After an hour, Adonis left to take his shift from his sister, and Garath retired to his room, leaving Emily alone.
Emily walked to her room, looking around to see if Foldar was there. She bumped into another person, and she smiled apologetically and said, "I'm sorry. I didn't see you there."
"You should watch where you're going, Princess. You could end up getting gutted if you don't," said a female voice. The woman moved into the light and her gray eyes looked her up and down. The woman's face was covered by a hood and a scarf that was almost are red as blood. Her suit was tight fit and showed off her curves while also portraying her deadliness.
Emily held back a glare. "The only one who calls me that is Adonis." She said. "And maybe you should watch where you're going as well."
"Ah yes, my baby brother," she mused. Her cold gaze looked toward Emily and she narrowed her eyes. "My brother is awfully close to you. I'd watch your back, Princess, or something...unfortunate might happen," she purred before she moved gracefully and quietly past Emily, moving into the shadows.
"I do hope that wasn't a threat." Emily said. "I can fight for myself."
The woman did not reply, but within a moment she seemed to vanish into the darkness.
Emily watched her leave, before going to her room. She sat down on her bed, looking at the door for a moment, pondering what the other girl had said. "Something unfortunate?" She repeated.
The next afternoon, Adonis was outside, checking out the horses with Garath as Garath had been asked to make sure they could depart soon while he sat and baby sat the castle.
Emily joined them outside after a moment. "I think I ran into your sister yesterday." She told Adonis. "I don't think she likes me very much."
Adonis looked at her. "She's not very social, and she doesn't want me to be distracted from our job by a girl. Not that it's going to stop me," he said, smiling and giving her a wink.
Emily winked back at him, then turned to Garath. "Father told me you two were out here preparing the horses." She offered in explanation. "Said something about telling you to prepare just in case you're needed on the battlefield."
"Fat chance he'll let me within ten miles of it," Garath grumbled.
"Don't say that. I'm the one who convinced him to let you be prepared in case we need you. You have a great skill set. We need to use it for our own good."
Garath snorted but said nothing.
Emily sighed. "Look, I know you want to be on the battlefield, but I'd feel better if you were here. You're still my little brother, no matter how strong you are...I just want you to be safe."
He deadpanned. "I may be younger, but my magic is much stronger than yours," he said.
"Do you really think I don't know that? I know you could kick my butt on a good day." She said. "But that isn't a good place for you to be. Not right now."
Garath just gave her a look before he stomped ahead, checking the horses. Adonis watched him and then looked at Emily. "I wouldn't try to talk to him, he's given his 'drop the conversation or else' aura."
"I'm only trying to protect him a little bit." Emily said, quietly. "I didn't do that when we were kids, so I guess I'm trying to make up for it now." She shrugged.
"Well, I don't think he appreciates it. He's growing out of childhood and into adulthood. The last thing a boy wants at his age is for someone to hold him back," Adonis said. "I know because I was once his age."
Emily looked at him. "Are you sure?"
"About what?" he asked, looking at her.
"All of this. I'm worried that I'm not doing the right thing here.."
"What is the right thing exactly? To everyone, that question has a different answer. I've never had a good answer because I rarely get a choice in the matter. I'm hired to do my job, and so far, breaking a contract results in consequences." He looked at her and wrapped her in a hug. "My advice is to follow your heart. You have the ability to and the option. Take it."
She rested her head on his shoulder and thought for a moment. "Try to stay safe for me?"
"I'll do my best," he said, kissing the top of her head.
She looked at him. "That's all I ask for." She said, kissing him softly.
He smiled and kissed her back.
"Hey, Adonis, could I speak to you for a moment?" called Garath, peeking his head back into the stables after he'd left.
"Uh, sure," he said, breaking away from Emily. He gave her a wink before he headed toward her brother.
Emily watched them go for a moment, before turning to saddle her horse. She was worried about what Garath had to say to Adonis, but she didn't say it aloud.
Adonis and Garath disappeared around the corner and neither reappeared until a few hours later when only Garath returned.
Emily looked over at Garath. "Hey..." She said. "Where's Adonis?" She asked, looking over her brother's shoulder.
"He had some work to do," he said as he stopped in front of his horse and rubbed it's head.
Emily looked at him, and nodded. "Are you coming with my part of the army?"
"No, I'm babysitting the castle," he said bitterly. Then he looked at her. "But I father said Adonis will be out in the field while his sister babysits me," he said.
Emily smiled to herself. Maybe, she thought, he'd be with her. So she could keep an eye on him, of course.
"Well, I'm going to head in for the night. You guys will be heading out in the morning," he said before he turned and left, going back inside.
"Good night!" She called, her thoughts running a million miles ahead of her. After a moment, she smiled at Dancer, loosened her girth straps, and went in for the night.
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