Ruby gathers those of our group at Court together. We are about to walk through the gardens when she makes the announcement. "I am leaving for the continent," she says.
"What?" Mummy asks. "Why? Have we done something?"
Ruby shakes her head. She looks at each of us before she turns her gaze to the flowers. "I think my soulmate could be out there. If they are, I want to find them before they die."
"How do you know they are on this planet?" I step forward and take her hand.
Ruby looks at me and smiles. "I don't, but I've grown fond of this planet. I want to settle here but also wish to see the planet I call home. You understand, right?"
I nod. I cannot deny Ruby this, not when I'm planning to become a sailor myself.
Ruby is staying for a few more days before she leaves for France. "I know this came out of the blue," she tells me, "but I want a chance to explore."
"I understand. I'm planning on becoming a sailor, so I can't deny your right to explore and learn."
Ruby smiles. "Thank you." She sits on the bed. "I cannot help but think they are out there." She looks up at me. "Will I ever find my soulmate?"
"I don't know. You come back in the 1950s and live with Mummy's younger self. I don't think my older self talked to you much."
Ruby nods. "Well, that gives me plenty of time." She stands up again. "I don't know what to say if I meet them. Will they even know I am their soulmate?"
I shrug. How should I know? "Maybe they will, but I don't know how to answer that."
Ruby nods. "Of course, you don't. You haven't met your soulmate."
"I know I will meet him, but whether he will recognise me or not is another matter."
Ruby takes a long time saying goodbye to everyone. I find myself walking through the palace and helping the king. There is not much else I can do while there is no queen to serve. Maybe it's time for me to leave court until Queen Anne either apologises or gets apprehended. But who knows when that will happen? Knowing me, it will take beyond 1536. What should I do if it does?
Thinking like this won't get me anywhere. I'm doing the best I can.
As I walk through the grounds, I hear familiar voices. "Come on," I hear Catalina says, "we must stay together and make our case to the king. Mary, have you got Elizabeth?"
"Yes, Mama," I hear Mary say, "but if we talk to the king, he will demand I become illegitimate."
"Not until he hears what I have to say."
Catalina, Henry Fitzroy, Mary, and Elizabeth stop when they see me. "Emma!" Catalina runs over and hugs me. "Are you all right?"
"Of course." I hug her back, then move to Henry and Mary.
"Do you want to hold her?" Mary asks.
"May I?"
Mary nods and tells me how to hold Elizabeth. She passes her over, and I suck in a breath. Elizabeth is far lighter than I expected. I smile down at the little princess.
"Has something happened?" Catalina asks when I pass Elizabeth back.
"Mum—Ruby—she's leaving."
"Since when?"
"She wants to look for her soulmate and decided she can explore Earth at the same time."
Henry and Mary share a look. "Does the King know?" Henry asks. I shake my head. "Someone should tell him."
"And you three need to explain to King Henry. I cannot do it for you."
Catalina nods. "We'll go and do it now." I give Elizabeth to her, and they head inside. I watch them go but soon turn back to the gardens.
Anne is on her own. There is no way she can try and kill King Henry without us.
Ruby finds me in the gardens. "I will come back one day," she assures me, "but that will not be anytime soon."
"I understand." I place a hand on her shoulder. "Good luck with finding your soulmate."
Ruby pulls me into a hug. "I'll miss you."
"Me too."
When Ruby finally leaves, it's like someone ripped a limb off me. I plod around the gardens, my heart like lead and tears in my eyes.