Somer took a deep breath as she looked at me.
Three days had passed since her running away and preparations for her wedding to Lord Angus had been in full swing. She looked beautiful as always as I helped her to get ready, and now we just stood looking at each other.
"I really do envy you Rose."
She sighed heavily as she looked at me, it was hard for me to maintain eye contact, I felt guilty even though I knew I shouldn't.
"I just hope...that if you ever marry, it is for love."
"I-"
"You don't need to say anything Rose, I know it is all foolishness. I knew Lord Angus was a possible husband for me, I let myself get carried away in the romance of a young and handsome suitor..."
A soft sigh escaped her lips and she smiled sadly.
"There is something I must tell you when the reception is over, I will find you."
Without another word she turned on her heel and walked into the church hall.
I watched as she stood, a confident and beautiful woman, her eyes caught him sitting in the first row and for a moment I thought she would falter.
"It is my duty, to my family and my Lord, to serve and obey."
Her voice was low and shaking, I knew she was trying to calm her heart and nerves, but I felt a pang of sorrow at the echoed words of her mother.
"I need to speak with you...soon."
Nem's voice startled me from my thoughts as I watched.
"Meet me in the kitchens when the reception is over, it is important."
His voice was a low whisper, so much mystery and intrigue, it was starting to annoy me.
We watched in silence as the reception wore on, everyone seemed to be in high spirits, Milady and the Master seemed both sad and joyous, their only daughter married off to a rich lord that would help protect their lands.
That was harsh of me I knew, they loved Somer a lot, just not enough to let her marry for love.
Politics.
I saw in her eyes that she was sad and resigned, I hoped I was the only one who noticed the small smile and nod toward Lord Orion as the final vows were said.
It had been a long and tiring day, and I was working in the kitchen's when Nem's voice from behind me caused me to turn, I was more than surprised at what I saw.
"Nem...what on earth are you wearing? And who is she?"
It was then that I recognized her as the woman I had met a few days before in the gardens. Nem looked down at himself, grimacing slightly, as though he did not fancy the idea of such clothing himself.
"These are my travel clothes...I must go away for a while."
I was flabbergasted, lost for words.
"W-what? Why?"
For as long as I could remember Nem had been there, to hold my hand, protect me and guide me...
I found myself panicking at the thought that he would not be there if I needed him.
"Sonja has brought me some...interesting news that I must investigate."
He smiled and touched my shoulder affectionately, for the first time in a long time he was being his old self.
"Do not worry Rose, I won't be gone long. Just do as you're told and wait for me."
Without warning he put his arms around me and hugged me, patting my hair softly.
"I promise I will return for you."
I was shocked once again, but it took mere moments for me to relax into his embrace, it was a familiar one from my childhood and I had not felt it in a long time. It made me a little worried, that he was acting this way all of a sudden, but I could not say anything as he pulled back, touched my cheek and nodded.
"Goodbye Rose, do try to stay out of trouble."
I stood there for a while, just staring at the door after they had left. Shaking my head I sighed before turning back to my work.
"Rose?"
I turned and smiled, I had forgotten that she wanted to speak to me.
"I have something to tell you, and I hope you can forgive me for it."
Her eyes would not meet mine, I could see her struggling with it and it concerned me a little.
"I told my father that I would not leave unless he allowed me to take you with me."
"...What?"
Once again I was speechless, what on earth was going on today?
I rubbed my neck, trying to find words.
"I am so sorry Rose, but I know I cannot do this without you, you have been such a good friend to me, I will need you when we leave."
All I could do was stare and nod, she smiled softly at me.
"Thank you."
Her voice was small and I sighed as she left, leaving me once again to my own thoughts.
It took me a long time to leave the kitchens, I cleaned and scrubbed, trying to keep my mind off things.
I was utterly exhausted as I walked up the stairs to my bedroom.
"Rose?"
I suppressed the urged to groan and ask what now as I turned at Jans voice. He had followed me and was looking at me with the oddest expression, he seemed almost...excited.
"I have a question for you, I heard Somer's request to my father, but I know a way that you won't have to leave, you can stay here and carry on as you always did."
I should have expected it as he suddenly pulled me into his arms, his fingers touched my face, his breath on my skin. My heart jolted and hammered in my chest.
Oh no, please, anything but this.
He kept his eyes on mine as he slowly sunk to his knees.
"Rose, please...marry me."
I stared at him, not believing what I was hearing...
Had he just...but I was a servant!
I looked away, pulling my hand from his.
"I...can't."
I shook my head and ran, I wasn't watching where I went and I did not listen as he called after me, he sounded so sad, but I could not stop.
I would not.
Finally I stopped for breath and found myself outside, overlooking the gardens.
I was numb, so much had happened I couldn't even think straight. The sound of footsteps made me jump, my heart in my throat as I prayed it was not Jans.
I think he was just as surprised to see me as I was him.
"You...Rose right?"
I nodded, swallowing hard as my throat suddenly seemed dry.
"W-what are you doing out so late my Lord?"
He smiled at me, tilting his head to the side curiously.
"I was getting ready to leave actually."
"Leave?"
I should not have been surprised, after all, he really had no reason to stick around. He nodded and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
"I am glad I got to see you one last time though, you are very interesting Rose. Try to stay out of trouble ok?"
I thought I saw his expression change for just a moment, but I couldn't be sure as he turned and walked away.
I stood outside until the dawn broke, looking up at my childhood home, knowing that it would be the last time I saw it.
I did not like growing up.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Is that him?"
Sonja nodded and Nem's breath caught in his throat as he watched the young man wield the bow and arrow with expert accuracy. He stopped and slowly put the weapon down, looking over his shoulder as they watched him.
"It's rude to gawk you know."
He approached them slowly, Nem could see the inquisitive cautiousness in his sharp blue eyes, that was when he knew for sure.
"I am sincerely sorry to bother you, but I had heard of the great archer Rook, the only man who could pin a coney between the eyes at five hundred paces."
The man, Rook, raised his eyebrows.
"And where have you heard such a thing?"
Sonja smiled at him and a spark of recognition lit in his eyes.
"I see. If you are who I think you are, then I guess we have a lot to talk about."
They could not see it, but behind his mask was a smirk.
Finally, it was time.
