I diverted my thoughts to my escape attempt that night. He intended to escape at dawn. I touched the knife that would serve to threaten the stablekeeper if it prevented me from taking one of the horses. I closed my eyes sighing. I was determined to end my life if I wasn't successful. I'd rather die than have to go back to Inverness. That would be the last night I would spend suffering from more humiliation on the part of my mother, because I intended to be very far away when she realized that I was gone. I didn't know how to handle myself, but Aila did. So I'd look for the convent where she was and find a way to get her out of there. After that, we could go to the higher mountains to the north.
Brice signalled for Bruce and Alistair to approach. They went out towards the central table to sit down. Alistair sat on the right side of Brice and his cousin on the left side, standing next to Alec, Alistair's younger brother. He was sitting to the left next to his mother, Lowenna. He was just as beautiful. He had the same blue eyes and black hair as the others. He looked absorbed in thought, but smiled when he was greeted. It was like his body was there, but his mind wasn't. I kept wondering where she wandered.
- Oh, my goodness! - I commented in a whisper. - They look like twins!
- What do you-? - Annabel asked.
- Look at the three princes. - I said in a low voice. - They are all very impressive with their imposing postures and in equal beauty.
Annabel grunted.
- First of all, it's two princes, not three. - she said exasperatedly. - That idiot Bruce is just a duke, not a prince.
- In the line of succession he is considered a prince by his uncles. - I argued. - For all we know, he was raised by Lowenna from a very young age.
Annabel rolled her eyes and continued.
- Second, Bruce is far from looking like either one. He's rude and rude and arrogant. - she shot me, making me apprehensive about her anger attack. - Then I don't know where you got it that he's handsome. He doesn't even look like a prince by a long shot.
I kept staring at her in a staggering way. My sister was offending someone she barely knew. That was scary, because Annabel wasn't used to being so rude to people. It was the first time I'd ever seen her wrestling like that over the personality of a stranger.
- Besides, it would be a big punishment for a woman like Lowenna to generate something like that.
I had a laugh. On the one hand Annabel was right and Lowenna was really amazing as a woman. She had a sweet smile and a warm hug, the kind every child wants when they need a mother's lap. When I hugged her, I felt like I was in heaven. Her hug was comforting and friendly, so I wished I could go back in time and ask God to give me a more loving mother. I looked at Lowenna, who was smiling at the two men who joined the table. She kissed Alistair's cheek and held his hand firmly. His gaze fetched mine and I felt a chill when he smiled. Brice got up for a speech and I shook Annabel's hand, which was tense. It would be given the start in our destinies.
- My brothers! - Brice has begun. - I gathered them here today to make a big announcement. It is with great happiness that...
- Thank you, my father, for initiating, which I presume, a fine speech!
Alistair suddenly stood up and suddenly interrupted his father.
- What are you doing, Alistair? - Brice asked with a frown.
- Let's skip the formalities, because we know that this banquet is to announce a wedding. - he ignored his father and went on. - The king would certainly not spend so much if the occasion were not really very important. What would be more important today than an alliance with the MacBride clan, whose cowardly leader finally decided to support us?
My father looked up and growled angrily at being called a coward.
- Alistair? - Brice called between her teeth. - What are you doing, my son?
Alistair ignored his father again and continued.
- The ancient traditions of our clan say that a first-born man can choose his bride. - he said with a smile on his lips. - Since the firstborn of the clan is not available, I declare that my union will be performed with Aideen MacBride.
Panicking, I got up slowly. My eyes were wide open and I started to sweat, size was my nerve. I was hoping it was a nightmare or that Alistair was just kidding. The silence in the hall lasted too long. Everyone waited for the king's pronouncement, which was also in clash with Alistair's decision. Without being able to contain myself, I let out a desperate scream that made Alistair frown.
- No! You can't do that! - I declared screaming. - I'll never get married! Never!
Chapter 05
Alistair
- I want to talk to you now! - said my father in his teeth. - Excuse me, please!
My mother held my father's arm and followed him into the room where he entered. I sighed, letting go of the glass.
- If you wanted a war, you found it, my brother. - Alec whispered ironically.
