Taking the armbands, I started putting them back on. Aileen came even closer to me and hugged me.
- I'm so sorry! - she whispered. - I was unfair. I shouldn't have said those things.
- It's okay! It's okay! - said hugging her. - I'm sorry I hurt you. Sometimes I lose control when I'm angry.
We hugged again and Aideen joined the collective hug. I don't know how long we stayed like this until Alistair pigmented.
- I'm glad you made up. - said Alistair. - Bree or Aila... I'm still very confused about all this, but I'm glad you're my sister-in-law.
- Thank you, Your Majesty! - looking at Alec, I sighed. - You can call me Aila.
Alec smiled at me. Until then, only he or Sinclair called me by name. I had to confess to myself that I missed hearing my name.
- Well, why don't you tell us what you came here for? - asked Alistair. - I thought I sent a letter that Aileen was safe and well with Bruce.
Alistair paused and smiled ironically.
- In fact, too good, I think!
I frowned on Aileen, who shrugged her shoulders.
- What is Alistair trying to say? - I asked. Aileen flushed.
- I married Bruce yesterday morning. - she responded by showing the Alliance.
I looked at Alistair, who nodded, and then I stared at Alec.
- Yeah, looks like the MacCalisters have a big attraction for the MacBride. - he said ironically. - What is it about you that attracts us so much?
Alistair frowned.
- I didn't get your joke, brother.
- There's two of us. - I fired in an ironic tone. - Ever since he came to camp, I've been trying to understand his nonsense.
Alec had a laugh.
- You'll understand, but not now! - he said back to the table. - It's a long story and I'd rather argue later. I believe that Aila wishes to rest from her journey and enjoy the company of her sisters.
- Thank you, Your Highness! - said, settling down relievedly. - Yeah, I need a bath and a rest. If anyone can find and instruct my maid Olivia...
Aideen pigmented.
- Aila, you never liked the ones we had. - Aideen said.
- This is also a long story that I want to clarify, but if anyone is kind enough to find it. - said sighing.
- You can let me do that. - Aileen said. - I'll try to find Bruce too.
Aileen came out early, but before she could touch the door, she opened and a woman ran in. She looked like a peasant and she ran towards Alec.
- Alec! - she said hugging him by the waist. - I heard you were back and I decided to come see you.
- Rose? - he said confused. - What are you doing here?
- I missed you.
She didn't wait for Alec's reaction and kissed him. I held my breath when I saw the grotesque scene, because the woman had a hidden way of acting. Alec grabbed her arms and pushed her away. He stared at my perplexed look.
- But what do you think you're doing? - he said, pushing his wife away.
- Giving him a welcome kiss, fool. - she replied with an ironic smile.
Looking at Alistair, I realized that he faced her with hatred in his eyes. Aideen wasn't far behind, but Aileen seemed confused.
- What are you doing here, Rose? - Alistair asked between his teeth. - I told you to stay away from the castle.
- Yes, and I did, but I said I couldn't come here until Alec came back. - she returned it with an ironic smile. - Well, he's back!
Bruce entered the hall, breathing deep as if he had run miles away.
- I'm sorry, Alistair! - he said. - I tried to stop her, but you know how agile Rose is.
That comment made Aideen turn her eyes. I was confused by what I saw, but I soon remembered that Alec had already mentioned that name before.
- So this is Rose? - I asked, staring at Alec.
Alec closed his eyes, settling down and made a face.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Jesus, Alec! Olivia's prettier. - I said ironically. - How did that seduce you? With seed barrels or soup pots? Maybe, who knows, it was with the ability to make the bed right?
Alec had a laugh. It wasn't supposed to be funny, it was an insult. Then I realized I was jealous of Rose and Alec and had noticed it.
- Who's Olivia? - Rose asked indignantly.
- My maid. - I answered in a dry voice.
- And who would you be? - she asked if she'd come back to me.
- Rose! - Alistair got her attention. - Remember you're in my castle and not at one of your tavern parties. I am the king of Scotland and my brother the prince. Treat him with the respect that a subject should treat him.
- A subject? - said Rose in an ironic way. - I thought I was more than a subject.
Alec frowned.
- What do you mean by that?
- You haven't told me yet? - she continued to look ironic.
- Rose! - Alistair said again on a warning tone. - This is my last warning. Leave now or I'll banish you out of the country.
- Is this another one of your threats to keep me quiet? - she threatened.
I
