This is a longer chapter with a lot of information.
Thanks to the lovely comments left by Nusuki Kisuuke, Merrow Girl, Ella of the Moon, and CeruleanDreamCat's second comment, I finally found the time to speak to my Earl and Fairy muse and finalize this ^^ Each comment made my day, but the final scene wouldn't work out quite right. I apologize that it took soo long, but I wasn't trying to neglect you guys or this story. It will not be dropped even if the updating period isn't consistent yet.
Also, I extend a welcome and thanks to pokii1, who has joined my readers. I hope I don't disappoint.
CeruleanDreamCat, this chapter fulfills your wish ~
Unfortunately, my muse decided to mess up my order of things, so you don't get to see Edgar or more of Annette in this chapter. However, I don't think you will be too disappointed with the alternative.
~ Kelpie's Trap Part III ~
The volume closed with a thunk. "There," Lydia sighed, setting the feather quill back in the inkwell. "All written out and recorded for later reference." She pushed her chair back and stood up, glancing out the window and the evening sky. "It's late. I wonder how long I have been in here." Her hand settled on top of her journal and chuckled. "Oh well, there was a lot to write after all. It couldn't be helped." She hefted the book in her hands and turned around to slide it into the bookshelf behind her.
As the book thudded into place, Lydia's hand lingered, hazel eyes dazed as she slid back into her thoughts. I may be done recording the event itself, but I am nowhere near the bottom of all that occurred that night, she told herself grimly.
Lydia could easily recall the cruel glint in the other fairy doctor's eyes.
During that short meeting, she had recognized the cruel glint in his eyes, shivering from the slow slight smirk. She couldn't help but wonder how someone controlled some of the most volatile fae in the Unseelie Court yet, the answer was before her. She didn't understand, she didn't want to understand, but that smile and the darkness curling around him seemed to explain the way all by itself. She had been terrified. In addition, there was the fact that Edgar seemed to know the leader behind him, someone called the Prince...
Lydia let out a long sigh as her hand fell. Even if he had almost died, Edgar hadn't mentioned that night or the Prince, and somehow she didn't think he would. She could only do her best at protecting him with what she knew.
She clenched her hand. Hopefully, her way would powerful enough. She refused to contemplate the other way.
. . . . . . . .
Lydia jumped at a knock on her door.
"Come in," she called.
Pushing open the door with his back, Raven entered carrying a covered tray. "Lydia-sama, may I ask how the work is coming along?"
She sighed. "I'm finally done, thank you, Raven. Is that dinner?"
"Yes," the dark haired boy stated, placing his tray on the coffee table by the sofa. He rose again. "Although Edgar-sama was loathe to disturb you, he insisted that leaving you alone any longer would be hazardous to your health and ordered me to bring some food as well as find some wine. I have yet to acquire that as Edgar didn't give the type required." His pitch rose in inquiry.
Lydia smiled and shrugged. "Thank you, Raven, but I think the water on the tray will be sufficient. There is no reason to continually treat me to expensive items such as Lord Edgar's wine."
"There is lemonade on the tray."
"Then lemonade will-"
"But the Master requested wine. I have only neglected that order so far because I wish to know which bouquet would suit you."
"Lemonade is perfect, very good," Lydia explained, a bit flustered. "Anyway, Raven, how long have I been in here?"
Raven blinked. "If you haven't left here since this afternoon..."
"I haven't."
"Then, you have been in here roughly six hours."
"Thank you, Raven. Has Edgar already eaten?"
"He has eaten and has been sent to bed early to continue recovering from his shoulder wound," Raven stated, pouring her a glass of lemonade and holding it out.
"Already?" Lydia murmured, taking it and running her finger over the cold rim.
"Yes." Raven fluffed out the tablecloth and set out the salt and pepper grinders. "It is necessary."
"Necessary?"
Raven continued setting out her dinner materials, not looking up. "His shoulder must be completely healed before the next party begins next week."
Lydia sipped her lemonade, "I see..." and nearly choked. "Wait, NEXT WEEK?" Raven, seemingly undisturbed by her squawk, looked up. Lydia took a quick swig. "Raven, did you say that there was a party coming up next week?"
"Yes."
"But yesterday - I mean we just barely returned all in one piece from -"
Finished with his preparations, Raven stood up and moved aside. "I assure you, Lady Lydia, all the preparations have been made. They were made before and cannot be altered."
"Before?"
"Yes. Now please sit down and eat."
Lydia sat down, mind whirling. "Raven, what is happening at this party?"
"There will be refreshments and polo during the afternoon and in the evening there will be a formal dinner and dance."
"I see." Lydia chuckled and unwrapped the roast beef sandwich from the napkin. "It would appear he has quite the schedule set up." She reached for the pepper. "Just have him take care of that shoulder. It would be a shame for it to open up when I am not here."
"But, Lydia-sama, do you not know? Of course you will be here."
The pepper tipped. "What did you say?"
Raven blinked. "Your presence is highly crucial to the events."
Lydia took a deep breath. "See here, Raven, I had no idea that there was another event this soon after the first." She offered a small smile. "I'm afraid it is impossible for me to prepare in time. Therefore, I cannot-"
The dark servant leaned close. "You will attend. Lord Edgar has ordered it."
"Raven.." Pursing her lips, Lydia pushed him backwards. "I already told you no."
"But you are Lord Edgar's fiancé."
"I've already told you I am not his fiancé, and it's rude to be persistent."
"Edgar will be upset."
"Raven..." Lydia set her food aside. "Listen, Raven, I do care for Edgar, but I am not his fiancé and I can't always be on hand when he wishes it." Raven continued to watch her with his large green eyes, not blinking, and she gentled her tone. "Maybe I had my own plans for that day. Since Edgar didn't tell me, I really cannot be expected to attend."
Raven turned his head to the window. "You haven't told us of these plans."
"I ... I don't have to," Lydia said, voice stern, and fiercely ignoring how her heartbeat had quickened.
"Your dress is prepared. Also-"
"I can buy my own dresses."
"It's because you saved his life."
"I didn't - It's because of that?"
"Yes."
"Edgar... he bought..." She gulped and stood up, struggling with her composure. Nausea seemed eminent with her heart pounding as it was at the moment. Her voice came out shaken and hurried. "Raven, I can't accept this. I saved my own life that night, and ... " In an instant Lydia remembered Edgar's smooth but very warm lips descending on her forehead. A small blush formed on her cheeks, yet with her stomach still rolling, she looked down. "I already received payment for that. I was doing my job as his fairy doctor..."
Raven blinked and took a step towards her. "Lydia, I didn't mean to distress you. What -"
A large hand settled on and ruffled Raven's hair. He turned and Kelpie dropped his hand. Eyes strangely not intimidating and tone low, the tall fae spoke, "Worry about this some other time, kid. She's been working hard and needs to eat then rest."
That was true, the boy reasoned to himself. He turned around and glanced at the Lady Lydia again, who hiccuped into her glass of lemonade, chestnut hair falling over her eyes. He turned again and met Kelpie's solemn gaze, speaking the first thought that came to mind. "I didn't mean to upset her."
"I know you didn't," the kelpie replied, voice still quiet.
"I'm fine, Raven, Kelpie, I'm just tired," Lydia muttered them, voice hoarse.
Kelpie let out his own sigh. "I am sure that's the answer, Lydia. Continue eating."
"I don't need you to tell me that... "
Raven looked around again. The atmosphere seemed muted but not necessarily on a calmer level. "I will tell Edgar that the plans might need adjusting."
Kelpie nodded. "Go ahead and tell the earl that."
Raven was finished and met Kelpie's eyes once more. "I cannot let you stay for long. It is late and Lady Lydia shouldn't have visitors for long when she is exhausted. You are also a male."
Kelpie startled then flashed a trace of his usual smirk. "I am quite aware of that." He schooled his expression in the next moment. "I will be gone by the time you check on her again."
"You better be," Raven stated, a hint of warning in his stoic voice. Kelpie only chuckled. Blinking, Raven took a moment to watch Lydia nibble on her meal before bowing and leaving the room.
. . . . . .
Lydia finished her first half of sandwich in silence, aware and glad of Kelpie's presence on her left. So far, Raven had not returned with wine. Lydia poured herself another glass of lemonade, slowly. Listening to the healthy sloshing of liquid against the glass, she pictured the brook by her house in Scotland, the quiet of her days there. Crickets and a few toads sang in harmony outside. Setting the pitcher down, Lydia turned to the napkin and began folding it into a triangle.
Beside her, Kelpie chuckled and draped his larger hand over hers, tugging the cloth free. He set it on the tray away from Lydia before settling the other on the top of her head and murmuring, "There will be dark circles under your eyes, lass."
In spite of herself, a smile came over Lydia's face. "And then, I'll terrify the brownies into thinking some strange witch lady put a curse on me." Her smile grew as Kelpie began ruffling her hair, pushing her head back and forth. "You haven't called me "lass" the entire time here." She had forgotten how much that nickname in his voice cheered her up.
Kelpie scoffed under his breath. "Well, I couldn't give away my best move to every idiotic man around you, "he continued to groom her hair with his hand, "especially not to that flippant earl. Besides, it wouldn't stay special if I used it every time."
Lydia beamed and leaned her head against his shoulder. "I always know I can count on it being genuine from you." Her voice dropped. "Sometimes, I wish I could go back to that simplicity, even with..." Her hand clenched over her skirt.
Kelpie let his hand fall to her shoulder and pulled her gently against him. "If you do, I could always make it happen."
Lydia's eye fluttered as she tried to push away her exhaustion. "You mean, by kidnapping me in my dreams? That was quite the underhanded way... to play the hero."
"I think I prefer that to you being in danger."
"I can't-"
"I know," Kelpie sighed. "Lydia, lass, you are practically falling asleep in my lap. Are you sure you don't want to marry me?"
"What- What?" Lydia pushed herself up and off Kelpie, bonking her table and blinking away her fatigue, blushing furiously. "I don't want to marry you. I already gave you a bargain."
Kelpie caught the falling glass. "I know. Here, take a drink. Are you going to eat the other half?"
"What- Oh. No, I'm not. Go ahead and take the meat. It will make me feel less bad about wasting Edgar's food."
Kelpie folded napkin back and fished the roast beef out of the bread, setting that back on the tray. "You," he peeled a slice away from the slices and gulped it down, "can waste as much of his food and money as you want." He ate another one. "I don't really care."
"I know you don't, Kelpie." Chuckling, Lydia took a light drink from her glass. "That doesn't mean I don't."
"Too bad for that." Kelpie leaned back and swallowed the rest of the meat. "It would lighten his gilded pocket. By the way, Lyida," he said, turning back to her, "I told you to not spend too much time working. You and I both know that the information wouldn't have gone anywhere if you spread the writing out. You have far too good a memory."
Lydia laughed and sliced off a portion of dessert, cheesecake with blueberries. "You caught me." Her fork dragged on the china. "It was an excuse to get away."
"I thought as much. Was it my-"
"No," Lydia rushed in, "it wasn't Annette." She lowered her eyes. "It wasn't that. Kelpie, am I-"
With a loud groan, Kelpie stood up from the sofa, stretching to his full height. "Ask me that question and I'll ask mine after you have had time to rest and clear your mind."
"What question did you have?"
"I'll tell you later, lass." He grinned as the small smile rose on Lydia's lips and stole over her beautiful meadow green eyes. "Sweet dreams, Lydia."
She set her fork down and rose as well. "Enjoy your night, sea raider."
Kelpie smirked and saluted her before pushing her window open. He vaulted down into the yards.
Leaving the window open, Lydia sat down and began to eat dessert.
Leave comments please.
Another Edgar and Kelpie duel next chapter~ I wonder, will Kelpie lose again? ~hint hint~