Chapter Text
This is her chance.
Wuvvy’s sword is at Captain Hob’s side and he’s faltered, just a bit. She could end his life in but a second.
In that same second, her eyes lift and they meet Rue’s.
Wuvvy fumbles the strike she was about to make, and Captain Hob regains his footing, taking her arm and twisting it, bringing her to her knees.
“Admit defeat,” he demands.
Looking at Rue, Wuvvy nods.
The duel is called, and Captain Hob has won. Rue’s honor will plummet faster than they fled the scene.
Knowing there is no chance of catching up with Rue, Wuvvy does not lift her body from the torn grass, tarred with blood and mud from where they struck each other and dug their heels into the ground during their fight.
Hob holds out a hand, and Wuvvy can see a small vial in it.
She takes it, and uncorks it. “If this happens to be poisoned, Rue will see you killed.”
“It isn’t,” Hob says, and he tosses back a healing potion of his own. He extends his hand again, and asks, “Will you now tell me why the duel was called?”
Wuvvy ignores the hand, does not even look up at him again. “Stop pretending you don’t know.”
Hob comes to kneel next to her, breathing still a bit laboured despite the potion. Might be the poison she tipped her sword with.
“How about this: why did you throw the match? You could have dealt a killing blow at least twice,” Hob asks, and Wuvvy slowly lifts her head.
She thinks.
Because Rue loves you.
She says, “Because I like you.”
The lie tastes sweet on her tongue- she has been in the Court of Wonder for many years, and they excel at saying what they wish to say or what will be advantageous for them, no matter the truth of the situation.
“What?” Hob says, pulling his chin back in confusion. Wuvvy lifts a hand and takes his jaw, bringing her face ever closer to his.
“We are alike, Captain. We have much in common. And if you tell anyone I've said this to you, I will not hesitate next time.”
Her eyes are nearly closed and their faces are so close he could kiss her with a movement, but he stays still.
She pushes his jaw away again, and then presses into the ground to stand, clapping mud from the front of her thighs.