Missing Lily (Tales of Dalthia) (16 page)

Dear Rhys,

I want to scream at you sometimes. I want to demand that you stop being so nice to me, beg you to ignore me. Don’t you know that your kindness makes everything worse?

It breaks my heart every time you smile at her, but it hurts almost as much when you smile at me.

So I guess the only thing I could really ask of you would be: Go home—away from Lorraina—away from me. Go home.

Lylin

Over the next several days, I suffered a slow torture every time I found myself in Rhys’s presence—my heart and soul being meticulously picked apart with every look he gave me, every breath he took.

I had prepared myself to forget about him, to have him forget me as we both went about our lives. Instead he was always there, hauntingly close, but entirely out of reach. I was the intimate witness of his courting my sister—slow, steady torture.

I managed to maintain my sanity by keeping up a steady stream of letters to Rhys, all of which ended up at the bottom of the box that sat on my desk. I confessed everything in those letters, holding nothing back, while in his presence I maintained the appearance of calm—for the most part. Some days were harder than others.

An outing was scheduled for all of us—Mother, Father, Lorraina, Rhys and myself. We were to go horseback riding, and I wasn’t particularly looking forward to it.

When something came up that detained my parents, I breathed a sigh of relief, glad that I might be able to escape the outing altogether.

My relief was short-lived.

“Couldn’t we still go?” Lorraina asked, obviously disappointed.

“Well,” my mother considered, “I suppose there is no reason for you not to go.”

My stomach dropped.

“In fact, you young people will probably enjoy yourselves more without us.” Mother smiled, her eyes gleaming, and I just stood frozen, trying not to look as horrified as I felt. “Martin,” she summoned a footman. “Please inform the guard of our change in plans.” The footman left with a click of his heels. “Now that that’s decided, why don’t you girls get ready. You should depart within the hour.”

Lorraina turned to do just that and my mother went about her business while I stood, stuck, for several moments before I could move.
 

I changed into my riding clothes with numb fingers, not even noticing when Missy came in to help me. As I descended the stairs, Rhys stood waiting in the entry. His eyes lit up when he saw me and I had to look away. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, I was forced to meet his eyes as we greeted one another.

“Good day, Princess.”

I forced a smile, giving a polite curtsey. “Good day, Lord Fallon.” I continued past him.

“Shall I walk out with you?”

I stopped. Then I turned. “Shouldn’t you wait for Lorraina?” I asked as casually as I could.

“Yes, of course,” he quickly corrected himself. “We’ll meet you at the stables.”

I turned and walked out, using the time to brace myself for the inevitable awkwardness that would saturate the entire outing.

Nathaniel was waiting for me outside the stables. “The king and queen are not coming?”

I looked at him, already feeling the weight of too many emotions, and shook my head. “It will just be the three of us.”

He examined my face. “You seem unhappy, Highness.”

His insight actually made me smile. I had feared that the incident at Ella’s house would cause irreparable damage to our comfortable relationship, but since Rhys’s arrival, Nathaniel had been more diligent than ever. “I suppose that’s a fair assessment.”

“Can I do anything for you, Princess Lylin?”

I shook my head. “Nothing to be done. I’ll be glad when this is over.”

“You usually enjoy outings.”

I managed a slight smile. “Not today. If you would stay close by, I would appreciate it.”

“Of course, Princess.”

I entered the stables and made my way to Willow’s stall before remembering that, of course, she was not there.
 

“I’ve got Sunshine saddled for you, Princess.”

I turned at Weston’s words. He held Sunshine’s reins, looking apologetic. He knew how I felt about my missing horse, but could do nothing about it, so I forced a smile. “Thank you, Weston.”

I stroked Sunshine, determined to focus all my attention on her so that I would be occupied when Lorraina and Rhys showed up.

I heard their voices as they came in, but kept my attention on my horse.

Lorraina was speaking. “Are you an accomplished rider, Lord Fallon?”

“I can get by,” was his response.

I rolled my eyes at his modesty.

“I admit, I have never seemed to have the knack for it. I never found a love for riding as some of my sisters did.”

This was very true. It wasn’t that Lorraina lacked skill. She was competent enough; she just didn’t love it.

I turned to see Rhys looking worried. “Would you prefer we do something else?”

Lorraina looked surprised by the offer. “No, of course not. I do enjoy riding occasionally. I just don’t find it exhilarating.”

“Well then, shall we?”

We all mounted and headed out. I was happy to have Nathaniel close at hand. Lorraina’s guard, Stephen, hung back, no doubt giving them their privacy.

I let them lead out and would have been happy to stay behind the entire time, but then I heard Lorraina laugh. I wondered what was so terribly funny and was even more curious when she turned around.

“Lylin, you must come here.”

I heeled my horse and trotted Sunshine over to Lorraina. She was still smiling from all her laughter.

“What’s so amusing?” I asked.

“Lord Fallon was just telling me how you became very good friends with his housekeeper.” She let out a burst of giggles, but I didn’t get the joke. I looked to Rhys, who seemed as baffled as I.

“Why is that funny?”

“Oh, don’t tell me it’s true. Really? You mentioned spending time with her, but I thought you referred to her taking care of you. I can’t imagine you actually striking up a friendship. It’s not as though you are Ella.” She smiled to herself, ready to brush off the idea as ridiculous.

“I suppose it might seem an unusual thing, but Rosamond was a very good friend to me. I hope to be able to thank her for that one day.”

Lorraina’s eyes were wide and she struggled to form words, but I didn’t wait to see how she might respond. I trotted off, determined to let the happy couple get to know one another.

***

Rhys,

We went riding today. You, Lorraina and me. That’s not how I imagined it, and I’ve imagined it many times. We never had the opportunity to truly ride together at the manor because of my injuries, but I always took pleasure in imagining racing across the countryside, sharing an experience that we could both appreciate. I always thought you would have challenged me, made me better.
 

I miss you
—a
nd you’re right here.

Lylin

Chapter 13

F
IVE
DAYS
AFTER
Lord Fallon’s arrival, my father and I were sitting alone at the breakfast table when he said in a not quite casual tone, “I’ve asked Lord Wisen to come for a visit.”

I waited for further explanation, but he remained focused on his food.

“Can I count on you to make him feel welcome?”

My fork clattered to the table. “Me?” A tiny knot of dread crept into my throat.

He nodded at his plate.

“How long will he be staying?”

My father lifted a shoulder. “A week, maybe two, depending.”

“But, why?”

He finally glanced up, making eye contact only briefly. “I have a great deal of respect for Lord Wisen.”

I waited for him to continue, but his silence made me nervous. “As do I, but you have a great deal of respect for many people. What makes him different?”

He set his utensils down and looked at me. “Your sister and Lord Fallon will be going on outings quite regularly. It would be nice for you to go along, and I thought you might like some company.”

“You invited him for me?” I tried not to let my voice rise.

He continued carefully. “With the responsibilities you will be inheriting, the task of selecting a worthy—”

My indignation flared. “I did not
ask
for help in selecting anyone! Do you have any idea how humiliating—”

I stopped abruptly when the door opened and Lord Fallon entered. I pulled my eyes away from Rhys’s questioning gaze and stared mutinously at my plate.

Rhys hesitated at the door before coming in and greeting my father. He probably greeted me as well, but I heard nothing. I was roused from my silent brooding when Father stood to leave.

“When will
your
guest be arriving?” I asked without looking up.

“This afternoon,” he answered warily.
 

He stood there, no doubt waiting for my reply, but I remained silent and he left.

My jaw tightened, my hand clenching and unclenching around my fork as I tried to temper my anger.

“Princess?”

I looked up, surprised to see Rhys sitting across the table from me. His concerned eyes searched my face for a moment before asking, “What guest will be arriving?”

“My father thought it prudent to invite someone here to act as my escort while you and Lorraina are spending time together. I am more than a little humiliated by the arrangement.”

He blinked in surprise. “The gentleman coming to visit is intended for you?”

“Yes. That way we can all have lovely, cozy outings together. It will be very
sweet
, I’m sure.” He raised his eyebrows in amusement and had the audacity to smile. “Don’t you dare laugh,” I threatened, entirely serious.

He smothered his grin. “I’m sorry. It’s just the venom in your voice as you described the circumstances as ‘sweet.’ I certainly didn’t mean to make light of the situation. I can understand how you would be uncomfortable.” I stared at him, wondering if he really understood my discomfort. “May I ask his name?”

“Lord Wisen.”

He shook his head. “I do not know the gentleman.”

“I am not surprised.”

He quirked one eyebrow. “You consider him insignificant?”

I pulled my chin back. “No, of course not. Why would you ask that?”

“Why do you assume I would not know him?”

I sat quiet for a moment—not sure if we were having an argument or not—then tried to answer calmly. “You are a self-proclaimed recluse. You did not even know me, and I am quite well known.”

He studied his plate and did not respond. My eyes fell to my plate full of food, and I realized my appetite was gone. I excused myself and left the dining hall, wondering why Lorraina had made a habit of being late to breakfast since Rhys’s arrival.

As the morning passed, my anger receded and I decided to make the best of the situation. I had known Lord Wisen for several years and had always found him agreeable. Perhaps he could be my ally; after all, it would not be so terrible to have someone to focus on besides Rhys and my sister. A distraction would likely be welcome.

I was waiting in the main salon along with my mother and father when he arrived. He bowed in deference to my parents and then came to stand directly before me.

I curtsied. “Lord Wisen, a pleasure, as always.”

“Princess,” he greeted and kissed my hand. “You’re lovely as ever.”

He had a genuine smile that I appreciated at that moment. He seemed at ease and it served to calm my remaining nerves.

We went on our first outing to the seaside the next day. As I walked through the entryway, my chest tightened with each step until I reached the front doors.

Stepping outside, I halted in the shadow of the castle, just watching. Rhys and Lorraina stood together, talking as they waited for the carriage to be ready. My teeth clenched, wishing they could just go by themselves. As much as I hated the idea of them being alone together, it would have been easier than watching up close for an entire day. Lord Wisen’s presence would be welcome indeed.

The carriage rolled around, stopping in front of the couple, and Rhys helped Lorraina inside with his usual ease. I breathed a harsh sigh and wondered if I dared approach the carriage alone when only Rhys waited there. Fortunately, Lord Wisen stepped out just then and offered his arm. Together we descended the stairs.

“Princess.” He bowed as he handed me in, and I managed a smile.
 

I sat across from Lorraina and tried to arrange a pleasant expression on my face. The carriage rocked as first Lord Wisen and then Rhys climbed in. Nathaniel shut the door then went to climb onto his own horse, which waited behind the carriage along with Lorraina’s guard, Stephen.
 

We lurched forward and I couldn’t help closing my eyes in what could only be described as dread.