"Jemma?" The smile froze on Liron's face. Of all the names Emerick could've thrown out, hers was the last Liron had expected to hear. In fact, he'd been fairly confident that Emerick, Orval, his mothers, and even Jacoby were ignorant of her existence. He'd overheard them mention the mysterious missing child on a number of occasions in fact. Then again, he mentioned that Titus was looking for her.
"I believe that is correct," Emerick nodded. "Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing at all," Liron glanced back at Emerick's hold on his tails, using the motion to quickly compose his expression while also making a point to draw attention to how he was being handled. "Well, I would appreciate it if you set me down. This isn't exactly comfortable."
"You'll live," Emerick replied with a dismissive shrug.
"Why do you need Jemma?" Liron questioned, though he had a good idea what the answer was. Anything he could do to stall for time and delay the inevitable was fair game, even pointless questions. Just hearing Jemma's name sent him into a mental fit of turmoil.
"Titus needs her help with testing out some of his new solutions," Emerick explained. "Admittedly, I am curious… I don't think I've met her yet."
"You have," Liron replied, trying to hold back a frown. "You just haven't realized it."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Emerick regarded him quizzically.
"At this time of day, she's usually teaching the kids," Liron continued as though he hadn't said anything strange. He was bothered by Emerick's interest in her, though he was reluctant to acknowledge it. Past events had made him protective of her, even if he was unwilling to face her.
"Lead the way good sir," Emerick gestured to the hall in front of them with a sweeping motion. He made no move to release him however.
"You know, if you set me down, it would be easier to lead you to her," Liron pointed out.
"I am getting the distinct impression that if I release you for even a moment that you're going to flee for the hills," Emerick cocked his head with a slight smirk. "I would rather avoid the hassle of recapturing you. Titus wants your help as well, or did I forget to mention?"
"Me? Flee?" Liron batted his eyelashes innocently. "Now what makes you think I would go and do a thing like that?"
Inwardly, he was cursing. Of course Titus wanted him there as well. If he had sent Emerick of all people to fetch Jemma, he was likely demonstrating his work to someone important. The fact it was Emerick that was acting as errand boy suggested that important person was Queen Esmyria. Anyone else would've called for Jacoby or sent one of the maids who were apparently his sisters. With someone that important checking in, it only made sense that Titus would want Liron there to more effectively sale his product. They called him 'Con-man' but he preferred 'creative and ingenious business consultant.
"It's practically written all over that impish mask you call a face," Emerick chuckled. "The moment I set you down, you'd dash off just to spite me. It's in your nature. Besides, I get the sense that something about the idea of seeing this Jemma girl is making you nervous, which only adds to the likelihood you'll book it given the chance."
"I would never!" Liron replied in mock offense. Never mind both of them knew he was lying through his teeth. He would book it. He totally would. As they laughed at the joke, Liron inwardly lamented the fact Emerick had seen through him with so little effort. Even if the prince was right, it was annoying that he seemed to know him so well.
Liron preferred to avoid Jemma at all cost. Whenever he encountered her, a tidal wave of guilt and regret engulfed and overwhelmed him. The sensible part of him understood that Jemma was not the type to hold past mistakes over someone's head. She was a being ruled by logic and compassion, so a discussion and sincere apology would resolve any tension existing between them. Honestly, she would forgive him easily if he were to broach the subject, but nonetheless, he couldn't face her. Not yet. Not until he had more than words to offer in atonement for the suffering he'd unwittingly put her through.
"You look like a fly in a spider's web," Emerick replied. "Frankly, you're so obviously nervous, I'm almost surprised you haven't taken drastic actions like trying to bite my hand to get me to release you."
"And risk getting hit for the effort, or contracting whatever communicable disease you may have contracted from all your rounds with Trixie? I'll pass," Liron retorted. It seemed he'd unwittingly hit a nerve in Emerick, but he pretended not to notice the prince's tightened grip or the dangerous gleam that had appeared in his eyes. "Besides, the only thing nerve wracking about this situation is your lack of clothing. Seriously, what kind of gentleman walks about all day in nothing but trousers? Anyone walking in on this would get the wrong idea."
"If this is your poor attempt at trying to talk your way out of this, it sucks and it's not going to work," Emerick was smiling through his teeth. It was actually fairly intimidating. Liron was beginning to think he might have just tripped over a fairly solid line. Oh well, too late to think better of it now. "If you would kindly direct me to where the lessons are being held, I would greatly appreciate it."
"Fine," Liron heaved a dramatic sigh of defeat. "I guess you've talked me into it." He made a mental note to start putting more effort into learning about Emerick as an adversary. He was learning that he'd grossly underestimated the prince and what he was capable of. Hopefully, it might help him avoid being outwitted and manhandled in the future.
Though unwilling, Liron reluctantly directed Emerick through the manor halls to the room that was being used for classes. Sulking, he scarfed his pilfered pie as they walked. He needed to finish it fast. If the kids saw him with it, he would be pressured to share. Jemma's presence would only make that pressure worse, so he decided to avoid the problem altogether. It seemed Emerick had the same idea, because it wasn't long before the pie the prince had confiscated vanished as well.
"Here we are," Liron commented as they stopped outside of the door. "Don't get cold feet on me now."
"Are you talking to me or to yourself?" Emerick quirked a brow. "I'm quite excited to meet Jemma, why would I get cold feet?"
"Fear of disappointment?" Liron shrugged. "Over anticipation? I don't know. A guy can hope."
"You really are shameless," Emerick chuckled. Liron winced as the door opened, revealing the class within. "What the?"
Painful as it was, the look on Emerick's face was priceless, and made the experience worth it. Standing at the front of the room was none other than Liron.
"Surprise!" Liron cackled from Emerick's hand. "Jemma is none other than my evil twin brother!"
"Uh…" Emerick was too stumped to reply. Liron snickered as the children all turned to stare, and Jemma herself regarded them quizzically. Amused as he was, he had to admit it was bizarre staring at himself without any reflection involved.
"Hey there boss," Jemma greeted Emerick in perfect imitation of Liron. She was still in character after all. "What can I do for you?"
"Are you… Jemma?" Emerick was still staring in disbelief. "Or is this some twisted prank you put on?" The second question was directed at Liron.
"Who wants to know?" Jemma folded her arms with a smug smirk. Even so, Liron could tell she was nervous. She had subconsciously slipped more into Trixie's personality, whom she viewed as the most bold. Emerick seemed to catch the slip-up.
"Titus sent me to look for you," He replied, relaxing as he realized he wasn't, in fact, dealing with a second Liron. "He needs your help with a few tests."
"Oh! Has he finished that list of new ointments, poultices, lotions, and body soaps already? He had mentioned his intentions to enlist my aid in the near future… however I hadn't anticipated how near in the future he meant," Her expression brightened and while she maintained Liron's visage, she completely broke character.
"Dammit Jemma, you're supposed to tease him more before you give yourself away!" Liron groaned and covered his face. Such a wasted opportunity!
"Oh? Was I supposed to infer your intentions to deceive the prince by your rather unfortunate predicament? Titus directed him to me, which indicates he is seeking me on business. Is it not appropriate to receive him as such?" The sassy uplift of her brow sent a sharp pain of some foreign emotion through Liron.
"Well, if you are Liron's twin," Emerick interrupted, "You're definitely the smart one."
"Indubitably," Jemma nodded. "Though I would appreciate if I could obtain his level of wit and cunning. Intelligence is fruitless without the ability to apply that knowledge to one's benefit. Then again, I should probably refrain from praising his skills too highly in front of him. He has an unfortunate tendency to become insufferably arrogant when his talents are acknowledged."
"You know, it's somehow worse hearing those words coming out of my own mouth," Liron grumbled.
"Ah, but I'm thoroughly amused," Emerick chuckled. "Anyway, sorry for disrupting your class."
"We were practically finished for the day," Jemma shrugged. To the kids she added, "You may go. We'll meet again after morning chores tomorrow."
Excitedly, the children fled the room, breaking for their various tasks or free time activities and stretching their legs. Liron watched them go wistfully, wishing more than anything he could slip away with them. No such luck.
"Shall we?" Jemma cocked her head.
"After you," Emerick replied.