Missing Lily

by Annette K. Larsen

  Lorraina came to my rescue. “Yes, Rhys. Lylin doesn’t deserve your teasing.”

  I blanched, turning my eyes to see Rhys’s reaction. She had called him by his first name and I didn’t like it. He ducked his head, hopefully uncomfortable with the familiarity.

  I alternated between gritting my teeth and faking a smile for the remainder of our time there, thankful when Lorraina declared that she had had enough of the sea air and wished to return.

  When everything had been stowed away, we walked to the carriage and my distaste must have shown on my face.

  “Do you not wish to leave?” Gerrick asked.

  “What? No. I’m sorry, I just don’t care much for carriages.”

  His eyes lit with curiosity. “In truth?”

  “Yes. I greatly prefer to ride.”

  He frowned in thought and then gave a succinct nod. “Well then, we must take the opportunity to ride tomorrow.”

  I opened my mouth to agree to his suggestion, but Rhys spoke first.

  “You do not like carriages?”

  “No,” I confirmed, rolling my eyes a bit. He had heard me say just that only moments ago.

  “Do you dislike all carriages, or are open carriages more to your liking?”

  I took a breath to answer but it got caught in my throat. Rhys’s expression was open and curious, but I knew exactly what he was referring to. He had taken me in an open carriage when we went on our own outing. I hated the reminder.

  There was nothing to do but answer honestly. “I find open carriages much more agreeable. Shall we go?” I looked to Gerrick and he obliged by offering his hand to help me in.

  I settled inside and managed a private huff before Lorraina joined me.

  ***

  The next day, Rhys and Gerrick spent the morning hunting with my father. Lorraina and my mother had invited me to spend the morning in the drawing room, discussing wedding ideas.

  Or, more accurately, they discussed while I tried to ignore the entire conversation but found myself unable to do so. They weren’t talking about any specifics yet. It was a lighthearted conversation—ideas about timing and place and general thoughts on decorations. When they went upstairs to go about other business I was left alone. I focused on my surroundings and realized that my feet were pulled up onto the chair, as if curling into a ball could somehow fend off the unpleasantness.

  They would marry here, no doubt, and I would have to stand up and look happy. Tobias would be invited to the palace, and that would most definitely be a problem. Rhys would never intentionally introduce my family to someone dangerous, but I knew that Rhys likely did not know his brother’s feelings concerning the royal family. I leaned my head back as it started to hurt.

  I was lost in thought when Rhys’s form suddenly filled the doorway, dragging me from my musings. I could see his surprise at finding me there and realized that my discontent was likely spread over my face. I blinked and looked away, trying to rearrange my face. Rhys took a tentative step into the room while I uncurled my body and stood up into my royal bearing.

  “Lord Fallon.”

  He paused to look at me before bowing. “Princess Lylin.”

  I waited for him to explain his presence, but he seemed at a loss for words. “May I help you with anything?”

  His gaze swept the room. “No. I was just looking for...”

  “Lorraina?”

  He dropped his gaze, but nodded.

  “She and my mother have gone elsewhere.”

  He turned away, still nodding.

  “Do you have a moment, Lord Fallon?”

  He stopped, taking a deep breath before turning back. “Of course, Highness. How may I serve you?”

  I swallowed, reminding myself that this conversation was necessary. “A moment to speak with you is all I ask.”

  He stepped fully into the room, bowing slightly. “Of course, Princess. I am at your disposal.”

  I almost snorted. If only. Instead I gestured to the seat across from me. “Please.”

  He waited for me to sink into my own chair before taking the seat I offered. He leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees, curiosity written on his face.

  “I have a—I don’t know what to call it...a concern—to discuss with you.”

  “A concern?” He seemed surprised.

  “Yes. About your brother.”

  His face fell and he dropped his head, so I only saw the top of it as he shook it slightly. He finally looked up, asking politely, “What is your concern?”

  The defensive edge in his voice made me swallow. I would have happily avoided the conversation, but that was not an option, so I pressed forward. “You remember the day before I left, something upset me.”

  He nodded.

  “I had been wandering and I ended up in what you later told me was Tobias’s study. I opened a carved wooden box and saw a letter sitting inside. I was about to close it when the words ‘royal family’ caught my eye. I read the paragraph.”

  I waited for a reaction, but his face was purely puzzled, and so I went on. “The paragraph encouraged the recipient to discontinue any plans he had made because of his anger toward the royal family. It said it would be treasonous to act.”

  Rhys took a slow breath, then turned his gaze to the ceiling and gave a disappointed shake of his head. He studied me for a moment, his brow furrowed, before asking, “You thought I was the recipient?”

  I swallowed and my voice came out in a whisper. “You had never mentioned a brother.”

  He nodded. “Is that why you left? Because you feared my brother?” There was no accusation in his voice.

  My polite mask fell from my face and my answer was halting. “I left—because I had to come home. The point is,” I continued, trying to regain my footing, “I am concerned that your brother has ill intentions toward me and my family, and because of the connection you now have with my family, he is bound to be invited here at some point, and when that happens—”

  Rhys held up his hand and I fell silent, a bit shocked by his quieting gesture.

  He noted my miffed expression and smiled. “I apologize. I should have let you finish.” When I said nothing, he went on. “I understand your concern and will look into it. But you should know that Tobias has a tendency to talk a lot. He shouts and rants and then does nothing. However, I am not going to let that make me complacent. I will find the document you read from and I will make sure that Tobias poses no threat before I let him anywhere near you.” He looked at me, then hastily added, “Or your family.”

  I nodded and managed to say, “Thank you.”

  “You’re most welcome. And thank you for bringing the situation to my attention. I never know what to expect from Tobias.”

  I thought he would leave but he remained sitting, so I tried to make conversation. “The hunting—how was it?”

  He looked down, trying to hide a smile. “It went well. It has been some years since I’ve been in a gentleman’s hunting party. I usually just go with Giles.”

  “Who won the day?”

  He looked up. “Pardon?”

  I was surprised he didn’t know the phrase. “Who took down the biggest animal?”

  “Oh, I did.”

  Of course he did. “And how did Lord Wisen fare?” I thought it appropriate to ask.

  His jaw chewed on the words before he responded. “He’s a fair shot. You seem to be getting along with your escort well enough.”

  “I suppose.”

  “I’m surprised you’ve got on so well.”

  His commenting on my relationship with Lord Wisen was unsettling. There was no reason for it to concern him. “Why is that?”

  He shrugged. “He just doesn’t seem the type to catch your interest.”

  Now I was more than unsettled; I was irritated. “Why not?” I wasn’t about to defend my relationship to Rhys. After all, Lorraina wasn’t exactly the type of person that I would expect to catch his interest.

  My question made him uncomf
ortable, and he struggled with his response.

  “Ah, there you are,” a voice said from the doorway.

  I looked past Rhys to see Gerrick enter. I couldn’t help but notice the look of annoyance that crossed Rhys’s face before he schooled his features and turned to Gerrick. I wondered why he disapproved.

  “Wisen,” he greeted without getting up.

  “Fallon,” Gerrick responded, then turned his eyes on me. “Princess, I was hoping to find you. It is almost time for the noon meal and I was hoping we could dine together on the terrace.”

  The enthusiasm in his eyes knocked me off balance. Gerrick was a gentleman, and a charming one at that, but I worried about him becoming overly attached to me. Especially when I was so unsure of my own feelings. However, I made myself smile politely and accept his invitation. Rhys stood as I rose to take Gerrick’s arm, allowing him to escort me from the room.

  Chapter 14

  SITTING DOWN TO lunch with Gerrick, I felt the muscles in my back relaxing. Rhys and Lorraina were elsewhere and only the footmen stood on the terrace with us. Our shady perch was one of my favorites, with the lawn stretching out before us and the gentle breeze tugging at my hair.

  “Tell me about your sister.”

  My brows shot up at Gerrick’s request. I finished chewing a bite of lamb before asking, “Lorraina?”

  “Yes.”

  “What about her?”

  “Well.” His brow furrowed. “I always assumed that lack of friendliness was a result of being in the middle of large gatherings. But I’ve been here for several days now and feel as though I know her no better than I did before. And from what I’ve seen, she isn’t any more open with Lord Fallon.”

  I puzzled over that. I had never thought of Lorraina as reserved but realized she had been. Perhaps it was a result of her attempting to be more ‘soft,’ as she had once put it. “I suppose she has been more reserved lately.”

  “Perhaps she’s been feeling the weight of her position as well?”

  The question in his voice made me wonder if perhaps he was digging for information, but I dismissed the thought and gave a delicate shrug. “We all deal with the weight in our own ways. Lorraina is actually better at it than most.”

  He nodded. “She’s usually more outgoing?”

  “Mm,” I thought for a moment. “She’s usually more outspoken,” I clarified.

  “Really?” He seemed genuinely intrigued by my assessment. “Well, I’m grateful you haven’t made me guess at your personality. Your openness if refreshing.”

  “Thank you.” I looked down at my plate, remembering that Rhys had appreciated my candor as well.

  When we finished, Gerrick led me out to the lawn, insisting that his plans for our afternoon be a surprise.

  Of course, once we reached the lawn and I saw the targets set up, it wasn’t difficult to deduce.

  “Archery, is it?”

  “I was thinking I might turn you into an expert marksman.”

  I smiled. “Really?”

  He chuckled. “Yes, I’m sure an afternoon will be more than sufficient to get you up to scratch.”

  “You must be an excellent teacher. I would have thought it would take at least two lessons to be truly proficient.”

  “Most people don’t have me as an instructor,” he said while giving a mock-humble bow. It made me smile.

  A shade canopy snapped in the breeze over a table spread with an assortment of archery equipment. Two footmen stood at attention, ready to assist.

  Gerrick helped me strap the leather guard to my forearm, though I could have done it easily on my own. He took pride and pleasure in assisting me, and I didn’t want to take that away from him.

  He selected a bow for me and strapped a quiver to his back before walking over to position us in front of the targets. He nudged my foot with his, adjusting my stance before advising me to keep both eyes open, draw all the way back to my cheek, and exhale as my fingers relaxed to release the arrow.

  I aimed for the outer edge of the target, so my arrow skimmed the edge before sinking into the grass beyond.

  “Not bad,” he commented, surprised. “Have you dabbled in archery before?”

  “I’ve had a few lessons,” I admitted, using the term ‘few’ loosely.

  “Well then, perhaps I can direct you on the finer points.”

  His conceit made me smile, happy to play along if it would keep my mind off of the esteemed Lord Fallon.

  For my next shot, Gerrick looked over my shoulder, lifting my right arm as I drew and lightly resting a hand on my back before telling me to fire. His hand was distracting, but I didn’t really mind it.

  I allowed the arrow tip to drop just before letting go, planting it two paces in front of the target.

  “Perhaps we’ll need that second lesson after all.”

  Gerrick’s dry humor made me sputter a laugh, and I clamped a hand over my mouth to stop the sound. I caught him smothering his own laughter, and my eye was drawn to the canopy behind him.

  Rhys and Lorraina had joined us. My laughter died and Gerrick turned to see what had caught my attention. His eyebrows rose in pleasant surprise before he walked over to greet Rhys.

  “I’m glad you decided to join us.” They shook hands.

  Rhys looked at me, then back to Gerrick. “Perhaps a little competition?”

  “That’s hardly fair,” Lorraina protested lightly. “I’m bound to lose.”

  “We’ll have teams,” Gerrick said. “That should even things up. And we’ll have some practice first. I was just showing Princess Lylin the fundamentals.”

  Both men nodded and went to pick out their bows while Lorraina approached me, curiosity written all over her face. “Why does Lord Wisen think that you need to be shown the fundamentals?”

  I shrugged. “He wants to teach me. It’s sweet.”

  She stared at me a moment more and then shook her head. “All right. If it gives me a fighting chance, then I certainly won’t complain.”

  Raina and I had received the same instruction, but her poise and grace didn’t translate to her archery skills and she remained quite hopeless.

  There were four targets set up. Gerrick led me to the far right, while Rhys and Lorraina used the far left. Rhys stood several steps back as Raina loosed her first arrow. It ate the grass, as always. She never drew back full force.

  Raina hung her head and Rhys smiled, bemused by her chagrined expression. Then he turned his eyes to me and I looked away in time to hear Gerrick advise me to step into my stance. I shook off my obsession, doing as he asked. He stepped up behind me, not touching me, but almost. Having him so close when Rhys watched us sent a ripple of discomfort down my spine, but I tried not to let it show.

  “Stand tall. Draw to the cheek. Exhale.”

  It would have been a decent shot if his fingers hadn’t brushed my arm, making me flinch.

  I allowed the rest of my practice shots to pepper the target at random, then made Gerrick fire several arrows. He ended up with a tight grouping slightly left of center. He turned away, but not before I saw his grin of satisfaction.

  “Shall we get started then?” Rhys asked, making his way toward us.

  Gerrick looked to me before answering. “I believe we’re ready to give it a go. Shall we set the targets at ten pace increments?”

  Rhys agreed and the footmen moved them into position.

  “Ladies first,” Gerrick said, gesturing toward Lorraina.

  Raina stepped forward with a sigh. “And so begins my humiliation.” Her stance was stiff as Rhys stood behind with his hands at his back. This time her draw was better, but she wavered as she released and the arrow flew wide. Very wide.

  “I will forever be hopeless at this.” Her voice was light, but I could tell her frustration was genuine.

  Gerrick put his hand out, inviting me to step up. “Lylin.” His eyes widened. “Princess,” he corrected with a grimace.

  I smiled to myself and settled into my stance. �
�I don’t mind being called Lylin.” I drew and fired in one fluid motion, being careful to aim well off center. “Just don’t do it around my parents,” I said, turning back to him and purposefully keeping my back to Rhys. The less I saw him, the more I might enjoy myself. I hoped.

  Gerrick grinned as I walked toward him. “If you had taken a little more time on that shot, you could have done significantly better.”

  I shrugged.

  “Fallon, let’s see what you can do.”

  I turned to see Rhys, his arrow pointed at the ground as he looked from Gerrick to me and back again before turning toward his target. His draw was steady, concise, and accurate, landing only a thumb’s width from center. He retreated without a word of triumph or boasting and allowed Gerrick to step up.

  Gerrick tried to appear relaxed, but I could see his right hand fidgeting at his side as he approached the line. He took a deep breath and cut his eyes over to me before drawing and firing. His arrow landed just beyond Rhys’s.

  “That puts team Wisen in the lead.” Rhys moved off toward the next target, which sat ten paces farther than the first.

  “Team Wisen?” I asked, holding my skirts out of the way as I walked quickly to keep up with the men. “Why team Wisen? Why not team Lylin?” I asked facetiously.

  Gerrick caught Rhys’s eye. “She’s got a point, you know. She does outrank me.”

  “That’s not what I meant.”

  Gerrick smiled. “Team Lylin it is. You’re up first.”

  Raina laughed at me when I rolled my eyes while taking my position. I turned to her. “You realize that makes you team Lorraina?”

  She shrugged. “I’m not likely to contribute to our points. I might as well contribute my name.”

  I focused on the target and landed my arrow in the five point ring. When Raina stepped up to take my place, she grabbed my arm, whispering, “I thought you were going to give me a fighting chance.”

  “Just remember to relax your hand as you release and hold the bow steady until the arrow hits,” I whispered back.

  She managed to hit the target, though it was only for two points. Still, she smiled a real smile and almost skipped (and I had never seen Raina skip) over to Rhys to celebrate. She clasped her hands together and held them up to her smiling mouth. She was almost giddy. Giddy. Raina usually reserved giddiness for whenever she was able to trounce Ella.