- Why are you laughing?
- Aila, talking to Phillipe won't be as hard as talking to my brother.
- I know that, but Alistair is not... - I took a break and Alec completed it.
- Your father? - Alec turned to face me. - Aila, you are so fearless and daring. I love her because you are who you are and Phillipe loved you for that reason too. Just act like yourself and there's nothing to worry about.
I took a deep breath when the captain returned, signaling that we would accompany him. We entered the immense hall and saw Phillipe with his back to us and contemplating the landscape of a stained glass window.
- When my men said that a Scottish armada had entered the Thames, I thought it was misinformation. - he said without turning around. - The last time I saw him, he was just a shy, lowly little boy. I thought it was crazy for his father to bring both sons on a dangerous journey, but he had said they were excellent warriors despite their age.
- My father has always made a point of teaching us about throne matters ever since we became old enough to reason. - Alec answered in a friendly tone.
Phillipe laughed, but continued to admire the window.
- How's Brice?
- Sick, Your Majesty! - Alec answered with regret. - My brother took the throne in his place and got married recently.
- I'm sorry to hear that. - Phillipe said honestly. - I know you're fighting a civil war. Brice must be very much missed.
- Actually, we'd rather not involve you in this matter. - Alec fired. - Besides my brother being a great ruler and warrior, we count on other very brave people.
Alec smiled with admiration as she stared at me. That was enough to make me relax a little bit and I smiled back.
- However... - He continued. - We have come to propose an alliance to you to put an end to this unnecessary and long-lasting war.
Phillipe stood with his back to us. From where we were we could only see the silhouette of an imposing man. He seemed to be very tall and robust. As it was dark, I couldn't see the color of his hair and length, but the voice indicated that Phillipe wasn't as old as I thought it would be.
- I respect King Brice very much and we have a very good trade deal, but it is not in my interest to engage my army in a pointless war. - Phillipe declared. - If you'll excuse me, I need to resolve some administrative issues.
Phillipe mentioned leaving, but Alec continued.
- Majesty, without wanting to be inconvenient, I come in the name of my brother who is waiting for us in Edinburgh. If you could reconsider and hear what we have to say...
Phillipe let out a cold laugh.
- What makes you think I care about your pathetic war, young man? - he fired. - There's something more than free trade on the border that you can offer me.
- Yeah! Alec fired a shot by taking a step forward. - An alliance.
- Based on what? - Phillipe wanted to know.
- Blood and marriage.
- What's that? What's that?
Phillipe turned to face us. His gaze hovered over me and he approached me. When the light touched her face, I almost suffocated to death. The male version of me was standing right in front of me, like a mirror.
- You! - Phillipe whispered and stared at Alec in anger. - How dare you bring that snake into my kingdom? That poisonous, treacherous snake! How did you manage to stay so young?
- She's not who you think she is. - Alec said in a soft voice.
- Is that so? - Phillipe asked in a cold voice. - Besides being blind, you accuse me of being stupid, Your Highness?
Alec took a deep breath trying to stay calm. Phillipe's voice echoed beyond the doors of the room we were in and several soldiers stood behind us. I swallowed dry holding the handle of the sword I was carrying.
- When did you learn how to use that? - Phillipe asked if he could get any closer. - How did you get the scars on your face? As I recall, she was always too vain to carry more than a little beast and a dagger.
- I know I look a lot like Ravenna, but I'm not her. - I answered firmly. - My name is Aila Caroline MacBride. I am the daughter of Ravenna MacBride and the wife of Alec MacCalister, prince of Scotland. I'm his first-born daughter who was rejected right after your marriage was annulled. Therefore, as Duchess of Lancaster and in the name of King MacCalister, I have come to claim military aid.
Phillipe was paralyzed by my words. He couldn't make a sound at first, but after what seemed like minutes, he blinked and his features became cold.
- That's not possible! - he finally said. - My daughter is dead.
- Do I look dead to you? - I fired a cold shot.
- You're lying! - he said again on an accusatory note. - Do you really think I'll let a daughter of Ravenna cheat on me like she cheated on me several times? You insult my intelligence, young lady. Tell the Ravenna that I would never ally myself with her again and that, of all her tricks, this was the worst blow.
Phillipe has come closer and closer in a threatening way. Alec came between us to protect me. Soon some soldiers held him by the
