- If you do that, I swear I'll rip your guts out through your nose.
- That's awful! How bloody you are, young lady!
Alec laughed, but he kept holding me tight. He used to cradle me like I was a child. We stayed this way until calm came over my body and I stopped crying. I don't know how long it had been, but my body was so heavy that I could barely move. Alec seemed to notice it, so she just leaned back on her pillows and settled me in her chest.
- Sleep! - he asked for it. - I promise nothing will happen while you're asleep.
- I was really serious when I said I wanted to be my friend.
- Aila, I would love to be more than your friend, but if only that is possible, I will already feel satisfied.
- Why is that? - I sniffed. - Why do you want me around when there are a lot of other people around you?
Alec sighed.
- Because you're very brave and sensitive and brave. - he said smiling. - My sister used to say that a person like that should be kept forever. That's what I intend to do, no matter how long it takes. Now go to sleep!
That sounded like a threat, but I decided to ignore it. I was really very tired. Doing what Alec asked me to do, I took advantage of the security he was going through and nested myself in his chest. Something in your words has made me rethink Alec's conduct in the last few days. Would it be worth giving him a vote of confidence? I thought so, but I'd still need more time.
Chapter 18
Bree
A few days later...
I looked at the mirror with satisfaction when I finished braiding my hair. A few days ago we were still in that village and I thanked the time for contributing to our departure. Alec's injuries were much better, and he could already travel. He himself decided to leave when he saw that there would be no rain. We still had a long way to go. I looked around, remembering the moments we spent there as he recovered. We played chess for a few nights and Alec beat me in a few games. It didn't look like we were running out of time because of a war.
I heard altered voices downstairs as I walked down the stairs. A man was yelling at someone and a woman seemed to intervene. There was crying and somebody looked really scared. With my forehead frowning, I finished going down the stairs to the main hall of the inn. I recognized Olivia, who was behind the counter like she was hiding. She was sitting with her arms around her knees. The inn's dorna was raging at a man, pointing a knife at him and preventing him from advancing. He threatened her, but she didn't seem to fear him. I got a bad impression of the man.
- Good morning! - he said approaching me. - Is everything okay?
- No! - said the woman harshly and pointed the knife in the direction of the man. - This pig is trying to drag Olivia out of my establishment, but I told him she won't leave if she doesn't go out of her own free will.
I smiled at the woman. I admired his courage in facing someone so much bigger with a knife that he could barely make a small cut.
- She's my niece and my responsibility! - ...the man has flirted. - Besides, I'm the boss of this village and I won't let any bitch tell me what I can or can't do.
I stared at the man with disgust. He was tall, strong and had an expression of someone who used to drink. His eyes were red and he spoke threateningly. The greasy hair was dark in colour and went up to the height of his shoulders. He reminded me of Roy when he threatened his wife.
- Sir, why don't we let Olivia decide if she wants to go or not? - I asked by standing in front of him.
The man had a laugh.
- Olivia doesn't decide anything! That little girl is useless!
- Nevertheless, I would like to hear her say whether or not she wants to go with you. - he said in a firm, threatening voice.
He looked at me from top to bottom and frowned when he noticed the sword stuck to my waist.
- Who the hell are you? - he asked in a cold voice. - Didn't you hear me say that Olivia is my niece and she's coming with me?
- She may be your niece, but she's not your property. - I said quietly. - As far as I know, we live in a free country or at least there are people fighting for freedom.
- Still, she's coming with me and no one will stop me! - he said taking a step towards the counter. - Get off the back of this counter, Olivia! If I come down there, you know what will happen!
I heard a hiccup and Olivia stood up. She threatened to come to the front of the counter and took a step to the side preventing him from advancing. The man frowned like he doubted what was going on.
- Olivia, come here only if you wish. - I said without turning around. - Remember my promise.
- Promise? - he asked. - What promise? What did you promise that whore?
- I'm leaving and she's coming with me! - I said, making it clear that no one would
