- Your Majesty, there's no need for that. - I said in a nervous voice. - I'm not marrying Bruce out of obligation or to get a title. I marry him for loving him.
- I know that! - Alistair smiled and approached me. - I haven't seen my cousin so happy and, at the same time, very confused in a long time. It's even fun to watch your expressions and behavior when you're by your side. That's why it would be a great honor to call you.
Tears came to my eyes when I heard him speak so affectionately. Alistair hugged me and then Aideen took his place. She smiled proudly.
- We're looking forward to a traditional ceremony, with two days of celebrations and Highland games. - Aideen smiled at Bruce.
- Thank you, my cousin! - said Bruce shaking Alistair's hand. - It's been a long time since we've had a party like that.
- Too bad we didn't have that at our wedding. - said Alistair. - I think we can remarry Bruce and Aideen and enjoy the festivities. What do you think?
- Me? Marry you again? - Aideen said, making a face, but then he opened a smile. - I'd do that as many times as there was an opportunity.
Alistair dragged Aideen into a breathtaking kiss. Bruce and I pigmented and they looked at us.
- Why don't you look for a room? - said Bruce, repeating Alistair's words.
Aideen released a laugh, which was followed by us and became a big laugh. Bruce and I left the salon radiant. We decided to spend the rest of the day walking. Bruce took me to a part of the forest where we made love on a blanket and stayed until almost dawn.
- Happy? - he asked by kissing the palm of my hand.
- A lot! - said smiling. My face became serious when I remembered the scene in the dungeon. - Bruce, one thing worries me.
- What's going on?
- Morvan!
- Annabel, Morvan's under arrest and there's no chance of escape.
- I know so, but when I spent last night in the dungeon door, I saw the guard delivering something with the plate of food. Today, however, the guard was not present in the cell. - I explained. - I know that from the angle I was at, the guard must have positioned himself in a corner not visible to me, but even so, wouldn't it be the case to put more guards in the dungeon? Just to be safe. It's just that I don't have a good feeling about it.
Bruce sighed.
- All right! All right! I'll have them reinforce the security of the dungeon and check to see if he's received anything other than a plate of food. - he said settling down. - Now, future lady Bruce MacCalister, I want a kiss.
- Just one? - I asked seductively.
- Of course not!
***
The next two days were Dunhill's most hectic since the start of the war against Roy. Because of that, not all the lords were able to attend. On the morning of the second day, Alistair asked us to go to the throne hall. He gave me the title of Duchess and as a gift, Bruce gave me a tiara to be worn with the veil.
- How beautiful! - I said ecstatic. - Thank you!
- That belonged to my mother. It was from your marriage to my father and I believe she would approve of my decision to pass it on to you. - Bruce explained. - So will our daughter or daughter-in-law.
I hugged him with tears in my eyes and snorted. Then I went to my quarters to prepare for the wedding. I had chosen a simple cut dress and I opted for a short veil. The tiara would give the final touch. I've never been a fan of pomp, and the simpler I was, the better. Bruce was waiting for me in the chapel wearing his traditional kilt. He was prettier than ever with his beard close. Alistair and Aideen smiled at me when I stepped in the chapel. We took our vows and were blessed according to tradition. Everything went very well, but I could not get that anguish out of my chest which had lasted too long. That bad feeling did not leave me and, worried, I did not stop looking around whenever I had the opportunity. It was like someone was about to jump on me.
- Undo your worried face! - whispered Bruce as soon as we left the chapel.
- I'm sorry! I'm sorry! - I said in a nervous voice. - It's just that something tells me something bad's gonna happen.
- I know that! - Bruce sighed. - Something really serious is about to happen.
- Really? What's that? What's that? - said looking from one side to the other.
- You married me and you know how insatiable I am. - he said smiling.
I made a face.
- Bruce, I'm serious!
- I know that, but there's nothing to worry about. - he said kissing my forehead. - This is our wedding and nothing can ruin that day. Trust me!
Those words sounded comforting and I just nodded. Smiling, we began to pass through the guests, but before moving on, I looked back for the last time. Something told me that day would be marked forever.
Chapter 20
Bruce
- I can't believe that bastard ran away - I fought my way from one side of the hall to the other.
I was still dressed in my clothes from the wedding ceremony, because as soon as
