make it clear that I will not tolerate such laughter or sarcastic words. I must warn you once again to remain silent or to withdraw.
Rose widened her eyes staring at me incredulously. It was clear that she didn't like me and I didn't care.