We met when she was only nine years old and was working in the Inverness kitchen with her mother. We've become good friends ever since. Our age difference was only five years and she taught me everything she learned from Tracy. She was the best cook in all of Inverness' fiefdom, so my mother loved her. Because of her health, she had to leave and ended up being expelled. It was a big surprise to discover that Tracy had managed to build a beautiful establishment amidst the road to Dunhill.
- I'm scared, Annabel! - she said in a sad voice. - I couldn't start talking without stuttering. I'm sure I'd surprise you before you'd even say anything to Kai.
I had a laugh. Abby was really very frightened and in the same proportion that she was exaggerated.
- Abby, don't overdo it! You have your charms, just make him notice and Kai will fall in love with you. - I answered. - Since you can't talk, why don't you try to get his attention and let him take the first step?
- I've tried that! - she said frustrated. - I've been in front of him in my best dresses, which aren't many. I even tried to make him jealous by dancing with his brother Karl at the last festival.
She took a deep breath before resting her head on one of her hands that was on the arm of the bench we were sitting on. Abby was always playing charm for Kai, who was too blind or too foolish not to realize that she sighed for him every time he appeared in the kitchen.
- I'm really unlucky or very shy.
I let out a laugh and Abby made a face. There was a moment of silence and the children's laughter became loud. And Abby broke it when he began to speak of his work in the inn; how his uncle was dull and grouchy; and his cousin was very bossy. She wanted to get out of there, but she wouldn't know where to start.
- I'm sorry about what happened between you and your mother! - she said. - Ravenna was never a very sensible woman.
- Yeah, but this time she went beyond all possible and impossible limits.
- I never imagined she could drag her into a marriage in exchange for benefits.
- Actually, getting married was out of the question when she took me to Dunhill. I was really relieved by the choice Alistair had made.
Abby looked at me incredulously. I kept going.
- I know it was a selfish thought, but I really didn't want to marry a prince. Who'll say with a duke? - he said, lowering his head. - Men are despicable beings and I will certainly be treated like a ridiculous trophy.
Abby sighed when he saw Kai pass by again. He waved smiling at me, but ignored Abby's presence. She bowed her head with sadness and got up.
- I'm going to sleep!
- It's okay! It's okay! You can go and I'll lock up later.
She turned to come in and walked into the stairwell. I stayed on the balcony for a few more hours reading, until I decided to go in and get some sleep. It was getting too cold already and I needed a blanket. I went up the stairs praying that Bruce was asleep and I was scared as soon as I opened the door.
- Professor?
- Annabel? - Kaiser turned around scared. - I didn't expect you to come to the room so early. What are you doing here?
Kaiser was standing next to Bruce's bed. In his hands was a dagger that he began to hit against his left hand impatiently. I held my breath.
- That's my room! - I fired. - What are you doing here? Why is he armed with a dagger?
He took a deep breath with a cold smile.
- You know, I've been stuck in this village for so long that I can't even remember and it's this bastard's fault! - he said between his teeth. - I couldn't believe it when I saw the great Bruce MacCalister coming in here, dripping with blood and almost no color. I prayed he wouldn't die.
- You knew him, didn't you? - I asked with a grunt. - I was just trying to get some information out of me. How naive of me!
- Ah! Yes! Naive enough to fall for the talk of a poor teacher. - he hit the dagger harder. - I've known Bruce longer than you can imagine.
He stared at Bruce's chest.
- Professor, let go of that dagger! - I commanded.
- That bastard, with his cousin, condemned me to hell. - he smiled cold. - You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this moment. I'll take care of Bruce and later, I'll take her straight to MacGregor's meeting. I imagine your father is missing you.
With this, Kaiser raised his hand and made mention of hitting Bruce, who slept deeply.
- No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
