If looks could kill than Tyki would have died a hundred times over since opening the door.
Sitting across from him, looking daggers, no poison tipped spears at him was Lovely, nestled uncomfortably in Sheril's arms. It amused Tyki to think that the girl - correction the woman, no girl could kiss like she did, was looking so angry because Sheril had interrupted them and not because she wanted to throw the pair of brothers out. The sting in his shoulder was testament to the sharp knuckles Lovely had punched him with. Absently Tyki rubbed the sore spot while listening to his brother, a bored expression plastered across his face.
The Lord of the House either did not see the murderous beam between the other two occupants of the room, or he chose to ignore it as he sat back quite leisurely and at ease, freely feeling the room with small talk. He had not even seemed at all put out when Tyki had answered the door to let him into his mistress' rooms. After the 'warning' he had given Tyki had expected a more explosive reaction.
"What a pity I did not arrive soon enough to catch a sneak preview," Sheril pouted at Tyki. "Not fair little brother, you get all the luck!"
Lovely pulled away from Sheril as far as she could although restricted by the arm he had thrown over shoulder locking her in place. She looked mortified at the comment, the expression lasting only a fraction of a second before laughing weakly, a pink blush covering her cheeks.
"Sheril please," Lovely shifted uncomfortably.
"Yes Sheril please, a lady's wardrobe does not make for gentlemanly conversation." Tyki frowned at his brother's disregard for Lovely's humility, although not surprised recalling how Sheril had once dismissed her so cruelly in front of the family. Seeing the woman now Tyki felt a bit guilty for harassing Lovely earlier. "Lovely was already changing into more comfortable attire when I arrived. To be honest I don't think there is a dress that could improve what you already have to work with." He flashed a wolfish grin and winked at Lovely, who turned another shade darker.
Guilty maybe, but most definitely not regretful.
Tyki felt his man pride swell when Lovely gave him the smallest of grateful smiles. This must have been the first time the red head had ever looked at him favourably.
"Thank you Lord Mikk."
Pride deflated. So he's Sheril and I'm still Lord Mikk. Fabulous.
Curiously Tyki watched the display before him. The rumour mill had got something right as usual dealing in the spreading of half-truths. Sheril Kamelot and his ward definitely shared a much closer relationship than the one written on paper. However, it got Tyki wondering; this one was nothing like the simpering gold diggers Sheril usually played with.
In fact the only thing Lovely had in common with those money chasers was that she was most marvellous actress he had ever seen. Vaguely he remembered the red head mentioning that she was out of place in the upper echelons of society and yet she played the role of a perfectly poised young lady to the tee, the very model of a model. A different face was on display every time he had crossed paths with her.
With Sheril Lovely wore a carefully arranged mask of respect and admiration, answering all his questions with warmth one would have thought could not be faked. Had Tyki not witnessed Lovely flinch away from Sheril's touch or express any dissatisfaction at the Lord's words he would never have noticed how strongly she repelled him.
Tyki quickly decided he liked the feisty Lovely who argued with him at every turn.
A burst of genuine laughter drew Tyki out of his musings. Lovely's split into a wide pearly grin, emerald eye twinkling with an odd light. Her hand shot up to cover her mouth when Tyki looked at her directly. Her expression changed in an instant to something unreadable.
Confused Tyki raised his eyebrows at Sheril.
"I was just telling Lovely about the unfortunate incident with one of the stable boys, and how passionately you argued his case. Larry was it?"
"Lavi." The weight of Lovely's gaze bore into Tyki; reflexively he ran a hand through his hair. "I didn't think it made for a funny story." Immediately regretting his tone as Lovely's face fell.
"I didn't find it funny. I'm sorry I just couldn't believe it." She said quietly. "Lavi would appreciate you looking out for him like that, but, why?"
Tyki leaned back into the soft cushions of the sofa, unsure how to answer. He had his reasons, reasons that he did not feel like sharing. He stared intently at the cigarette in his hand, "Felt like someone had to say something."
"Tyki really doesn't seem the type to step in and act the hero does he?" Sheril sneered, his hand crawling into Lovely's lap where she grabbed the hand holding it still.
"Hardly a hero," Tyki rolled his eyes and sighed. "I probably wouldn't believe it either if you told me, most lords exchange notes on how hard to beat their stable boys."
"It's very admirable of you Tyki," Lovely's knuckles were white tightly gripping Sheril's hand. "Thank you."
Tyki decided he liked the way she said his name. He liked it a little too much. Tyki coughed and lit a cigarette to busy his hands, pointedly looking away from Lovely's intense stare. "You're welcome." He mumbled.
An awkward silence filled the room, no one moved except Tyki taking slow drags from the lighted stick. His purpose here was to coax Lovely out of the room, the prospect of actually doing becoming more and more remote. He could hardly snatch his brother's mistress out from under his nose... Could he?
If he wanted to he could easily send Sheril running, the means to do so resting innocuously in his jacket pocket. Use it now for instant gratification… Or save it and play the long game?
"Sheril," Lovely broke the silence. "I have an appointment with Miranda this afternoon. I should be heading off now, but thank you for the visit."
"Appointment? Are you unwell?" He searched her face for signs of illness.
She pulled Sheril's hands away from her face, smiling softly, "Don't worry, it's nothing serious."
"Then it can wait until later. Tyki would you mind?" Sheril cocked his head not so surreptitiously towards the door. Behind him, Lovely was stricken, imploring Tyki to stay.
The long game could wait.
"As much I hate to interrupt your obviously important plans for the afternoon Sheril," Tyki held out a small envelope, the seal broken. "There are other matters that require your attention."
The envelope hung between them as Sheril regarded it suspiciously. "What is it?"
"Delicate content." With a flick of the wrist envelop glided through the air landing in Sheril lap. Sheril skimmed the document within, his expression darkening with every line he read. "The Earl won't be too happy if his guests do not arrive here safely." Tyki added, enjoying the horror on his brother's face.
"What is it?" Lovely asked curiously.
"Nothing. Don't you have an appointment to get to?" Sheril barked at the woman not looking away from the letter. The corner of Lovely's mouth twitched angrily then settled back into a calm mask.
Without a backward glance she made her way to the door. "Lord Mikk, will you be so kind as too accompany me to the infirmary?"
Sheril's head snapped up looking from Tyki to Lovely. To Lovely's credit she did not flinch under Sheril's scrutiny, staring back innocently. "No. Tyki I need to discuss this with you. Why did you receive this letter first?"
"Sheril," Lovely said more commandingly. Tyki had to suppress the urge to laugh; you do not argue with a woman when she uses that tone. "You've neglected your lordly duties as host and Lord Mikk has already offered to show me around the Manor as you are too busy. You can discuss your inefficiencies compared to Lord Mikk at another time."
With that she stormed out of the room. Internally Tyki applauded her; no doubt she would pay those words later. Sheril's nostrils flared in barely concealed rage, like a wild bull ready to charge. The lord rounded on his younger brother.
"That woman is already mine!" his declared vehemently. "Don't even think about doing anything more than your lordly duties with her."
Tyki actually did laugh out loud this time, Sheril's face turning a deeper red by the second. "Do you even realise how ridiculous you sound?" He patted Sheril's shoulder sympathetically on his way out. "Women troubles… probably why you should only ever stick with one, brother."
"I do still want to know how you know about this?" Sheril said warningly. Tyki simply brushed him off with a wave of his hand, leaving Sheril in the room alone to contemplate his next move.
"Take her to the infirmary and then bring her straight back!" He heard Sheril call after him.
Outside the hall way was empty not a single trace of Lovely.
Tyki sighed, fearing he had lost the woman Tyki walked the route he would have taken to the infirmary hoping he'll find the red head along the way. At the end of the corridor he still had not caught up with her. Stuck between going on the way to the infirmary or trying a different route, Tyki felt like banging his head against the nearest wall. How did it come to this? Stalking the hallways in search of this elusive woman. She could have at least waited for him.
Tyki decided to go to the infirmary, almost crashing into a servant in his rush down the stairs. He reached out and grabbed her saving her from a quick trip to the bottom, the tray of silverware she was carrying clattered loudly around them.
"Oh," The dark haired servant gasped. "Lord Mikk! I'm so sorry!"
"My fault, I should have looked where I was going." He tried to side-step the woman but she clung to his shirt bringing her curly head close to his. Tyki jumped backwards up the stairs in surprise feeling her deft fingers working their way inside his jacket, almost losing his balance and barely managed to stay upright by holding onto the polished bannister.
The young woman looked up with heavy-lidded eyes focused on him. Tyki cast his eyes around, looking for a way out. Any other of the week he would have stopped and humoured the girl, she looked like she could more than handle herself. Any other day, but today he was simply annoyed as the girl brushed herself close, slowly reaching down to pick up the spoon behind him.
"Tyki! There you are!"
Lovely stood at the top of the stairs smiling down at him benignly. Striding forward she locked arms with him and steered Tyki back up the stairs.
Damn! How was he going to explain being cornered by a very forward servant?
"I was just –"
"Shut up and keep walking." Lovely gritted out of the side of her mouth. An impossible command as Lovely spun around to face the servant. Tyki could nothing but turn with the motion. The other woman was staring, this time at Lovely stunned and not just a little hate. "Livia darling, you must be more careful. I can't imagine a clumsy maid being kept on for too long."
Tyki watched the actress at work dumbly. Her tone was light and airy with more than a hint of acid and the right amount of haughtiness to pass for one born and raised in in the upper crust. Lovely wound her arm tighter around his and even lay her free hand gently over his bicep. Tyki was not going to complain about the attention, but he had the distinct feeling he had just been claimed. He followed her wordlessly as she lead them away from the seething maid.
Once they had turned the corner Lovely rounded on him angrily. "Honestly Lord Mikk, stable boys and servant girls. Is that what it takes to hold your attention?"
"What? You don't like her?" He said trying to sound nonchalant to cover the uncertain guilt he felt for being caught too close to that maid. Tyki also lamented the loss of contact as Lovely broke away from him defiantly crossing her arms across her chest.
"No I don't. Steer clear of that one; she's on a mission to collect bed post notches around the Manor."
"Funny Sheril said the same thing."
"You should to listen to him. Has good advice sometimes." Lovely started up the corridor and Tyki dropped into stride alongside.
"He also told me to stay away from you." Sideways glancing at her for a reaction, he achieved to pull only the smallest twitch of smile from the red head. "Well I guess you did say sometimes."
"So are we really going to the infirmary?"
Suddenly Lovely twirled on the spot, skirts flapping around her and stretching her arms out high over her head. "I don't care. It feels good to be out of that room." She declared to the empty corridor. Lovely held on to his arm again, the weight this time less possessive and more companionable. Narrowing her eye, she looked up at him suspiciously, "Lord Mikk promise me you're not going to try anything funny and kiss me again are you?"
Out here away from Sheril and annoying servants Tyki detected the carefree nature radiating from Lovely, just like the first night he had met her. For a brief moment he wondered if this was another act she was playing out, dispelling the thought quickly. Right now with her guard lowered, Lovely felt too innocent to be wearing a mask.
"As I recall it was youwho kissed me." He pointed out the obvious for the woman.
Lovely rolled her eye at Tyki, somehow managing to convey her complete and utter disdain for him with only the one green eye Tyki could see. "I kissed you. You kissed me. There's a difference." Lovely shushed him with a pinch to the arm when he opened his mouth to speak. "Just don't do it again."
"I promise," Tyki chuckled. "But no more 'Lord Mikk', it's irritating."
"Oh is it? Then I do apologise Lord Mikk. Please forgive me my dear Lord Mikk."
"You my dear are having far too much fun. Perhaps I should have some too." Tyki stepped closer to Lovely, causing her to step backwards to the wall until Tyki towered over her. Panic flashed momentarily behind her eye as her back connected with the wall. Guilt crept up on him once more. Tyki placed his palms on the wall, keeping a good distance between him and the red head. "I won't do anything to you. I promised I wouldn't."
"Tyki," Lovely's face was so open, yet Tyki still could not read the expression. "Did you really go to Sheril to defend Lavi? Why?"
"Why?"
"Because if you are that kind of man then I think," She took a deep steadying breath. "I think I can trust you."
"If you want to, you can." Tyki stepped back, giving Lovely room to stand freely. "Lovely, you don't belong here. I saw what you were like with him; you don't want to be here."
Lovely turned her palms out, "I'm not here because I want to be. I'm here because I have to be."
The words made Tyki's insides twist sickeningly. What kind of blackmail did Sheril have on someone so young?
"Do you want to talk about it?" Tyki ventured.
"Let's be friends!" Lovely brightened considerably, smiling up at Tyki with the warmth of a sun. "Friends talk to each other don't they? So I will talk with you about some of these things, and you can talk to me about what goes on in the Manor."
"Friends?" Tyki turned over the suggestion. "I'd like that."
Waves of gratitude came off the woman. It was a wonder to Tyki how Lovely ever managed to conceal her feelings so well when she could also be so free with her emotions.
"What would you like to know?" He asked her, surprising himself with his own desire to amaze the woman with some knowledge only he could tell her.
"There's a lot like what is in that letter for example, and I'd like to know more about the old man Sheril is keeping in the infirmary too." Lovely's face was carefully blank as she spoke, but her shoulders shook giving away her nervousness. "Would you tell me these things? As a friend."
Tyki looked up and down the corridor for eavesdroppers. "There are something's that I wouldn't tell a friend about. But I'll make the exception for you," He let out a hiss of breath. "If you will do me a favour."
"Erm… Alright," Lovely agreed hesitantly. "What is the favour?"
"Do you know how to get to the roof?" He asked suddenly.
Lovely nodded.
"Can you meet me there tomorrow after lunch?"
"Yes."
With that Tyki turned and walked towards the opposite end of the corridor. He stopped at the end and looked over his shoulder, "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow Lovely. You should probably go see Miranda, a little truth to your lies is the best balance I find."
"Tyki wait!" Tyki turned around merely inches apart from Lovely who had run up to catch up to him before he disappeared down the hall.
She paused. He waited expectantly. Nothing.
"Are you going to be alright? Sheril wasn't too happy with you for pointing out his inefficiencies compared to me," Tyki asked, filling the silence. "He's just a little bit jealous I think."
"A little bit?" Lovely raised her eyebrow, "Thank you for your concern Tyki, but I can handle whatever he throws at me. Sheril should be happy enough with just knowing that you've promised not to kiss me again."
Tyki lowered his head closer to hers, "I'd drop the 'again' part of the sentence though."
Lovely laughed nervously and Tyki was all too aware how close they were standing.
"Tyki I just want to say that I don't know about your other friends, but please don't smoke in my room again. Ever. It's disgusting." She crinkled her nose in the most endearing way Tyki had ever seen. Lovely blushed pink, "Also I like your hair short."
Tyki's stomach did a small flip at the unexpected compliment. He wanted to respond with something witty, but before he could even think of anything Lovely had already fled from the corridor.
He made a note to ask Lavi for more style advice.
Hope you liked!