Veiled Whispers

Ch.17 - The Truth

Theo

I hadn't seen Lily in a while, so I excused myself to go look for her.  She suddenly appeared in the garden, which caught me off guard.
"What is it, Duke? Already done with exchanging life stories with your best friend?"
Her wicked smile hinted at secrets she held close, and I wondered how much she truly knew about me. Since she called me 'Duke', I am afraid she knows more than she lets on.
I knew she was mocking me, but was that a hint of jealousy in her tone?
"Did you always know I was a Duke?" I asked.

"You're not as mysterious as you think you are," Lily teased, her eyes dancing with mischief. "I have my ways."

I raised an eyebrow. "Ways? Care to share?"

She just gave a smug expression as a response.
I stepped closer while her gaze was unyielding on me. "For now, I'm just Theo. Duke makes me sound like an old man. And it dredges up memories I'd rather forget."

Memories of courtly duties, stifling expectations, and the weight of my title flooded my mind. I had sought refuge in anonymity, shedding the Duke's mantle whenever possible. But Lily had seen through my disguise.
I knew it was moments away from the golden question of why I hid my identity in the first place. Would she understand if I say I was trying to be someone else for a change?

As if she read my mind, Lily spoke.
"I am not your responsibility, you know. I can take care of myself, and it's not like we're that close, I won't question what you do or who you talk to. It's your life. So you don't have to worry about me."
It seems as if it's not a choice anymore.

●●●
As we entered Madaleine's cozy home, the aroma of hot chocolate and freshly baked goods enveloped us. The warmth of the hearth beckoned, and I settled into a chair, grateful for the respite.

Madaleine, our gracious host, leaned forward. "So, Lily, what's it like being a princess?"

Lily's response surprised me. "No picnic, I assure you. Endless pretense, dresses that suffocate, and tea with insipid suitors. Glitz and glamour? More like glittering shackles."

Madeleine chuckled. "I thought as much. But you wear your crown well."

Lily's gratitude spilled forth. "Thank you for hosting us, Madaleine. We came unannounced, and I apologize for any inconvenience."

Madaleine waved it off. "Formalities aside, Theo is always welcome here. Besides, it's because of you that he graces us with his presence. He's been quite the elusive guest lately."

I grinned, knowing my busy schedule had kept me away. "I promise to visit more often. Next time, I'll bring you those rare ingredients from the palace garden."

Madaleine's eyes sparkled. "Deal."

In a moment's notice, Lily's demeanor shifted. She stared out the window, tension radiating from her. Instinctively, I nudged her side, silently asking if something was wrong.

Her gaze snapped back to me, then to Madaleine. "Thank you for the meal. I'm a bit tired—I'll retire for the night."

Madaleine stood. "No need for thanks, Lily. Let me show you to the room. It's my daughter's room, so the bed might be a bit small."

Lily laughed. "That's fine. I curl up when I sleep anyway."

As they left, I wondered about the sudden change in Lily's demeanor. What had she sensed? And why did I feel an inexplicable urge to protect her?

●●●

Lily

The room felt smaller with Julian's presence. His arrival was as unexpected as a forgotten melody drifting through an open window. I had so many questions, and yet, I hesitated to ask. The magical book—the conduit between our worlds—held secrets I couldn't fathom.

"Okay, Jules," I said, using the nickname he preferred. "You can't just pop up anywhere. You'll startle everyone."

He smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I'll go in a minute. But you need to write more. Your essence is tied to the book now. I guess you've figured it out by now. The more you write, the stronger its hold on me becomes. Extended visits require more ink."

I nodded, my mind racing. The book had become my lifeline, a bridge to a realm beyond my understanding. Julian—the enigmatic prince—was both my guide and my mystery.

"Now," I pressed, "why is Lucius after me? What does he want?"

Julian's pacing intensified. "Lucius is but one player in this intricate game. Others seek you too. You're special, Lily. Possess something they all desire."

"And what's that?" I asked, my heartbeat echoing in the silence.

He leaned closer, his breath brushing my cheek. "Their destiny."

The word hung in the air, heavy with implications. Destiny—a tapestry woven by unseen hands, threads connecting lives across time and space. I wondered where my own thread led, whether it was woven into tales, or merely cut and forgotten.