Thanks for reading! I don't own Twilight.

Emmett returned after a few hours with two horses in tow. Alice and I had packed some food, clothes, and water skins into three bags while he was gone. Alice took a hair cloth and pinned it to my head so my hair wouldn't be as noticeable on the ride. While many people would be fooled by me wearing normal clothes, my hair had always been a giveaway as to who I was. I looked in the mirror one last time and smiled at the fact that I no longer looked like a princess playing dress up.

Alice and I grabbed the packs, going out to tie them on the horses. "I thought we were each going to have a horse?" Alice asked.

Emmett took the packs to secure them down and grumbled. "We were. These were the only two that I could get on short notice without raising suspicion though. Two of us will just have to ride together."

Alice and Emmett looked to me at the same time. "I'll ride with Emmett," I decided. "You two know where we are going, and should there be any trouble, I don't need to end up lost."

Emmett nodded and helped the tiny Alice get onto her horse. She smiled and took off at a walk, knowing we would catch up shortly. Emmett put his hands on my waist to lift me up onto the horse, and I felt myself enjoying his strong hands at my hips. He hopped on behind me a moment later, putting his arms on either side of me to grab the reins.

"So," I began as we started after Alice. "How do you and Alice know each other?"

I felt Emmett's chuckle behind me. "Her parents tried to marrying her off to me."

I busted out laughing at the thought of the tiny girl with this bulking giant of a man. "And what happened?"

"We knew that would never work out the first time we met each other. She had her sights set on the captain of the southern outpost anyway. Her family owns an inn in town and he would visit often, just talking with her. We told them the marriage wouldn't work and I left the little coast town to move to the outskirts of our capital."

"And what is it that you do there?"

"I'm a hired hand for the guard. They will hire me out to handle little problems that come up or deal with out of hand villagers."

I nodded, watching the scenery around us. The plains were gorgeous with flowers blooming all around, and you could see the rolling hills in the distance. We caught up with Alice after several minutes and fell into step with her. The feel of Emmett's muscled arms at my side was a comfort on the journey where everything else seemed so far out of my reach.

XxXxX

We rode for the rest of the day and found a small covering to set up camp for the night. To the rest of the world, we would appear to be nothing more three travelers heading south. Emmett started a fire while I spread out bed rolls. Alice ran off to gather some herbs in case anyone felt ill or got injured on the road. I took a seat by the fire and felt the warmth sink into my chilled skin. Emmett plopped down next to me, and Alice returned just moments later.

"So, Rosalie, tell us some stories. What is life really like in the royal castle?"

I looked at the fire for a moment, wondering what to even tell them about. Then I smiled, thinking of a wonderful story. "One time when I was only 8 or 9 years old, I decided that I would no longer be a princess. I was going to be a member of the royal guard. I snuck out of my room late that night and ran through the halls. My best friend, Isabella, was in bed asleep, but I crept in and woke her up. I told her all about my plans, and she quickly decided to go with me. The two of us young girls made our way through the castle and to the armory without being spotted. That's when the fun began."

Alice laughed, sitting up straighter. Emmett had a smile on his face at my silly childhood antics.

"When they found us in the morning, we were wearing breastplates, combat boots, and helmets. Obviously, they were all way too big for us so we looked hilarious. We had training swords that we tried to use the night before, but neither of us really knew what to do with them. I was still determined to become a member of the guard though. My mother was mortified, but my father taught me in secret many nights. What nobody really knows in the castle is that I can pretty well hold my own with a sword."

Emmett let out a whistle, "Not to offend, princess, but that's very appealing."

Alice scoffed, throwing a twig at him. "You pig. That is so neat that you learned that. Would you maybe, teach me some of it when we get to my home?"

I nodded, smiling at them. "Of course. I don't know how much of a teacher I'll be, but I can definitely try." I looked toward Emmett. "Alright, you giant of a man. You're turn for a story."

Emmett chuckled, leaning back against a tree trunk. "Well let's see here. I could tell you about the many women that chase me day and night. Or the villagers I've had to arrest for theft. Or-"

"Emmett," Alice interrupted quickly, "Tell us about the girl you saw that one night. Your dream girl." Alice teased.

Emmett laughed nervously and then sighed, "Alright fine. No judgment, Rosalie."

I laughed quickly, holding my hands up to show my innocence.

"Alright so one night, maybe a year ago, I went out into the forest by the house to get some wood for my fire. I got to the little lake and there was a girl there. She was bathing in the water and the moonlight through the trees put a glow on everything. I didn't stay and watch. I'm not that kind of guy to spy on naked girl's. I did notice how gorgeous she was though. She must have heard me in the trees because she yelled at me. She said 'You better not be some pervert watching me bathe. Get the hell out here right now!' I chuckled as I made my way back to my house, a pile of firewood in my arms. That was my dream girl."

Emmett told the story as he leaned against the tree with his eyes closed. I felt everything rush from my body as he told the story and stared wide-eyed the more he talked. I blinked a few times at the end, not letting the blush show on my face. He opened them when he finished and pointed a finger. "Alright, little lady."

Alice chuckled sitting up tall and clearing her throat. "When I was just 15, a young guard came into the tavern. He was by far the most gorgeous man I had ever seen with his blond hair and strong facial features. I, of course, had to be the one to waitress his table. He watched me as I moved around the tavern, and I knew that he was into me. Well he left that night and stayed gone for a long while. When I was 17, he returned. He actually spoke to me and told me that he remembered me and his name is Jasper. Member of the southern branch of the royal guard. I curtsied for him and he smiled, encouraging me to sit and talk with him. I did for a moment, but he remained to take all of the moments with me he could get. Then he left again. I found out where he was posted and made the journey during the night for just mere minutes with him, only to return home before morning came. He's going to marry me, he says. As soon as we get enough money and he can break the contract with the guard."

I smiled, watching Alice tell her story. I wanted someone that made me smile like that. Not someone like Royce that would make me fear for my safety. We talked about nothing for a little while, and then curled up on our bed rolls to get some sleep. I felt the warmth of the fire and sighed. Maybe everything would work out.

XxXxX

I was woken up only hours later, Alice's small hand shaking me awake. "We have to move right now. Some guards are combing the area nearby."

I quickly hopped up and helped load everything back onto the two horses. We were off riding only moments later, Emmett's arms around me. We saw some guards break through the trees ahead, and I cautiously reached up to secure my head covering.

Emmett's lips were against my ear as he spoke quickly and quietly. "Alice and I decided on a story to tell during the journey there. Play along. You're my new bride, we're too broke for rings. We're on our way to stay with your cousin, Alice, for awhile and make some money. And remember, your name is Emaline."

I nodded once, feeling myself tense up the closer we got to the guards. They couldn't know who I was. This couldn't all be for nothing. I felt one of Emmett's hands land on my thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. I let the tension out of my body in a sigh. I had to be able to play this part.

The guards waved us down and we pulled the horses to a stop. "Good evening, guardsmen," Alice said in her soft voice.

"It's awfully late to be riding. Where you all headed?" One of the guards asked as the other walked around the horses.

"We were too eager to get to my home. We're all headed to the coast where my family lives. My cousin here, Emaline, just married Emmett and we're going to celebrate." Alice turned to us, a huge smile on her face.

The guard walked closer and looked to Emmett. "This true?"

Emmett nodded once, his arm wrapping around my waist. "Sure is, sir. Married yesterday."

I gave the guard a shy smile as he looked at me.

"Alright. Carry on." The guards turned and continued on their path through the forest.

Emmett and Alice continued the horses on their way, and I smiled under the hood. We rode in silence, not wanting to disturb the night around us too much. Emmett said that large beasts patrol at night, and we wouldn't want to draw their attention. I felt my head nod at one point, and Emmett chuckled behind me.

"I got you, Rosalie. You can lean your head back and rest, if you wish. I know this has been difficult for you." His voice rumbled his chest against my back.

"Thanks you, Emmett. Wake me if anything happens." I tipped my head back, feeling his arms secure around me. Somehow I felt safe here with these two people. Practically strangers, but all that I have left in the world. I closed my eyes and gave myself to sleep.

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