Catherine ignored the rambling Lord Gem and his wife, and soon out ran Oriole, reaching the stable first. Ember sat inside, sobbing. The girl, whom Catherine assumed was Becca, was trying her best to console Ember. The horses neighed uneasily, and the cool evening breeze whistled through the trees.
“What's wrong?” Oriole asked gasping for air.
Becca lifted her head. Her light brown hair was piled on top her head, and her chocolate brown eyes were pooled with compassion. “My brother has returned sooner than expected. We just got word that he is staying in Rubina and will be here by the end of next week. Father and Mother wish them to be wed right away.”
“Becca! That is not what distresses me most,” Ember looked up. Her eyes were red and glistening tear streaks ran down her cheeks. “I don't want to lose my best friend to Lord Whatever-his name-is across the sea.”
Becca looked away, choking back her own tears. “It is the custom of countries making peace to each give a princess to the other country. Since Princess Amanda is already wed, I was the second choice.”
“But I'm losing my freedom and best friend all in the same year!”
Becca attempted to smile.“I know I told you my brother acts like a stingy old man, but I assure you he won't keep you locked in cage.”
Ember didn't look convinced. Amy rushed to her sister's side and gave her a hug. “If he does, I'll find a way to get you out.”
Oriole rolled her eyes.
“I'm sorry I invited you on such a crazy day, Cricket.” Ember stood up and dusted off her skirt. “You must think me terribly emotional. I don't normally act like this...”
Catherine shook her head. “You Rubians are just plain weird.”
“How?” Oriole challenged.
“You let others see your weaknesses and cry unashamedly, and you believe in some fantasy being called Sum whom no one has ever seen!”
“Don't you ever cry?” Amy asked.
“No.”
“Never?” Amy's eyes were huge violet saucers.
“Never--” Catherine stopped. That wasn't true. She had, when she was little; but she was beaten for it. Crying wasn't tolerated in the Dark Land. Catherine didn't know what it was about these Rubians, that made her want tell the truth. They were just so honest with each other, and her, a complete stranger. “Actually, I did. When I was younger...”
“You don't cry anymore? Ever?” Oriole chimed in.
“Weaklings don't make it very far in the Dark Land.”
“But crying isn't a weakness!” Ember exclaimed. “It's an expression of deep feeling. Those unashamed of their tears show that they are unafraid to show their heart, the real person, deep down inside. People should never be ashamed of who Sum created them.”
Catherine's thoughts spun wildly. These ideas were so new to her. She just couldn't grasp them, yet somewhere deep inside she knew Ember was right. Many times she had felt like crying or expressing her true feelings, but had hidden them in fear. She didn't want anyone to see the real person she was, but there was a part of her that wanted set free. This wasn't the Dark Land. Could she, perhaps, share her secret with these girls?
Suddenly the sound of pounding hooves and shouting split the silence. A horse rode up to the house. Its rider frantically shouted for Lord Gem. The Lord, Lady, and Ember's parents burst through the front door of the house. Ember's little brothers and Aaron came running from behind the cottage.
“Lord Gem! A fleet of Dark Landian ships have taken port in Markland's Bay. They are demanding your presence immediately.” The messenger slid off his horse, gasping for air.
“What do they want from me? Come on, speak up, Lad,” Lord Gem demanded.
“They accuse you of stealing, Sir.”
“Stealing what? I have never set foot in their land or ever even cared to. The river blocks most of our access to them, and the only other way is by sea.”
“Sir, they claim you have stolen their prince's bride.”
“What?!?! I have no need for his bride!” Lord Gem huffed. He called for his servants to bring the horses.
Catherine's stomach churned. They had figured out where she was, and so quickly. If she did not leave soon, this family would be in danger, or all of Ruby for that matter. She should just turn herself in. Fear settled on her like a fog. Would she ever be free? What if Ember already suspected who she was? Would she turn her in? Catherine glanced over at her. Ember examined her curiously, but said nothing. As the Gems prepared to leave, Catherine saw her chance to escape. Silently, she slipped into the shadows of the woods and disappeared.
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