Beyond the walls (Ruby Rose)

°15°

It's noon, the sun outside shining high in the sky as every living being goes about their day, trying to get some warmth from the rays even as the breeze blows a bit harder today. I shiver slightly and pull my shawl tightly around my shoulders. It's getting colder by the day as winter approaches but I'm not sure if my shiver is caused by the chill in the air.

This morning has been a blur, waking up to remember that there is a crisis in our midst is not the most comforting feeling to wake up to. As soon as my mind was able to function properly for the day, the memories of the previous day came rushing back like a wave in the middle of a sea storm.

Ruby didn't look all that happy either. The sudden weight of responsibility added to her already full plate is not something she nor I had expected.

Once we managed to silently get ready for the day, we made quick work to formulate some sort of plan to find a way out of this situation Lord Garret has created. At least we're at the advantage of knowing that he's planning something.

Walking back inside, I find Ruby sitting in the solarium, looking out to where I just was though she seems to be much further away, not noticing my presence until I sit beside her and take her hand in mine.

'this is taking a major toll on her...'

She breaks out of her trance, looking surprised for just a moment when she sees me next to her.

"Sorry, my love, I didn't hear you come in. I was, thinking." She says gently, still looking far away.

She gives me a small smile and a soft kiss on my cheek before standing and bringing me up with her.

"Let's go inside and have something to eat."

~~~~~~~~~

We sit in silence as the maids bring out an assortment of foods and tea for us to enjoy. But once more, the heavy topic of the coming future leaves us, Ruby more than me, lost in a state of anxiety.

So I decide to change the subject, to let the tense air disperse for a moment.

"I've been meaning to ask you something, before things got...well, complicated."

She looks at me curiously but eager for a change in conversation. Taking that as a sign to continue, I look over to her blushing slightly from my question.

"W-What was the plan? Regarding our engagement I mean..."

My voice comes out so soft I almost thought she missed my query. But the look on her face with widened eyes shows me she's heard me.

"Well," she begins after some silence. "I had planned to court you, taking you out and presenting you with gifts. I planned to show you all my affection and the future we'd have together." She says with a soft smile and my heart skips a beat.

"I then would present you with your engagement ring, a ring special to me that belonged to mother. It's perfect for you my love."

As she speaks, my eyes are wide and I can't help the smile on my face as my affection for her grows more.

"I'm...I'm honoured that you want to give me your mothers ring. But, are you sure you wish to part with it? You said yourself that it's special to you."

"I will not be parting with it. It'll be with you, and you with me. I can think of no one more worthy of it than you Eva."

She takes my hand, kissing it gently as she looks deep into my eyes lovingly. I blush and smile, making her smile grow wilder.

"I intend to keep my promise too, even with all this madness happening, I will ensure that you are safe and happy with me, to give anything you long for. It is what you deserve my love."