Broken, but Not Defeated

Chapter 8 (Juliana)

I hear someone running up behind me when I turn around there is Anya looking ready to kill someone. When she knows I've seen her she starts walking.

"I am going to kill your brother!" She growls.

I chuckle. "What did he say?"

"That you could do whatever you want," she sighs and walks over to the fountain in the middle of the garden. "I don't understand it, how could he say he loves you, then go and treat you like crap?"

"He's mad because..." I start

"Because you didn't tell him how you learned of Will's death," we both finish. I sigh. Wesley has his pride, and sometimes that gets in his way. I sigh. I wish sometimes he would be less prideful and just trust my judgment. I think the only person he would tell is Anya. I smile.

"What?" Anya asks with suspicion.

"You know you can tell me if you like him," I state trying to keep my face blank. I must fail miserably because Anya raises an eyebrow. "Like who?"

I just look at her and give her a duh look. "Really?"

"No no no, never, Wesley is a stuck-up pig, besides he's selfish, prideful, and and..."

I raise my eyebrows and smirk. "He's what, handsome?"

"Ugh, besides I am supposed to return to the capitol in three weeks."

"Three weeks is plenty of time to state how you feel," I exclaim.

Her face gets really red. "I do not like Wesley!" She exclaims, without much conviction.

"Anya." I walk over to her and sit next to her on the edge of the fountain. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have teased you so much." She looks at me. I give her an award-winning smile. She chuckles. But her smile quickly disappears.

She sighs and says in a shaky voice. "You're right. I do like him, but you and him will be leaving soon," A tear runs down her cheek, "I'm scared, Jules. What do I do?"

I wrap my arms around her, "It's okay, Anya. Everything will be okay," I whisper in a soothing

She takes a shuddering breath and laughs. "Not more than half an hour ago I was the one comforting you."

I look up to find the captain walking our way with one of my father's sniveling dukes. "Troubles walking our way."

Anya looks over and groans. "I swear if that man doesn't leave my brother alone I am going to punch him."

"Who, Duke Plain, I mean Blain, what did he ever do to you?" I say sarcastically with an eye roll. That man actually deserved a lot more than a punch, he actually deserved to be kicked, punched, and any other form of torture. I look over at Anya, she smiles, then winks at me. As if to say "watch this".

She gasps loudly and dramatically, "What do you mean, you haven't heard, Lady Juliana? Why is the talk of the town?

Oh, distractions. Got it. "Really! How long have I been out?"

"Yes, Lady Georgina cheated on her husband with a farmer no less. How pathetic!"

"Lady Juliana and Lady Anya, might I interrupt?" Cole asks. I look at him, he winks and smirks. Oh, he knew just what we were doing. Cheeky jerk.

"Of course, you can Captain. What might I help you with?" I reply, trying to keep a straight face. I never knew the captain had a hint of green in his brown eyes.

"This is Duke Worthington of Chesterton," he says, never taking his eyes off me. I really need to stop staring. I tear my gaze from him to look at the Duke only to find him eyeing Anya. Yeah, that man deserved way worse than just a few kicks. He deserved to be tortured, then locked in prison.

"Welcome to the castle of Brecken, Duke Worthington, how may I help you?" I say, putting on one of those fake, award-winning smiles.

"Thank you, my lady."

"Please," I say with a fake giggle. "Call me Lady Juliana. Practically everyone does." I hate entertaining court people.

"Of course, Lady Juliana."

"Now what can I help you with?"

"Actually, I was wondering if I can talk with Lady Anya alone."

"Actually, that would be up to Lady Anya and Captain West," I say, giving him a small smile. His face slips from pleasantries to annoyance then back to pleasantries. All I need to know.

"Well, Captain. How about we take these beautiful ladies for a walk around the garden?"

I look at Cole and nod.

"I don't see why we can't," Cole responds.

The Duke offers his arm to Anya, who accepts it. Rude! Leave me with your brother, why don't you! Well, at least I can keep an eye on the Duke. Cole clears his throat. Oops, right, I forgot. He offers me his hand, I grab it and he helps me stand up. I link my arm with his and look at him, giving him a small smile as we follow Anya and the Duke.

"You know I might have to keep you locked in your room," Cole whispers. I look at him and raise my eyebrow.

"Why would you need to do that?" I ask in an innocent voice.

Cole grunts. "For the safety of the Duke's head."

I laugh, Anya looks back at me with a raised eyebrow. I shake my head.

"Captain, I wouldn't hurt a fly."

"Well, from the look you were giving Duke Worthington. I believe differently."

"You saw that, huh?"

"Yup, the whole thing, frown, fire in the eyes, and jaw clenching, etc."

I groan. Well so much for being subtle. "You know what, you're a jerk."

He chuckles, then his smile disappears fast. I look up. Shoot! Well so much for keeping an eye out for Anya!

"Captain, I am going to kill that man if he hurts her!"

"Easy Jules. He knows the rules."

I shoot him a withering look, then twist to read Anya's face. Cole wraps his arms around me.

"Juliana, you need to calm down. Go to your room and wait for me there!"