Move Out

Time flew by as the soldiers made the final preparations before they left for the battlefield. The horses knelt on the ground as their harnesses were tightened and saddlebags filled with supplies. In the distance, Emelia stood at the side of her horse, fastening the leather straps that secured its saddle. She brushed a strand of her dark hair away from her face. She took a moment to survey the rolling hills and low-hanging clouds before fearfully pondering what awaited her on the battlefield.

The wind flapped a soldier’s cape around him as he mocked her with a bow. His eyes twinkled with amusement as several other soldiers snickered behind him. “Are you sure you don’t want to ride in a carriage, your highness?” he called out.

Emelia didn’t engage in their childish antics. She understood this wouldn’t be easy, but she didn’t care. Emelia held her chin up and squared her shoulders, refusing to give in to her fellow recruits’ derogative catcalls. While she knew that becoming part of the army would be difficult, she didn’t want anyone to go easy on her because of her gender. Emelia was ready to earn her place in the ranks by showing what she could do in a real fight—on the battlefield. She was determined to be accepted, no matter how rough the ride.

The insult had the intended effect - Leon’s eyes narrowed, and his lips thinned as he drew closer to Emelia. His gaze seared into the soldiers, and he wanted nothing more than to give them a piece of his mind. Emelia felt a reassurance in his presence, and he spoke softly in her ear, “If you want me to take care of this for you, just say the word...”

Emelia cut him off mid-sentence, determination burning in her brown eyes. “No,” she said firmly. “I need to fight my own battles, on and off the battlefield.”

“Emelia?” The sound of her name sent a sudden jolt through her body as she spun around to see who had spoken.

As she slowly spun around, Emelia saw James a few feet away, walking with his hands shoved in the pockets of his riding trousers. His face had changed since he had abruptly left Iris five months ago. His hair now cascaded in loose curls across his shoulders, and he had groomed a small and neat beard, which framed his steely blue irises and made them stand out even more than before. He stopped a few paces away from her as Emelia uttered a single word, “Hi.”

James raced to Emelia, his heart pounding in his chest. He grabbed her as if he could keep her from slipping away, cradling her in an iron embrace. He buried his face in her neck, feeling the warmth of her skin, “Don’t you dare die,” he whispered hoarsely, clutching her with a desperate strength.

Emelia’s arms slowly rose up and around James’ back. She pulled him in tightly, and with a quiet whisper into his ear, she said, “I don’t plan on it.”

James stepped away from her, his gaze softening and tears blurring his vision. His voice shook as he said, “I mean it, Emelia. I don’t know how I’ll go on if...” He trailed off, taking a deep and shuddering breath before continuing.

“James...” Emelia said softly as she tenderly clasped his hands. She looked into his eyes and gave a gentle smile, attempting to ease the worry etched on his face. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back before you can even miss me.”

James smiled softly and nodded, “You better be.”

Emelia’s face lit up as he had come to see her off. She smiled and widened her eyes in surprise. “How did you know?” she asked.

James nodded towards Leon, “It doesn’t matter if his letters went unanswered. He’s been sending them relentlessly for the past few months.”

Leon cleared his throat, “Excuse me,” he said with a crooked smirk on his face. “You wrote back one letter. Mostly curse words, but it still counts.”

James lowered his head towards Leon’s eyes and politely apologized, “Sorry about that,” he said in a low voice. James felt terrible. He had returned to Cornea, furious with Emelia for choosing Leon, even though he was engaged to be married. But after reading Leon’s letters, James felt relieved. He saw that although Emelia had made her choice, she had found much happiness in her life and was still someone he cared for deeply.

“Don’t worry about it,” Leon beamed, happy to see his friend again.

Emelia’s face softened into concern as she asked, “Oh, how is Elizabeth? Is she doing alright?”

James’s face flickered with a hint of a smile, and his eyes softened. “She’s okay,” he said.

Emelia playfully narrowed her eyes. “Was that a smile?”

James’s lips tugged into a tight line, and he shook his head, “No!”

“James! You like her!” Emelia said, excitement lacing her voice.

James’ face heated up with frustration as he shook his head. “No, I don’t!” he exclaimed. “She’s always bothering me and cheerful no matter what I say.”

Leon leaned in with a smirk, “You’re right, Emelia. He definitely likes her.”

James glared at the two of them. “Okay, you two. Is this how it’s going to be now? You two ganging up on me?”

The blaring horns of the regiment echoed through the air. Leon squeezed Emelia’s hand, “It’s time for us to go.” He quickly vaulted onto his chestnut-colored steed and with a wave to James, called out, “Don’t be a stranger!”

James gave a smile and yelled back over the pounding of booted feet on the hard earth, “I won’t!” The soldiers continued their march in steely silence.

Leon clicked his tongue, jerking the reins of his horse as it strolled away. Emelia hoisted herself onto her mount, adjusting her leather riding boots. She gave James an inquisitive glance, “See you when we return?”

James and Emelia locked eyes, and a silent understanding seemed to pass between them. “Count on it,” James said with a nod. They shared one last look before she shouted a command and galloped off, the dust of her travels rising in the air. James watched until they were nothing more than a speck in the distance, his heart heavy with worry yet full of hope that they would both return home safe and sound.