- 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.
- I'm sorry if I scare you. - he said in a soft, panting voice. - I appreciate your company, and I wouldn't want you to leave.
I looked at your hand on my arm. The grip was light, but enough to feel the heat emanating from the skin of the palm of his hand. It started to bother me and I pulled my arm gently.
- It's not you who scares me, Your Highness. Your manners remind me that... - I paused closing my eyes to breathe and calm myself. - Listen, I gotta go or my mom's gonna come down here and pick me up.
- Let her come and I'll expel her if you wish. - he said. - One word from you and I'll make it my law.
His gaze was intense and I swallowed it dry when he approached whispering.
- Your Highness, I...
- Call me Alistair, please!
The softness in his voice left me without action and I swallowed it dry. I took a step back just to find I was trapped between him and the wall. I flattened the wall while facing Alistair's gaze, as he slowly brought his face closer to my face. My breathing got heavy. I didn't know if my body couldn't move or just didn't want to escape the dominion that Alistair exercised over him.
- What have you done to me, miss? - he whispered closer and closer. - Your eyes, your mouth... everything about you attracts me. Even the way it addresses me. No ceremony, no forced words, no thought rehearsal.
I pant when I felt the tip of my index finger touch my chin.
- Please, please, please, please, please, please! - I begged without a hint of conviction. - Don't... Don't do this!
- Why shouldn't I? - he whispered in a heavy voice.
There was a desire behind his words that made my body warm up. I felt my face blush and warm up to my neck. I started panting when your fingers wrapped around my neck.
- You had married my sister in a few hours and... - I stuttered. - That's not right.
- I don't care about this marriage. - he said without looking away. - If I don't kiss her now, I'll die right here, struck by her innocent look that attracts me so much.
I released an involuntary groan. I was sure I couldn't stop him if he tried to kiss me because, surprisingly, I wanted him to. Alistair covered the missing distance, but before he kissed me, my mother's voice echoed.
- Aideen?
- Damn it! - ...he's been busting his fist into the wall.
By blinking, I've regained my sanity. For the first time I was relieved by her interruption.
- I'm sorry, but I really have to go. - I whispered before I bowed my head and walked away. - Thanks for your help... again.
He smiled and took my hand to kiss.
- It's been a great pleasure!
He stood still, looking at me and then took a deep breath as I disappeared through the door. I went to the table where my parents and the whole entourage were staying. I got beat up by my mom, and I always ended up being humiliated. Suddenly I felt sorry I didn't stay outside with Alistair. Angrily, I lifted my head looking around to make sure no one was watching me. Touching the table I took one of the knives that was next to the plate, putting it inside the sleeve of the dress, which was tight enough to hold it between my skin and the fabric. I kept looking around and was surprised to see Alistair staring at me in a suspicious way. Did he see me hiding the knife? For some reason I couldn't look away and sustained him with the same intensity, blushing when I remembered that he had almost kissed me a while ago.
Alistair had tied her hair to a low ponytail, which made her face even more angular and her look more serious. He was wearing a half-sleeved shirt and I realized his arm was bandaged. Then I remembered that I had hurt him and my blush increased. Thanks to the English invasion in the not too distant past, men began to wear leather pants and boots, leaving the kilts for special occasions that involved only our traditions. That's how he was dressed hours earlier in the woods. With leather pants and a pair of black boots, but that night, on account of the occasion, Alistair wore a greenish tartan just like his kilt long to the knees. That would show the pair of well-turned calves. Leather bracelets adorned his thick wrists. Although he lived in a humid land, his skin was slightly tanned. I snorted with frustration at the shiver I felt when he raised his hand and touched Bruce's shoulder. An intense heat invaded my body and I had to shake myself. He whispered something in his cousin's ear,
