Page 17 of Ruby Queen
Chapter 12
“Your Majesty,” Constable Philips greeted her at the door to his office.
“Constable,” Rory sat down, “Do you have anything new on who attempted to kill Ms. Fitzgerald?”
“We believe whoever took Dimitra is the same person responsible for the explosion, the deaths of King and Queen Virid, and the attempt on Ms. Fitzgerald’s life. We just don’t understand why.”
“Well, once Queen Nite tells us what was in that damn journal… we may have an idea. I’m pretty sure it’s all related somehow.”
“Your Majesty, we need to discuss the wedding.”
Rory slumped into the chair. She’d postponed the wedding, telling the Constable she needed more time. Now two weeks later, he was on her again.
“Constable… can’t that wait?”
“No. I’m afraid another letter came today.”
“What? Where is it?”
The Constable pulled out a small envelope and handed it over to her. Rory ran her finger across the smooth parchment and shook her head.
“No return address. How did you come across this?”
“Someone just stuck it in with the rest of the mail.”
“God damn it. We need a camera on the intake for mail. Maybe we can spot who is leaving these.”
Rory slipped her finger under the flap and tore it open. “Shit,” she sucked her thumb into her mouth. She’d given herself a papercut trying to tear the damn thing open.
A heart divided cannot protect.
The clock is ticking and time is running out.
Soon your kingdom will burn to ash.
“This is it?” Rory tossed the paper to the Constable.
“Yes. But, Your Majesty,” he picked up the letter, “What does it mean a heart divided?”
Rory swallowed, “What do you mean?”
He tossed his glasses to the desk, “I won’t beat around the bush, Rory.”
He stood and paced, “There have been some murmurs about the company you’re keeping.”
“I don’t understand?”
“Commander Blake lives in your quarters now, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Ms. Fitzgerald has been seen in your room late at night. Why is that?”
Rory stood, she’d put off this conversation, but now… there was no hiding anymore.
“Constable… As the Queen who I choose to spend my time with is no one’s business. However, considering the recent events, you must be included in the know. I am in love with Anthony…” she paused, “and Christine. She is the reason I did not want to marry. Anthony knows this and supports the unusual nature of my relationship with her.”
Constable Philips sat on the edge of his desk, “Your Majesty… I,” he ran his hand over his face, “We will need time to formulate your release to the kingdom. I do not think the older members of the community will understand, but I will support you in any way I can.”
