Red

Thirty-Seven.

No one was around where Court was tied up. Thorin had given me a knife to completely cut him down from. Lots of his rope was already cut and I could see him pulling on it to let it loose.

I didn't know what he had planned, but I intended to help him out of there. Once I had Court situated, I had to leave. That much I knew. Staying here isn't an option. This village is about to be attacked for what they did.

A part of me felt sympathy the other part was devoid. The sympathy is for my parents. I didn't know most people here. My mom kept me inside all the time, and no one ever bothered to go out of their way to get to know me.

A reason no one cared about my disappearance if any even noticed. I quickly moved over to where Court was tied up and pulling on the ropes.

He didn't notice me at first until I was in front of him, and his calm aura left after that.

"Ruby what are you doing here?" Court demanded as I went up to him.

"I came to help you." I told him and Court shook his head.

"You shouldn't be here Ruby; you need to leave. I don't know what they'll do to you." Court rushed out as I came over to him.

"I'm going to cut you down and we'll leave right after." I told him and Court shook his head as I came up to him and went over to where the ropes were binding his hands. 

"Ruby please." Court never got more out when I took out the knife and began to cut at the ropes. I didn't expect the ropes to be as thick as they were and as I got a dent in them is when it all went downhill from there.

"Well, well look what we have here." My entire body went stiff as I heard the voice behind me.

I turned around meeting the gaze of three men. I didn't recognize any of them, but one wore the uniform of a guard and had a crossbow in his hand. Court seemed bothered by all of them, but the sight of the guard had him the most shaken.

The one in the front with short brown hair stepped forward and smiled. "I thought most girls from the village were smart enough not to interfere. That seeing the prince betray the entire village would wreck all your dreams of marrying him. It seems there was still one idiotic girl. Do you wish to die with him?"

I wasn't sure if I was relieved that he thought I'm a girl from the village or if I should be worried. He was threatening me and intended to put me here with Court. I don't even know what their plan is with Court.

"She's not from the village." The guard stepped forward and the man looked over at him.

"Of course, she is. Who else would be here?" He asked.

"Look at her clothes, it's lined with fur. We caught ourselves a wolf." His smile was the one of a predator looking at its prey. Having Lyell's smile on me felt less threatening. Lyell wouldn't try anything because of Court. I never bothered to wonder if it was because of respect or fear.

The man in front of me seemed thrilled at the thought of catching a wolf.

The one with short hair in front of me grinned. "A bit early for you wolves, isn't it?" He asked and Court glared at him.

"If you touch her, I will rip you apart." I'm not sure how Court said that sentence calmly, but he did. It was dangerous how calm he is.

The man simply smiled.

"I'm not a wolf, and you all are idiots. He's the fucking prince, do you really think the king is going to tolerate this?" I asked hoping to buy some sort of time. Maybe enough for Thorin to see what is going on.