Page 3 of Ruby Queen
Chapter 2
Rory stood in the courtyard, fire dancing across the ground. She’d felt so much anger and frustration over Dimitra’s kidnapping, that she regularly expelled her magic. It built up to an uncomfortable tingle in her body. Releasing it was the only way to prevent accidentally burning down the castle.
“Rory.”
Rory glanced over her shoulder at Captain Blake.
“What is it, Captain?”
“I spoke with Commander Holsten.”
Rory waved her palm, extinguishing the orange flicker of heat.
“And?” she turned, waiting for his reply.
“He said he will be there a bit longer. And when Queen Nite was ready, she would call a meeting.”
“I don’t suspect he will be coming home.”
“What? Why would you say that?”
“Captain. I don’t take you for a fool.” Rory started to pass him, “Commander Holsten is in love with the queen. And,” she blew out a breath, “I suspect she is in love with him. When she accepts her heart’s desire, the Commander will not be coming home. We should probably sit down and plan your new role.”
“Are you serious?”
Rory held his gaze, “Very. Are you ready to assume the commander position? Once I talk with Constable Phillips, you’ll be promoted.”
“Don’t you think you should talk to the Commander first?”
“I will… but we must be prepared. Anthony,” she whispered his name, “you know as well as I do, he didn’t go to the Onyx kingdom because I asked him too. He went because he needed to see her.”
“And what about you, Rory.” Anthony stepped closer and ran his hand down her cheek, “When will you allow love into your life.”
“Stop…” she stepped back, “What happened between us was a mistake.”
“A mistake?” Anthony hissed, “Once is a mistake, Rory. What we share was more than a passing fling.”
“Anthony, I’ve explained to you why. Please…” Rory pulled open the patio door, “I can’t do this with you.”
“Rory… You must stop running. I’ve told you time and again – I love all of you. I accept everything…”
“STOP.” Rory cut him off, “Anthony. DO NOT ever repeat what I told you. Do you understand the damage it would cause?”
“I think you’re wrong. I believe the kingdom would accept you – no matter what. You are a fair and kind Queen. That’s all that is important. Not who you chose to love, Rory. But I’ll let it go for now. Eventually, you’ll have to choose or risk losing us both.”
Anthony walked away, leaving Rory to stare at his backside. Squeezing her eyes closed, she prayed for something good to happen. The kingdoms were under so much pressure since King and Queen Virid were killed.
“Are you just going to leave the door open?” Rory’s mother stood with her arms folded across her chest.
“No, mother.” Stepping into the room, she tugged the door closed. “What do you need? Is something wrong with father?”
“You mean besides dying?” Queen Rachel sat on the chaise lounge.
“Jesus, mother.”
“Rory…” she looked at her nails and smiled, “You need to find a husband. Your father doesn’t have much time, and he’d like to see his daughter walk down the aisle with someone.”
“Do you just want me to snatch a man up and force him to wed?”
