"But, Lydia-sama, do you not know? Of course you will be here."
The pepper tipped. "What did you say?"
Raven blinked. "Your presence is highly crucial to the events."
Lydia took a deep breath. "See here, Raven, I had no idea that there was another event this soon after the first." She offered a small smile. "I'm afraid it is impossible for me to prepare in time. Therefore, I cannot-"
The dark servant leaned close. "You will attend. Lord Edgar has ordered it."
"Raven.." Pursing her lips, Lydia pushed him backwards. "I already told you no."
"But you are Lord Edgar's fiancé."
"I've already told you I am not his fiancé, and it's rude to be persistent."
"Edgar will be upset."
"Raven..." Lydia set her food aside. "Listen, Raven, I do care for Edgar, but I am not his fiancé and I can't always be on hand when he wishes it." Raven continued to watch her with his large green eyes, not blinking, and she gentled her tone. "Maybe I had my own plans for that day. Since Edgar didn't tell me, I really cannot be expected to attend."
Raven turned his head to the window. "You haven't told us of these plans."
"I ... I don't have to," Lydia said, voice stern, and fiercely ignoring how her heartbeat had quickened.
"Your dress is prepared. Also-"
"I can buy my own dresses."
"It's because you saved his life."
"I didn't - It's because of that?"
"Yes."
"Edgar... he bought..." She gulped and stood up, struggling with her composure. Nausea seemed eminent with her heart pounding as it was at the moment. Her voice came out shaken and hurried. "Raven, I can't accept this. I saved my own life that night, and ... " In an instant Lydia remembered Edgar's smooth but very warm lips descending on her forehead. A small blush formed on her cheeks, yet with her stomach still rolling, she looked down. "I already received payment for that. I was doing my job as his fairy doctor..."
Raven blinked and took a step towards her. "Lydia, I didn't mean to distress you. What -"
A large hand settled on and ruffled Raven's hair. He turned and Kelpie dropped his hand. Eyes strangely not intimidating and tone low, the tall fae spoke, "Worry about this some other time, kid. She's been working hard and needs to eat then rest."
That was true, the boy reasoned to himself. He turned around and glanced at the Lady Lydia again, who hiccuped into her glass of lemonade, chestnut hair falling over her eyes. He turned again and met Kelpie's solemn gaze, speaking the first thought that came to mind. "I didn't mean to upset her."
"I know you didn't," the kelpie replied, voice still quiet.
"I'm fine, Raven, Kelpie, I'm just tired," Lydia muttered them, voice hoarse.
Kelpie let out his own sigh. "I am sure that's the answer, Lydia. Continue eating."
"I don't need you to tell me that... "
Raven looked around again. The atmosphere seemed muted but not necessarily on a calmer level. "I will tell Edgar that the plans might need adjusting."
Kelpie nodded. "Go ahead and tell the earl that."
Raven was finished and met Kelpie's eyes once more. "I cannot let you stay for long. It is late and Lady Lydia shouldn't have visitors for long when she is exhausted. You are also a male."
Kelpie startled then flashed a trace of his usual smirk. "I am quite aware of that." He schooled his expression in the next moment. "I will be gone by the time you check on her again."
"You better be," Raven stated, a hint of warning in his stoic voice. Kelpie only chuckled. Blinking, Raven took a moment to watch Lydia nibble on her meal before bowing and leaving the room.
. . . . . .
