Missing Lily (Tales of Dalthia) (20 page)

“I beg your pardon?” he asked, genuinely confused.

“I’m asking you to end your visit, Lord Wisen.”

Shock was written clearly on his face. “I am being dismissed?”

“No, not dismissed, but it seems best to part now, on the best possible terms, before either of us has formed a serious attachment.
 

“You think that would be best?”

“Yes, I do.”

He searched my face, choosing his words. “I wonder if this hasty dismissal is due to the fact that you have not deduced your parents’ reasons for inviting me here.”

I was a bit put off by his inference. “I know my parents quite well, thank you. Do you require any help arranging for your departure?” I turned away, uninterested in any argument.

“I’m an excellent candidate, you know.”

I stopped and took a calming breath before turning back to him. “Candidate for what, sir?”

“The entire kingdom has been waiting for years to know who will ascend the throne.”
 

I remained silent, forcing him to talk his way around to whatever point he was trying to make.

“At first it wasn’t much of a mystery. It would be either Princess Mia or Jensa, maybe even Kalina. But then it wasn’t, and we all started to wonder how it would pan out. As it stands now, most are ready to assume that Lorraina will rule, but do you know what I think?”

“I’m sure I don’t.”

“I believe your father has chosen you. I also believe that he is trying to guide you in your choice of a husband. He saw me as a suitable option, and so I am left to wonder why you believe yourself wiser than your father, the king.”
 

As annoyed as I was by this diatribe, I did notice that he wasn’t being overly arrogant or sarcastic. It seemed more like he was trying to teach me an important lesson. But I required no lessons from him.

“Those are all very interesting assumptions. But I am perfectly comfortable in my decision to part ways with you. So I will bid you farewell.” I sank into an overly polite curtsey and smiled pleasantly. “Good day, Lord Wisen.”

“Lylin.”

I stopped, knowing I had given him permission to use my name, but surprised he would use it now. “Yes,
Lord Wisen
.”

He looked down, obviously regretting his informality, then took a deep breath before looking up again. “Your Highness. I meant no disrespect, and I certainly did not wish to offend.”

“Thank you,” I said, fighting the urge to apologize for my rude behavior. I couldn’t allow him to hope that I would change my mind. “And good day.”

I went to my room, sitting down at my writing desk.

Rhys,

I am sending Lord Wisen on his way
—a
ll because of you. He was a perfectly pleasant, perfectly suitable gentleman, but of course that couldn't be enough for me. No, I had to compare him to you.

I wonder if this self-destructive obsession I have will go away once you and Lorraina are married. Do you have any idea the bitter taste left in my mouth each time I think of it? Of you sharing a life with my sister. It is beyond cruelty. It is madness.

I contemplated many times whether or not to throw myself into Gerrick’s arms to see if I could loosen the hold you have on me. But despite knowing that my feelings for you are wrong, I know it would be even more wrong to lie by claiming an interest in anyone else. So I will wait, and hope that time will give me the freedom I need.

Until I write again, because undoubtedly I will.

Lylin

I folded it up, pressing my ring into the wax dribbled on the seam before adding it to the box with all the others. Then I left my room and joined Lorraina in our sitting room. I read, but only kept half of my attention on my book, as I continually stole glances at Lorraina. She was painting, a talent she excelled at but in which she seldom indulged.

It was a trait I had never understood. There were several endeavors that Lorraina had a marked talent for but into which she refused to put any real time, as though afraid she might succeed. I couldn’t make sense of it, but I was happy to see her painting at least.

An hour later, Mr. Dale appeared in the doorway. He cleared his throat, and when Lorraina didn’t even bother to look up, I asked, “Yes?”

“Your father asked that I inform you of Lord Wisen’s impending departure.”

I sighed, resigned. “I’ll be down shortly.

“Very good, Highness.” He bowed and departed.

I had hoped to avoid a strained farewell, but my father was not inclined to let me off the hook.

“Couldn’t hold his interest?” Lorraina asked without taking her eyes from her task.

“Don’t insult me, Raina,” I said evenly and she finally looked up.

She held my eyes for a moment, then dropped her gaze, shaking her head. “I’m sorry, Lylin. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

I left, knowing that if I said anything else, our conversation would deteriorate into something unpleasant. I descended the stairs, watching my parents as they spoke with Lord Wisen in the entryway. My father rested a hand on his shoulder as they walked outside. I felt a little guilty, knowing that my father had the best of intentions. And knowing that if Rhys hadn’t been right in front of my face, things might have turned out very differently.

I stepped outside and Gerrick turned toward me, his face twitching as he fought to keep a pleasant expression in place. I gave him a genuine smile, having truly appreciated his companionship over the past several days.

“Thank you all so much for your hospitality. I am honored to be welcomed so graciously into your home.”

My father stepped forward. “I’m sure we’ll see more of you from now on.”

“Yes,” my mother spoke up. “Thank you so much for coming. It really has been a pleasure.”

“I am honored, Your Majesty,” he replied with a hand to his heart and a deep bow. Then he turned to me. “And thank you for your company and your honesty, Princess.”

I curtsied. “Thank you, Lord Wisen. I wish you well.”

He bowed once more before climbing into his carriage and driving away.

“Well,” my father said from behind me. “That’s the end of that.”

I didn’t turn to look at him but sensed it when he went inside. Having no wish to follow, I turned toward the stables instead. It was a habit I had developed since Rhys had arrived. I went there both to escape and in hopes of running into Rhys. It was pathetic, but that didn’t stop me.

I nodded to Weston, who worked in a paddock with a new filly, but instead of going inside the stables, I went through the copse of trees that stood between the stables and the pasture where they let the horses run.
 

The short walk allowed me to clear my head. I walked lazily through the trees and smiled when I came to the pasture and saw Sunshine frolicking with two other mares. I leaned my shoulder against a tree and just watched. I was so caught up in the play of the horses that I didn't notice Rhys approaching until he was right behind me.

“Highness.”

I flinched, jerking away from him, and put a hand to my startled heart. “You surprised me.” I took a few steps away, making sure there was ample room between us.

“I apologize. You seemed to be daydreaming.”

“I suppose.” I looked back at the horses in an attempt to distract myself from his nearness.

“Whatever happened to your honored guest?”

My brow furrowed. “Who?”

“Wisen.” His voice grated.

“Oh.” I shrugged lightly. “He was never an
honored
guest, and his visit had come to an end.”

“It ended quite abruptly.”

“Yes,” I agreed, wondering what he was getting at.

“Not the successful match your father had hoped?”

I drew back, wondering at his assumption as well as his tone of voice. “Why does everyone assume they know my father’s mind?”

“I don’t know about everyone else, but I heard your father when he told you Wisen was meant for you.”

My eyes narrowed. “I very clearly recall you asking me about the expected guest and acting as though you knew nothing about it.”

“My overhearing was accidental. I wanted to give you the choice of confiding in me or not.”

My temper went missing at this point. “You had already heard, what difference did it make?”

He remained calm, though I could see it took effort. “I believe it makes a great difference.”

“You wanted to see just how much you could get me to confess of my own free will?”

“You know that’s not true.” His voice rose slightly.

“And why do you need me to confide in you anyway? Doesn’t Lorraina tell you enough of her secrets?”

He didn’t respond right away, and I had to fight to keep my composure. I didn’t want to talk about Raina, but it was the only thing that would make me focus on the reality of the situation.

When he did speak, he had regained his quiet calm. “If Lorraina has any secrets, she has not felt the need to entrust them to me.”

“Should I feel sorry about that?” My tone was biting.

His breathing became strained and when he answered, it was with real feeling as regret etched his face. “I would never presume to dictate how you feel.”

His emotion caught me off guard and I struggled to find footing in our argument, anything to keep me from the real emotions I longed to confess. “And since when do you eavesdrop? That seems like a pastime more suited to your brother.”

His nostrils flared. “You’re comparing me to my brother now?”

“I’m making an observation,” was my stubborn reply.

“Well, you’re right. My brother would love the opportunity to eavesdrop in these halls. I would advise that if he ever finds himself here, you be more careful of what you say.”

There was a ringing silence in the wake of his pronouncement as his meaning became clear. “I beg your pardon?” I was on the verge of yelling, truly angry now as I bit down on each word. “It sounds—very much—as though you are threatening me on behalf of your brother. Please tell me that I have misunderstood.”

“No, I didn’t—” He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath in before continuing in a much more sober voice. “Yes. You have misunderstood, and I apologize.” He looked down, the fight having left him. “My choice of words was inappropriate.” He looked me in the eye, an entreating hand reaching out to me. “Please allow me to explain.”

I breathed deliberately through my nose and nodded once.

“Firstly, I did not intend to eavesdrop. I was coming in to breakfast and overheard you and your father speaking. I thought it best to wait until you had finished before I entered, but when it started to escalate into an argument, I made the decision to enter. Whether that was right or not—I do not know.” He paused, giving me a chance to absorb his words before continuing. “As for Tobias. I was offended that you would compare me to him, but that was no excuse. I’ve been meaning to speak with you about him and when his name was brought up, I spoke without thinking.”
 

I kept my mouth tightly shut, determined to let him explain himself to his satisfaction.

“After you told me of the letter you had seen, I wrote to my steward, giving him explicit instruction on where to find the letter and asking him to send it on to me. It arrived just this morning.”
 

He had my full attention.
 

“The letter,” he began as he pulled the missive from his coat, “is from none other than my own Uncle Myren.”

My eyebrows rose as I remembered the name.

“He was careful to be vague in his writing, but it seems to boil down to the fact that my brother has developed feelings for a lady.” He held out the letter and I took it.

Dear Nephew,

I understand your pain. As men unused to weakness, it’s difficult for us to accustom ourselves to the vulnerability that comes with falling for the charms of a young lady. I’m sure you find yourself disoriented, especially since the lady’s station is above your own, leaving you with few options.

I understand your frustration and if I were in your position, I would hold the same animosity that you do for the royal family. Their tight-fisted rule keeps us from many pursuits. But I cannot help you. I will not help you, and you should abandon these foolish musings this instant. What you suggest is not only dangerous and foolhardy, but treasonous as well. You will not succeed in your objective. You will only hurt those you love and get yourself thrown in prison. Bury your anger and move on with your life. That is your only course.

If this young lady has refused your offer because of your lack of title, then what in the world would make you believe that forcing her into a marriage would change her mind? She would be far more likely to resent you for abducting her than to appreciate your ingenuity in devising a solution.

If you feel the need to continue in your pursuit of her, I suggest you speak to her. Use your charm and intelligence to change her mind. Do not, under any circumstances, do anything unlawful. You must squelch your rash tendencies and be the man I know you can be. I realize your brother has left you ill prepared to deal with the world at large, so you must trust my judgment in this matter.