Chapter 01
Bree
Two years and a few months later...
- Wait here!
One of the guards asked me to indicate the center of the tent and looked at me from top to bottom shaking his head with disdain. I learned to deal with those looks. They didn't bother me so much anymore. I didn't know if it was because I was a woman, or because I was wearing a pair of leather pants and boots. Maybe it was the size of the sword I was carrying around my waist.
I looked around as soon as the guard left. Although the tent belonged to a nobleman, there was nothing sophisticated about it. The place was small and there was only a small wooden table with two chairs in a corner and a bed made of leather, mounted near the entrance. There was a little one booked in another corner from where some clothes hung. There was no carpet to identify the origin of the owner of the tent, although I knew well who I would deal with.
A few months ago, after being rescued, I chose to stay with the Keilan regiment, who was the commander of a border patrol. Although he found it very strange because he seemed to belong to a noble family, he decided to train me. At first it was just to defend myself, but over time I started to become very good at handling weapons and Keilan decided to join the regiment. Especially after I told him exactly what had happened until the night he found me in the forest. Keilan hadn't been penalized, but he showed a deep hatred of the people who hurt me. He became a great friend and gradually replaced my sisters and softened the longing I felt. He was also helping me to overcome and forget my past, but difficult. Mainly because of the terrible nightmares that were hitting me.
I heard a noise and voices from outside and I squeezed the handle of the sword hard. That was the only memory I had of a man who, though not my blood, was proud to call his grandfather. It's the only thing I made a point of coming back for after recovery. She was hiding in my grandparents' cabin and only I knew the place. A huge man entered the tent, followed by another at the same time. They had black hair and blue eyes the color of the sky at dusk. I automatically remembered Annabel, however, her eyes were a lighter blue, almost glacial.
- Excuse me, but I'm waiting for someone named Bree. - said one of the men with a slight frown. - Who the hell are you?
- I beg your pardon if you were expecting a man! - he said seriously and staring at her. - My name is Breanna, but I'd rather be called Bree.
- Really? - He said incredulous and put his hand on his chin. - And does your family know you're here, Bree?
Releasing the sword handle, I laughed and crossed my arms.
- If you want to know if there is anyone to weep for me, the answer is: they don't care! - I said ironically. - Therefore, be relieved not to have to deal with a stable boy following orders to take me back dragged by my hair. Even because if he tried, he'd die.
The two men looked at each other and laughed.
- I'm sorry if I offended you. Keilan didn't mention that Bree would be...
- A woman?
The man pigmented.
- In fact, what amazes me is not that I am a woman, since they have been fighting in these lands since very remote times. - he answered. - It's just that you seem so fragile that I'm worried about leaving the command of my army in your hands.
So that was Prince Alistair? I knew him from the various banquets my mother promoted in our fiefdom. Alistair was always very quiet and observant, but in the minutes when I had the unique opportunity to talk to him, I could see that he was very intelligent and wise for someone so young. He proved to be quite a strategist and harsh when it came to the subject of war. After such a long time, however, he seemed to be the same person, but his features had changed greatly. He didn't look like the boy he had when I met him. I think I've changed too, because I realized that he didn't recognize me. That, for me, was a great relief, because I was imagining Alistair's reaction as soon as he saw me among his men. I was afraid that he would turn me over to my mother, or worse, want to punish her for what she did. I had to tell, but my selfishness in wanting revenge only for me had made me retreat. Instead of telling the truth and taking advantage of the fact that he had no idea that I was a MacBride, I just let out a disdainful laugh.
- Your Highness, choose your best man and I'll show you exactly how fragile my blows are. - I challenged.
The man behind him smiled in a debauched way.
- Well, well. What a sharp tongue! - the man approached me. - I hate women with sharp tongues!
I had a laugh.
- Too bad that's true, my lord! - I answered dry. - I can guarantee that it is not only my language that is sharp, but my sword too.
They looked at each other in a funny way, but I could see that the man who accompanied Alistar was
