The Duchess (MacBride Sisters Trilogy Book 2)

around until I could find some herbs. Lighting a small fire, I used one of the skins to heat the water. When the infusion was ready, I began to pass through the animal's wound. He whinnyed, maybe in pain, but I calmed him down with words. Tearing up a part of the hem of my dress, I tied it around to protect it. It was just a cut and soon he'd be fine. I decided to stay there until he healed. That would slow me down, but I refused to leave him to die. I pulled some branches of the tree to isolate us and close a little the entrance of the clearing where we were. That would throw off a little whoever showed up. Grabbing the blanket, I lined the side of the horse and covered it with my cape. I lay on his back and allowed myself to rest for a while. As I looked at the leaves of the trees that intertwined to form a mixed-colored roof, I began to think about what the strange woman had told me when I stopped to fill the skins before entering the forest. She had attacked me with arrows that did not hit the target and then invited me to eat fish, which she herself had caught in the river. He said it was a riddle, that my destiny was to free the soul of a bitter, blackhearted man. I didn't believe in witches, let alone riddles, so I just laughed.

The noise of steps on branches scared me and put me on alert. Slowly I pulled the bow that was attached to the saddle and grabbed the bag of arrows. I squatted between the branches and tried to see who was coming. Looking between the leaves, I saw that a soldier was standing a few steps away from where I was.

- If you try to hide from someone, you're failing miserably! - he said in an arrogant voice. - I can hear your breathing from where I am.

- Is that so? If you approach, you'll hear much more than just my breathing. - I threatened.

- Like what, for instance? - he asked me to stop by.

Without standing up, I shot an arrow that stopped right in front of his left foot causing him to interrupt his stride.

- I said don't come any closer! - I growled between my teeth. - The next one will be right between your eyes.

The man took a deep breath and laughed. I frowned and soon understood what he was laughing at. Three other soldiers showed up behind him carrying beasts set in motion.

- Oh, my Jesus! I wonder if there's a well around here. - I debated. - Where did you come from? Why are there so many?

The men had a laugh. I stayed crouching with the bow ready.

- Annabel MacBride, you must come with us without making a fuss. - he ordered it. - We weren't paid to hurt her, but if you try to hurt me or my men, I swear your mother will get her torn to pieces.

I swallowed dry and closed my eyes. The threat he made seemed serious. I squeezed the bow hard. Lifting up, I stared at him with a challenging look.

- You can come here and get me then. - he said. - I have no intention of leaving where I am, let alone making things easier for you.

- I figured you wouldn't!

Smiling he began to walk towards me. I shot the arrow at one of the men with the beast to reduce the number of armed people. The arrow grabbed his chest and he fell. The other shot the arrow, but missed the target. The man in front looked back and turned to me with fury in his eyes.

- You're gonna pay for this, bitch! - he threatened.

I touched my saddlebag trying to catch arrows, but they were over. Those left over pulled their swords threateningly and moved on. I swallowed dry, because this time I was surrounded and cornered. I tried to take the sword when I tripped over the horse's foot, but the man who had threatened me grabbed my hair by pulling hard. I screamed, holding his hand that held the top of my head in a strong pull.

- They didn't tell me she was so beautiful! - he said approaching. - It smells great too! I know why you're running away and I believe I can solve your arranged marriage problem.

I opened my eyes when I understood your words and grunted.

- Touch me and I'll rip your eyes out! - I threatened to spit on him.

The man smiled, bringing his face closer to me.

- Once I'm done with you, you won't have the strength to even scream.

I rolled up my eyes and with a grunt I stuck my fingernails in the skin of his hand, which screamed. The man loosened my hair by slapping me in the face. I fell to the ground and started crawling back trying to get close to the sword. He advanced towards me and as he was about to attack me again, an arrow went through his throat and he fell to his knees. I felt the blood splashing on my face and looked frightened at the other man, who fell to his knees a little further back, with a sword pierced through his chest. I rolled my eyes when I saw a man dressed in black from head to toe. His face was covered with a hood.

- Annabel MacBride, I am Bruce MacCalister, Duke of Duvengar and cousin to the king. - he announced himself in a deep and deep voice, with his gaze raised to face me. - I'm here