- Now it's too late to be sorry! - I said exasperatedly. - I just want it to end and forget all about it.
Bruce nodded with a sigh that sounded sad. We remain silent the rest of the way. I began to thank God that I knew I was coming soon and that I would never have to look Bruce MacCalister in the eye again, although I knew I would meet him on some occasions. He smiles with sadness at the thought of the words of that woman in the woods. For a moment I thought the knight she mentioned might be Bruce. Those words were nothing but a mistake and that crazy old woman was nothing but a fake riddle that only wanted to deceive me.
Smile when I saw Dunhill's tower. Ecstasy invaded my body thinking I'd see my sister anyway. The road ended in the village and everyone stopped to pay off Bruce and the men who accompanied him. I realised how dear he was in his cousin's fiefdom and imagined what Duvengard would be like. I'd never been there, but my dad said it was a fabulous place. We crossed the bridge that connected the village to the castle and stopped at the entrance courtyard.
- Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay. - he said, coming down from the horse and extending his arms to help me dismount. - Safe and sound as promised!
- Thank you! - I answered with a dry tone. - You must be happy, since you'll get rid of me.
Bruce shook his head in negative, closing his eyes at the same time as he took a deep breath. There was a mix of frustration in his tone when he growled his fists tightly.
- Annabel, I...
- Annabel!
My sister's anxious scream interrupted what Bruce would say and made us look in Aideen's direction. She was wearing a green dress with a belt adorning her waist. There was a small saddlebag attached to it, leaving the handle of small daggers on display. I smiled with surprise and hugged her when she approached.
- I'm glad you're all right. - she said squeezing me. - I almost died of worry, my sister.
- I missed you so much! - I whispered between tears and smiles. - I'm sorry about everything!
- Don't be! The important thing is, she's alive and well. - she answered. Looking towards Bruce, Aideen smiled and then hugged him. - Thank you, Bruce! I knew I'd bring her back safe and sound. I hope it wasn't so much trouble.
I swallowed dry when Bruce looked in my direction. He shook his head giving one of his bright and seductive smiles.
- It wasn't any work, Your Majesty! - he answered without taking his eyes off me. - Your sister is very skillful and knows how to take good care of herself. I owe her my life, and I doubt she can afford it.
He took a break, smiling again.
- Anyone would feel safe by her side.
The surprise of hearing those words made me stunned. Aideen embraced me again, but this time with even more force. She sniffed her hands into my hair.
- Bruce, my cousin! - Alistair left the castle and embraced Bruce. - I'm glad you're back... and alive!
- Yeah, I got lucky this time! - he replied with sarcasm.
- When don't you have one? - Alistair returned it and everyone laughed. - What took you so long?
- I'm sorry! I'm sorry! We had the unforeseen blizzard and there was an attack from some soldiers. - he explained. - I can give you more details if you wish, during a nice dinner.
Alistair laughed.
- Yes. I'll want to know a little more about this attack and I'll be happy to fill this hole you call the stomach. - he paused to turn his eyes. - I'm afraid we have a problem to solve!
Bruce frowned when he spotted a pair of horses that weren't inside the stable. He seemed to recognize the horses and then turned to Alistair.
- What is Lord Macintosh doing here? - asked Bruce.
I looked at Aideen who just took a deep breath. I knew something was wrong, but I couldn't imagine what it might be. As far as I knew, the Macintosh were allies of the MacCalister since the war against the people of the north. That was a wedding ring that had lasted for years.
- Bruce!
A girl's voice caught my attention and I looked in her direction. She was beautiful, with her long black hair and eyes, honey color. She was slender, with full breasts hidden in the generous neckline of a navy blue dress. It bothered me the way she practically threw herself into Bruce's arms when she hugged him.
- Adelaide, how nice to see you! - he said in return for the hug. - Your Majesty, I believe you already know Adelaide Macintosh.
- Yes, I've had the pleasure! - Aideen answered. - Your father and Adelaide have been staying in Dunhill for almost a week.
- A week? - Bruce frowned. - Is something wrong in Las?
- No, not at all! - said Adelaide with animation. - I'm here because I'm getting married.
- Congratulations! - Bruce smiled hugging Adelaide again. - You really deserve to be happy. Who's the lucky guy?
- Come on! Who? - she laughed with disdain. - You, of course!
The air was missing in my lungs as soon as the words came out of Adelaide's mouth. There was
