by Kira Freitas
- Not just me. - I answered with ironic air.
Aideen gave me a hard look and made a face. She walked to the table that was arranged in a corner of the room and placed the tray. She was wearing a long-sleeved white dress with a pink ribbon tied around her waist. It was simple, but very beautiful. She looked like a little girl in that suit. Her hair was braided and she wore black sneakers. I noticed that besides the cut in his mouth, there was also a purple one around his right eye. That wasn't there when I fainted.
- What happened to your eye? I remember the slap, but not the purple one. - I asked confused. - How long have I been asleep?
Aideen sighed to the bed and sat down.
- About three days ago.
- Three days?
- Yeah. - She answered in a low voice. - You were in a lot of pain, so I gave you some tea to get you some sleep. I thought it would only be for one or two nights, but I had to keep him asleep.
- Hmm! I remember drinking tea several times. - I responded by having a memory lapse. - You drugged me?
- Of course not! - she answered offended. - It was just a soothing tea. If you drink it hot, it makes you sleep.
I breathed deeply, feeling like an idiot.
- What about the eye?
She breathed her breath up and went to the tub she was using to bathe in her room, so she started to move her hands inside.
- Aideen, could you answer me?
- It was an accident. - she said at last. - You woke up from fainting as soon as I started sewing up the wound, made a sudden movement and ended up hitting my eye.
She smiled at me when she saw my face scared and angry at the same time. I've never hit a woman before, not even by accident.
- Don't look at me like that. - she responded. - It was just an accident and I'm fine now.
- No, it was my fault! - said closing my eyes. - To begin with, you should never treat her so hostile.
I sighed by passing my hand over my face.
- At first, Rose was just a friend and we had a lot of fun together, but things changed and one night we ended up in the same bed. I got addicted to her body and ended up giving her a lot of freedom. - I took a break. - When I realized that she was aspiring to become a princess, I decided to make it clear that I would never marry her. Rose got angry and stopped talking to me. I wanted her one more time so...
- So you said you missed her and you seduced her. - Aideen declared sitting on the bed when I signaled her to do it.
- Yeah, but I'm not proud of it. - I answered with a whining voice. - She was not only my lover and in time, I discovered that she was sleeping with my brother and cousin too. That's why I wanted to put an end to everything. It was clear she wanted something none of us were willing to give. Alec was suffering from the death of Cora and Bruce... I doubt he'd ever want to get married. It's about to be born the woman who'll make you have that idea. His heart is shattered, just like mine.
I closed my eyes. I was about to tell the most painful part of my past that I never opened up to anyone.
- I had a sister...
- Cora, isn't it?
- Yeah. - I smiled. - She was beautiful, delicate, intelligent and very brave, just like you. He had an enviable sense of humor and a great heart. Bruce loved her so much, he closed himself off. I loved her so much, I almost went crazy. Alec loved her so much, she almost died.
- What happened to her? - Aideen asked in a cautious voice. - I know he died, but I never knew how. All I know is that it matches...
She paused by lowering her eyes, but remained silent. Even though it was strange, I ignored it and kept talking about Cora.
- Roy did not agree to my father's keeping on the throne and being expelled from the council because of his selfish ideals, so he promised revenge and the dissolution of the council when he became king.
- We know that. My mother was one of those who opposed the maintenance of the regime and Brice's crown.
- Yes, what nobody knows is that Roy ordered two of his men to attack and kill Cora before they left to seek support against my father. They shot an arrow in Alec's chest and raped Cora while he was bleeding. - I said with a voice embargoed. - When I arrived, Bruce was wounded, tied to a tree. Cora was dying because of her injuries and there was no time to help her, but I managed to save Alec. None of us have recovered to this day and we've sworn revenge on MacGregor.
- I'm so sorry! - Aideen said shaking my hand in a gesture of comfort.
- I never talk about Cora with anyone, because it's very painful, but you... There's something about you that bewitched me and I fell in love in that forest. - I paused to sigh. - I didn't lie when I said I missed you. I know I picked the wrong words, but I didn't lie. I swear I wasn't lying to seduce her.
Aideen sighed and, to my surprise and in a gentle gesture, she approached and kissed me. I returned the gentle kiss and took a deep breath when we broke up. I looked at her with surprise and took one hand to her chin. That's when I remembered the bandages.
- What happened to my hands?
- The water that Rose would throw at me was too hot. He ended up generating bubbles in his hands, so I put an ointment and bandaged to heal faster without leaving marks. - she made a face. - Thanks for standing next to me.
- You gave an order. Who am I to go against?
- I don't know! Maybe the prince?
I had a laugh.
- I don't usually trust people because they've already lied to me to trick me into taking advantage of me.
My heart went out with the way she was talking.
- Are you talking about the man you slept with before me? Did he seduce you? Did you promise marriage?
Aideen took a deep breath and then twisted her fingers even more. She seemed to want to summon up the courage to say something.
- You didn't promise me anything. - she took a deep breath. - He just attacked me and raped me.
My shoulders fell off the moment she said that. Then the phrase "It wasn't my will." It came to my mind. Everything she said, contempt for life. Aideen had tried from the beginning to say that she had been raped, but I didn't hear her. I didn't stop to think. A feeling of emptiness took over my chest. How could I have been such an idiot to judge her? Bruce's voice echoed in my mind when repentance arose for my actions.
- Two years ago I was attacked. - she continued with a low tone of voice. - It was during a walk to the lake. It was my birthday and I insisted to my mother that I really wanted to go there before the party. She was hard on me and said no, but I disobeyed her and went anyway. It was with the help of Annabel, who knew where all the passages of the castle were.
She sobbed by standing up.
- It was all my fault for not obeying my mother. To make matters worse, Annabel told Aila and she went to get satisfaction from the person in charge. That caused my sister to be locked up in a convent.
I took a deep breath and wrapped the blanket around my waist and got out of bed.
- Aideen, it wasn't your fault! - ...I said I was getting closer. - Why didn't you tell me this before? Is that why you didn't want to marry me?
- My mother convinced me that I was a nuisance and that I would never get a husband because I was useless. He also threatened to hurt Annabel and Aila if I said anything to anyone. - she started crying. - I was scared because I was afraid you'd be like him. I have tried to suppress this since I managed to escape, but the memories keep tormenting me.
I held her tightly and let Aideen cry in my arms. When she seemed to be calmer, I kissed her forehead and looked into her eyes.
- Listen, you're safe! - said smiling. - I won't let anyone hurt you or your sisters. If you tell me the name of the calhorda, I will have the pleasure of pulling his heart out slowly so that he remembers how he made her suffer.
Aideen raised her head. I saw your expression turn to hate and hope.
- It was Roy MacGregor! - she fired.
Chapter 14
Aideen
A few weeks later...
>
There was a warm breeze blowing through my forehead. I felt a flat hand over my face as strong arms wrapped me in protective embrace. I opened my eyes slowly, smiling as I glimpsed Alistair's serene expression. He was smiling at me.
- Good morning! - Alistair whispered opening his eyes.
- Good morning! - said smiling.
- Is everything all right? - He asked concerned. - Did you sleep well?
- Thanks to you again, yes. - I answered smiling. - Thank you. Thank you.
- Go ahead. - he whispered.
I told Alistair about my nightmares, which were the reason for my insomnia, and he insisted on sleeping with me. The first night was not so easy because of the excitement of the day, but the other nights were pleasant and without nightmares. Alistair made me feel safe enough to fall into a deep sleep until dawn.
- Can I ask you a question?
- How could you stay awake for so long?
- Tea.
- Sure! You and your teas.
I had a laugh.
- Why don't you go back to sleep? - I asked in a soft voice. - You need to rest and it's still too early.
- Will you stay here with me?
- Of course I will!
Alistair nodded and hugged me harder, then closed his eyes and went back to sleep. I remained contemplating his serene expression until I felt his arms stiffened and he softened the hug. I didn't know he'd comfort me like he did for many hours. Alistair made a point of getting dressed, although I knew he felt comfortable without his clothes. I felt affection for someone other than Annabel for the first time. Now I believed he really liked me.
Slowly, I moved Alistair's arms and then left the bed in silence. I went to the vat Elaine left with water and started washing. Combing my hair, I trapped them in a long side braid. So I grabbed the tray I left on the table and left the room. A vertigo came over me and I had to strut myself against the wall. That was happening a lot and I was already worried. He had been in Dunhill for almost two months and couldn't possibly be getting sick. Was it because I wasn't feeding? Taking a deep breath, I was able to pull myself together and move out of the room.
- Good morning! - he said as he walked into the kitchen.
- Good morning! - ...they all paid me off with a smile.
- How's he doing? - Rose asked.
- What are you doing here? - I said roughly. - Didn't I tell you to leave?
- She came to see me, Your Highness! - said Wally, Rose's mother. - I was just leaving.
I sighed, shaking my head.
- You can stay as long as you don't leave this kitchen.
- Yes, ma'am! - she answered with irony.
- Rose! - Wally reprimanded her. - Be thankful you don't suffer more for its consequences.
She rolled her eyes.
- I'm sorry, Your Highness!
I knew it wasn't sincere, so I snitched and decided to ignore it.
- Wally, can you warm up the soup and set aside some for me to take?
- Yes, ma'am! - Wally said. - Just the soup? Wouldn't you like something more substantial?
- Maybe for lunch, but I think I'll bring some fruit and bread, too. - I answered smiling. - Alistair no longer feels so much pain, but I prefer that you continue your recovery with a lighter and more nutritious diet.
Wally was an excellent cook. I had spent several weeks under her company as she prepared the soup, whose recipe, was given by me.
- Where did you learn these things? - she asked by looking at the pot. - The boss says you're a witch. Is it true?
I had a laugh. I'd heard a lot of that since I arrived in Dunhill, but it didn't bother me at all. Ancient magic was part of our culture and ancestors. Witches were symbols of wisdom, so I was not offended by being compared to one.
- I wish I was a witch. - I answered in a funny tone. - My grandmother taught my older sister about herbs and cooking. She decided to pass on these teachings even when Annabel and I were little. I know how to plant, grow and even prepare herbs and vegetables to cure diseases.
Wally smiled.
- You mean a simple cook could be a witch?
- Well, cooking, like science, is a branch of magic. These are talents that can't be explained, so yes! A cook may well be seen as a witch or even a sorceress.
- Then I'm a witch! - she fired a smile.
- Yes, Wally! - I laughed. - A good witch.
Wally took a bowl and filled it with the soup that was already at the end. I grabbed a piece of bread, some fruit and tea and put it all on the tray. Elaine offered to help, but I refused. I would have to carry out a difficult and, for some reason, still uncomfortable task once again. He didn't want any other women looking at Alistair naked while I helped him bathe. In the last few weeks, I myself bathed him and changed his bandages so that the wound wouldn't get infected. I had not yet got used to seeing him naked, but I was doing my best not to become so shy or nervous, especially now that he would be completely awake.
I entered the room silently and, without looking in the direction of the bed, I went to the table to deposit the tray.
- At last! - I heard Alistair exclaim. - I thought you'd run away again. You said you'd stay with me.
- I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I went to get his breakfast and I didn't want to wake him up. - I answered by going to him. - How are you feeling?
- Better now that you're here! - he said smiling.
- I meant about the wound.
- Ah! About that, this thing you've been putting on is miraculous. The pain's been disappearing a lot.
- It's called camphor and it's just for that. - he made mention of getting up. - Don't make so much effort or you'll compromise the points. Let me help you.
I ran to the other side of the bed and helped Alistair to adjust against the pillow. I put him in a higher position to make him feel more comfortable.
- Thank you! Thank you! - he whispered at the same time that he ran his hand over my face and smiled. - I meant it when I said I'd fix all the nonsense I did. We can have a picnic. How's that?
Smile back at him.
- A tempting idea, but how about you take a shower, change that bandage, eat something and recover first? - I answered by slapping his hand and sitting on the edge of the bed. - Don't forget there's still a long way to go. My meds are just to help, but it'll all depend on you.
Alistair sighed with a face. I started removing the bandages from my fists. They were no longer red and the small bubbles had burst. Alistais would no longer need them and now the wound should dry itself. I removed the bandage from Alistair's abdomen. The aloe vera did her job well and was effectively drying the wound.
- Now, help me undress him so I can bathe him. - said standing up.
Alistair frowned.
- Are you sure you want to do this? - he asked. - I can do it myself if you wish. I know it's still uncomfortable for you.
Turning red I nodded shyly.
- No, but I did it with you asleep. - I responded by bending the sleeves of the dress. I think I can do it with you awake.
- All right! All right! Then why don't you come with me?
- Alistair, we can't fit together in that tub.
- Let's go to the bathroom, then.
I took a deep breath turning my back. The memories of recent events have come to my mind.
- What's the matter? Isn't it because of what happened last time? - he said like he read my thoughts. - If it is because of our meeting, I will be very happy to repeat it, but I don't want you to think about Rose's words.
I took a deep breath and then I turned around to look at him.
- My scars. - said by lowering his eyes and twisting his fingers.
- What about them?
- I don't want you to see them again. - I said in a hesitant voice. - I know you want to know how I won them, but I can't say much yet. I didn't mean to be ironic with you that night, but...
- I acted like an idiot.
- Exactly!
Alistair stood up and ca
me to where I was in a bit of trouble. He approached me, making me turn around to face him.
- Listen, I'm grateful that you trusted me and told me about the attack you'd suffered. Now that I know why you're so secretive, I promise I'll be more careful. - Alistair took my face with both hands and made me look at him. - Of course, I want to know what made someone mark their skin so cruelly, but I promise to be patient and wait until the moment they feel comfortable counting.
Taking a deep breath, I nodded. We went slowly to the bathroom, because for Alistair, every step was like dying slowly.
- You want to turn until I get in the tub? - he asked.
- I don't need to do that, since I've seen him naked the whole time he was bedridden. - I said in denial with my head, and then I approached Alistair. - I can do that, but don't laugh if I get nervous.
- That didn't even cross my mind.
Alistair smiled and I took a deep breath. As I approached him, I started taking off his shirt. Alistair just closed his eyes and let me undress him. I took off the dress, leaving it just a combination.
- Aren't you coming in? - he asked.
- Not now. - I answered smiling. - I'll just clean it up.
Alistair nodded and walked into the pool leaning on the edge. I sat behind him, on the edge, putting one leg on each side of his shoulders. I took a sponge and started wiping his shoulders. Alistair leaned his head against my leg and closed his eyes. The water was warm and relaxing. I heard Alistair sigh when I hit his wound.
- I'm sorry! I'm sorry! - I whispered. - Does it still hurt?
- A little. - he said. - May I ask where you learned to do that with the dagger?
- My grandfather taught us to defend ourselves since we were kids. Aila kept us staying and after her death, she started to teach us in his place. - I took one of his arms and started rubbing slowly. - It seemed like I was in the process of preparing for something very important. He taught us how to ride, how to stay on trails, how to hunt and how to fight. Survive without help.
I paused when I remembered the defense and attack classes that Aila taught in place of our grandfather. She had always had a natural talent for using guns, riding and even hunting.