One Of Us Is Lying - Merlin Apply Fic

Chapter 8 - New Betrayal

So, it's been ages but I'm back with a new chapter! Sorry for the wait, I just needed to take a break from writing for a while, not sure why ;). Anyway, um... thank you all for waiting and not giving up on this story! 

Enjoy this chapter:

It was dark by the time Evelyn and River headed back inside. Well, Evelyn did, anyway. With his signature grin, River slipped away, his thin frame melting into the darkness and Evelyn watched him go, biting her lip. What if she had sent him into danger? What if he didn't return? How would she explain it to Cedric if his ward's death was on her hands? She shuddered and pulled her cloak tighter about her as she hurried towards the castle. He'd be ok.

With any luck, that is. 

She could hear the tell-tale clangs echoing sharply off the rough stone houses and down the dimly-lit alleyways of the village as a blacksmith worked away tirelessly at his forge. There were several in town, she knew, and vaguely wondered which it was working so late into the night. But the thought passed her only momentarily before all thoughts of the outside world faded and she stepped into the warmth of the castle. 

Her own burdens sat heavy on her shoulders and her worries pulled her down like stones in her pockets as she floundered in a sea of her own doubt. She had thought she heard someone, last night, when her and Callahan met, but she wasn't sure. What if they knew? A shudder ran down her spine. She couldn't stay here: the risks were too great, the rewards virtually non-existent. Yes. It is time to say goodbye. 

Her stomach churning with a gnawing apprehension, she redirected tired feet up from the servants' quarters and towards the more luxurious rooms, one of which belonged to Lady Teodora, the noblewoman she currently served under. They had grown friendly in the short time they had been together, but not close enough for Evelyn to be sure that Teo could be trusted. Not yet. She reached the right corridor and slowed, procrastinating reaching the door. Reluctantly, she dragged herself along the worn stone until she stood before the polished oak like a prisoner waiting to face justice. But that thought brought her back to Amelia, so she pushed it away and knocked quietly.

"Come in."

The lady's voice was surprised and Evelyn couldn't blame her.

"My Lady? May I come in?"

A smile broke across Teo's face and she gestured for the servant to enter. "Of course Evelyn! What is it?"

Callused fingers fiddled restlessly with the plain servant's dress she wore. "Well, My Lady-"

"Call me Teo, please."

"Yes, Teo, well the thing is, I need to leave. My mother is very ill and I need to be with her in case... well, in case she doesn't make it." Much to her embarrassment, she felt tears well up in her eyes and quickly swiped them away before they could roll down her cheeks.

"Oh, Evelyn. I'm so sorry! Of course you can leave, just as soon as I find a replacement for you whilst you're away." Teo paused when Evelyn's slightly relaxed shoulders tensed once more. "Don't worry, it won't take longer than a week or so. I mean, usually it would be quicker but, well, with one servant already... gone, Callahan has to have priority. You understand, don't you?"

In truth, Evelyn's heart had plummeted like a stone. A week? She wasn't sure she had that long. Still, to avoid suspicion, she had to go along with it. "Yes, my lady- I mean Teo. I understand." With a shaky smile that didn't reach her eyes she sped from the room. I only need to make it through the next week. Then I'm free. 

———

His steps echoed loudly off the corridor as he hurried down the stone passageway, his long stride covering the distance quickly as he sped towards the oak door, desperately trying to make it seem as though he was calmly walking rather than hurtling as fast as he could without actively running. Every second mattered, yes, but so did his dignity. That was, if he could be considered to have much left after so long as the court jester.