Adremedian Prince 14 Research 2

'If I truly wanted to leave you and continue life alone in the forest.'

'And?'

'I still prefer the forest to the castle or the summer home...'

James hung his head, waiting for the rejection.

'But...'

He glanced at her, then away again.

'I'm still debating if it's best to be alone...or be with the only friend I have ever made.'

He looked up at her. 'Only...friend?...but the other Adremedians, surely they....'

'No. They are no more friends than servants are to a king.' He watched her smile fade to sadness and she straightened to get more books.

'Lilly.'

'I'll be fine James. I just need some more time to think.'

'Alright.'

James resumed his research and Carthago came in to talk with him. When Lilly brought books, they were both silent and she was quick to grab the books James was finished with and leave again.

"I don't understand your taste in women. I may never," Carthago said. But if you want her that much, why haven't you asked her to stay?"

"I have asked," James replied. "She's still thinking about it."

"If she has to think about it then she already has her answer, and I highly doubt it's good."

"There are a lot of factors for her to consider, Carthago."

"Factors or not. If she feels the way you feel about her. She has her answer. Now go get it."

James cast his brother an annoyed look as he sighed. Then he got up from the table to go find Lilly. She was sitting curled in the far corner.

'…mine ever can be,' he heard her say.

'What's that, beautiful?' James asked, startling her a bit.

'I've decided...' She looked away.

'Decided what?'

'That perhaps life would be better if... we stayed together.' Lilly watched him smile before he pulled her close. Lilly wrapped her arms around him. He held her for a long time, before he moved to kiss her. Her hand came up to stop him, but he grabbed it and held it. So at the last second, she turned so his lips made contact with her grooved cheek.

'Why did you move?' James asked.

'I don't want this to end a few hours from now, James. I...' Lilly couldn't finish and she curled herself as tightly as she could into the corner and wept.

James still found it surprising that she could cry without making any noise. Then he remembered her first conditions because of her poisoned lips. '...nothing more than embraces.' Here she was willing to stay and he nearly ended it all. Slowly he managed to worm his hands between her and the wall and pull her out of the corner completely so he could hold her close.

'I'm sorry Lilly. I don't want this to end either.… I love you.'

She turned into him, still crying, digging her fingers into his shirt. 'I love you, too.'

Carthago stepped out from between the shelves. "What's taking so long, James?" he asked, failing to see James cover Lilly's ears—one under his hand, the other pressed against his chest.

Lilly took James' hand away then touched his cheek with a nod. He let her go and she walked away.

"What's that about?" Carthago asked.

"She just needs a moment to herself."

"So?"

"She wants to stay with me."

"Then we should celebrate!"

"Lilly's not a crowd person."

"Well, we can't do nothing."

"Carthago, she's Adremedian. Our voices cause her pain."

"We'll keep it small."

"I don't want to hurt, Lilly."

"James, I understand where you are coming from, but I need to keep the peace. We'll hold a small celebration with just the most important people. Will you at least do that for me?"

"Very well, Carthago," James said. He knew the last thing they needed right now was another war. "If you'll excuse me, I have research to finish."

James went back to the table and Carthago left. During the rest of the day, neither James nor Lilly spoke to the other. They focused on the research, still aware of the other's pain. When James called it quits, Lilly was quick to disappear. Retiring to his room, he fell asleep before his head hit the pillow.

When he woke the next morning. Lilly was sitting at the table, her gaze shifted to the window. On the table was food.

'Morning, James,' she said, not turning.
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'Morning. How are you today?'

'Sad. How are you doing?'

James got up and stood beside her. 'Sad? How come?'

'Tell me how you are first.'

'Sorry that I hurt you, but happy you've decided to stay.' His fingers brushed her grooved cheek and a small smile crossed her lips. 'Now, why sad?'

'Because I can't do more than hold you.' Her gaze shifted to his face. Tears filled her eyes then slipped out to roll down the black grooves on her face.

'I understand. Come here.' he helped her to her feet and held her. After a while, they sat and ate. James kept one of her hands in his. 'Lilly, the king is putting together a celebration in honor of our...wedding.' He waited a moment to see her reaction since he knew he hadn't formally asked her.

Lilly nodded. 'When is it to be?'

'A month from now, but he's promised to keep it small since Human voices make you sick.'

'Crowd size only lengthens or shortens the time it takes to make me sick. I appreciate your concern for me.'

'Does that mean you're okay with it?'

'Where it is the King's request, there is no backing out. I will try to stay as long as I can, but it will make me sick for sometime afterward.'

'Maybe I can still get him to call it off.'

The door opened and Carthago came in. "Good news. Plans are underway and invitations have been sent out."

'Guess not,' Lilly said, based off of Carthago's expression. Then she got up and brushed his cheek before leaving to go to the library.

Carthago watched her movements. A little confused at the gesture. When she was gone, he turned back to James. "Are you sure she's the one you want James? She doesn't seem very affectionate."

"Lilly's affection is shown in different ways."

"Really? Like how? Because frankly I have seen her only hug and touch you."

"Much of her affection cannot be seen, only felt."

"Uh-huh. So that's how it is, huh?"

"Knock it off Carthago. I have research to finish."