United (Magics AU - Part 1)

Chapter 8 - Ruby

Ruby was slightly taken back by the young woman's short bluntness, but in that the queen found herself somewhat grateful that the conversation had gone straight to the point. Ruby blinked at the young woman in front of her, then cast a sideways glance at Marcus, who hopped off the desk with a serious face. 

"From what I've heard," the woman in the doorway said in a level voice, "you're kingdom has constantly been under attack by a faceless murderer, correct?" She didn't wait for anyone to nod. "Though I don't know who has been organizing or carrying out the murders and abductions of your citizens, I know how to find them; but I won't be doing that part - I'm only here to help you find the missing Arielians. A friend of mine is going to help you take down the killer." 

Ruby clenched her jaw to keep her mouth from dropping. Was it really that easy? This woman sounded confident that her plan was going to work no matter what - the faint smile on her face and the set line of her jaw was obvious enough. For almost two months, Ruby had been trying and trying to figure this out, and now a stranger walks in with the perfect solution - just like that. 

This woman had just walked into the room, and now she was basically taking over their course of action with confidence that her plan would actually work. Ruby had hardly even known this person for a minute and a half, so how could she trust her? What friend was going to help them out, and how would they manage to catch someone not even Shintaro could apprehend? 

The woman's eyes darted across the group, lingering slightly on Shintaro's face before settling back onto Ruby. "I can tell you're all pretty skeptical," she said, losing the abruptness behind her tone. "I understand that was quite something to take in, and at such short notice. But I want you to understand that my friend won't let you down - she never has to me before. If you just tell her what she needs to know, she knows exactly what she's doing." 

"Slow down a little," Marcus said, waving one hand shortly with a frown. "Why don't we try this again, maybe starting with your name." 

The woman's eyebrows raised slightly as if she just realized her mistake of not telling any of them who she was. "Sorry," she said with a shrug. "I'm used to being around people who already know me. My name is Linda Welshman." 

Something clicked in the back of Ruby's head, but she was too focused on the task at hand to pay attention to what she'd just realized. 

"All right," Marcus said with a nod. "Nice to meet you. I'm sure you know who we are; but if you aren't aware, I'm King Marcus, this is Queen Lucy, her father Aaron, and our adviser, Falte." 

Linda gave them another small smile, tilting her head the right again. "I figured you were the royalty, though neither of you seem to carry around your crown." 

The mood lightened a little, and Marcus chuckled. "No, we both find it somewhat... burdensome." 

"If you don't mind me asking," Ruby interjected, clasping her hands in front of her to keep her queenly manner alive. "How do you know this plan is the best one?" 

"Apologies in advance, Your Majesty, for my bluntness," Linda said reasonably, "but what other choices do we have? I take it that you've already thought of everything, and everything wouldn't work. You have done nothing thus far, so I'm presenting you with a doable plan that I'm very sure won't fail." 

Ruby closed her mouth over her next words, narrowing her eyes at the newcomer. Linda was a very peculiar person, Ruby decided. A woman who wasn't afraid to voice her opinions or, apparently, point out what others have done wrong. 

Marcus frowned a little. "You're rather... well, blunt."

Linda gave him a half smile. "Always have been, Your Majesty," she replied coolly.