Lily opened her eyes to see Tieran resting his head on his hand in the armchair. His eyes were closed and he breathed deeply. The morning sun casted a shadow over his face. Even asleep he looked ethereal. His expression was soft and calm. So peaceful.
"Staring is rude," he suddenly said.
She blinked, "I wasn't staring,"
He opened his eyes, locking with hers. She felt trapped in his gaze. Like she couldn't look away. It wasn't exactly a scary feeling, more like a captivating one. She finally managed to blink.
"Why didn't you go back to your room?" she asked.
"How could I when you were whimpering and moaning in your sleep," he stood. His back was stiff and the wounds in his chest ached.
Lily sat up and watched him, "You should have gone to bed. You're still recovering,"
"Is that so?" He walked to the door.
She hopped out of bed and followed him, "I'm serious, Bear. If you don't rest, you won't heal," she bumped into his back. "Ah!" she exclaimed. She looked around him to see Eiden and Dana standing frozen in the doorway of another room. Tieran crossed his arms.
"Did I miss something?" he asked.
"Oh hey guys," Lily greeted as she walked around him, "Did you guys bunk together?"
Tieran's eyes dared them to answer.
Dana chuckled awkwardly, "Lily! Wanna grab breakfast?" she hooked Lily's arm and pulled her toward the stairs.
—
Lily happily ate her food, completely oblivious to the tension around her. Tieran, who sat beside her, had his arms crossed as he stared at his sister. Eiden had refused to sit and instead stood by the table with his hands clasped in front of him. The silence was almost unbearable.
"Nothing happened," Dana said softly, "There were two beds,"
"You couldn't afford another room?" Tieran asked.
"They only had one room available," she replied, "And besides, didn't you and Lily share a room too?"
"You dare talk back to me?"
She bowed her head, "No, brother,"
He turned his head to Eiden, "And you,"
Eiden dropped to his knee, "I swear nothing happened, my lord. I was willing to find another inn, but Lady Dana was feeling ill, so I couldn't leave her here alone,"
Lily's ears perked, "You're feeling ill?"
"I-I was," she said quickly, "but I'm much better now,"
Since Eiden mentioned it, Tieran noticed the thin layer of sweat dampening Dana's forehead. "Have you eaten?" he asked. She cleared her throat and looked away, "Dana, did you eat?" he asked again. She shook her head. He sighed, "Make sure you eat something and go rest. I won't be needing you today," he stood. He looked over to Eiden, "Make sure she eats then meet me at the clock tower," he pushed in his chair and left. Lily quickly snatched a last piece of bacon then stood to chase after him.
~~~
As Lily and Tieran strolled down the street, Tieran released his fifth deep sigh.
"Is something bothering you?" she asked.
"No," he replied.
"Mm, your furrowed brow and tense posture says otherwise," he ignored her. She smacked her lips and spotted a shop nearby, "I know what will cheer you up," she pulled his arm toward the shop. They stopped outside and he stared at the sign, 'Candy Shop'. He looked down at Lily.
"Your solution is sweets?"
She nodded with a smile, "Mortals do make the most delicious candy," she dragged him into the store.
As she pushed the door, a bell rang and they were instantly attacked with the sweet scent of sugar. Shelves were lined with jars filled with gummies, caramels and chocolates. Wooden counters displayed an array of hard candy and cookie packets.
"As you have stated before, I'm more of a bitter person," he took his arm from her grip and exited the store.
Lily shook her head. He didn't understand the joys of candy. She would have to teach him. She nodded in determination and made her way to the counter.
Tieran stood outside with arms crossed. He didn't know how to feel about his sister's situation. She was the flirtatious type, so of course she would have captured Eiden in her snares. But his bodyguard and his sister? He cringed at the thought.
"My Lord," Eiden appeared beside him.
"Did she eat?"
"Yes," he waited. Then he cleared his throat, "My lord,"
"I would rather not hear it, Eiden, for I fear I may strangle you on the spot and leave you for dead,"
"Yes, my lord," he took a step back.
Tieran scanned the pedestrians and straightened when he spotted someone, "What's he doing here?" he muttered.
"He's the scout, my lord," Eiden answered.
"He's the scout?"
Lily suddenly walked out the store, candy in hand and followed their line of sight. She spotted Evrin, "Oh," she raised her hand to wave, "Ev–" Tieran covered her mouth with his hand and they vanished, reappearing in an alleyway. She stood still in shock as Eiden peeked around the corner. He looked to Tieran in relief and shook his head. Lily suddenly became aware of how close she was pressed against Tieran's chest. She could feel the warmth of his body on her back and her heart began to beat a little faster. Tieran let go of her mouth.
"You nearly got us caught, little fairy," he said in a low tone.
"Ahem," she took a step away from him, "Why are we hiding from Lord Evrin?"
"Would you like the obvious answer?" he asked.
"No, that's alright," she mumbled. She looked down from her packet of sweets. If Evrin found her, would he take her home? Would she be shown leniency if she returned? She was too scared to find out. At least with Tieran she was safe.
As though sensing her discomfort, Tieran said, "We should go back to Darkhaven, little fairy,"
She looked up quickly, "Oh we can't leave yet!" she moaned, "I haven't seen the train yet,"
"Train?"
"Yeah, the Bakerloo train," she replied, "It runs all the way from Baker street to Waterloo,"
He frowned, "Are you making this up?"
"Aargh!" she tipped her head back, then looked at Eiden.
He raised his hands, "Don't look at me, I don't even know what a train is,"
She shook her head, "I am wildly disappointed in you two," she looked back at Tieran. She took a step closer to him, "Just a quick peek. Hmm?" she tilted her head, her big brown eyes sparkled.
Tieran's shoulders sagged ever so slightly as he looked at Eiden, "Keep following him," Eiden nodded. Lily squealed and grabbed Tieran's arm, dragging him down the alleyway in the opposite direction.
They arrived at Baker Street Station and Lily bounded down the stairs to the platform, Tieran, who was less enthusiastic, was not far behind. The air was thick with the smell of coal and grease. Standing near the edge of the platform, Lily craned her neck to see down the dark tunnel. Tieran grabbed her by the back of her coat and pulled her backwards.
"Do you enjoy putting yourself in danger?" he asked.
"I'm just looking," she pouted.
"Then look from behind the yellow line,"
The faint sound of rumbling could be heard down the tunnel. It grew louder and louder and Tieran had to once again pull Lily back. Suddenly, a train burst into the station and came to a squealing halt. The doors to the train opened and people boarded and climbed off the train. Lily wasted no time and dashed inside. Tieran reluctantly followed after her.
Wooden seats and luggage racks were bolted on either side of the train. Some people sat down on the cushioned benches whilst others stood and grasped the metallic bar above them. The doors closed.
The train then lurched forward, causing Lily to lose her balance and bump into Tieran who caught her. She looked up at him. He nodded to the pole that extended from the ground to the roof beside a bench.
"Hold on to the pole," he said.
Lily pursed her lips and took a step toward the pole and grabbed on. Tieran took a step closer then reached above him to grab ahold of the metallic bar. He looked around and sighed.
"This is what you wanted?" he looked down at her, "To be in a confined space with a bunch of sweaty strangers in a dark tunnel underground,"
She narrowed her eyes with a playful smile, "Yes,"
His mouth twitched as he looked away.
The train came to a stop at the next station. Lily and Tieran exited the train together.
"Happy?" he asked.
"Quite," she replied. She smiled brightly at him and, as she turned her attention back in front of her, came to a stop.
Evrin stood there, slightly confused.