Chapter 371: Bloodbath (1)
Julie wiped her eyes, trying to calm herself before the guard or coachman noticed her appearance and reported it back to her parents.
Julie was relieved that she finally spoke of how she felt, and though her grandmother didn’t seem to understand her feelings, Julie hoped that with a little more thought, Odessa would realise this was happening long before the season started.
Julie rested her head against the carriage and looked outside.
Though Julie spoke confidently about finding a husband, it wasn’t an easy task. All the men the queen introduced her to did not make Julie feel a spark. Some of the men showed great interest in her, but Julie didn’t want to spend the rest of her life with them.
"Why did I speak of finding a husband? This is all a bore," Julie sighed.
Julie wanted to go back to being with her friends and not being so involved with the season. The plan at first was that if anyone caught her eye, then she would court them, not join the rest of the ladies to be on a deep search for a husband.
"I should just- Rue? Rue!" Julie called, opening her door to poke her head out. "Rue!"
Julie was happy to see that the group the carriage rode by had Rue in it.
The carriage stopped abruptly for Julie’s safety.
"Julie!" Rue called as she rode ahead of the group. "Where are you going on this fine day? The weather is perfect for horse riding."
"I was visiting my grandmother’s home, and now I am heading home. Though I am tempted now to go on a ride with you. I need my mood brightened up," said Julie.
Rue offered her hand to Julie. "Then, come along with us. I will take you home."
"You’ll need permission to take her from the carriage. She is already with her guard and coachman," Gideon spoke up.
"The carriage can follow along. Julia only wants to go for a ride. Can’t you speak to the coachman and guard, Gideon?" Rue asked, motioning for Julie to come closer.
"I can," Gideon said, annoyed that he had to do it. "We must get you home by the time we promised your father."
Julie accepted Rue’s hand and, with Rue’s help, she got up onto the carriage.
"You are quite strong, Rue. A little bit more, and I might fall in love with you. Thank you," Julie said, resting her head on Rue’s shoulder. "I had been an emotional mess before I saw you, and I don’t like it. Crying bothers me."
"Well, you are lucky to be with someone who knows how to have fun. I have nothing to do aside from joining my father for matters concerning the border. I hear Penelope has left to be alone with the prince, so you, Lily, and I should be each other’s company," Rue suggested.
"I would like this. I made the silly mistake of deciding it was time to find a husband. I have not found a man who makes me want to devote my time to him. You are lucky, Rue," Julie said, envying how easy it came for Rue.
"How am I lucky? I am not getting married," Rue replied.
"But I hear you have a long line of suitors coming to your doors," said Julie.
"That doesn’t make it easy. Most, if not all, are only interested in my ties to the border and the palace. I am certain they would try to change the woman that I am. I have been avoiding those suitors," Rue said, annoyed just by the thought of them.
Rue hated to see the line grow as the hours passed. She wished for the rain to pour and soak the men, or for it to be winter already, so she could see them freeze. If there were any so bold as to stay behind in hopes of seeing her, Rue would consider gracing them with her presence.
’He said he would send them away,’ Rue thought of Elijah’s plans.
It was what Elijah said, yet the men continued to be at her door.
"It does seem like everyone is riding today," Julie noted as a group of men rode by them.
Julie inspected the group, trying to spot someone she knew. Her eyes widened when the group of men turned around, and their weapons were displayed.
"R-Rue," Julie frantically patted Rue’s back. "Why are their weapons drawn as they come to us? They are not in palace or town guards uniforms."
Rue looked back at the men speeding toward them. Immediately, she knew they meant trouble.
"Gideon!" Rue yelled, getting the attention of the other guards. "Move!"
Rue commanded her horse to go. They couldn’t wait around to see if the men behind them had guns.
Julie wrapped her arms around Rue’s waist, hanging on as best as she could. She leaned forward so her forehead was pressed onto Rue’s back, and she tried to drown out the noises she heard.
Rue was the first one to leave, but she was closely followed by her guards.
Gunshots were heard on both ends, startling Julie.
"Rue."
Rue heard Julie’s trembling voice behind her. If not for having Julie with her, Rue would have turned around to fight instead of running.
"We’re going to be fine. We just need to lose them for a moment," said Rue.
Rue looked back at the fight behind her and noticed how the men attacking weren’t paying much attention to the carriage. They only fired back at Julie’s coachman and guard, but tried to follow the guards from the border.
’It’s us,’ Rue realised.
The target wasn’t the entire group, just those from the border.
Rue faced forward, trying to think of where it would be best to lead these men into a trap. She panicked when she saw more coming toward her.
All Rue thought of was Julie’s safety. Julie didn’t know how to use a sword or gun, so she couldn’t be left alone.
"Gideon! The trees!" Rue yelled, pointing ahead.
It would provide better cover and help split up the group of men.
Gideon rode beside Rue. No matter what, Rue and her friend needed to make it back alive.
Gideon didn’t look back, though there were many sounds of gunshots behind him. He heard groans as men were injured, but he couldn’t tell if they were all from his side.
Gideon fidgeted with the satchel at the side of his horse, searching for the gun given to him by the king. He managed to get his hands on it and looked at Rue.
"We’ll slow them down," Gideon said, wanting Rue to go ahead.
Gideon slowed his horse before turning to fire his gun.