I sighed, putting my hands on your shoulders.
- Listen, I don't want to look like an idiot spoils pleasures, but even if your plan worked and we made it to London, Phillipe will need a lot more than knowing he's your father. - I explained. - As I said before, we are under a war of power and power is all that matters to Roy or the king of England. We'll have to have a big trump card to get what you propose.
Bree stared at me taking a deep breath. I could hear the gears inside her head, spinning at full throttle. She was thinking of some argument that would convince me to participate in that plan. Daring, but an excellent plan!
- I'll take your silence as a form of understanding. - I said, before she started saying something and I went out of the tent. - I want you to rest again. I'll see what I can get you to eat. You need to feed.
- Alec? - she called when I got to the door.
- Yeah? - I said without turning around.
- Would you marry me? - she asked in a firm voice.
I froze where I was. At first, I thought I heard too much and that that question only sounded inside my head. However, as I turned to face her, I noticed that she had really spoken those words.
- What'd you say?
Bree took a deep breath closing his fists and swallowed dry. She seemed to want to summon up the courage to repeat what she had said. Nervous, she bit her lip before she started talking.
- I said, do you want to marry me?
I had a laugh.
- Why would I marry you?
- Because we have noble blood. - she fired. - Did you say that Phillipe will need a good reason to support us and if he finds out that his firstborn is married to the prince of Scotland? I'm sure he'll appreciate this information very much.
- You're crazy. - he said, barely believing his words. - I think I hit your head pretty hard. That alone would explain this breakup of insanity.
- Alec, stop saying that! - she fired. - I'm not crazy!
- Is that so? Then I am! - I did. - Madness is the only word I have for that nonsense.
I stopped laughing hysterically. She stared at me with an incredulous gaze.
- Where you've seen it! - I continued. - Me? Marry a woman who despises me? It's gotta be insanity anyway.
- I know it sounds crazy, but can you think of a better plan? - she asked.
Bree was really determined to take that plan forward. I could see in her eyes that she would take that opportunity with or without my help. That was a very big burden she was determined to carry for the rest of her life.
- Are you really willing to sacrifice your freedom for the sake of Scotland?
- I am willing to do whatever it takes to see Ravenna pay for his crimes and have Roy's head on a platter.
- So this is about revenge?
Bree looked me right in the eye.
- Tell me you're not here for this very reason and I'll leave as soon as the sun comes up.
Touché! She'd picked me up on an excellent script. Everyone on that battlefield had something against Roy. As long as those battles were going on, until we got here, MacGregor did a lot of damage. He destroyed countless families without any remorse. His ambition ended up releasing an intense hatred in all the men of that country and I was no different. I was there to wash my sister's honor. He had such an intense hatred in his chest that he would be able to kill anyone who came between me and MacGregor. I had planned every step of that revenge. I was prepared for any impediment, but Aila MacBride took me by storm. I didn't expect to face someone like her. Someone full of determination. Full of courage and certainty. When I saw her in that tavern, all I thought was that she would be another beautiful woman in my bed. All I wanted was to tame that beast which challenged me and urged me to challenge back. Now, my mind just wanted to protect her. And it was not because of what she represented, but because she knew that she would risk her own life to achieve her purpose. Aila had never had anyone to protect her and protect her. Somehow, something inside me was screaming to be that person. That's exactly why I found myself agreeing to that madness.
- All right! All right! - I sighed. - I will speak to the priest so that our union may be accomplished tonight. We're leaving for Dunhill as soon as the sun rises, so I need to talk to Keilan.
- Wait! - She yelled at me preventing me from leaving the tent. - Will you agree without us talking first?
- It was your idea. I thought you agreed.
- Yeah, but...
Bree took a break biting his lower lip. I let out a laugh, knowing what was going on in her head.
- I'm not gonna touch her unless you ask me, if that's what's troubling you. - I said with a cynical smile. - I understand, Your Highness, that's just a business here.
- Yes, but there are laws and traditions that must be obeyed. -
