This is a cliff-hanger, though it doesn't look like one. You really have to look carefully and understand Liana before you figure out the surprise I have in store for all you lovely Narnias.
In other news, I have the other chapter all written, I'm only waiting for a specific number of reviews before I update ^_^ OR, if someone guesses what I'm going to do in the next chapter, I will post that very same day. Forgive the teasing. I wasn't gone for half as long as I thought I would be. I absolutely love writing this. Cheers!
"We really do seem to run into each other in the strangest places."
Liana almost shrieked at the unexpected voice and jumped, causing the bucket that was balanced precariously on her head to slosh water all around her. She grimaced when she saw who had startled her. Edmund grinned wolfishly from where he was leaning against the wall of the house, arms folded across his chest. Liana controlled her breathing and put the bucket down next to her, bobbing a quick curtsey.
"Your Majesty," her voice was a murmur to hide the shakiness.
Edmund rolled his eyes. "Give me the bucket, Liana, before you pass out."
Her eyes flashed. "I can manage," she picked it up again, but Edmund merely took it from her grasp as if he hadn't heard her.
"Yes, assuming other people don't try to speak to you as you carry it. I'm confident my nerves are stronger than yours."
"Considering I live right here, I assure you there will be no casualties," her tone was snappish. "However, if you want to, by all means, carry in the bucket."
She turned on her heel and walked inside the small house. Resisting the urge to grin, Edmund followed her.
"Has he gone?" Liana was speaking to her niece, who was curled up near the window with a lone flower in her hand. Next to her, the baby gurgled happily inside her basket.
"He left only a while ago, and he left you flowers," the child's voice was meek as she pointed to the elaborate bouquet of red roses lying on the table. "Father was quite pleased with him."
"I'm sure he was," Liana sighed and turned around. She rolled her eyes at Edmund. "Really, Edmund, don't stand there idly. Put the bucket on the counter and have a seat."
"Yes, ma'am," Edmund winked at the girl, who had sat up in surprise when he walked in. "Good morning, little one."
"Stand up and curtsey, Merda, like I taught you," Liana's expression was serene as she drifted through the small room, hooking her foot around the leg of a chair and pulling it closer to the window-seat, where she now sat down. Gently, she picked up the basket, resting it on the floor near her feet.
Merda hurriedly scrambled off the seat and curtseyed deeply, then straightened up and looked at her aunt anxiously for approval. Liana raised her eyebrows in amusement. "Very good, dear. Run out and find Berta, you can play with her until lunch time."
Merda beamed happily and bounded out of the house. Edmund sank into the chair near Liana and leaned back, getting comfortable. She raised her eyebrows. "Why are you in the village?"
"Its lovely to see you as well," said Edmund dryly.
"Yes, I'm quite aware of my charm."
"You're so humble, Liana."
"I suppose you find it endearing."
"Attractive would be more appropriate a term."
"Actually, it would be quite inappropriate."
"You use that word too often."
"Forgive me if it displeases you."
"I find very little wrong with you as it is. I suppose I can let this one go."
"I appreciate that, but you haven't answered my question."
"Oh, that," Edmund waved a hand airily. "I just wanted to see how you were getting on," Liana folded her arms across her chest and gave him a look. He held his hands up in surrender. "Fine. Peter told me the Count had bribed one of the guards to tell him your brother's address. I was hoping to catch you first so I could warn you."
Liana's lips twitched. "You just missed him, I'm afraid."
"He came here?" Edmund's face went dark. He stood up from his chair. Reflexively, Liana caught his hand.
"Don't do anything stupid," she warned. Edmund's fingers closed around hers as she spoke, but she didn't notice. "He came, but I was in the Houses. A messenger came to fetch me, no doubt sent by him, but Rinas had told Merda to send me on errands to keep me away. I expected him to still be here when you came."
"He is harassing you, Liana."
"Let him," she stood up as well, dropping his hand in the process. "My brother can handle him, for now."
"He doesn't like him?"
"I have no idea, though I imagine it is difficult to find him unappealing," she shrugged her shoulders and made her way towards the door which undoubtedly led to another room. "Tea?"