This a longer chapter with a lot of information.
Thanks to the lovely comments left by readers on FanFiction, my muse finally awakened on this story. Unfortunately, my muse decided to mess up my order of things, so you don't get to see Edgar or more of Annette in this chapter. However, I don't think you will be too disappointed with the alternative.
Kiki, look who's in the chapter THIS time~~
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~ Kelpie's Trap Part III ~
The volume closed with a thunk. "There," Lydia sighed, setting the feather quill back in the inkwell. "All written out and recorded for later reference." She pushed her chair back and stood up, glancing out the window and the evening sky. "It's late. I wonder how long I have been in here." Her hand settled on top of her journal and chuckled. "Oh well, there was a lot to write after all. It couldn't be helped." She hefted the book in her hands and turned around to slide it into the bookshelf behind her.
As the book thudded into place, Lydia's hand lingered, hazel eyes dazed as she slid back into her thoughts. I may be done recording the event itself, but I am nowhere near the bottom of all that occurred that night, she told herself grimly.
Lydia could easily recall the cruel glint in the other fairy doctor's eyes.
During that short meeting, she had recognized the cruel glint in his eyes, shivering from the slow slight smirk. She couldn't help but wonder how someone controlled some of the most volatile fae in the Unseelie Court yet, the answer was before her. She didn't understand, she didn't want to understand, but that smile and the darkness curling around him seemed to explain the way all by itself. She had been terrified. In addition, there was the fact that Edgar seemed to know the leader behind him, someone called the Prince...
Lydia let out a long sigh as her hand fell. Even if he had almost died, Edgar hadn't mentioned that night or the Prince, and somehow she didn't think he would. She could only do her best at protecting him with what she knew.
She clenched her hand. Hopefully, her way would powerful enough. She refused to contemplate the other way.
. . . . . . . .
Lydia jumped at a knock on her door.
"Come in," she called.
Pushing open the door with his back, Raven entered carrying a covered tray. "Lydia-sama, may I ask how the work is coming along?"
She sighed. "I'm finally done, thank you, Raven. Is that dinner?"
"Yes," the dark haired boy stated, placing his tray on the coffee table by the sofa. He rose again. "Although Edgar-sama was loathe to disturb you, he insisted that leaving you alone any longer would be hazardous to your health and ordered me to bring some food as well as find some wine. I have yet to acquire that as Edgar didn't give the type required." His pitch rose in inquiry.
Lydia smiled and shrugged. "Thank you, Raven, but I think the water on the tray will be sufficient. There is no reason to continually treat me to expensive items such as Lord Edgar's wine."
"There is lemonade on the tray."
"Then lemonade will-"
"But the Master requested wine. I have only neglected that order so far because I wish to know which bouquet would suit you."
"Lemonade is perfect, very good," Lydia explained, a bit flustered. "Anyway, Raven, how long have I been in here?"
Raven blinked. "If you haven't left here since this afternoon..."
"I haven't."
"Then, you have been in here roughly six hours."
"Thank you, Raven. Has Edgar already eaten?"
"He has eaten and has been sent to bed early to continue recovering from his shoulder wound," Raven stated, pouring her a glass of lemonade and holding it out.
"Already?" Lydia murmured, taking it and running her finger over the cold rim.
"Yes." Raven fluffed out the tablecloth and set out the salt and pepper grinders. "It is necessary."
"Necessary?"
Raven continued setting out her dinner materials, not looking up. "His shoulder must be completely healed before the next party begins next week."
Lydia sipped her lemonade, "I see..." and nearly choked. "Wait, NEXT WEEK?" Raven, seemingly undisturbed by her squawk, looked up. Lydia took a quick swig. "Raven, did you say that there was a party coming up next week?"
"Yes."
"But yesterday - I mean we just barely returned all in one piece from -"
Finished with his preparations, Raven stood up and moved aside. "I assure you, Lady Lydia, all the preparations have been made. They were made before and cannot be altered."
"Before?"
"Yes. Now please sit down and eat."
Lydia sat down, mind whirling. "Raven, what is happening at this party?"
"There will be refreshments and polo during the afternoon and in the evening there will be a formal dinner and dance."
"I see." Lydia chuckled and unwrapped the roast beef sandwich from the napkin. "It would appear he has quite the schedule set up." She reached for the pepper. "Just have him take care of that shoulder. It would be a shame for it to open up when I am not here."
