Emerald's Rogue (Part 5)

Chapter Eight

Emerald spent the next few days with her mother in the mornings and her sisters and their children in the afternoon. In the evening she would help prepare dinner and do whatever else she could to keep away from Rogue, but after dinner she had no choice but to retire with him.

She had a corner near the fire set up with her needlework. She had already made three small pillows and was half done with gown for Sarah. Rogue would sit contently in the other chair pretending to read. He would actually hold the book at the right angle that he could watch her every move.

He had realized that he was in love when he had the wedding ring engraved. At first he had done it to show her that he would always be the master of the house, but later that day as he stared at the ring he knew he was falling in love.

He knew he wanted Emerald to love him if she would just let herself. She disliked him a great deal and that emotion could eventually be turned to love. He prayed the Gods and Goddesses would let him know that love before his life ended on this world.

Emerald suddenly rose and went to change for bed when a knock came to their door. Rogue got up and opened it to find a pale-faced boy there with a note in his hand.

Rogue scanned it quickly then nodded at the boy who quickly ran away to deliver other like notes. Without saying a word to Emerald he grabbed his sword and dagger then put another dagger in each boot. His actions alarmed her.

"What is happening my lord?" She asked, her hands bound tightly together before her chest. He looked up at her fearful face.

"War has broken out. I must go ready my men. We leave at dawn. I have to send word to my men at my castle at the base of Blackwater Mountains." He moved over to her and looked deeply into her jade eyes that where now dark with worry.

"Will you worry over me, my wife?" He asked softly.

"I shall worry about all my kinsmen." She answered trying to avoid his direct question.

"That is not what I asked." He gently took her chin in his hand and made her look at him. "Will you worry over me?"

"I..." There was another urgent bang on the door then Alex barged in.

"Sorry to ruin a sweet moment but Shadow Knights have been spotted half a day’s journey from here. We must destroy them before they get any closer to our homes." He hugged his daughter tightly then hurried out.

"Kiss me, just once before I go off to battle." He said softly as he pulled her close and ever so gently kissed her. Emerald did not fight because he was so gentle and she thought there was the tiny chance he would not come home alive. As he turned to leave she quickly cut a small braid she had in her hair that was tied at either end with a mint green ribbon.

"Rogue." She called out. He turned to see the offered gift. "To keep evil from you...nothing more." She added quickly as she saw his eyes soften.

She hurried away to the window so he would not see her tears. She heard the door close quiet then burst into full tears.