Rue hopped off the carriage before it stopped at the steps leading up to the palace front doors. She went around to the side of the carriage to open the door and check on Gideon.
Rue lifted Gideon's hand and felt for a pulse, only to be devastated. Gideon didn't make it to the palace.
Outside, Rue could hear Julie calling for a doctor and for Rafael.
Rue remained still, wishing that if she stayed still a little longer, Gideon would give her a sign that he was still alive. She was in too much shock to move to check the other guards.
Rue was in a state of emotions she couldn't explain. She already knew that Gideon's injuries were too severe for him to survive the ride back to the palace, but to see that he was gone broke the wall of hope Rue had slowly built up.
"Rue, I sent for your father and a doctor. Rue?" Julie spoke softly, the seriousness of their predicament dawning on her. "Is he gone?"
