Emilia sat outside with Mary and the other ladies. Her hand toyed with the charm hanging around her neck. A present given to her by Marque.
"I hear Marque's father is ill." Lola said. "His mother wishes him to marry."
"Could there be a wedding in your future?" Aylee asked.
"I hope so." Emilia said.
"He hasn't asked you yet?" Mary asked.
"His mother wishes for him to marry someone of 'higher standing.' Though, he promised to speak with her and convince her to allow him to marry me."
"What could she mean, 'higher standing?' The only standing higher than your own is a queen or princess."
"She needs to sort out her priorities." Greer said.
"Have any of you seen Ellyana?" Bash asked, dashing over to the Scots.
"She's not back yet?" Emilia stood up.
"I'm afraid not. I fear she went to the Blood Wood."
"Damn her." She said under her breath. "Come with me." She grabbed his wrist and pulled him too the stables.
"Get Noctu." She instructed. She tacked her own mare, Levina.
"Sure you can ride in that dress?" He asked.
"Mary's right. You are cheeky." She mounted the white horse and took off in a gallop.
They found Ellyana alone in the Blood Wood next to Olivia's overturned carriage, staring at the bodies hanging by their feet.
"I'm amazed she got away." Emilia said. Sebastian began looking over the bodies when he pulled a dagger from its sheath and began cutting one of the ropes.
"What are you doing?" Ellyana asked.
"He's still breathing. He's alive." Neither of the women moved. "One of you get over here and catch him."
"This is madness." Emilia remarked. "They will make you pay for this."
"I will not let him just die here. Now help me!"
"You're not going to say anything to stop him?" Emilia looked over at Ellyana.
"He can make his own decisions." She shrugged.
"I was wrong. Bash is the one who should use his brain more often." He cut through the rope and, wanting to save him as much as Bash did, Emilia caught him.
"They will make you pay for this." Emilia repeated, gently placing the man on the ground. She mounted Levina and rode back to the castle without the other two.
She returned to the stables and untacked Levina. Giving the mare some oats, she went back to her chambers to retire for the night.
On her way to her room she ran into Marque.
"You seem stressed." He said, looking her over. He pulled her into his arms and she relaxed a bit.
"It's just been a long day." She said. "I need some rest."
"I'll speak with you in the morning then." He placed a soft kiss on her lips and let her go. "I love you. I hope you know that."
"I love you too." He kissed her hand and watched her walk down the hall.