The Queen (MacBride Sisters Trilogy Book 1)

by Kira Freitas

  - No, I don't either. - Bruce fired.

  - What do you mean? - Aideen asked. - If Loch is not Annabel's father, then who is he?

  - Royland MacGregor!

  I missed the air when Bruce finished talking. The worst part is, it made sense. Annabel's almost white hair was exactly the same as Roy's, as well as his features and genius.

  - It can't be! - Aideen whispered.

  - Unfortunately, Ravenna still loves Roy very much and not as a half-brother. She continued meeting him even after she resumed with Phillipe, but he found out everything and cut off any relationship with his mother. He hates her, actually.

  - That's why Annabel was always her favorite. - I whispered. - The reason Roy didn't touch Annabel was because of her fatherhood.

  - Not exactly! - Bruce said. - You didn't pay attention to anything I said, did you? Aideen is the sole heir to the English throne, since Aila is dead. If Roy got her pregnant, she not only ran the risk of getting the most powerful army, but also had access to the court. Who knows, until he was crowned after Phillipe's death, since he'd have to marry Aideen.

  - You bastard! - he said between his teeth. - Ravenna didn't make that scandal because Aideen wasn't a virgin. She made a scandal because I chose her.

  - Exactly! - Bruce sighed.

  - She was hoping that I would return Aideen and marry Annabel. She'd keep the deal with my dad, but it'd just be a distraction. - smiles with relief at being so impulsive.

  - Alistair, what if my mother intended to send me to Edinburgh? - Aideen speculated. - Maybe he still wants to get me pregnant.

  - Or blackmail Phillipe! - said exasperated. - It would explain why Ravenna was angry the day she left Dunhill. That's why Roy stayed in the fortress for so long. Now, with the attack we suffered in the forest, make clear his intent.

  Roy didn't want to negotiate a truce or he was afraid. It was very likely that he was not even in Edinburgh hiding and that was just a decoy to keep me away from his real goal.

  - I need to send a letter to Alec! - ...he said, getting up and going to the desk... - I need to tell him everything you found and order an attack.

  - But that's a fortress! - Bruce said exasperated. - Besides, it'll take days for the messenger to get to Alec.

  I sat at the desk, ignoring Bruce's appeal and began to write two letters. When I was ready, I got up and gave myself to him.

  - I need you to have this letter delivered to my father telling him everything that's going on. This should be sent to Alec as soon as possible. - said delivering the envelopes. - I'm going to Inverness and I'll bring Annabel back so she'll be safe.

  Aideen got up.

  - I want to go with you! - she said.

  - Aideen, I think you'd better stay here. - said Bruce. - It can be very dangerous for you to go there.

  - Nonsense! - she said insisting. - Alistair taught me how to use the sword and I'm excellent at handling daggers.

  Taking a deep breath, I went to her and hugged her.

  - Bruce is right! - said calming Aideen. - You've been having weakness crises, I don't want you to fall in the middle of the forest all of a sudden. I need you to stay here where it's safe.

  - But, uh...

  - Aideen, please don't insist! - said staring at his gaze softly. - I'll be more relaxed if I know you're safe.

  Aideen grumbled, but she gave in. I turned to face Bruce.

  - Take the letters to be delivered like I asked. I want you to stay here with Aideen while I get Annabel.

  - It's okay! It's okay! - he nodded.

  That night, I lay next to Aideen and held her tight as she cried. Knowing that Annabel was his half-sister and that she was actually the daughter of a king was not as painful as finding out that her favorite sister was dead. I promised I'd bring Annabel with me when I got back. She had a limited number of men who protected Dunhill and wanted to leave them to protect her while she was away. I'd only take two or three soldiers with me. It would make Ravenna pay too much for that betrayal. When Aideen's sobs stopped and she kissed me, I felt that she would need me much more than I imagined. The next morning I left, leaving the woman I loved so much, with her heart pinched and anguished, but with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

  Chapter 18

  Aideen

  I woke up feeling a little sick. I was having a terrible nausea that had lasted for hours. I couldn't even drink the tea Elaine had made for me. I decided to lie down to see if it would relieve me, but the longing for vomit only increased. The little he ate, put out and was having a little vertigo. I was still shocked by all the revelations made by Bruce about my mother and sad to know that Aila was dead. Maybe that was making me sick. I closed my eyes with strength and tears started rolling over my face again. To know that I was the daughter of a mighty king, who did not even know about my existence, left me with my stomach wrapped. There was still the fact that it was generated by an ambitious and Machiavellian woman who used me all this time. They ruined my life for two years in the name of power. I felt a deep hatred for having passed my whole cloister believing that everything had been my fault. I never thought I'd get a little peace. I always believed I'd live in hell forever. Thanks to Alistair, I could see things differently. It was as if God had sent an angel to heal me.

  Alistair had promised to go to Inverness to pick up Annabel, because she was afraid my mother would use her to get Roy to come after me. Now that I knew he was not my uncle, it was even easier to hate him. I wanted him to suffer from the blows I got when I tried to run away from him and the pain I felt. Death was too little for that miserable man and my mother. I didn't want Alistair to get hurt, so I made him promise to take Bruce with him, but he chose to take only a few soldiers. I heard the door open and lifted my eyes to see Bruce just putting his head in the gap.

  - Good morning! - he said with a smile. - I knocked, but since there was no answer, I thought I was in trouble.

  - No problem at all. - I answered. - Come in, please!

  Bruce nodded and then walked in. He frowned as he approached the bed. I haven't seen Bruce since he got back from Inverness.

  - You don't look so good! - he frowned. - You're pale!

  - I'm a little sick.

  Bruce sat on a chair in front of the bed. He was dressed in black from head to toe. The short hair was messy, as if the wind had blown hard.

  - I came to find out how you're feeling, because I promised Alistair I'd take care of you. Especially after yesterday.

  - I can't say I'm happy. - he said, making a face. - I don't know how to digest all that. I'm still pretty confused.

  Bruce sighed by passing his hand over his head.

  - I don't even know what it's like to have a mother like Ravenna. - he sighed. - When my parents died, my aunt raised me like a son. I've never been treated like the orphan cousin, but as the youngest son. Alec, Cora and Alistair have always been like brothers to me. I wouldn't know what to do without Alec or Alistair. They helped me a lot to overcome the loss of my parents and then we supported ourselves to overcome the loss of Cora.

  - I suppose so. - I whispered. - I think the same of my sisters. If it hadn't been for Annabel, maybe I wouldn't have put up with that long of darkness.

  - Yes, your sister seems very brave and zealous. - he smiled.

  - She is. - I smiled. - You saw her when you were at Inverness.

  - Thank God, no! - he said, making a face. - I'm sorry, but I don't like that devil at all.

  I had a laugh. I could've imagined the reason he thought that way.

  - Don't be fooled by Annabel. She's turrid and hardheaded at times, but she's very brave. In fact, Aila taught us to be brave, so Annabel did everything she could to make me run away from that castle. If I'd acted like I do today, maybe I wouldn't have suffered so much.

  - Your sister has a very sore tongue and hands that look like rocks, so heavy. - he made another face. - I still have the marks of the blows she pulled on me.

  I had another laugh.

 
; - Sometimes Annabel's thought, I went out of her mouth without her noticing. Close to our mother she can contain herself, but far from her, my sister makes no effort to make it happen.

  We kept quiet for a few moments until Bruce suddenly broke it.

  - Alistair will send Ravenna to hang for treason. - Bruce said. - I'd like you to be prepared to participate in the trial, since you're the future queen.

  I took a deep breath. I already imagined that I would have to participate in that action and I was not at all sad or nervous.

  - I expected that! - I sighed.

  - Doesn't it bother you? - Bruce asked.

  I made a face and then I stared at him.

  - Bruce, Loch is not and never was my father. As for Ravenna, that's a witch who was condemned to put me in the world. - I answered with coldness. - After everything she's done to me, dying is too little for her. I think I'm going to suggest that you die like witches.

  - At the fire?

  - Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

  - Oh, my God! Oh, my God! You didn't look so Machiavellian!

  I had a laugh. Bruce shook his head from side to side and then got up.

  - I'll let you get some rest. Maybe he'll wake up more willing and hungry later.

  I nodded and then I closed my eyes. I fell asleep quickly falling into a deep sleep. Sleep was quiet, without my usual nightmares, despite Alistair's absence. No big wolves with sharp teeth. Just a very well-lit garden with an angel with a bright smile and black wings standing under a tree. He was sitting with me on his chest contemplating the sea. I could feel the sun warming my face and the freshness of a breeze running through my skin. It was a wonderful feeling of peace and I allowed myself to rest.

  Three days went by without me having any news from Alistair. Bruce was getting worried too. Inverness wasn't that far away and he was supposed to be back. Alistair's delay was making my nausea and dizziness worse because of the nervousness I felt. Wally looked at me suspicious every time she saw me pass out. I didn't know what was going on, but she seemed to know. That morning, I decided to work a little in the garden. After lunch, I decided to get some sleep so that the hours could pass faster. Maybe Alistair was on his way home. I woke up a little later hearing voices whispering in the hallway outside. It seemed like a man and a woman talking. I looked around and realized it was still day. Taking a deep breath, I slowly sneaked out of bed. With slow steps I approached the door. The floor was cold, so was the bedroom. The voices became clearer and I realized that it was Adam and Elaine talking in the hall. She was holding a bowl with several pieces of clothing.

  - I still can't believe he went down that road alone. - said Adam. - Luckily I saddled the Sovereign with the best saddle and put the best horseshoes to walk in the snow, otherwise my master would be lost.

  - The eastern road is very dangerous, winding and overlooks the abyss. Not to mention that there are several hungry wolves that can attack at any moment. - Elaine was sorry. - I just hope my lord knows what he's doing.

  Damn it! Alistair took that damn road! I thought I'd sigh.

  - Yeah, but it'd be better than getting caught and getting stuck in a dungeon.

  - Oh! God! Aren't there soldiers camped out near Inverness?

  - No! - Adam said in desperation. - The troops were sent north. Only a small contingent is found at the border, but they are still far away.

  I rolled my eyes out. A chill went up my spine thinking that Ravenna could do something to Alistair. I knew those dungeons, so I'd spent the night in one of the cells. It was cold, therefore, the sea hit against the back walls. A void dominated my being and the anguish of the thought of losing it made me dizzy. I grabbed my neck without being able to scream because of the dryness that took over my throat. I tipped forward, falling against the half-open door. On the journey to the ground, I felt my head crash into the wood and then into the cold stone, so everything turned black and my eyes closed. I don't know how long I was disagreed, but when I could open my eyes, I was lying on my bed. Bruce looked at me with apprehension.

  - Aideen, are you all right? He asked in a worried tone.

  - Yeah. - I responded with a face and took my hand to my forehead. - What's going on?

  - Don't you remember? You fainted and banged your head against the door. - Bruce answered. - It was nothing serious, but there's an ugly cock on your forehead.

  I placed my hand on the place where I felt pain and noticed that there was an acute elevation in my skin. I made a face when I felt my stomach growl.

  - Jesus! I'm starving to death! - I exclaimed. - I need some roast beef, honey and a piece of radish pie.

  Bruce made a face.

  - Roast meat with honey? Radish pie?

  He's got a vomit-craving look on his face. Why did everyone make that face when I wanted to eat roast beef with honey?

  - But it's tasty!

  - I do!

  Bruce left the room and came back with Wally shortly after. He rolled his eyes as he watched me eat voraciously. Wally smiled with satisfaction at every bite of mine. After eating, I asked Elaine to help me change my clothes. I was determined to go to Inverness and rescue Alistair. I traded my dress for a pair of Alistair pants. They were so big, I had to squeeze them tight. I put on one of her white shirts and tied her hair to a coke tightly attached to the top of her head. I put on my riding boots and put a cape on my shoulders with the hood down. Bruce entered the room accompanied by Wally who had come to get the trays and bring me some tea. He frowned on my robes.

  - Where are you going dressed like this?

  - I'm going to Inverness to rescue Alistair. - I answered decisively.

  - Rescue Alistair?

  - Bruce, I know my mother locked him in the dungeon and the army is far away to rescue him. - I fired. - There's no point in trying to lie. I heard Elaine and Adam this morning.

  Bruce took a deep breath and then approached me.

  - I wouldn't lie. I was just gonna say I was ready to go after him in Inverness.

  - Oh, great! Then we'll go together!

  I left the room, went down the stairs and headed straight for the stable. Adam was scared when I came in dressed as a man.

  - Adam, prepare Chimera, my sword and my daggers!

  - Wait! - Bruce took my arm causing me to turn to face him. - You can't go to Inverness like this.

  - Bruce, I'm fine! - said smiling. - It's just fainting from worrying about Alistair and me not eating for a while. There's nothing to worry about.

  I slapped him on the shoulder and turned around smiling at Adam who was coming with Chimera.

  - You don't understand, do you? - he said smiling. - Aideen, didn't you realize you were pregnant?

  I stopped frowning.

  - What's that? What's that?

  - Wally confirmed what I suspected. - Bruce said approaching. - When she told me about the things she was eating, I had a slight suspicion, so Wally talked about her fainting spells and said she was sure she was pregnant.

  I held my breath for a few moments. It's been two months since my rules came. I hadn't noticed because of everything that had been going on. I put my hand over my belly and smiled.

  - Is that possible? - I whispered.

  - Everything indicates so! - said Bruce stopping in front of me. - That's why I don't want you to go to Inverness. It could be dangerous for you and you drink it. Besides, she doesn't know the way there and, with the pardon of the word, she's a terrible rider.

  My eyes shone when I remembered all the instructions Alistair gave me when he taught me how to ride.

  - Alistair taught me how to ride through the forest. - I said proud. - I can get there without help and I can take any way, including the open field.

  - How do you know about the field?

  - Like I said... - I paused smiling and slapped him on the shoulder. - Alistair taught me.

  I rode Chimera, while Bruce stood still, staring at me in an astonishing way.

  - That's another r
eason why I should go after my husband. - I said holding the reins of Chimera. - Try to stop me if you like, but I warn you that I have a sword and some daggers, which do not usually miss their targets. I'm not afraid to use them.

  Bruce kept looking at me without believing what I was doing. He stared at the handle of the sword attached to the saddle and my belt with the daggers, which I fastened at my waist next to the pie that I put under the cloak.

  - Wait! - He said entering the stable and coming back with Esperanza. - I'll go with you.

  - That was a great decision! - said smiling ironically.

  Bruce organized a small entourage and then we left for Inverness. When Chimera reached the forest, I began a silent prayer asking God to protect Alistair.

  - Hang in there, my love! - I whispered. - I'm coming!

  Chapter 19

  Alistair

  I woke up confused and then I looked around. He was trapped in a stone cell, probably underneath the Inverness fortress. I couldn't believe I was caught in an ambush. Luckily, one of my men got away. I believe he'll be in Dunhill by then. I made a face putting my hand on the back of my head. The blow I received when I crossed the entrance to the castle caused a cut on my head and was bleeding. The castle was apparently empty. I was surprised by the silence when I got to the courtyard. There wasn't a living soul around the little fief. Only the houses of the villagers around seemed to have some movement. Inverness was well lit, but there were no guards at the gates or in any place. It was as if the MacBride had left the castle for some reason. I leaned against the wall to try to control my vertigo. I stood up and when my vision stopped failing, I looked around to make sure I could get out of that cell. There was little light and the place was small. Just a skylight on the ceiling illuminated everything. In front of the grilled door, a curved staircase proved to be the only way in or out of the room and was illuminated by the light of a torch attached to the wall. As far as I could tell, that was the only cell in the castle. I heard a fight while I was thinking and looked in the direction he was coming. A guard's body came rolling down the stairs. Stopping right at the foot of the cell grid. I approached quickly and tried to get the keys, but he didn't carry one.