Page 8 of Ruby Queen
Chapter 5
“I hear you’ve decided to marry after all.” Rory’s mother stormed into the library.
“Yes, mother. Constable Philips posed a valid argument after I received a threatening letter like Emersyn.”
“What letter?”
“It doesn’t matter, mother. All that matters is I am to be married in a week.”
“And to whom?”
“Anthony Blake. Captain Blake,” Rory sighed.
“You sound so thrilled, Rory. He loves you, I heard him tell you that the other day. Yet – you seem so indignant. Why is that?”
“Yes. He loves me. And perhaps, there is a part of me that loves him. It’s just…” Rory shook her head, “never mind.”
“Get over yourself, Rory. You’re the Queen. This is expected of you.”
“That’s true, but not like this. I should be allowed to choose who and when I get married.”
“You sound like a spoiled brat.”
“You’re right. This is for the kingdom and for my father. My feelings do not matter.”
Rory thought back to the letter. As much as she didn’t want to believe the words written, it was right. Her heart was divided between two. One heart she could have, and the other would tear the kingdom in two. What Rory was having a hard time understanding was the implication she’d lose a fight, and her kingdom would burn. What did her heart have to do with protecting her people?
“I’ll let your father know you’re getting married, but you need to tell him when. You hardly ever stop in to see him, Rory.”
“I’ll come by tonight. I need to work some things out first.”
Rory watched as Christine greeted her mother, who was exiting the room. Taking a deep breath, she smiled at Christine, looking for a sign on how she was feeling.
“Hey,” Rory stepped toward her friend. “So…”
Christine perched herself on the edge of the couch, “Rory,” she began, “I won’t pretend I’m not hurt by this, but I understand it’s for the best. You need to marry him to protect the kingdom. I just thought…” Christine wiped at a tear that’d slipped from her eye.
Rory scooted next to her, placing her hand on her knee, “Please don’t cry. I didn’t want this. I… I can’t lose you too.”
Christine placed her hand over Rory’s, “You won’t lose me, Rory. But it will be hard watching you two together. And I know you had a history… I’d be foolish to think you won’t sleep with him again.”
Rory ducked her head to try and hide the blush covering her cheeks. Christine gasped, “You already did, didn’t you?”
Rory nodded slightly, “I’m so sorry, Christine.” Christine stood abruptly, yanking her hand from Rory. “I need some time alone, Rory. This is a lot to take, and right now, my heart feels like it is being crushed.”
“Christine, please.” Rory reached out for her friend's hand, “You know this isn’t what I want.”
“Really? Because sleeping with him gives me a different impression. I need to go.”
Rory followed Christine to the door, “Please, don’t walk away like this. We can get through this together.”
Rory’s phone rang in her pocket, causing Christine to look back at her, “You should get that. The kingdom could need something.”
Rory pressed her fingers to the bridge of her nose and squeezed. Her magic was bubbling to get out. It was building up from all the emotions she was feeling. Snatching the phone open, “This better be important.”
“Your Majesty.” Commander Holsten’s voice filled the line.
“Commander… I wasn’t expecting you to call me. Is everything ok?”
