- 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.
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
