- If my husband isn't threatening you, I'll say I am. - Aideen said in her cold voice. - We have an agreement, if you don't remember, then you should go back to the country house where you shouldn't leave before time.
- Wait! Alec's manifested. - What deal? Why was Rose sent to a country house?
Rose smiled haughtily. There was something about her that I wasn't enjoying at all. She seemed so safe that she didn't respect the crown Alistair was wearing. To the point of being ironic with my sister without any shame. A cold ran through my spine when her smile opened even wider.
- Because I'm pregnant! - she fired and then turned towards Alec. - And the son is yours.
Alec's expression changed and his face became white as wax. I held my breath because I knew what was going on in his mind. Soon his words about not wanting to be a father came to mind, but his reaction surprised me because it wasn't what I expected. Instead of huffing or squawking, Alec laughed. It was nervousness.
- What's that? What's that? - he said incredulously. - Is that a joke?
- Of course not! - Rose said taking his hand and carrying the belly he was already pointing at. - Feel how our baby grows strong.
Alec looked at Alistair who nodded with an expression of regret in a gesture of confirmation. Alec let out a roar and punched the table scaring everyone present.
- And when did you intend to tell me? - Alec's gone wild.
- Alec, I... - Alistair tried to say something, but he was interrupted by another roar from Alec.
- That's not my son! - he shouted, leaving Rose horrified. - I don't know where you got that idea, but it's not mine. I don't want to be a father! Do you understand?
Alec picked up the bottle of booze that was on the table and fired it out of the hall. I spied deeply, realizing I'd caught the air. Alec had an expression that made me afraid. The silence hovered in the air for a few seconds, until Alistair went towards Rose and slapped her in the face.
- He saw what you did! - he shaken it up. - Now Alec will drink all that bottle. You know what happens when he drinks too much when he's angry.
- I wouldn't have done that if I'd told him. - shot Rose in tears. - How could I have known he didn't know?
- What did you want us to say to him? That maybe he could become a father? - Aideen questioned. - You're forgetting that I put you in that house because you tried to fool Alistair with this same conversation.
I looked from one to the other while they were exchanging accusations. It was clear that Rose was trying to hit her belly. I couldn't pay attention to the details at the time, because I was worried about Alec. Alistair's words only made me more apprehensive.
- Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! Stop it! - I screamed after a whistle. - I don't know what's going on, and for now, I don't care. What worries me now is Alec!
Turning to Alistair, I sighed deeply.
- Your Majesty, you said Alec doesn't look so good when she drinks too much alcohol.
- Yeah. Alistair ran his hands through his long hair. - After Cora's death, as he recovered and during a little carelessness, Alec drank a whole bottle of wine. He broke everything in his room in a fit of rage. He hit a wall so hard, he broke his fingers in both hands. He only stopped because he fainted.
- Jesus! - I whispered. - Do you know where he might have gone? I mean, is there a place he might have hidden to drink?
- Yeah, but Alec won't talk to me.
- Not now, but with me. - said removing the leather band that held the sword in my back. - Tell me where he might have gone and leave the rest to me. I promise to bring Alec sober and in one piece.
- You won't make it! - Alistair fired with fear. - Our mother couldn't get him to stop and get back to his reason. Why do you think you can do that?
Smiling with arrogance, I stared at him as he pulled all his fists out of his cleats.
- Because I'm his wife! - I fired.
Alistair stared at me with a frown.
- You what?
- Long story I intend to clear up as soon as I get back. Now, if you don't mind, where can I find him?
Alistair was mute for a few seconds.
- There's a cave under the bridge by the lake shore. - he finally said. - Alec usually hides there to be alone. Bruce can accompany you if you wish. I think if Alec sees me now, he'll throw a rock at me.
- You don't have to! Wherever it is, I'll find the place.
I walked to the door. While I was undoing the braids of my hair, I turned my gaze to Rose who was staring at me in awe.
- When I get back, we'll have a long talk. - I said in a cold tone. - Just you and me.
- What if I'm not here? - she asked with the trembling.
