- Oh! God! - she exclaimed scared and hugged Annabel. - You're both okay? What was that absurd idea of going to a tavern?
- Calm down, Aideen! - said Alistair approaching. - I'm sure Bruce has some explaining to do about that attack.
- We're fine, but the mercenaries who were chasing her, unfortunately, aren't breathing. - I answered by folding my arms. - As for going to the inn, I didn't think there were enough dumb men to come here after her, knowing that I was on watch.
Alistair laughed and Aideen shook her head from side to side.
- Believe me, the village is safe, but I ask you both not to go beyond the forest at the entrance to the bridge. - I did. Annabel made mention of blinking, but I cut her off. - Don't think it's to keep you prisoner, but until I find out how these men are getting past the border guards, I think it's better not to take any more risks.
- But... Annabel tried to argue and I approached her.
- No more! - I whispered with a smile. - I want to die of old age by your side and not trying to get you out of one mess after another. Please try to do as I say, just for now. Are you all right?
Annabel closed her eyes and knew at the time she was counting to ten. Then she opened them up and stared at me with her ironic smile.
- All right! All right! - she finally said and hugged me. - Only if you promise to die of old age.
I smiled kissing the top of his head and walked away.
- I promise! I promise! Now, why don't you come in and get some rest? - I did. - I have business with my cousin, and I think it's taken me most of the day. I don't want to disturb you.
- All right! All right! - Annabel nodded. - Can we talk later, then?
- Maybe, if you're not tired!
Annabel smiled, settled down and, standing on tiptoe, gave me a kiss on the cheek. The gentle gesture made my whole body shiver and I pulled her into a kiss. Aideen looked at me from her sister and smiled. His face was confusing, but ecstatic. I was sure we didn't go unnoticed, not even by my cousin who looked at me from the side.
Following my advice, Annabel grabbed her sister's arm and they both went into the castle.
- So, did you guys get it right? - Alistair asked.
- Yeah. - I said smiling. - I asked her to marry me and Annabel said yes.
- My congratulations! - he said hello to me. - Annabel's a good girl. You combine and deserve to be happy.
- Thank you! Thank you! - I sighed. - Now I need your help to send Adelaide away. You know she won't give up until she can marry me.
- And how do I know! - he responded by turning his eyes. - I'll talk to Ector to have you leave this afternoon.
- Thank you! Thank you!
- Now, tell me this story about finding her by the lake. - he said sarcastically. - You know that didn't collide with Aideen.
- You don't believe me?
He rolled his eyes and I sighed laughing.
- It's okay! It's okay! I couldn't find her on the edge of the lake. Actually, I was on my way back from rounds when I saw Annabel entering the tavern. - I explained. - I decided to go in just to keep her safe. When I settled in a remote corner, I saw the group of men and thought of dragging it out. I thought it might get their attention, since I didn't know why they were there. I decided to stay away, just watching. She was having fun and there didn't seem to be any danger. I'd let her have some beer mugs and then convince her to come to the castle.
- You let Annabel drink beer?
- Yes! Why not?
- Because it's not a drink you give a lady.
- Like you don't know your sister-in-law. - I said sarcastically.
- I really don't! - he fired ironically. - You, on the other hand, seem to know her very well, I suppose.
I had a laugh.
- Yes, my dear, and I'll tell you there's still a lot to unravel.
- I suppose you're willing to spend eternity doing that?
- Certainly!
Again, he laughed and leaned against the wall next to me. Alistair shook his head from side to side and smiled in a debauched way.
- Bruce MacCalister, the Black Knight, falling in love. That even sounds funny. - he said hitting me on the shoulder. - Welcome to the club, cousin! I know what it feels like and I respect your decision. He was always a man of character and very honorable.
- With the fathers and mothers I've had, it wouldn't be too hard to be.
Alistair nodded and then hugged me.
After spending the afternoon trying to convince Adelaide that she should leave as soon as possible before Dunhill, I managed to get her to agree to leave the next day. That would be a long night, because we would still have Adelaide's presence in the castle. We had to talk to Aideen about marrying Annabel.
- Are you busy? - he said by putting his head in the groove of the library door.
- No. - She said smiling. - Come in, please!
Coming in, I closed the
