- 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
