I reached out for the bowl. Then I'm on the ground with the first guard on top of me. The bowl knocked out of my hands. Then  I saw them. Two men both of them perhaps double my height. One of which had a loaded bow.  Positioned, prepared  to shoot. I close my eyes not wanting to look.

Then I hear the sound of two bodies crumpling to the ground. Then I see the two men on the ground gasping for air as they, drown in their own blood. The second guard takes the knives out of their necks. The first guard slowly helps me get up. Are you hurt Empress? The first guard asked. I'm fine,  I look to the second guard turning over the bodies, then I get a proper look at the two attackers, their blood making me nauseous. The first guard notices my change in colour and takes me to the back of the wagon and serves me a bowl of broth. 

We sit in silence until the other one comes back. What are your names?  I enquire. I'm not sure that's required Empress the first one states. Well if things like that are going to happen I would like a name to address you I retort. Unsure glances are exchanged. Before replying. If you insist Empress, the second one starts I am Rougyu and this is my brother Rongyao. Brothers? That's why you look so similar! I answer delighted to get their names. 

A barely noticeable smile spreads across Rougyao's lips, so Kun was right you always get what you want no matter what. You know Kun? My interest peaked. Yeah she is also ,Rougyu whacks Rongyao across the back of the head. Apologies  Empress for my brothers unusually big mouth. That is information he should not be saying in such a open space he growls at his brother. Rougyao shoots a look at him before getting his water flask from his hip. Here Empress would you like some water? Offering me his flask.  No thank you I'm fine.  

I finish the last of my broth in silence. Rougyu takes my bowl. Are you going to have any? No we already ate and we should get going before anymore of them come by to say hello he answers rinsing out the bowl.

Yeah we really should Rougyao helps me into the back of the wagon before setting off. Still a bit shaken from earlier events but somehow more at ease knowing they will protect me if something like that happens again. I pick up my book and start to read, the blanket across my legs. A comfortable silence in the place of the tension yesterday.  The hours going by in a matter of minutes. 

Then we hear the sound of hooves pounding along the dirt road. I freeze. Then I hear the shouts coming from the distance.SUYIN JIAN HAS TAKEN THE CAPITAL RETURN THERE IMMEDIATELY . I can see the grins on Rougyu and Rougyao's faces but all I could really feel was the dread of meeting my fiancé for the first time.