Hiding Royalty

16

Liam and Lyra finally came to a huge mansion-esque house, it even had a gate around it. As they approached it, they spotted a couple of servants. Lyra smiled brightly and started running to the group.

"Mary, Arthur! It's so good to see you again. I haven't seen you two in the court in years, I assumed you moved away." Lyra said giving each of them.

"No, young Lyra, the King and Queen wanted us to keep this safe house, well, safe. Oh, who is that young man?" Mary asked pointing at Liam.

"That is Liam, he escorted me here." She said and then leaned closer, "His best friend died on the way here, so please don't mention it." Lyra whispered to the two servants, who nodded knowingly.

"Master Liam, it is a great pleasure that you escorted young Lyra all the way here. It must not have been easy. You will be greatly rewarded." Arthur explained bowing deeply.

'Oh yeah, the reward.' Liam thought.

Liam stared at the ground trying to not to get too emotional in front of them. He could've just ignored them but his kind disposition wouldn't allow him. He forced a smile and looked at the two servants.

"Thank you, mister Arthur, but I had some help. Unfortunately, she didn't make it." He said sadly.

Something moved in his peripheral vision, and he about screamed at the realization of what the thing was. The way its limbs were turned a grotesque angles, like they were broken, and it's neck appeared to be broken, its clothes appeared to be torn and its body had been gashed up where you could see bone. It limped towards him, and then he saw its face. Its eyes all black, and teeth as sharp as daggers. Its hair was matted with seaweed and blood. It's face was littered with blood, and gashes. It's mouth was twisted into a sinister smile. It was Emma!

"LIAM!" The thing screamed.

Lyra and the servants didn't seem confused as to why Liam was trembling, when all of a sudden he screamed. He fell to his knees and covered his face. Lyra ran over to him, but he flinched at her touch.

"Liam, what's wrong?" Lyra asked.

"Didn't you see her? She was right over there." He said, hysterically, and pointed to the path that lead back towards the ocean.

They all looked and found that the path was clear, even the ocean was visible. Lyra looked at Liam, who was whimpering and shaking. She sighed and stood back up, and nodded towards the house.

"Arthur help me take Liam to a spare room, Mary start making breakfeast." Lyra said putting one of Liam's arms around her shoulders.

Arthur grabbed the other arm, and they led him to a spare room. Liam started mumbling and shaking again. Arthur looked at Lyra with concern and mouthed 'later'.

Liam calmed down as they apprached the door to the spare room, and even started walking by himself, though he kept looking around for that monster pretending to be Emma. He turned around and thanked them.

"I will go help Mary with breakfeast." Arthur bowed and excused himself.

Arthur turned the corner and descended the stairs, leaving Lyra and Liam by themselves. Lyra looked up to Liam in concern but Liam refused to look her in the eyes. He turned to open the door.

"Are you alright?" Lyra asked grabbing his shoulder.

"I will be fine, go help Arthur and Mary." Liam said removing her hand and entered the room.

Lyra stood there as Liam closed the door on her. She looked down at the ground and felt tears swell up in her eyes, blurring her vision. She quickly wiped them away and headed downstairs.