Emerald's Rogue (Part 3)

He was like a father to her.

"Join them now." Were his last words. Rogue turned to go after Justin but he was gone. He screamed his rage then threw his sword so hard it stuck half way threw a wood post.

His glance fell upon Emerald and he went to her and picked her up and took her to his room. He looked down at the young woman. Her cheeks tear stained but for whom he did not know. He laid her on the bed then left her to her mother and maid.

Rogue went back to the bailey as they where placing Joseph on a stretcher. The sword lay on the ground, bloody.

"Justin will have no peace. I will hunt him to my last days." He swore.

"No son. He must live with this crime. He will be found and punished, make no mistake about that. Joseph wants you two to wed. We will return and make the preparations while you finish the year. It is only three months. Graduate then, come to Whitington for the wedding." Jacob said to his son. The young man’s face was very grim.

"My lord your daughter fainted when she saw my uncle murdered. She is in my room and I am sure she will need your strength." He stated flatly.

"Thank you." Alex said as he went to his family.

"This is a black day for all. Go help prepare him. Your mother needs me now." Rogue nodded and followed the body of his uncle. The only other man in the world he held as high as his father if not a bit higher.

Justin crouched down under the bridge in the dark. He was not remorseful for killing his father. He had just wished he had time to stab Rogue when he turned to see the old man die, but Justin knew he had to flee.

The rain started shortly after the murder and Justin had nowhere to go. It was then he heard his friends calling for him. Slowly he came out of hiding. They took him to a tavern and told him everything.

"Damn this day." He cursed as he drank his mead. "If I could have only had my way with her, Rogue would not have wanted her and then things would be better and she would have my bastard in her belly." He growled.

"They are to be wed in three months at her families. Both are being allowed to finish out the year but she will have more watch dogs than before." One of his friends told him. Justin’s mind set to work and he began to plan his revenge.

He wrote Emerald a letter, explaining things so he looked innocent and Rogue looked guilty. He swore that he still loved her and begged her to not be harsh with him and to find it in her heart to forgive him. He signed it then sent it will his friend Thomas who was the most innocent looking yet one of the more deviant of the group.

Emerald read the letter quickly then wrote back.

"My Dearest Justin,

I do not hold you for the blame. If Rogue had been man enough to see that I love you and not him and had he been man enough to release me from this betrothal none of this would have happened. I do still love you and shall always. I am sure we can find someway to be together. I have lived by my families’ wants and wishes to long.