Pearl

Ruby

I smile at Dylan and sigh holding my hand out, "Lets get this over-with."

Dylan

I smile and kiss her hand after taking it, "Let's."

Ruby

I smile and nod as we start walking. The body guards follow behind us, arms crossed, and I just wish they'd leave me alone for once in my life.

Dylan

Her guards trail us and I notice the annoyance on Ruby's face. If only I could get them to leave... If they're like this at the ball or party or whatever, I'ma go ape-sh*t on their a**es.

Ruby

Still holding Dylan's hand, we get to the ball. My father is talking with our next-door-kingdom...or Diamond's -another country- prince. I tense and shake my head. No. This can't be happening now.

Dylan

I notice Ruby tense and move closer, wrapping an arm around her waist, "You okay?"

Ruby

"He-He's here," I whisper, "This can't be happening. Not now. Please..." I look away, "I'm so sorry, Lyn."

Dylan

I look at the boy Ruby's father is talking to and then back at her, swallowing and taking a step away from her, "Wait... what does he have to do with anything?"

Ruby

A tear runs down my cheek and I ball my hair in my hands, "I don't want any of that..." I tell him, "None of it. Being a princess means I have to marry a certain guy. I don't want to marry him!" I cry, shaking my head as I run out, plopping down behind a wall. I cry in my hands and shake my head, wondering why things have to be the way they are.

Dylan

But you said it wouldn't matter... I hesitate before following her, only to be swept away by a couple of girls who pull me into a group dance thing. I look around them and try to find Ruby but can't, so I slip out of the group and cross my arms as I lean against a wall.

Ruby

Looking up from my arms, I walk to my room. I write a note to Dylan, knowing he'd look in my room.

Dylan,

Remember when I told you I'm going to the Dark Forest one day? I'm going. I love you, make sure you know that.

Ruby.

I take a deep breath and dress in hunting wear and make my way out, having water, food, and a knife with me.

Spoiler

MM wants you to know that you might want to have Ruby stick around for something.

Dylan

I swallow and decide to head back up to Ruby's room, hoping she might be there. Sighing, I knock on her door and open it when I hear no answer.

"Ruby?" I call, looking around.

Not seeing her, I find a note on a side table and read over it before swearing and bolting back down to the ballroom. I frantically search for Roan, wanting to tell him before I ran after her.

Spoiler

She's still in the kingdom....

Ruby

As I walk out, I talk to one of the guards, "Don't tell my dad."

He studies me, "I'm sorry miss, but you're father is my king. I must..."

I hold Up some money and he Shuts up, taking it.

Spoiler

Edit of previous spoiler: Stick around the ballroom.

Dylan

I don't find Roan in the ballroom so I take off towards the kitchen, hoping to find him there instead. The chefs and cooks send me funny looks but say nothing as I run about, letting me be.

Ruby

After I bribe the guard, I make sure I have everything I need. Swearing, I run back into the ballroom and get some money from my father, just telling him that I need it for school.