The Duchess (MacBride Sisters Trilogy Book 2)

and sound, even if I wanted to kill her later. I pulled out the sword slowly and when a soldier passed me, I grabbed his throat and cut it firmly. The other two panicked looking for me around, but could not see me. I was happy that that storm had collapsed just at that moment. I leaned against a tree when another man walked past me. I grabbed my arm pulling hard and crossed the sword firmly into his chest. The other one could see me, but it was too late. I defended myself from the coup and we started an intense fight. I used the sword of the fallen man beside me for a double defense and attack. He was a good warrior, I had to admit, but I was better prepared. So when he made it easy, I kicked him and got him on his knees. Without thinking about anything, I crossed both swords like scissors, cutting off his head and causing him to separate from his neck. The body fell to one side and I heard a low, frightened scream behind me. Annabel was standing with both her hands in her mouth and her eyes wide open. I stared at her, but realized that she was not afraid of the fallen man, but of me. His intense and frightened look brought me a tightness to my chest. It was like she was disapproving of my barbaric attitude. I took a step to get close to her, but her legs weighed and an intense pain went up my back. I let out a scream, and before I knew it, I was on the floor. The darkness took hold of my eyes and then I surrendered.

Chapter 05

Annabel

- A compliment? Coming from you? I wouldn't even appreciate it if it earned me a few coins. - I fired in a debauched tone.

Bruce made mention of answering, but bent over backwards. In a hurry, I went to him in time to support him.

- You're not well! We need to get to the inn so I can remove that arrow.

- No! - He whispered. His voice came out weak. - We have to take shelter in the stable. If the soldiers show up and meet us at the inn, we will put the lives of those around us at risk. On the other hand, if we're in the stable, the chances of finding us will be minimal.

- How do you know they won't look for us there?

- Because of you.

- My cause?

- Yes. Madames don't sleep in stables, so we'll be safe there.

Once again I let out a growl and let go of Bruce, who hit his chest against the muddy, soaked ground.

- Why did you do that? - he grunted, leaning his hands on the ground to stand up.

- Because you're just an arrogant idiot! - I answered between my teeth. - I wish you were dead! Stand up alone if you wish.

With this, I walked towards the stable and left it lying on the ground. I stopped in front of the horse and smiled. Esperanza whined for me, so I took the reins and drove her inside. There was no stable nearby, but there were two free stalls and a hay heap in one corner. I noticed he'd make a great bed and it was pretty spacious. I just needed a blanket and everything would be fine. After the work of putting the horse in the bay and removing the saddle, I went to the outside, determined to take the imbecile being inside. When I came out the door I almost fell back with the cold that ran through my spine. Bruce was still in the same place, but now he was on his stomach.

- Bruce? - I screamed at him walking. - If this is a joke on you, I swear I'll finish the soldiers' work!

Crouching beside him, I shook Bruce, who just moaned. The hands were covered in blood and a puddle was already forming around where the wound was. I touched his forehead and found him feverish. I stood up and looked around. There was no one on the street at that time, but the sound of flute and clapping echoed from inside the tavern. Everyone should be there, or at least the men. I didn't want to go there for help, but I was determined to save Bruce. He might have been an egocentric sarcastic, but he had saved me and I wouldn't let him die like that.

- Good Lord! - said a little girl leaving the inn. - Annabel! What are you doing here? I heard she had been kidnapped by English soldiers.

I was very squeezed in the attempt to recognize the girl, and I realized that she was Abigail, the daughter of my old nanny.

- Abby? - I said, running to hug her. - Thank God, someone I know! I need help getting him to the stable.

She looked in Bruce's direction and approached him.

- That's the Black Knight! What are you doing with him? Don't you know it's dangerous? He kills anyone who tries to challenge him. No mercy, no pity.

Her voice of despair made me realize that Bruce's fame preceded him wherever he was. I couldn't get attached to the fact that I was dating a bloodthirsty, skillful killer. He needed help and he had to be quick.

- Stay calm, Abby! - said lowering down to take one of Bruce's arms. - He saved my life and he's hurt. Can you help me carry it?

- Sure! I'll call my uncle and he'll take you to one of the rooms.

- We can't stay at the inn. We're being chased by Scottish soldiers