Beyond the walls (Ruby Rose)

°9°

Ruby's been acting strange. Well, not too strange. Just, a little overprotective. And she's been in her study a lot for some reason she won't share with me.

At first, I thought it was business matters or something concerning her task to bring Solris to its former glory. But ever since we left Alexander's home, she's been acting odd, leading me to believe there's something else going on, something possibly bad judging by her behaviour.

For example, after the ball, she rushed us to our room and told me to start packing because we would be leaving first thing in the morning. Then, when we were in the carriage on the way home, she kept looking out the window, like she was looking for something or someone. And she looked very paranoid even though she kept telling me it was nothing.

So, right now I've decided to go check on her. It's been almost two weeks since her change in behaviour and I don't think I can take being told not to worry anymore when there's clearly something to worry about.

I walk slowly to her study, carrying a tray with a fresh pot of chamomile tea and a plate of lavender shortbread biscuits I had baked earlier. This should calm her down and maybe finally encourage her to talk to me about whatever's going on instead of changing the subject again.

I take a breath as I stand in front of the door, noting the soft thumping noise of her boot tapping the wooden floor, something she does when deep in thought I've noticed.

I guess she's not even consciously present considering she hasn't noticed my presence yet. Even when I set the tray on the somewhat messy desk does she not snap away from her thoughts; her eyes are focused on the wall to the left, her hair is messy again leading me to believe that she's been running her fingers through it a few dozen times since this morning, she's also sitting back slouched on her chair, something she never does because of her poise she's learnt from a young age. Whatever this is has her stressed.

'good thing I made chamomile tea then...'

"Ruby..." I say softly after setting the tray down, not wanting to startle her but she doesn't move.

"Ruby, darling,"

Still nothing. Not even a blink. I sigh and carefully make my way around the table towards her. Then I slowly put my hand on her restlessly moving leg before taking her hand in my other one and squeezing gently.

"Love...what are you doing here...?"

She speaks so softly I almost didn't hear her. She looks surprised to see me, which is understandable considering the trance she was in.

"I came to bring you tea. You missed breakfast again so I thought I'd bring you something to nibble on before lunch." I give her a gentle smile trying to hide the worry in my eyes. This isn't the first time she's skipped breakfast.

"Before lunch? But I only just sat down. It's only-" she cuts herself off as she looks at the clock by her bookshelf, her eyes widening when she finds that it's indeed nearing noon.

I frown slightly before making my way to the tray, pouring her a cup of tea as she stands as well, still looking at the time confused.

"You've been in here since before I woke up according to Pepper. I didn't want to disturb you but I grew worried when you didn't join me for breakfast, again." I say as gently as I can not wanting her to notice just how worried I am.

"Thank you, my love. And I apologize for not keeping you company again this morning. I've just had a lot of, paperwork to get through and simply forget about checking the time."

She moves to stand behind me, resting her arms around my waist and her face in the crooks of my neck after placing a little kiss. I glance at her desk and indeed there's papers and books scattered all over. But from what I can see, none of this has anything to do with her work for Solris. Instead, the books are about supernaturals and vampires.

'why would she need to read about that, I would've thought she's well knowledged on those subjects...'

I then notice a parchment with Ruby's delicate handwriting on it, along with another paper that had a long list of names.

"Ruby, love, here's your tea and some lavender biscuits. I'll set it in the smaller table by the couch so you can enjoy them comfortably. Oh no, I forgot the teaspoon, could you fetch one for me?"

I hear her mumble a quick yes before letting me go and making her way to the kitchen. Good thing her eyes were closed or else she would have seen me slip the teaspoon into my long sleeve. I needed her out so I could read the letters properly. I'll finally know what's going on with her.

I leave the tray by the couch before quickly moving to the desk. I grab the parchment and read over her words. She was asking Alexander about the guests at his party, telling him she had forgotten some of their names.

'strange, she never forgets names...'

A page on an open book catches my eye. Pictures with names across the page, some names were circled and I notice that they matched the names on the list from Alexander. Another open book had information about vampire hunting and a list of famous hunters.

"What are you doing?"

My heart jumps at her voice suddenly filling the room. Her tone is firm and stern, along with her eyes as I gaze up to meet them.

My mouth opens and closes like a clueless guppy. I don't know how to lie my way out of this, especially since I've been caught red-handed. The look she gives me doesn't make anything easier either.

"I will not repeat myself, Evangeline." The way she says my name makes me shiver. It was a clear and cold warning.

"I-I...I was j-just worried. I wanted t-to know what-"

"And so you think snooping around my paperwork and lying is the appropriate manner to show concern?" Her voice raises gradually as she cuts me off. I could practically see her anger in her eyes as they harden and glare harshly. This would have intimidated me greatly if it weren't for her words, they only made me angry as well making any ounce of fear disappear.

"It seems to be the only way to get any answers. You don't think I've tried asking you to tell me? All you do is tell not to worry and that it's nothing when clearly it's something extremely important. You tell me all this and yet you won't even let me go into town of the garden for a short while. It's quite obvious that you are hiding something and if I have to snoop to find out what's bothering you, then so be it!"

Her jaw clenches and she moves quickly to me, expecting me to back down. Usually, I probably would have, but the thought of something making her so worried that she can't function properly and making her secretive gives me the confidence to defy her dominance just this once, even though her eyes are slowly becoming red now and her fangs are showing their presence.

"This does not concern you! If I felt you needed to made aware of something I would have done so! You're just some stupid village girl, you'd never be able to comprehend this anyway! Now leave before I do something I might regret."

I look at her taken aback. Did she really think that of me, that I'm a stupid village girl? Not to mention she basically threatened me.

I harden my face to hide that her words hurt me but I cannot, however, stop the tears that immediately flow down my face. That's when she realizes what she's said, her face falling and turning to one of regret.

"...Eva...Love I'm-...I didn't-"

Not letting her continue, I move away from her, dodging her as she tries to reach out to me. Desperate to apologize for her words.

I make it to the door and turn to look at her again.

"I'm glad to know what you truly think of me, I'll be sure to not let my stupid self in your way."

And I left the room not bothering to listen to what she was going to say.

Hearing that she hadn't followed me yet, I make my way to the front door quickly, putting on my coat and slipping out into the chilly weather outside making sure no one saw me leave. I might as well do as I please since I'm clearly not cared for.

I find the stable with the stable boys not in sight, making my task of borrowing a horse easier. As soon as I climb the horse, with a bit of a struggle due to my dress, I make my leave out past the gates and down the trail to Solris.

I'll come back, but right now I just want to be far away from my darling betrothed.