Previously….(6)
(7)
Poor Ruby! The evening was lovely and warm, the sunset blazed in red-and-gold above the woods and the river. She could not imagine a finer evening than this. Or a better company; the young scribe Timush rode beside her on his horse, stately, proud, the wind playing with his long, black hair… she did like him, but that made things even worse! Guilt burned her soul, for she did not wish to give Timush the note inviting him to a secret meeting with her eldest sister. But Ruby had sworn to help Emerald! Oh, how she wished, she would have taken part in the bet! Then at least Ruby could do as she pleases, and not serve as a delivery girl.
“I believe this is the picnic spot your brother had arranged for us,” Timush said kindly. He found princess Ruby very pretty, but then again, they all were. Both had not spoken much while riding along the river, still princess Ruby was a pleasant company.
“Are Snakelings allowed to drink wine?” Ruby pondered. Her brother, prince Ashwin had taken care of everything - the lovely, cushion covered blanket was illuminated by a couple of lanterns, there was good food and wine for them to enjoy. Though they didn’t speak much, Ruby enjoyed sharing a meal with Timush, especially knowing that both of her sisters would not have this privilege.
“Indeed, wine is allowed, though we do not like it much. There are other forms of pleasure forbidden to us, but…” Timush cursed his loose tongue, considering he’s about to do the one thing forbidden.
“But…?” Ruby smiled at him sweetly.
“But I should not discuss it with a decent maiden.” Timush scolded himself internally, I’m not speaking about it, but I’ll do it.
They sat close, Timush had noticed bushes behind them rustle, even though the wind had stopped. So, Ashwin and his sisters were watching. Poor Timush decided not to drag out his misery any longer. It had to be done. Princess Ruby sat close, drinking wine, and looking at the last remains of the sunset over the river. Timush moved his face closer to hers.
Suddenly Ruby woke from her silent reverie.
“I must give you something, but…” She glanced at the guards standing closely. Must not risk letting them see their princess giving something to the scribe. Father might find out.
“Give me something?”
“Yes, but first I simply must show you the marvellous sight over the river, there!” Princess Ruby pointed at the steep riverbank.
She got up and beckoned Timush to follow.
“Oh, stay here, it’s just a few steps further!” She told the guards. Ruby smiled cunningly, now the guards won’t see her slipping Emerald’s note into Timush’s palm.
The latter kept looking at the treacherous bushes, his sharp Snakeling senses confirmed that they’re being watched.
The black stream weaved like a shining serpent down below the riverbank. Both stood on the very edge. Ruby clutched the note in her palm.
“You said you wanted to give me something?” Timush asked nervously.
“Yes… it’s…” Ruby stuttered.
“Is this what you wanted to give me?” He said desperately and moved closer to kiss her. Just an inch before their lips met, a shrill shriek tore the peaceful evening to shreds.
“Noooo!” A girly voice from the bushes cried out.
Timush pulled back out of fright, away from Ruby, lost his balance and fell down without a sound, until his body hit the surface of the water with an enormous splash.
“Now you did it! You killed the scribe, Jewel!” Emerald yelled as the three princesses rushed to the edge, to stare at the black stream.
“It wasn’t my fault! It was Ruby’s! What in the bloody horsedung were you doing?” Jewel shrieked at Ruby.
“He’s not coming up for air! We killed the scribe!” The latter cried.
“Not to worry! Timush is a good swimmer. Though he should’ve swam out already…” Ashwin didn’t hesitate to take his boots off and jump into the black stream.
That poor scribe. Now they've gone and done it, he's swimming for the valley as fast as he can.
If only they hadn't played such a cruel game with him. (Acts very dramatic, with his hand over his heart.) 🤣