"I'm sorry, daddy" a quiet, little voice said from his side.
Fergus paused in sharpening his sword as he looked down at his little princess, Merida.
"For what, my wee lass?" he asked as he put his sword down and pulled his daughter to his lap.
"For making you lose your leg to Mor'du" she said burying her face into his stomach.
Fergus felt his heart clench at her words. He brought both his arms up to hug her closer to him. It was his duty as her father to protect her and if he came to harm in doing that, so be it. He would do all in his power to spare her of any harm or pain.
"As your father, it is my duty to protect you. I would never allow any harm to come to you, you are too precious to me."
"Really?"
"Really"
Merida nodded and was about to say something else but a yawn interrupted her. Fergus just smiled as he lifted his baby girl so her head could rest on his shoulder.
"Are you tried, little one? Go on and sleep, I'll take you back to your room" the king said as he made to stand but stopped when he heard Merida say something.
"What did you say, darling?"
"I'm scared to go to my room"
"Why's that?"
"I keep having bad dreams about Mor'du"
"I won't let him hurt you, Merida. We'll stay here then and I will watch over you as you sleep and chase Mor'du away when he comes."
"Promise, daddy?"
"I promise, my little princess."
Father and daughter stayed like that all night, the king protecting his daughter from her nightmares and his hold on her never lessening.