Alec took his serious look at me and got himself together. He went over to the table and took the bottle, sipping half the liquid. I kept my hand on the sword handle just in case.
- I know this may seem a very strange thing, but really your eyes are very familiar to me. - he repeated his previous words. - Are you sure we haven't met before? Where's your family?
It bothered me and made me panic, but I tried to stay calm.
- I don't have a family. - I answered dry.
- You're lying. - he said in a dark voice. - Everybody has a family. Where's yours?
- I told you, I don't have one. - I responded in a harsh way. - And I think you'd better step aside.
Alec came slowly approaching me again while still looking at me.
- Ah! Yes! Let me guess! - he took a break. His gaze was getting darker and darker. - You intend to stick the dagger in your waist or in your boots in my bowels. Did I get it right?
I looked at Alec by surprise holding her breath. I had no idea how he knew about those daggers.
- How observant you are, Your Highness.
- Thank you, but you can call me Alec.
- All right! All right! - he said by stepping back and leaning against the wall. - You're risking yourself, Your Highness. I think you should step aside.
- Is that a threat? - he whispered, putting one hand on each side of my head. - Because if you are, know I love to take a chance.
Without ceasing to look at him, I pulled the sword out of the scabbard pulling it out just a little from the guard. The slap caused Alec's gaze to turn away and he smiled away.
- Let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go! - he said by putting a few coins on the table. - Take me back to camp.
We leave the tavern and ride our horses in silence. About 20 minutes later, we were back at camp. There was a strange commotion and the men walked from side to side in haste.
- I wonder what's going on. - he asked.
- I have no idea, but I don't think it's because of your presence.
Alec looked at me hostile, and I had a laugh.
- You should punish her for her boldness, you know. - he whispered between his teeth. - I could knock her off my horse and have fun while she cries in pain.
- Really? - I did. - I'd love to see him try.
Alec rolled her eyes.
- You do? I love a sore tongue like yours. - he fired ironically.
- Is that so?
- I don't know where I know her from, but I'll still find out.
- Your Highness, I assure you, there's nothing to find out about me. - I said quietly with the intention of convincing him to get that idea out of his head. - I'm as common as any other girl I've ever met.
Alec laughed disassembling the horse and grabbed my waist helping me to disassemble.
- Now that, I doubt very much that's true. - he whispered. - You have nothing in common, and I'd very much like to prove it.
The shiver that ran through my spine bothered me in a way that I pulled my body roughly away from it. I looked around in a nervous gesture and a cold shiver ran through my body when one of the men came to meet me in a hurry.
- What's going on? - I asked. - What's all the fuss about?
- My lady, Lord Sinclair went out to hunt and did not return, so a small contingent went after the group.
- So what?
- One of the men came back badly wounded. - he paused to breathe. - Looks like Lord Sinclair was caught in an ambush and taken prisoner. They're taking him to the fortress right now.
- Damn it! - I whispered, closing my fists tightly. - Where are they now?
- In the forest, south of the siege.
I had to stay calm to think about how I'd rescue Keilan.
- Get some men together! - Alec ordered it. - We'll be leaving in a few moments.
The man stared at him.
- What are you waiting for? - he said. - Do as I say!
- Yes, sir! Yes, sir!
The man ran out and went toward others who nodded as soon as he gave the order.
- What do you think you're doing? - I said harshly. - You'll stay here!
- No! I'll go with them and you'll stay at the camp. - Alec said approaching.
- What's that? What's that? Not even dead! - I answered. - I'm the one who will. You must stay here safely.
- Listen, uh...
- Alec, I don't have time for arguments. Keilan will die if that fortress arrives.
I turned to him who was following me. He stopped when I confronted him with anger.
- The Lord is reckless, cheeky and possesses no defense capability. That's why I was able to take him down easily. - I fired. - I can't stay here while Keilan's there and I won't let you come in my place. Whether you're a prince or not, you'll stay here where it's safe and I don't have to worry about your welfare.
- Brianna, you're out of line! - he returned
