- All our men who can protect Aideen and my son are now focused on the hope that Roy will surrender. If I leave, it'll be unescorted and there's still the possibility of Phillipe's refusal. - he punched the rocks with both hands. - Before I think of anything, I'm not worried about my safety, but about Aideen's. I love her enough to give my life in return.
Smiling, I stared at him. I could see that, for the first time, there was someone who really cared about Aideen, who wasn't Aileen or me. You didn't have to be a genius or a fortune teller to see that Alistair really loved you. I was sure of that and would do whatever was necessary to maintain that unity and happiness.
- I can see in your eyes that you're telling the truth. - he said with tears in his eyes and a smile on his face. - My sister's very lucky. That's why I'm not asking you to go, Your Majesty. That mission will be mine!
- What do you mean by that? - he asked in amazement.
I shook my head, turning my back on him.
- When Alec told me I was Phillipe's only legitimate daughter, I went into shock. I was desperate and hard to believe, but amidst the flood of information, I saw in that news, the perfect opportunity to get support. - I paused and laughed. - Alec tried to talk me out of it, but in the end, he agreed to help. He feared for you.
- I do! - Alistair sighed. - Alec was always very protective and got worse after Cora's death.
- I suppose so. - smiles agreeing. - He agreed to come with me, but I don't want to risk his life, so I intend to go alone.
- Aila, that's very noble of you, but it must be royalty. You're gonna need something for Phillipe to lure him into a union with Scotland. - Alistair approached me and made me turn around to face him. - England is a powerful nation, you will need more than being the daughter of a powerful king.
- What if I'm not just the daughter of a powerful king? - I speculated. - If I'm the sister-in-law of another powerful king? That would help.
Alistair stared at me for a moment.
- That's why you got married, isn't it?
- It was my idea. - I whispered. - Alec didn't want you to go with me because of Aideen and the fact that she had just become a father. That's when I asked him to go.
- Alec is just a prince. That doesn't help much, since only a monarch can negotiate terms of war.
- Exactly! That's when I asked him to marry me and he agreed. - I responded by closing my eyes. - We have an annulment agreement after the battle is over.
- But, uh...
- In the last six months we spent together, I had the opportunity to meet an Alec I had never seen before. An obstinate Alec, warrior and very fierce. - I took a break from sniffing. - We're two strategists, Alistair. Alec's not far behind us either. That's the best plan we've had in months before we could make that siege.
Alistair sighed a little further away. He evaluated the situation for a few moments, until he started talking.
- There are two problems with this plan. - Alistair shook his head. - First, in the letter, Ravenna says he will arrive with some mercenaries, so we need someone to enter the castle, with some soldiers and who knows how to use a sword. At the moment we have only you. Being in London, who will serve to enter with Keilan?
I was silent for a few seconds. That would really be a problem.
- I hadn't thought about it yet, but what's the second problem?
- We'd need someone who knew the castle well from the inside. That would take us away from the archers and we'd get an internal siege.
I smiled and made Alistair frown.
- Why are you smiling?
- Because I know the perfect person for the job.
Chapter 23
Alec
I watched as Aila presented her ideas for an end to the war. It was amazing how much she had a plan in mind. Nobody knew I was behind the dicks listening to your ideas. The woman who now dominated my mind and soul was definitely the most extraordinary woman a man could have at his side. If she had not been declared dead and was living together in Inverness, it would certainly have been the best choice to reign alongside Alistair. Of course, not to underestimate Aideen. To be more exact, all MacBride were exceptional in their own way. Aila was right to say that we had grown a lot in those last few years, but nothing had prepared us for the direction our lives had taken.
I wasn't ready for a woman like Aila. I was used to surprising them and leaving them when they no longer served me, but with Aila it was different. Every time she approached me, I wanted to keep her. If it had not been for her, I would certainly have accepted the son that Rose said was mine, and at this point I would have been preparing a wedding ceremony. It was so easy for me to accept situations on impulse. I didn't used to think much when I was angry. It might sound crazy, but Aila completed me somehow and I was determined to show it to her.
- I don't think you're thinking of taking Aileen into
