Darkness Bound

-6-

Lily bounded down the stairs but came to a stumbling stop when she saw Vale standing next to another man. He was nearly as tall as Vale and had striking blue eyes. He also stood a lot straighter than Vale, almost as though he were guarding him.

"Morning," Vale greeted with careful eyes.

Lily's hand slipped from the rail and she clasped them in front of her, "Is that your brother?"

The man's eyes widened, "How dare-" Vale hit his arm. He cleared his throat. "No, I am not his brother, I am-"

"Jasper," Vale interjected, "His name is Jasper, and he is," he paused, "my friend. He came to visit me," Eiden cast a sideways glance at Vale.

"Aw that's nice of him. You have been very gloomy lately, maybe having him here will do you some good," she smiled, "Sit, I'll make breakfast,"

Eiden's eyes widened once more and he was about to take a step forward and inform the little fairy that she has no right to command the ruler of Luneria when Vale stopped him and shook his head. But Eiden wouldn't have it, "My lord," he said softly, "she insults you,"

"She doesn't know who I am," Vale replied, "It's better this way. I don't want anyone to learn of my return just yet,"

Eiden sighed and nodded. Vale went to the table and took a seat. Eiden stood behind him with his hands clasped. Lily then returned to the table with several dishes stacked with food. She placed them on the table and dusted her hands off.

She looked up at Eiden, "Aren't you going to have a seat?"

Vale turned to look at him and gestured with his eyes for him to take a seat.

"Uh," he stuttered. What should he do?

Lily clicked her tongue and walked around the table and grabbed Eiden's arm, leading him to a chair. "The chairs won't eat you," she forced him into the seat. Vale resisted the urge to smile and poured himself a cup of tea. Eiden on the other hand shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "By the way, Bear, I don't think you took your medicine last night. If I have to force it down your throat later I will do so,"

"How da-" Vale hit Eiden's leg.

"No need, I can take it myself," Vale said, before casting a glance at his bodyguard. Eiden righted himself and looked over to Lily with a slight frown. Who was this fairy that she could so brazenly command his lord? And who was she that his lord would not stop her?

Lily took a bite of toast and jam and looked up at Eiden. She pursed her lips, "Aren't you going to eat?"

He cleared his throat. He has never eaten at the same table as his lord before. He carefully reached for a bun, as though at any moment his lord would reprimand him and smite him on the spot. When the bun made it safely to his plate, he looked up at Vale.

"Eat," Vale said, his mouth stuffed with bacon.

Lily hummed in satisfaction, "Seeing as we have another guest, I'll have to go to market again to buy more food,"

"Jasper can go," Vale said, in between bites.

Lily furrowed her brows, "I can't send my guest to buy food. Besides, you haven't taken a walk in a while," she slapped her hands on the table with a smile, "We'll all go,"

~~~

Eiden wore his hood over his head. The chances of him being recognized were slightly greater than that of Vale, so he kept his distance and followed behind them. Lily chatted the entire walk with his lord, who just nodded every now and then to show he was attentive. As they walked, a group of children started running toward them, laughing and chasing a ball. One of the little girls bumped into Vale.

Eiden immediately caught the girl and held her by her arm, "Shall I kill her, my lord?"

Vale quickly went to him, "Put the child down, Eiden," he said through tight teeth. He let go and the little girl ran away crying. "Are you trying to get me caught?"

"Are you sure he's not your brother?" Lily asked behind him, "Not long ago you threatened to kill someone too," she pouted, "Then again, wouldn't the world be such a better place with Cyra walking on it?"

Vale rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to Eiden, "I think it's best you head back to the mansion,"

Eiden bowed, "My lord," he turned and left.

"I was joking!" Lily yelled after him. She sighed, "I think he hates me,"

"He doesn't hate you. He's just used to more rougher environments," Vale turned to her, "Do you have everything?"

"Almost, I just need a couple more herbs," Vale nodded. Lily looked in thought. She had to find a way to get Jasper to like her, "What's Jasper's favourite food?"

"Um,"

"You don't know? What kind of friend are you?" Lily shook her head disappointed.

"Lily?" She turned to see Evrin, a host of soldiers with him. Vale couldn't help the crackle of electricity that suddenly sparked from his fingertips.

"Lord Evrin," Lily bowed. He looked past her to Vale.

"Is this your friend?" he asked.

Lily glanced quickly at Vale then back to Evrin, "Yes, this is Vale. He's a scholar who came to borrow some books from the library. He insisted on accompanying me to market this afternoon,"

"I see," Evrin offered Vale a smile, "Pleasure to meet you," He held out his hand, "I'm Evrin,"

Not wanting to seem suspicious, Vale extended his hand to shake Evrin's hand. "Pleasure," he nodded.

"I would stay and chat but I'm on my way to the Neverwoods. Apparently Darkhaven is getting ready for a civil war, so we need to strengthen our borders,"

"Civil war?" Vale asked.

Evrin nodded, "Ever since Lord Kieran took over, there have been talks of dethroning him. A lot of Night fae do not feel he is fit to rule,"

"Well, be safe at least," Lily said with a slight sway.

"Always," he smiled then continued past them. Vale released his breath slowly, relaxing his clenched fists.

"It's sad, really," Lily said.

"What's sad?" Vale asked.

"Darkhaven has been at war with themselves for millenia,"

"Perhaps their greatest enemy lies within,"

"What enemy is that?"

"Not knowing their place," he sneered.