- Yeah, but Brice does! - Roy took a break. - I doubt the idea of union through marriage with the MacBride clan didn't come from that white head. No wonder the clans chose MacCalister to lead him from ancient times.
- I understand! - said Blake settling down.
Blake bowed before he walked out of the hall.
- Blake, one more thing...
- Yeah, right?
- Try to find out everything you can about this Bree guy.
- Yes, sir!
Roy took a deep breath sitting on a chair and if served a drink was on the table on a silver platter. He stretched his legs and let his thoughts go one morning, two years earlier. Roy was delighted to remember the way Aideen screamed at every blow. He closed his eyes tightly as he remembered Aileen's vision running toward the guards. It prevented him from having an orgasm and his goal was frustrated. A slingshot in his abdomen caused him to growl. Raising his tunic, he contemplated the thick scar that went through his waist, going almost to his navel. It's pure luck he survived that coup.
- Damn you, Aila! - he whispered. - If I had had the chance to get my hands on that bastard, she would have known how bad it is to threaten Roy MacGregor, and she would never have crossed swords with me.
The image of the remembrance of Aila MacBride's sword thread hitting the skin of her abdomen made Roy moan, but soon after he smiled.
- I hope you're in hell, you fucking witch!
Chapter 04
Alec
Two months later...
I spotted the camp as soon as I got off the trail and started walking down the hill. I was surprised to see countless tents. I had no idea my brother had gathered so many men. It looked like all of Scotland was camped out by the siege of Edinburgh. It was the first time I stepped on a war camp and wanted to prove that I was as capable as my brother. Since he was very young, Alistair has always had the habit of protecting us and this got much worse after Cora's death. I carried the blame for not being able to stop Roy's men. My brother carried the blame for not being able to protect you both. I promised her I'd live long enough to rip the heads off the men who made her suffer. Thanks to Bruce, one of them was already dead, but there was still Morvan. I'd have the great pleasure of looking deep into his eyes before I killed him.
- Good morning! - I said as soon as I saw one of my brother's men. - Do you know where I can find Bree?
- Yes, my lord! - said the man bowing. - My lady went to separate a fight in the tavern.
- A fight?
- Yeah. - He made a face. - Some men don't know how to behave and she's been called in. Sometimes some cross the line.
- I see! - said looking from one side to the other. - Could you point the way to the village where that tavern is?
- Ah! Of course I do! - he said in a lively way. - If you want, I can take you there, because it's not too far. Where are your men?
I sighed looking at the young man who seemed too excited and worried at the same time.
- Thank you very much for your kindness, but I didn't come with any guards.
- All right! All right! Follow me and I'll take you to the tavern.
The boy rode a horse and we followed a trail in the woods. We walked for no more than ten minutes and then I saw the wooden gates that were guarded not only by villagers but also by men from Alistair.
- This is the only village near our camp. - said the boy as soon as we passed the gates. He made a gesture to greet the others who waved at him. - Prince Alistair was keen to maintain the security of the place, as the tavern and the brothel are our only means of distraction.
- Don't the women go to the camp? - I asked by frowning.
- It's not safe to walk along the trails because we don't know where MacGregor's men have been going. Therefore, the entry of any civilian into the camp is forbidden. It's a matter of security, if you know what I mean.
The boy blinked at me and I nodded. I had heard of men being infiltrated among the troops to bring information to Edinburgh. Even prostitutes were suspects.
- We're here! - said the boy taking me out of reverie. - This is it!
I looked at the tavern built of stones. The door was closed, but you could hear the laughter coming from inside. We got off the horses and I put the sword on my waist. I could feel the heat emanating from inside the room as soon as the boy opened the door. There was a fireplace lit and several torches lit the place. Some people stopped to look in our direction, but most seemed entertained with the music or a good conversation and didn't care.
- Are you sure she's here?
- Yes, sir! Yes, sir!
I looked around. That was no place for a lady, even if she was the leader of an army and lived with several men. There were women sitting on men's collars. They kissed and caressed them boldly even in public. It really wasn't a place for a woman who wasn't
