Alistair embraced Aideen, stroking her hair while she cried copiously. Bruce already held Aileen up in his arms and put her in his lap like a fragile child. Aileen tried, but couldn't contain her tears and cried too. I looked around for Alec, but there was no sign of him. At that moment, I felt as if I was giving too much reason to someone who didn't care about me. I came to the conclusion that I grew up without the true affection of someone other than my sisters, and perhaps that is why I rushed into the words that I declared to Alistair. Luckily, I had told him, otherwise I would feel much worse than I already did at that moment.
I spent the day organizing everything for the trip that would change my life and that of the whole of Scotland. I couldn't help but worry about the whole situation. On the outside I looked like a safe and determined woman as always, but on the inside, I was afraid of being the daughter of a complete stranger. I didn't know anything about Phillipe of Lencaste. I spent all my childhood and youth believing that another man was my father. A man I didn't know either.
As the hours went by, I became more and more apprehensive. Everyone was apprehensive about their respective matches the next morning. Alistair and Bruce entertained their respective wives with affection and ear-to-ear conversations. For my part, I did not know where Alec was and my heart squeezed every time I remembered her absence. I was afraid he'd already left for Edinburgh. It hurt to know that I might not see him anymore, because there was still a chance that I might end up stuck in the London tower. Alistair didn't know or mean where Alec was. I felt in the dark and without a torch to guide my way.
- Are you all right? Olivia asked, taking me out of my daydream. - Do you need me for anything else?
I looked away from the book I was pretending to read.
- Yeah, I'm fine! - I responded by settling down. - I need you to prepare me a hot bath, because I intend to lie down. Take some chamomile tea for me and leave it on the sideboard. After that, you can retire if you wish.
- Don't you want me to come with you tomorrow? It may be useful to have a maid among the nobles.
I turned my eyes by frowning.
- You've been listening to our conversation again, haven't you?
- Yeah, but in my defense, it was by accident this time.
I shook my head smiling. I loved Olivia's curious way. She had been showing herself to be a loyal and caring girl. I saw her more as a sister than as my maid.
- I'd love to take you with me to London, but I'll be back in the middle of a battle. - I explained it calmly. - I don't want you to get hurt.
- You taught me how to use the bow, remember? - she argued. - I can be of use to you. Imagine if the lady is attacked by a boar. I can hit him from miles away.
I had a laugh.
- First, stop calling me lady. Then there's no way I'm gonna get attacked by a boar. If that happens, I know what to do, so don't worry. - I paused to sigh and looked towards Aideen. I had a feeling of uneasiness about her. - However, I will need you to do me a great favor.
- Anything!
- I need you to take care of the queen in my absence.
She frowned.
- But your majesty will be here and he is a great warrior.
- I know that, but he can't be with her all the time if the castle suffers an attack. - I explained my reasons for asking her to protect Aideen. - You have the ability to protect her very closely in case that happens. Do you believe you can do that?
Olivia stared at me for a few moments, so she nodded.
- Yes! I'll do what you ask. - she said.
- Thank you!
I embraced Olivia with affection and she smiled. She was a girl who had a lot to learn. She reminded me a lot.
- I'll get your bath ready.
I nodded when she stood up and then left the room. After a while she returned to tell me that the bath was ready. I didn't need her help and, with a new hug, I said goodbye to Olivia, giving her the cameo that my grandmother had given me in my fifteen years. Ready, Olivia put it around her neck. He said he would take care of him with great affection and thanked me for being a generous person. Sighing, I said goodbye to everyone and went to my quarters. I took advantage of the silence to pray. I wanted Alec to be by my side at that moment and I asked everyone involved in that battle for protection. After the bath and drinking the tea, I lay in bed. It took me a long time to fall asleep and when he finally arrived, I dreamt that Alec was lying next to me holding
