- Kilt? How did he get a kilt from the MacCalister clan? - I whispered as I recognized the colors of the tartan indicating the clan of Alistair's family.
That was very strange, because the only clothes he had had since we arrived were his black clothes and the clothes that Abby's cousin had lent him. I had to agree that he looked much better in the traditional garments of our country than in trousers, as most men started to adhere. Realizing that I was facing him for too long and, what was worse, with my mouth open, I shook my head and decided to concentrate on my bath.
After washing myself and praying for hours that it wasn't Bruce, the one responsible for changing my dress for a sweater that I didn't know where I had left from, I went downstairs. Passing through the hall, I wished good morning to all who greeted me and went on to the kitchen. I stopped abruptly when I walked through the front door and spotted two guards. They were standing one on either side of the stop.
- They've been stuck like this for a long time and no matter what we say, they don't come out for nothing. - said Abby scaring me. - I've tried everything, but they don't even move.
- They're Alistair's guards and they serve Bruce. They won't move unless he tells them to. - I answered without taking my eyes off the door. - When did you get here?
- Two days! - she responded by putting her hands on her waist. - There's more out there. They're doing village security.
- Two days? Like two days? - said by frowning. - Morvan hurt me last night, didn't he?
- No! You slept for two days. - Abby laughed. - Bruce has been taking care of you since you lost consciousness. I've never seen anyone more dedicated, except when it comes to changing your clothes. I was responsible for that.
- Oh, thank God! - I took a deep breath of relief and put my hands on my chest. Abby had a laugh.
- Come, I'll serve your coffee, my friend. - she said and led me to the main table. - Everybody's eaten, but I've got everything ready for you. Express orders.
- Orders? Whose orders? - I asked confused.
- Mine! - Bruce replied standing on the threshold of the door that divided the rooms. - Can you bring something for me too? I'm starving!
Bruce asked and Abby nodded accordingly. I stared at him praying that he would be dressed and to my relief, he had put a shirt under the tartan. To my surprise, a white shirt.
- Do you mind if I accompany you? - he asked.
- Not at all? - I responded with a forced smile, disguising my nervousness.
Bruce led me to the table, where he sat right after I had settled into one of the chairs. Two guards stood at the door, where they remained silent.
- What's going on? - I asked by frowning. - What did I miss?
- You collapsed right after Morvan's arrest as a result of his injuries. I asked Abby to help me clean the wound. - Abby showed up with some stuff and put it on the table. She smiled at him and then left. - She helped me a lot in a few moments.
Bruce looked at me from top to bottom with a cynical smile and I rolled my eyes. He grabbed a slice of bread devouring quickly and then cut another one. Bruce ate voraciously and with great satisfaction. He looked like a child in front of a candy table.
- Eat slowly or you'll end up with a syncope! - I said in an astonished voice. - You look like you've never even seen food.
- It's because you didn't do it. - he mocked, finishing to devour the slice of bread and cutting another.
- I can't talk to you! - said standing up. - I think you take pleasure in pissing me off.
Bruce held my hand when I threw the napkin and stood up, threatening to leave the table.
- Stay! - he asked. - I was joking when I talked about your cooking skills. Stay because you need to eat. Let me retire.
I took a deep breath. I was really hungry.
- All right! All right! I'll stay if you stay.
Bruce nodded and sat down again. He took the slice he had cut and began to taste it. Shaking my head, I grabbed an apple and started slicing it. Abby showed up with a teapot and left it on the table.
- Did you order the change of room, too? - I asked by frowning.
- Yeah. I couldn't let him stay in a room all messed up and dirty. - he responded by raising his head. - Besides, I didn't want you to keep reliving those events. Now that my men are here, I feel safe staying at the inn. I've decided to use my powers to provide you with some comfort.
I frowned again.
- When did you start caring about me? - I asked in a confused voice. - Yes, because until a few days ago, you hated me and even intended to kill me. Do you remember your reaction to valerian? She even called me a witch.
Bruce made a face.
- Well! I may not look it, but I'm a nice person when I want to be. - Bruce took a deep breath and stopped eating. - Besides, you saved my life twice, which leaves me with a huge debt.
- Three! - I
