The Lily's Splendor

Chapter 15

I don’t know how long we sat there on the floor with our backs resting against my bed as Henry held me. His fingers slowly stroked my hair away from my worried face.

“By the way, I think my grandmother knows your father,” I said, hating myself for breaking the silence, but then I had just remembered how my grandmother had said his father’s name with familiarity.

“Why do you say that?” his fingers momentarily paused in surprise.

“I just mentioned your name and that you’re a, uh, merman, and my grandmother said something about ‘King Sachiel’s son’.” I pulled away from his arms to look at him.

“What’s wrong?” I asked when I noticed his forehead wrinkle as his lips frowned.

“He never mentioned ever knowing a Water Lily.”

“Maybe for my grandmother’s safety?” I suggested.

“I guess, though why wouldn’t he trust me? It’s not as if I would go around and tell everyone,” Henry said quite bitterly.

“Of course you wouldn’t.” I cupped his cheek and smiled. I felt him go still when my hand had gone up on its own accord to caress his face. His eyes darkened as they looked into mine, searching for something.

“What is it?” I breathed. His arm had gone to wrap itself around my waist, pulling me closer until I could clearly see his irises. Henry blinked and cleared his throat before asking, “Have you used your power on me?” His arm tightened around my waist, holding me in place as he waited for my answer. My eyes went wide with hurt and I could see that he was about to take back his words but I didn’t let him.

“Why would you think that? I would never do that! And if I did, I’m sorry! I’m still learning, and I promise that I will—” My words were cut off when Henry’s lips fiercely claimed mine.

Slowly, my hands crawled up to circle around his neck as I surprised myself by returning the kiss. When Henry pulled away, he was breathing heavily as his eyes took me in.

“I believe you,” he whispered.

“Why would you even have to ask such a horrible question?” I studied him, noticing a flush creeping up his face.

“Please tell me.” My fingers brushed across his cheek bone when I noticed him hesitate.

“How can I say no to you when you look at me like that?” Henry’s lips twitched. “I just wanted to see if the way I was feeling was because of your powers or, if they were real, and my own.” His tone went intimate as the tip of his finger traced my bottom lip.

“Oh.” I said breathlessly, wondering if he could hear my heart’s drum-beat as he brought my face closer for another kiss. Our heads snapped up to look at my balcony door when we heard a noise. It sounded as if someone was climbing up. Henry got to his feet, bringing me along with him. Taking a step forward, he put himself between me and the intruder. His hand went to his waist band where he pulled out a dagger with a golden hilt and a menacing blade.

“What are you doing carrying that around?!” I whispered loudly.

“Are you expecting someone?” he whispered back to me, ignoring my question. His eyes never strayed from my balcony where we heard a loud thud as if someone had just jumped and landed.

“No.” I shook my head and braced myself when the door creaked open and a pair of arms holding a sword peeked in. Henry’s leg kicked out, knocking the sword away. We heard the intruder curse under his breath before reaching for a spare weapon that turned out to be a long knife. He turned to face his opponent and was about to launch into an attack when recognition crossed his face.

“Reeve?” I was about to take a step towards him but Henry held me back with one arm while the other was pointed at Reeve.

“Let her go.” Reeve said in a low, threatening voice. His eyes narrowed on Henry.

“Reeve, it’s okay.” I tried but Henry cut me off.

“What are you doing creeping up to her room and armed?” Henry asked, keeping his arm level with his knife’s endpoint aimed at Reeve’s chest.

“I’m her guardian. I sensed her erratic heartbeat and came to see if she was in trouble,” Reeve hissed. I blushed crimson and looked away to study my curtains.

“Well, I’m not in danger. I’m fine Reeve. Can you both put those away? They’re not really necessary.” I exclaimed, gesturing to their knives. Their tension was thick and heavy in the air as they stared each other down before lowering their hands and reluctantly slipping their weapons away.

“What are you doing here?” Reeve addressed his question to Henry before his eyes went to me.

“I came to check on her since you weren’t exactly forthcoming on what was going on,” Henry said sardonically.

“Why should I be?” Reeve retorted as he went over to pick up his sword and whispered something to it before it glowed softly as it disappeared, leaving only the helve.

“Last time I checked, it is illegal to carry weapons like that, unless you guys have a permit or something.” I said as I watched Reeve tuck the helve into his jean pocket while Henry twirled his dagger around with his fingers.

“It’s still illegal but that rule doesn’t apply to me.” Reeve grinned crookedly. I arched my brow and he sighed as he threw his hands up in the air. “Really Kyra, how do you expect me to protect you? How do you expect any guardian to defend? With our bare hands?”

“I didn’t know.” I stammered, feeling rather stupid.

“Give her a break, Irish. She is still learning. No need to jump down her throat.” Henry half growled. Reeve’s smile vanished as he took on remorse.

“Sorry Kyra.” he said fervently.

“It’s okay.” I mumbled.

“So what exactly were you two doing?” Reeve asked, looking at the both of us.

“Uh . . .” I scratched a non-itchy spot on my head as I felt my cheeks grow warm. Henry just stuffed his hands into his pockets, but I could see his face growing warm too.

“Nothing.” we both said in unison. Henry looked at me and smiled. I noticed Reeve’s face dawn with understanding as he took in our facial expressions.

“There’s no need to explain. I’ll just be going now then.” Reeve headed back to my balcony.

“Wait! Where are you going? How did you even get here so fast?” I caught up to him before he could even swing his leg over the rail.

“I’m staying with my uncle Jacques,” he said without looking at me.

“Oh, well have a good night and see you at school tomorrow.” I said brightly, trying to get a smile from him but he just nodded as he began to descend back down. I frowned, wondering why he was acting strangely. Henry didn’t seem to notice or catch on as he stood by the door.

“I better get going too.” he said when I turned around. I watched as he detached himself from the wall and came to stand in front of me until I was looking up into his face.

“I want you to have this.” he handed me his dagger. I studied it, my fingers gracing over the ancient design on the helve before looking back up at him.

“Just in case,” he explained. My brows furrowed as I got some sort of feeling that this knife was special.

“This knife is important to you, isn’t it?” I tilted my head as I studied his warm eyes.

“Yes,” he swallowed.

“And you are giving it to me,” I said gently.

“Yes. I don’t want you to be vulnerable. And here, you’ll probably need this. I have more at home.” he lifted his shirt and undid the thin leather belt before handing it to me.

“So you can carry it with you at school too. It won’t be noticeable under your clothes.”

“I don’t think I need to take this with me to school. It probably won’t be safe. Someone could steal it.” I pointed out.

“Then you cut their hand off,” he simply said with a shrug. My eyes bugged out in shock. “Henry!” I was about to launch into a tirade when his eyes glistened with laughter as the corners of his lips went up.

“What an awful joke.” I shook my head at him but couldn’t pull off my scolding when I was smiling myself.

“Don’t worry about it getting stolen. Promise me that you will always carry it.” he said as he gently gripped my shoulders.

“Henry, I don’t know. This is very valuable to you—”

“Not as much as your life,” he said. My heart expanded as I saw the genuineness and truth in his eyes.

“Okay, I promise.” I whispered before lightly going on my tiptoes to brush my lips against his.

“One question before you leave,” I murmured against his lips before pulling away.

“Go ahead.” he let his forehead rest against mine before gently pressing his lips there.

“Are we going back to not knowing each other tomorrow? Because if you’re planning to ignore me again—” his index finger was instantly over my lips.

“Not in your life,” he vowed.

“Good.” I watched him climb down until his feet hit the grass. He saluted me before jogging away into the night.

~*~~*~*~~*~*~~*~

The next morning, I woke up to a surprise. Though I didn’t mind the cold, it was still a slight shock when the temperatures decided to plummet. Reaching for my remote control, I switched on the T.V to the morning news and waited for the weather report.

“Today’s high will be a chilling 48 degrees.” The weather girl stated with a peachy smile before the television went black after I turned it off. As I was about to get out, a soft knock sounded on my door.

“Kyra?” my grandmother’s voice spoke from behind the closed door as she softly knocked again.

“Come in.” I said as I sat up with my covers over my shoulders.

“I came to bring you this and see how you were faring.” she said as she placed my usual mug on my nightstand.

“Thank you. And I’m doing fine.” I stretched my arms high above my head as a content smile spread across my lips.

“So I see. I know that look— that look of a first kiss . . . am I right?” she asked coyly as she leaned against my bed-post and raised her eyebrow, her eyes sparkling.

“Mhmm.” I nodded absentmindedly before the fog disappeared from my mind and I realized what I had just revealed. “I mean—” I began to stammer. My grandmother chuckled. “I won’t say anything.” She pretended to zip her lips shut before tossing the key over her shoulder. “I better get going now, but remember, be on alert and don’t ever let yourself be alone.” she said in warning. I nodded gravely. “I promise I’ll be careful.” She nodded once, satisfied with my pledge and left to let me get ready. I took a few huge sips of coffee before making my way to the bathroom.

After rinsing my mouth, I caught my reflection and smiled warmly as the night’s memories flooded back into my head. Going back to my bed, I reached inside one of the pillowcases and pulled out Henry’s dagger and belt.

“Okay, let’s see how this works.” I studied the belt to see how it went before lifting my shirt halfway up, tucking the end underneath my chin. Using both hands, it took me three attempts before I had the belt comfortably wounded around my waist before picking up Henry’s dagger and easily slipping it into the sheath attached to the belt. It felt funny to have something press against my bare flesh. It was definitely gonna take some getting used to.

~*~~*~*~~*~*~~*~

After pulling into the school’s parking lot, I spotted Henry, his arm waving for me to park next to their SUV. I laughed out loud when I noticed how Henry had been keeping the spot empty. Maddox stood standing in the center of it with his arms folded across his massive chest. He gave me a lopsided grin as he stepped aside to let me in.

“If I would have known that you would be doing this I would have asked you to save one for Reeve too. He is, after all, my guardian.” I said when Henry came to meet me as soon as I got out. I opened the back door and got my stuff out before locking the doors.

“I’ll take that for you.” Henry said, giving me no choice as he took my stuff from my surprised hands and shouldered my bag.

“No worries lass. I found myself a spot close by. Good thing I was here early.” Reeve said as he appeared from behind me. I expected him to act as strangely as he had last night, but instead, he had a full, cheery grin plastered on his face as his eyes beamed at me.

“Henry filled us in on what’s going on.” Lilly said as she joined us, coming to stand next to Maddox, who nodded gravely.

“Great. Let’s keep it in this tight circle,” Reeve said.

“We’re not hens who will go clucking away.” Maddox rolled his eyes.I smothered a laugh.

“We weren’t planning on telling anyone,” Lilly promised. “We just wanted to let you know that we’ll keep an eye on you Kyra, but we’ll also be on our guard, watching everyone else too.”

“You guys don’t have to do that,” I protested.

“Yeah, you guys don’t need to. I can handle it.” Reeve put in testily.

“Like you did last night?” Henry raised his brow challengingly. Reeve glared back.

“Let’s not start anything here, though I’m dying to hear what happened last night.” Maddox said. “Hey!” he rubbed his shoulder where Lilly had punched him.

“I’m not risking her life. If something happens to her on your watch, guilt will be the last thing that will eat you up.” Henry warned.

“Are you threatening me?” Reeve tensed.

“I’m warning you. You know you can’t do this alone, which is why we are going to help. You have our help whether you like it or not,” Henry said. I waited for Reeve to explode into argument but he exhaled a deep breath before nodding tersely.

Henry leaned into me and whispered, “Are you armed?”

“Yes.” I smiled up at him. “You could have at least given me an instruction manual on the belt though. That thing is complicated.” Henry chuckled as he easily slid his arm around my shoulders as we began to make our way to homeroom.

“Don’t we have different homerooms?” I asked after Lilly parted ways.

“Yes, but I want to walk you to your classes.”

“I don’t want to make you late.”

“And it’s not like she is going alone.” Reeve muttered as he strode past us. Maddox joined us and stayed next to me, eyes darting around the campus.

“I’ll take care of her, Henry,” Maddox said reassuringly.

“Go take care of your fan club.” Henry used his chin to gesture to the girls that were coming their way, eyes glued to Maddox as they giggled into their hands.

“I’m serious Henry.” Maddox said when he turned back to look at us after sending air kisses to the girls.

“Well, I don’t care. If I want to walk my beloved to her class I will.” Henry stated out loud, causing some of the students walking by to pause and stare at me as I stopped in my tracks to gawk open-mouthed at Henry. His ears burned red as he realized what he had just said and how loud he had said it.

“So you figured out how to use your power?” Reeve turned around and looked at me.

“What? No! I would never!” I couldn’t believe Reeve would think such a thing of me. Reeve looked from me to Henry and back before silently turning away.

“No need to shout it from the rooftops bro.” Madd clamped his hand on Henry’s shoulder as he grinned. “Too bad Lilly wasn’t here. Now she will be upset that she missed it.” Henry glared at his brother before looking down at me with uncertainty.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” he said earnestly. My mind was reeling as his words of proclaiming me his beloved played over and over in my head while my heart practically sang.

“Kyra?” Henry stopped walking and faced me when I didn’t answer.

“Hm?” I looked up at him. Maddox sauntered away, whistling an unfamiliar tune as he struck up a conversation with Reeve.

“Did I offend you? If you don’t feel the same way, just tell me and I—” I placed my finger over his perfect lips, silencing his next words.

“No offense taken. I was just surprised. I never thought that this would happen to me; that it was even possible without my power. And yes,” I rose and planted a kiss on his cheek, “I definitely feel the same way.” Before he could reply, I laced my hand in his and continued walking to homeroom.

When we made it to the door, Henry handed me my stuff, lingering after I had slung my bag over my shoulder.

“Was there something else?” I asked.

“I hate leaving you.” he admitted almost bashfully.

“I’ll be fine. I have Reeve and Maddox. Besides, I’ll see you for second period.” The first bell rang and I gave Henry a little push.

“Go on now.” I smiled at his puppy eyes. He took my hand in his and brushed my knuckles with a kiss before walking away, leaving my hand tingling with heat.

“Come along now, you’re blocking the doorway.” Maddox appeared out of no-where and gently steered me to the back where Reeve sat with his shoulders hunched. I noticed him stiffen when I took the seat next to him.

“Reeve?” I placed a hand on his shoulder and felt him slightly pull away before turning to look at me. His eyes were cold and unfeeling.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” he said rather harshly before taking out a worn-out paperback and burying his face in it, completely shutting me out.

“Let him be.” Maddox said. Pulling out my own book, I tried to lose myself in Agatha Christie but my mind kept straying to Henry and to Reeve’s strange anger.

~*~~*~*~~*~*~~*~

“Reeve, did I do something?” I asked him as we left our English class and headed to History. Reeve had been silent the whole time, uttering not one word.

“What makes you ask that?” he said gruffly.

“For one thing, you’re ignoring me and you seem to be angry.”

“I’m fine. I’m just focused on finding you know who.” he said, knowing how unwise it would be to utter their name.

“Oh. Okay.” I studied his profile, not buying his excuse, but left him alone. He opened the classroom door for me and waited for me to go in before him. I caught Lilly’s wave and smiled back before my eyes caught Henry’s and my heart skipped a beat as his face lit up just for me.

“I’m so glad I stopped ignoring you.” he said with a grin as he pulled out my seat.

“So am I.”

“He really was an i***t,” Lilly quipped as she took the other seat next to me and between Reeve.

“Lilly, it’s okay.” I assured.

“No, she’s right Kyra,” Henry put in and earned a triumphant smile from Lilly. I shook my head as the teacher walked in and instructed us to open our textbooks. I felt Henry search for my hand that was underneath the desk until his fingers knitted together with mine.

~*~~*~*~~*~*~~*~

“Guess what? We have a new student.” Maddox announced when he joined us at the table in the courtyard.

“Really?” Lilly asked as she bit into her apple.

“I don’t like him.” Maddox frowned deeply.

“Why? Because he took away your fan club?” Henry quipped.

“No!” Maddox huffed. “Because he gives me an odd feeling. And he looks very familiar. I can’t put my finger on it.”

“How does he look?” Lilly asked.

“Well, he’s tall, like my height, blonde hair and blue eyes.”

“Wow, he does sound familiar,” I said.

“Really?” Maddox looked hopeful.

“No!” I giggled. Maddox scowled.

“Kyra’s right, boyo. Who you just described could be anyone,” Reeve put in.

“Just wait ‘till you see him. I overheard him tell one of the girls that he has science for fourth period. He might have your science class.” Maddox looked at me and Henry. I don’t know why I got a sick feeling of dread.

~*~~*~*~~*~*~~*~

“I’m just glad that I can use a calculator right in front of our teacher since he doesn’t even pay any attention to us.” Reeve said as we left Algebra 2.

“Why couldn’t you have gotten at least Geometry or even Algebra?” Reeve whined.

“Because this is what I got on the placement test.” I bumped my shoulder into his, glad that he was acting like his old-self.

“After you, m’lady.” Reeve held the science door open before bowing. I gave him a smirk before walking past him and heading towards the back. My feet almost tripped over each other when all I could see was Henry’s chest as the rest of him was being obscured by Nikki who sat on his desk, twisting her body to lean into him, letting her hair curtain his face.

“Maybe we should tell them to get a room?” someone exaggerated a whisper close to my ear. Startled, I looked up into deep, blue eyes that were framed by long lashes.

“Names Vincent.” he said, taking my hand in his and bringing it up to his lips in a light, yet sensual brush.

“Kyra.” I said, taking my hand back, unsure of how to react to his bold action.“Oh, you must be the new student.” I remembered Maddox’s description and could see how he looked familiar. I turned around to find Nikki and Henry both watching.

“Ah, you have figured out our little secret,” Vincent said as we walked to my seat. Nikki cat-smiled as she winked at me.

“You guys are twins,” I stated. My eyes refused to meet Henry’s even though I sensed him trying to catch them.

“Yes. Decided to come and join my sister. Especially after hearing such great reports about this school.” he smiled at Nikki’s friend as she made her way to her seat.

“Didn’t think a school could offer such beauty . . .” Vincent let his words drift off as his eyes drank me in. Nikki’s friend gave me a nasty look before turning away in her seat to face the front.

“Sorry bro, but it looks like you got competition for this one. Seems she belongs to Henry here, or so he’s been telling me.” Nikki lightly punched her brother before flipping her hair over her shoulder to smile at Henry. I looked at Henry and saw his eyes apologizing for what I had seen earlier. I also saw trust; to trust him.

Of course I trust him. I took my seat next to him before clearing my throat at Nikki.

“Oops, sorry.” she giggled as she leaped off the desk and took her seat. I tried not to make a face at the very low neckline her blouse had. Wasn’t she cold?

“Well, Kyra, I hope we can still be friends.” Vincent smiled a boyish smile.

“Sure.” I didn’t know what else to say. Maddox was right. This guy did set off an odd feeling. But I didn’t want to be rude to him and say no. He was probably being overly friendly with me because he was new and nervous.

“Your brother was right.” I whispered to Henry when Vincent had gone to sit two rows ahead on the opposite side.

“About what? Him being blonde?”

“Well, that too. But he does make me feel funny. I can’t really explain the feeling, but I don’t think I like it.”

“Me neither. Especially when he kissed your hand,” Henry said through clenched teeth.

“Or when you let Nikki drape herself all over you.” I added and smiled when Henry was about to agree but then stopped himself half way.

“I didn’t. I promise nothing happened. She tried but I finally told her that I was with someone. Then she wanted to know with who, and that whoever she was must be prettier than her if she couldn’t get me. I have to agree.”

“Agree about what?”

“You are prettier than her. Beautiful in fact,” he murmured.

“Thank you. No need to go overboard in saving your hide. I believe you when you say nothing happened.”

“I’m not going overboard. I’m speaking the truth. Your beauty comes from inside. I see that.” Henry said with determination.

“And I see that in you too.” I smoothed my hand over his wrinkled forehead until he relaxed. When the bell rang and I faced forward, I turned my head to the left when I noticed Vincent staring at me. He didn’t smile or waiver his stare. It was as if he was memorizing my features. I gave him a look that said to buzz off, but that didn’t even faze him. Finally, I had to look away, bringing my hair over my left shoulder to hide my face from his view.