Chapter 352: Courting (5)
Elijah’s smile was quickly replaced by a frown. He was lucky not to have been drinking; otherwise, he would have choked.
"Rue," Elijah said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This is not something we can speak of, and I like women. Only women."
Elijah was curious, but he didn’t dare ask why Rue decided to throw in men.
"Why can’t we speak of this? It is only the two of us here, and we are friends. I know that the act of love brings on children. Don’t think of me as some clueless lady," said Rue.
"That is not the issue. I can see your father’s sword coming for me if I answer you," Elijah said, suddenly uncomfortable.
"His sword would only come toward you if you spoke of this to him. Besides, I would be the one scolded for speaking of something so indecent. Is it that you are shy so you cannot answer me, or are you embarrassed to share that you are a rake?" Rue asked, further adding to Elijah’s discomfort.
"A rake?"
"I do not believe you haven’t done something grand to make the ladies fall in love with you. I will not judge you. I promise," Rue said, her pinky finger ready for the promise to be made.
"I will not speak of this with you," Elijah replied.
It was a recipe for disaster, and Elijah didn’t want any part in it.
Rue leaned back on her seat, bored once more.
"Very well, I shall speak of it with another man-"
"Rue," Elijah interjected, his tone deeper. "Do not."
"Why not? Love is in the air, and I have plenty of questions. The guards always answer, but now I have a few fools who think they are in love with me. I shall make use of them. What?" Rue asked, puzzled by Elijah’s gaze.
Elijah tapped his fingers on the seat. "You are toying with me, aren’t you?’
"Why would I ever do such a thing? I only wish to know if you had not once felt love for the ladies you lay with. I am curious about it all," Rue said, her attention going to the fields outside.
"I hope you are not so curious that you will go looking for a man to experience it with," said Elijah.
Rue laughed at Elijah’s absurd assumption. "I am not so backwards that I would lie with a man who is not my husband. I was only curious. It is so easy to work you up, Elijah. Yes, I was toying with you."
Rue liked seeing Elijah so uneasy.
"You are always so composed that I wanted to see you break just a little. For a moment, you looked like you would offer to feed my curiosity," Rue said, laughing at Elijah’s expression.
"I would not lie with you for experience only and let you leave," Elijah responded.
The corners of Rue’s lips lifted, forming a smile.
"It has been on my mind for some time now, and I think there is a chance that I might be wrong. Do you have feelings for me, Elijah?" Rue asked, followed by silence.
"I fear that I do," Elijah answered.
Rue’s brow raised. "You fear? Is there something bad about having feelings for me? Is it not as wonderful as if you liked another?"
"You misunderstand. I fear that as it grows, I shall lose that favour I have with your father, but it shall be worth it.. I am putting you on notice that I am out to claim your heart. From this day onward, I shall court you," Elijah decided.
There wasn’t a need to beat around the bush about what was obvious.
Elijah had a growing interest in Rue and wished to explore it. He suspected Rue also felt the attraction, but she was more interested in playing games. This, Elijah didn’t mind. He would slowly make her realise how serious his intentions were.
"Am I a lady you wish to court to pass the time like you did with Selina, or to marry? No, don’t answer," Rue said, since it would only spoil the fun. "As I told you, men are lining up for my hand here. You will need to get in line."
"I will get rid of the line by any means necessary. It is not a battle I plan to lose. Fortunately for you, you shall be quite entertained," Elijah promised.
"Well, you have somehow managed to push yourself to the top already, since you do not bore me. You present a challenge, and I like it. I would love to see how you get rid of the others. Fight them to the death," Rue encouraged Elijah.
"Something tells me that I shouldn’t encourage your need to see blood spilt," Elijah said. He spoke for the sake of any potential victims.
"Oh, don’t be a bore now. If only I could let the other ladies know that I am indeed a woman you would court. They were so certain that you were far out of my reach. I am royalty," Rue said, laughing at the delusional woman.
"You may speak of it," Elijah said, since there was no reason to hide it.
His interest in Rue would become obvious in the coming days.
"No, I will let it be a surprise," Rue decided.
After a long ride, the carriage stopped at an open field where no one was around to bother Rue and Elijah.
Eliajh helped Rue out of the carriage and left her to get their horses. He wanted to have one final ride where Rue could be herself once more without worrying about onlookers.
Rue remained by the carriage, watching as Elijah took their horses back from the guards.
"He is a strange one," Gideon said, eyeing the man Rafael would need to get rid of.
Rue didn’t take her eyes off of Elijah.
"He is strange indeed, but quite an entertaining man. There hasn’t been a dull moment since I have been at his side," said Rue.
"You have found yourself at odds with ladies because of him."
"He didn’t do it purposely. I was never going to be close to the other ladies. Gideon, do you not like him?" Rue asked, hardly surprised, Gideon was wary.
"I don’t think he is the kind of man suited for you," Gideon answered.
"You did not answer my question. I have known Elijah for a long time. There is more to what you see, and he is quite handsome," Rue said, admiring Elijah’s features once more.
Gideon frowned. "You mustn’t be drawn to him because of his looks. There are plenty of handsome men at home. Men who have been trying to get your attention."
"How unfortunate for them. I like what I see, Gideon. Let me have my fun," Rue said, her mind made up.