- Your Majesty, Aileen is not that fragile girl you think she is. - Aila argued. - I trained my sisters to be warrior eximias and Aila knows the ways of that fortress, besides possessing an extraordinary ability with a bow and a sword.
I frowned on that observation. Certainly, Alistair was also confused by the revelation made by Aila.
- How does she know the paths that lead into the fortress? - Alistair asked.
- My mom used to take her to visit MacGregor when we were little. I never knew the reason until today. - Aila explained. - If there's anyone who can drive Keilan through those labyrinths, it's Aileen.
Sure! Aileen had a strange gift for finding secret passages in any castle she was in. I remember when I got lost in the halls of Inverness. Aileen had suddenly appeared, coming out from behind a tapestry and pulling a frightening sigh from my chest. When questioning her, she had said that she was not yet familiar with all the corridors of the castle and that a new one was appearing every day. The night she was in Dunhill for my brother's wedding, she had discovered passages that we didn't even know about and from what I know, Bruce had found her on the opposite side of the road to Dunhill. A road that was not much used because it was on the edge of huge canyons. How she got there without directions, that was a big mystery.
- All right! All right! - Alistair finally agreed. - We should discuss the plan with Bruce and my brother. If, and only if, Bruce agrees, Aileen will move on to the front. Otherwise, we'll think of an alternative that replaces your sister.
- All right! - she shot him settling down.
Alistair turned to get out of the dungeon and I went even further into the darkness. I did not want either of them to know that I was there, watching and listening to their conversation. Even because that's not exactly what I meant. I had gone to the dungeon in order to support Aila, because I thought it would be quite difficult to face Ravenna after so long. I didn't imagine Alistair would accompany her, let alone tell him about the plan.
- One more thing, Your Majesty! - Aila said before Alistair left. - I don't want Alec to know about my going. He should stay.
- For what reason? I thought they'd gotten married so you could introduce him to the English court. He'll need it with you in London.
- I know that, but I can't and I don't want to risk Alec's life. He's already saved my life more than I can tell and I owe it to him. Besides, Alec is a better commander than I am. The front will need it.
Alistair laughed when she said that. I also found Aila's request and her argument somewhat flawed. There was another reason why she didn't want me by her side when we got to the port of London.
- That argument didn't convince me. - Alistair declared in a debauched manner. - Try one more time, and who knows, agree with your theory.
- There's no theory. That's the only real reason.
- You and my brother both have an ego that doesn't fit inside their bodies. So I don't believe in your reasons at all. - Alistair fired again on an accusatory note. - Are you going to tell me exactly what the real reason is that led you to make this decision or do I need to say that the glow in your gaze yesterday denounced it?
- Damn it! - I whispered.
Of course, Aila had a glow in her eyes. I had given her a preview of my talent as a lover, but no one was to know. The problem was that I'd forgotten how observant my older brother was. He was about to leave the shadows to go to his defense when Alistair completed.
- If you love my brother and want to protect him for that reason, then he will have my full support, but I say to him in advance, you must tell him how you feel. - he paused waiting for Aila to say something, but she remained silent. - Do you love Alec?
Suddenly that silence and suspense which he provoked almost suffocated me. I held my breath and my mouth dried up when I heard Aila's voice responding.
- Yeah. - She fired. - I don't know how or when that happened, but yes, I love Alec with all my might.
Smiling, I put my head against the wall. Olivia had warned me about Aila's feelings. Her words in the cave made me think that Aila was trying to say what she felt, but for some reason she had not succeeded. For her, it was easier to threaten someone than to talk about her feelings.
- Then I'll see what I can do about your departure. - Alistair had said before he walked away and came towards me.
I shrunk against the wall and made as much silence as I could so I wouldn't be discovered. I waited in the dark for a long time, until I felt safe and went back to the central hall. I could barely contain my joy and tried at all costs to hide the stupid smile that stubbornly stuck in my face. I was unable to meet my brother at that moment, so I went to my quarters. When I reached the hall and began to climb the stairs, a voice caught my attention.
- Alec?
I looked in the direction of the female
