14 Research 2 (2/2)

”She wants to stay with me.”

”Then we should celebrate!”

”Lilly's not a crowd person.”

”Well, we can't do nothing.”

”Carthago, she's Adremedian. Our voices cause her pain.”

”We'll keep it small.”

”I don't want to hurt, Lilly.”

”James, I understand where you are coming from, but I need to keep the peace. We'll hold a small celebration with just the most important people. Will you at least do that for me?”

”Very well, Carthago,” James said. He knew the last thing they needed right now was another war. ”If you'll excuse me, I have research to finish.”

James went back to the table and Carthago left. During the rest of the day, neither James nor Lilly spoke to the other. They focused on the research, still aware of the other's pain. When James called it quits, Lilly was quick to disappear. Retiring to his room, he fell asleep before his head hit the pillow.

When he woke the next morning. Lilly was sitting at the table, her gaze shifted to the window. On the table was food.

'Morning, James,' she said, not turning.

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'Morning. How are you today?'

'Sad. How are you doing?'

James got up and stood beside her. 'Sad? How come?'

'Tell me how you are first.'

'Sorry that I hurt you, but happy you've decided to stay.' His fingers brushed her grooved cheek and a small smile crossed her lips. 'Now, why sad?'

'Because I can't do more than hold you.' Her gaze shifted to his face. Tears filled her eyes then slipped out to roll down the black grooves on her face.

'I understand. Come here.' he helped her to her feet and held her. After a while, they sat and ate. James kept one of her hands in his. 'Lilly, the king is putting together a celebration in honor of our...wedding.' He waited a moment to see her reaction since he knew he hadn't formally asked her.

Lilly nodded. 'When is it to be?'

'A month from now, but he's promised to keep it small since Human voices make you sick.'

'Crowd size only lengthens or shortens the time it takes to make me sick. I appreciate your concern for me.'

'Does that mean you're okay with it?'

'Where it is the King's request, there is no backing out. I will try to stay as long as I can, but it will make me sick for sometime afterward.'

'Maybe I can still get him to call it off.'

The door opened and Carthago came in. ”Good news. Plans are underway and invitations have been sent out.”

'Guess not,' Lilly said, based off of Carthago's expression. Then she got up and brushed his cheek before leaving to go to the library.

Carthago watched her movements. A little confused at the gesture. When she was gone, he turned back to James. ”Are you sure she's the one you want James? She doesn't seem very affectionate.”

”Lilly's affection is shown in different ways.”

”Really? Like how? Because frankly I have seen her only hug and touch you.”

”Much of her affection cannot be seen, only felt.”

”Uh-huh. So that's how it is, huh?”

”Knock it off Carthago. I have research to finish.”