Emerald's Rogue (Part 2)

If she goes about the city, she must have guards at all times and though I know it is not practical I wish her to know how to use a dagger." Alex chuckled at the last.

"My boy she has handled a dagger longer than she has a quill. I taught her at a very young age. Lily scolded me for months about it but I did it anyway. There are times I had wished Emerald had been born a man. She would be a great one, but I know she is and will be a greater woman. She has a sharp mind, even if she is naive right now.

"She knows many things that only men should know and all that a woman does. She does still have much to learn though. I will however agree to have guards with her at all times. Alice is going with her and will die before she let’s harm come to my daughter. She has sworn this to me many times and I believe her. Don’t worry about Emerald, worry about yourself. As my daughter has gotten older she has become more stubborn and strong-willed, even towards me and she worships me." They laughed. They walked back to the party not realizing that Justin had heard everything.

"Damn you cousin. No matter, I will get Emerald, the title and your blood. One way or another." He smiled with evil intent as he also went back to the party and joined in the festivities.

The next morning Lord and Lady Whitington and Hawkington, Eliza, Beth, and Lisa were the only ones that did not go out hunting. The rest couldn’t wait.

Emerald wore a brilliant violet riding habit and had her hair tightly braided and bound with matching ribbons. Her sister Alexandria was dressed in a royal blue and Sarah wore burgundy.

Maria and Gwen both wore forest green, but Maria had a yellow under dress while Gwen wore a lighter shade of green.

All the men were dressed in either browns or blacks, all but Rogue, who wore smoke gray. He stood out on purpose as did Emerald.

They all laughed and enjoyed the warmth of the day. Emerald shot a deer in the first hour and Rogue a mighty stag in the next. The rest of the party wasn’t so lucky but enjoyed themselves none the less.

Maria had brought her falcon along and it had caught a dozen small game birds and two rabbits. Her husband’s gerfalcon had caught twice as many rabbits but fewer birds.

"We shall feast tonight." Rogue stated proudly. "Emerald will you cook for us. You did boost that you could." He teased at her surprised look.

"Only if you dazzle us with your musical talents that you boosted about my lord." She threw back. He knew he was caught in his own game.

"Very well. Let’s hope your cooking is as good as my music."

"It’s better." She stated and took off on her horse, her laughter trailing behind her.

"I think she has issued a challenge you can not keep Cousin." Justin added with a sneer. Rogue glared at him then spurred his horse after her. The rest of the party took suit and followed.

After everyone returned Emerald hurried to her room and changed into a plain gown of soft blue then hurried to the kitchens.

"I will be helping with dinner tonight. My betrothed thinks I cannot cook. Shall we show him otherwise?" She asked the kitchen staff. They all agreed. They loved it when their young mistress would come help or even cook all herself.

That night she had the rabbits prepared for the stew that would be the first course with buttered wheat rolls. For the second course would be the game birds in a wine sauce and wild rice and herbs.