Page 5 of Ruby Queen
Chapter 3
“Rory.”
Rory woke to the soft sound of someone calling her name. She’d fallen asleep on the couch after her fight with her mother.
“Christine,” Rory stretched, “I must have fallen asleep.”
“The constable is looking for you. I told him you’d fallen asleep, but he said it’s urgent.”
“Fine…” Rory stretched, the smooth skin of her belly peeking out from under her shirt. “Sorry.” Standing, she tugged the fabric down and shook her head. “About what you heard earlier.”
“It’s not my business. Your mother’s right, though.”
“Right about what?”
“You should marry someone before he dies. You’ll regret it later if you don’t.”
“I’m not going to marry someone just to please him. How can I possibly marry someone while Dimitra is missing anyway?”
“Please… Dimitra wouldn’t want you waiting to do something for your dying father, Rory. Don’t use that as your excuse.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m not getting married.” Rory walked out of the room, Christine close behind her.
“Never?”
“Not like this. No.”
“So… you and Blake, huh?”
“I’ve told you before… it’s complicated.”
“And I’ve told you…” Christine followed Rory into the Constable's office.
“Queen Vermilion,” Constable Phillips cut Christine off, halting their conversation. “I’m sorry to wake you, but a letter came for you.”
“A letter?”
“Yes. Here,” the Constable thrust the plain white envelope into her hands, “It’s like the one Emersyn got. It could be a clue to Dimitra’s kidnapping.”
Rory ripped the seal, practically ripping the note in the process. Unfolding the parchment, she held her breath as she read.
Hidden in lies, your heart beats for two,
Not one, but both beat equally for you.
Burning like an ember in the night,
Blinded by love, you’ll lose the fight.
The time draws near for all to expire
Your kingdom will burn within the fire.
“What does this mean?” Rory tossed the paper at the Constable. “Someone is messing with us. Blinded by love? It makes no sense. Perhaps this was meant for another kingdom.”
“No…, it was addressed to you.”
Constable glanced at Captain Blake, who was standing behind Rory, “Your Majesty. Perhaps it’s time you married as your father wishes. Then, whoever sent this will see their error.”
