Missing Lily Read online

  “You didn’t change its appearance at all.” I could see Nathaniel’s mind working. “Perhaps you wanted the horse to be recognized.”

  “I’m not such a fool as that,” he sneered with a mocking tilt of his chin. “That horse was valuable and dead useful.”

  “I find it curious that you have answered each of my questions thus far when you have been unwilling to answer the captain.”

  His chains scraped together as he settled his arms across his chest once more. “He wasn’t the one I wanted to meet.”

  “And I am?”

  “Just wanted to see you face to face, to be sure you knew the kind of people you protect. Wanted you to know whose father it was you killed.”

  Nathaniel leaned back, studying the man. “By all means. Educate me.”

  “I suppose you think you’re right noble for protectin’ the royals. But they don’t care a nut for no one but themselves. My brother was a good man, a fine man. Wanted nothin’ but to take care of his wife and littles the best he could. So when his little girl’s foot was crushed under the hoof of his fool donkey, he rushed her, fast as he could, to the doctor. Then the royals come along. They was in our town for naught but frivolous reasons, I’m sure. And ’cause the royals think their lives is worth more, the doctor spends all his time pamperin’ naught but a cut on the wee princess’s hand ’stead of tendin’ to a peasant girl’s maimed foot.”

  Everything settled into place and I understood what had happened. I had been eleven years old and we had gone to the seaside for a family holiday. I had fallen on the beach, my hand landing on the sharp edge of a broken shell.

  Jon continued, his eyes unfocused, caught up in the memory. “Little Abby’s foot just sat there, bleeding and covered in muck. It were infected, and the infection moved up her leg so that now it pains her each step she tries to take. It’s been years and still, she can hardly walk, much less dance around whenever she has a spare minute, the way she used to. Like a little sprite she was, flittering here and there.” He shifted his angry gaze back to Nathaniel. “Not anymore. And it broke her da’s heart. The royals destroyed my brother as surely as they was responsible for my niece bein’ a cripple.”

  “So you decided to reap your revenge on the princess?”

  He gave a lazy shrug. “My brother thought a maimed foot would be fitting.”

  I fled the observation room, unable to keep my emotions in check. I ran down the first corridor I came upon, wanting only to get away and ignoring the footsteps following after me.

  A hand took hold of my arm and I spun to face Rhys. “It was a scratch!” The words spilled out. “It was nothing. But my parents insisted I be taken to a doctor. The moment we arrived, he focused only on me. I remember my mother asking if he had other patients that needed his attention, and he insisted that there was no one else. But there was! Some poor child was left suffering while the doctor cleaned and re-cleaned, treated and wrapped and re-wrapped a scratch that likely would have been fine all on its own. All because I was royalty. That man is right!” I shouted, jabbing a finger in the direction of the interrogation room. “My comfort was put far above the life of that little girl, and look what it did to her—to her father! He’s dead because of me.”

  Rhys studied my face, sympathy written in his features. “Yes, the father was hurt. Yes, the child was neglected. But not by you and not by your parents. It was the choice of the doctor to put your needs above his other patient. Not only that, but that child’s father decided that your life meant nothing. That you should be physically punished for a situation entirely beyond your control. He got himself and some other poor fool killed, and his brother will likely follow, for the sake of a grudge that should have never taken root, certainly not against you.”

  I took a stuttering breath. “She was left crippled, Rhys.”

  “I know. It shouldn’t have happened.” His hand rose as if to touch my face before he pulled it back. “But it was not your fault.”

  I leaned back on the wall, closing my eyes against the ache in my heart. I mourned for that little girl as Rhys stood beside me, a silent support.

  Chapter 16

  A WEEK LATER, I sat in the music room by myself, having already breakfasted with my mother and Lorraina. They had plans to shut themselves away with the seamstresses and plan ball gowns. I happily declined the invitation to join them.

  “Your Highness?” A footman asked from the doorway.

  “Yes?”

  “A guest has arrived. The king and queen are both occupied. Your mother requested that you be sent to greet him.”

  I was taken aback. “I did not know we were expecting guests.”

  “The arrival was unanticipated.” The tone of disapproval in the footman’s voice made me smile. “He awaits in the parlor, Princess. Shall I tell him he will have to wait?”

  “No, thank you. I don’t mind.” He bowed as I rose and left the room, curious who the guest might be and amused at the footman’s disapproval that he had arrived unannounced. I just hoped it wasn’t another gentleman meant for me.

  As I glided down the stairs, two footmen passed by, carrying a large trunk. Apparently our guest planned to stay for some time. My curiosity increased. Who was this unannounced visitor? I crossed the entry on silent feet, hoping to glimpse the guest before he became aware of me.

  I stepped into the parlor and found a lone man standing with his back to me. His figure struck me as familiar, and my stomach tightened, making me pause. When he turned, I took an involuntary step back.

  Tobias had come for a visit.

  My movement caught his attention and he had the audacity to smile, his eyes roving over my figure.

  Wanting nothing more than to retreat, to refuse to be in the same room with him, I fought to maintain my composure. This was my home. I wasn’t some lost soul that he could threaten and intimidate. I was Princess Lylin of Dalthia.

  I pulled my shoulders back and entered regally. The moment I stepped forward, Tobias swept into a low bow. “Princess Lylin, it is an honor.”

  My hands clasped tightly in front of me as I tried to appear calm. “Mr. Fallon. I did not know you were expected.”

  His expression was entirely smug. “Yes, I believe only the king knew of my coming. And his steward, of course, since he penned the invitation.”

  He was here at my father’s invitation? Lovely. If that were the case, then I had to be civil.

  “I’m afraid the king and queen are both occupied at the moment. If you would like to join me on the veranda for tea until they are able to join us, I’m sure they will not be long.”

  He looked mildly surprised by the invitation but accepted, probably because it was more of an order than a request.

  “Mr. Dale.”

  The steward was instantly at attention, and I didn’t need to say anything further. He dispatched a servant to escort Tobias to the veranda and arrange for tea.

  I remained in the parlor, pacing back and forth, calming my breathing and preparing to face the insufferable Tobias.

  I only had a chance to take a few shaky breaths before I looked up and was startled at the sight of Rhys entering the room.

  “My apologies, Highness. I did not mean to startle you.”

  I shook my head, further discomfited at having to face both Fallon brothers in the space of a few minutes. “It’s fine.”

  His eyes narrowed in concern. “Is everything all right?”

  “Your brother.” I cleared my throat and took a breath. “Tobias has just arrived. My parents are busy. I had no idea of his coming, and it’s left to me to entertain him for the moment.”

  Rhys’s gaze hardened. “Tobias is here?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?” he demanded.

  “I don’t know,” I answered defensively. “Apparently my father invited him, but I haven’t had the opportunity to ferret out the rest of the story.”

  He blew out a breath. “Where is he now?”

  “On the veranda, wai
ting for me to join him for tea.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Tea?”

  “It was the only thing I could think of.”

  “Of course,” he said, looking down for a moment. “I will join you, if you have no objection. I should probably greet my own brother.”

  I sighed, relieved to have an ally. “Please do.” Some of the tension in my shoulders relaxed with the knowledge that I wouldn’t be left alone to socialize with Tobias.

  “Shall we?” He offered his arm and I took it hesitantly. Not that I didn’t want to take his arm, but that I wanted it too much.

  When we stepped out onto the veranda, Tobias stood with his back to us, his shoulder leaning against one of the columns.

  “This should be delightful,” Rhys muttered before dropping my arm and striding forward. “Tobias,” he called and Tobias turned—half sneering, half smiling—to greet his brother. They gripped forearms and shoulders. “I was surprised when the princess told me of your arrival. I had no idea of your coming.”

  “That was my doing.” I turned at the booming voice of my father. He strode past me and stood before the brothers, examining each in turn. Rhys looked uncomfortable, while Tobias managed only a slight sneer, which he tried to hide with a smile.

  “Mr. Fallon, I am glad you've come. I thought it was time we became better acquainted with Rhys’s family.”

  I closed my eyes, mortified by the very uncomfortable situation my father had orchestrated.

  Tobias put on his charming guise. “I am truly honored by the invitation, Your Majesty, and most humbly obliged to be here.”

  My father gave a regal nod, then gestured to the table. “Please, do sit. Lylin, join us.” I started at my father’s words. I had hoped to escape now that my father had come. He turned back to Tobias. “Have you met my daughter, Tobias? Or did only your brother greet you?”

  As I sank into a chair, Tobias gave me a knowing look and I tensed, wondering what he might say about our first meeting. “Princess Lylin was kind enough to greet me upon my arrival, but that was not our first meeting. I met her at Fallon manor the day before she...left.”

  I winced. ‘Left’ was not quite accurate. I imagined Rhys would think ‘disappeared’ to be more precise.

  “Really?” my father asked, turning his gaze on me. “Lylin, you had not mentioned that you met both brothers.”

  “Mr. Fallon and I only met briefly,” I explained quietly.

  “And I suppose you knew her as Lily as well?” he asked, a tone of amusement ringing through his voice. “It must have been a shock to have her greet you at the palace door.” He smiled and my neck grew hot.

  “Actually,” Tobias began, and Rhys’s eyes snapped to Tobias’s face, no doubt hearing a prelude to revelation. “She did introduce herself as Lily, but having been present at many social events—unlike my brother—I recognized her. I’ll admit it was quite a surprise to find that my brother had been harboring a member of the royal family for several days.”

  My father actually laughed, which was rare. Rhys sat, fuming in silence. I wanted to shrink down in my chair. Tobias made me feel helpless and ridiculous.

  I remained quiet for a while. Tobias appeared to have charmed my father, and it turned my stomach. He hated my father, hated all of us. Seeing my father conversing politely with him was horrifying, and there was nothing I could do about it.

  The men didn’t last long sitting idle on the veranda. Soon my father took his leave, asking Rhys to join him to discuss the particulars of an upcoming event that I had no knowledge of.

  Rhys rose to join him but looked back at me. I could feel his reluctance to leave me in the company of his brother, but he had little choice. I tried to reassure him with a smile, but it was forced and unconvincing. After they left, I sat in the awkward silence and stared at the palace grounds, trying to ignore the crawling sensation that ran over my skin as Tobias sat there, scrutinizing me.

  “Where is your sister?”

  My eyebrows shot up as I turned to him. “Pardon?”

  “Princess Lorraina, my brother’s betrothed.” He nearly snarled when he said betrothed, and I wondered what about the betrothal fueled his anger. Though, from the letter I had read, I guessed it was simply his brother marrying a hated royal that disgusted him so.

  “She is with my mother.”

  He raised an eyebrow, but the casual gesture couldn’t mask the hatred in his eyes. I refused to be the object of his malicious scrutiny.

  Civility be hanged. I was leaving.

  I rose to my feet and made the first excuse that came to mind. “If you’ll excuse me, Mr. Fallon. It’s time for my ride.” I turned to the steward. “Mr. Dale, would you locate Nathaniel for me?” He turned to do as I bid and I made a quick curtsey to Tobias. “Mr. Fallon.”

  He had had the presence of mind to rise when I did, so he bowed at the waist and I retreated to my room. I considered hiding there but decided that riding would be a welcome distraction. I changed into my riding skirt and descended to the entrance hall once more. Nathaniel was there waiting for me, and I breathed a sigh of relief. That is, until I reached the bottom of the stairs and Tobias intercepted me. “Might I escort you to the stables, Princess?”

  Wanting nothing less, and wondering why he would wish to prolong our association, I concluded that he must find it truly amusing to watch my discomfiture.

  My silence prompted him to try a different tactic. “I’d like to check on my mount, make sure he’s being properly tended. Let me walk with you.”

  My teeth clenched, but I told myself it would only be a short walk to the stables and made my mouth form the words to accept. At least Nathaniel would be close at hand.

  I hooked my hand over Tobias’s arm and walked stiffly out of the palace. Normally, Nathaniel would have kept a more significant distance while I had an escort, but after I shot him what must have been a terrified look on my way out, he stayed close enough to hear any conversation.

  We entered the stables and I rushed away to coddle Willow while Tobias made a perfunctory and completely unnecessary check of his own mount.

  I breathed an audible sigh of relief before looking to Nathaniel, who spoke up as soon as my eyes settled on him. “I hope I was not making a nuisance of myself, Highness. It seemed as though you might not care to be left with that gentleman.”

  “No, I appreciate it. I will tell you straight out that I do not like that man.” My voice was weighted, wanting my feelings to be clear.

  He nodded once. “Understood, Highness.”

  While Nathaniel oversaw the saddling of our mounts, I went to check on the new foal that was in the paddock outside with its mother. I rounded the corner and stopped. Apparently, Tobias had taken an interest in the new foal as well. I stepped back, trying to decide whether to go inside or wait outside. Just then, Rhys rounded the opposite corner, approaching Tobias.

  His face was fierce, his body taut. Tobias glanced up, unconcerned over Rhys’s aggressive stance. “Ah, Rhys, what are you doing here?”

  “One of the servants mentioned that you wormed your way into escorting Princess Lylin to the stables.”

  “Chivalrous of me, I know.” His voice was haughty and he puffed out his chest while tugging on his waistcoat.

  “You knew who she was? You recognized her at the manor and you said nothing?” he demanded. “How could you not tell me?”

  Tobias laughed. “And miss the opportunity to see you swooning over a princess and making a fool of yourself? I wasn’t about to pass that up.”

  Rhys grabbed the front of Tobias’s shirt. “Did you ever consider that the king might not look kindly on the idea of his youngest daughter being harbored by a single man?”

  “Of course,” Tobias answered calmly.

  Rhys shoved him away and turned his back, then spun to face Tobias once more. “Do you wish to see me hanged?”

  Tobias shrugged. “I’m open to the possibility.”

  Rhys’s stance tensed even farther as he t
ook a breath, no doubt gearing up to give Tobias a tongue lashing—or perhaps a real lashing. Instead he clamped his mouth shut.

  They glared at one another, each wound tight and poised to strike. I braced myself for the impact, but Rhys pulled back just enough to break the tension.

  “If we’re going to discuss the possibility of hanging, then what about the letter?”

  Tobias jerked back.

  “The letter from Uncle Myren. Are you really delusional enough to think that some noblewoman would fall at your feet if you abducted her?”

  The muscles in Tobias’s shoulders bunched and tightened before his entire posture fell into a lazy stance. He chuckled. “You think you’ve found out some great secret?” He leaned an arm on the fence. “That old man is crazy. Don’t expect me to explain his ramblings.”

  “Myren is greedy and jealous as Hades, but he’s not mad, and he would never help you with such an outrageous tactic. Did you really think his doting on you would extend so far as to commit a crime?”

  Tobias’s upper lip twitched. “I told you already. He’s crazy. And he’s no use to me.” His sneer transformed into a smug smile. “But Lylin. She could be useful. Perhaps you could utilize your relationship to bleed her for information about your betrothed. Of course, consorting with her here may convince the king that your interactions with her thus far haven’t been entirely innocent.”

  “Stop trying to make it sound sordid,” Rhys said through clenched teeth.

  Tobias’s lips curled into a smile. “Come now, Rhys, we both know that your friendly advances toward the princess are only punishable if she admits to them. And we both know that won’t happen.” The way he said it, as if he did know, as if he knew everything, made Rhys step back. Tobias straightened his clothes, then spoke slowly, making every word count. “The last thing the princess wants is to see you punished, and you know it.”

  Tobias walked past him, allowing his shoulder to bump into Rhys, who stood stock still, staring at the ground.

  Tobias had rounded the corner before Rhys moved. His feet trudged in my direction, and he would have walked by without noticing me if I hadn’t spoken.