drabbles

[drabblcs]

From the eastern tower she had the prefect view. She could see everything from the ocean horizon in the south and the wild mountains in the north. This time of the year the tops were covered in snow. They were miles away, but if she closed her eyes she could feel the cold winds. The feeling of snow against her skin and how the sun made the snow sparkle like diamonds. The memory made her smile. As she opened her eyes she could see the wild forests of Jakaar in the west, and the rich fields and soft trees that covered the path to Kinera. She was home. Home at last, and it had to be celebrated. 

Invitations had been sent to all of their fellow friends and allies. To everyone who had made sure she could regain her throne. For the first time in a year she wore her crown with pride. It had once belonged to her mother, and her grandmother before that. The crown had been with her family since the beginning, and now she could wear it safely again. There were to be a feast to celebrate this moment, to celebrate how they had managed to regain the peace that had lasted for so long. To celebrate the return of the rightful queen, and the freedom of those who had been imprisoned by the false king and queen. It was to be a joyful occasions, and she tried to smile. Smile as she saw the ships from Dryalis come into view at the horizon. Smile as she heard the sound of the drums of Mount Lexis. Smile as she saw the horses and banners of Kinera. Smile as she heard the song and laughter of her own people entering the castle. It was a joyous occasion, yet her smile didn’t reach her eyes. Her heart didn’t feel like and joyful. There was no desire to burst out laughing, break into a sudden dance or hug everyone around her. As she stood there watching the surrounding her hand instinctively grasped for the ring, but she had taken it off. It had been a year, it was time. Yet her hand reached for it, reached for him. Closing her eyes she tried to find him, picture him, reach out to let him now that she was still there. That she stilled cared for him. But she couldn’t - the thoughts of what she might see scared her. An invitation had been sent to Jakaar, without them she wouldn’t be standing here today, ready to celebrate for days to come.

Some countries hosted balls, the Acorian people held day long feats and celebrations. And this one would last for at least a week, starting this day, and the people had already celebrated for days. It was a time to be happy, a time to celebrate, to put all the worries away. “Talia!” Her handmaid called for her. It was time. “Coming!” She called back, her eyes lingering on the dark and wild forest of Jakaar a moment longer before turning around. It was time to take.a step into the future and let the past be the past.

[drabblcs]

Talia and Xavier stood shoulder to shoulder on the deck. The Jakaarian ship was sailing under neutral colours to not draw any unwanted attention to them. Beside the two of them there were only four other people on the ship. Xaviers daughter Nique and the Acorian Allseer Rakel was settled down below, getting some well deserved rest after an eventful couple of weeks. The two others was the ships captain and his right hand. Xavier had insisted no more than what was needed to run the ship come with. They were leaving in the dead of night, relying on the darkness to keep them from harms way. The less people accompanied them the lesser chance there was for an ambush. And if that came to happen, Talia and Xavier wasn’t strangers to protecting themselves. Xavier could sink a ship before it could even come close. And their Allseer could keep a look out into the future. Nothing was for sure until the moment someone decided to approach them. But they would be long gone before they got within reach. No, they were safe without the help and crew.

“Are we doing the right thing?” Talia asked. She was standing with her back against the open sea, her eyes focused on the land they were leaving behind. Her hand was clasped over the ring that was still hanging from a chain around her next. Vince’s family ring. She hadn’t taken it off since the day he had given it to her, it was a promise. A promise to once return to her. Her heart felt heavy. He had found his way back to her, and now she was leaving. And without a single word, without a warning. All she had left behind was a letter. She felt rotten to the core. But it was better this way, it had to be. “I believe we are” Xavier answered. He had never been a fan of the Sinclair family, not since their first meeting almost a year ago. But he had grown to respect them, and he owed them a great deal. They had once saved his brother from being poisoned, and they had given them shelter once Emelie and her husband had threatened to eradicate them all. But their presence in Jakaar had complicated everything for the king and his family. “It’s better to leave and watch the peace be restored, then stay and witness another civil war” Xavier said. Talia had told him about the conversation in the garden, about the murmur among the nobel men and women of Jakaar. Their presence was threatening, even Rakel could see that without watching into the future. It was best to leave, even if it hurt.

“We’ll be out of dangerous water by sunrise” The captains right hand came to tell them. They both thanked her, Talia slowly turning to face the open sea ahead. There, on the other side of the Great sea, was the land of Dryalis. The land of elves and a fellow magical land of light. Their queen was an old friend and ally, it was a safe port. It was a place to retreat and regroup, and find out exactly how far this spread. “We will find out way back soon enough” Xavier said. Talia wanted to believe him, but all she could see before her was darkness.

[drabblcs]

One year later

j365 days after she had been forced to leave her country and people behind Talia was back in her home country. It had been a long and eventful year. Ever since she was forced to leave by her sister and brother in law she and her trusted uncle Xavier had plotted their way back into the country. And it hadn’t been the easiest of tasks. Their original plan had been for her to seek refuge with her then fiancé, but her presens in his country had caused so much trouble. The noble families of his country didn’t agree on him as a king, because of his actions, and Talia couldn’t just sit back and watch the Jakaarian people suffer once more. Instead of just Xavier leaving they had all left, abruptly in the cover of a particularly dark night. She hadn’t told her fiancé about her plans, she’d knew he’d try to stop her from leaving. But she had to. She couldn’t just sit and watch as two countries fell apart. She had to go where she would do the most good and least harm, and it hadn’t been in Jakaar. And after learning that his fiancés mother had a part in her father and sisters passing she hadn’t been able to look at him or any of his family the same again. Leaving had been for the best, though she regretted not saying goodbye. It was a cowards choice to leave behind a letter, but it was the safe choice. No one could know they were leaving, no one but the Admiral and his assistant, who had been the ones who escorted them from Jakaar and to their next stop, the island of Dryalis. 

While Jakaar was a dark and looming country surrounded by a grand, fog covered forest Dryalis was a light and airy island covered by sparkling blue water and bathing in the sun. It was as close to her home she could get. And after weeks in the dark, feeling herself wither away, clinging on to the fire inside of her for warmth, it had been the change she needed. Feeling the sunlight on her skin, the light breeze in her hair, the white sand under her bare feet. It was magical. And the elves greeted them with open arms. They were friends and allies and had been so for centuries. It was there she and Xavier reached out to the king and crown prince of Kinera. They had to know if they knew of the plans of their son and brother, and if they had any terms upon his arrest. According to Acorian law the prince where to spend the rest of his life in an underground cell. They were a peaceful people, they didn’t believe in punishment by death. And fairies withered away in the dark, lost their spark and magic. But Kinerian crown prince was their friend, the king their ally, if they asked from the princes safe return they would grant it. On the condition that he would face consequences and never set foot in their land ever again. This was the reason the Kinerian prince was still alive, living out his life on a deserted island per his fathers request. Her was banished from his home, stripped off his title, and was allowed to live out his life on a deserted island with no one but his own company.

And her sister, princess Emile of Acoris, had passed. When the time was right and their allies in place in case any of the fake king and queens followers tried to escape, Talia and Xavier had infiltrated the palace themselves. Just the two of them, floating around like ghosts. It was a much darker place than either of them remembered, but the will of their people were still strong. The few maids and footmen they had met on their way pretended to not see them or helped them hide. It had been a very swift take back indeed. And it had helped that the Allseer had warned them. “If you hesitate, they win” she’d said. So when it came down to it, and she stood face to face with her sister once again she didn’t hesitate. This was the person behind the death of her father, and ill treatment and later death of her sister. She was responsible for the torment of many innocent souls. There were a chapter in the law very few new off, it hadn’t been used as a punishment since the beginning of the realm. And it was the punishment for the royal family who betrayed the loyalty to their family and their people. It was a dark chapter of the laws and history, the tale of how their country came to be, and how the then youngest prince had tortured his own siblings to insanity, making sure non of them were fitting for the throne. When his father learned about this the boy had been removed from the face of the realm in one swift move. And where he had stood, only a pile of ashes were left. It was a punishment for those who couldn’t be redeemed, and Emile was one of them. So Talia did what she had to do, and her sister was turned to ashes. It was not what she had wanted to do, but it was less painful then knowing her sister was slowly dying in the deepest, darkest rooms of the realm. And it was swift and easy, no pain. It was what she used as a comfort when the guilt welled up in her. She hoped her father and sister looked down on her without judgment, knowing that she did what was right.

[drabblcs]

Letter

‘Dear Vince.

First, let me start with an apology. By the time you find this letter I will already be long gone. And I have to apologise for not saying goodbye. I have my reasons, as I know you would try to stop me. But we both know this is what has to be done. Me and my families presence in your country threatens the peace you seek for your people. I know you said it wasn’t my fault, but in my heart I know it’s not true. And therefor I have decided to bring my family someplace else, someplace safe. I know it’s not what either of us wanted, but it’s what has to be done for the sake of your country and people. And for mine. This is what is best - and with time I hope you will understand.

I know we had other plans, but faith wanted it differently. Please never doubt my love and care for you - it is as real as the sun in the sky. But this isn’t the time to play make believe. We have a duty to our kingdom and our people. It saddens me greatly, but I cannot keep my promise and marry you. 

I hope you one day can forgive me for this.

Talia’

[drabblcs]

“I see” They were all standing around waiting anxiously for Lord Kingston to finish his call. The police had been looking for David for a couple of days, and they had finally an update for the family. Olivia was sitting in the chair by the fireplace, all one could see of her was from the eyes and up, the rest of her was huddled under a wool blanked. The weather had taken a turn, heavy rain and a cold wind that made the upstairs window quiver. Robert had lit the fire in all the rooms, but Olivia still felt cold. Talia sat in the chair on the opposite side of the fireplace. They hadn’t spoken a word to one another, but they kept each other company in the silence, knowing that the other was there when they were ready to talk. The rest of the family, except Grandma Rose who had withdrawn to her chambers early, were standing around waiting for the lord to finish his call. “Okay. Thank you for the update, I will inform the family” Every eye was on him. “That was the Chief of Police, they have found Davids car” He informed, pouring himself a glass from the various liquids in the corner. The Lord liked to entertain, under normal circumstances they would fill the house with guests every other weekend, so he kept a tray with various liquids in decanters, all inscribed with the content of each decanter. “It had run off the road just north of Glasgow” He took a large sip of the amber drink. “According to the traffic camera on sight he was speeding, and it was raining heavily. The car spun out” He took another sip, even larger. “He didn’t survive” Lady Kingston gasped, Mathew and Shaun exchanged looks and Talia sunk further down into her chair. A silence fell over the room, they had talked about what would happen when the police found David, he had fled the moment Talia had run into the manor, he hadn’t been able to catch up with her before it was too late, but none had predicted this outcome.

“Karma” Olivia said finally, turning everyones attention to her. She had let go of the wool blanket, it fell as a puddle at her feet once she stood from the chair. Her cheeks had gotten some color back in them, she had looked rather pale since she got home from the hospital. “What you give is what you get, the irony of life and destiny” She mumbled before excusing herself. Talia looked after her as she exited the room, half a mind of follow, but Mathew beat her to it. “I’ll go check on her” He caught up with her on the stairs, they could hear the echo of their footsteps from the foyer, then everything went silent again. 

[drabblcs]

Olivia jolted awake, gasping for air. It took a couple of moment before she remembered where she was, the hospital. Mathew was asleep in the chair next to her bed, he had been there all night, bless him. Her head still hurt, she could feel how the skin on her forehead where pulled tight where the stitches where. They had to put in a few stitched to close the gash on her forehead, and she had a concussion, but other than that she had come from it with few physical injuries. Mentally was a different story, and this one she couldn’t explain herself out of. There had been a witness, Talia. Olivia was both relieved and scared, relieved that she didn’t have to lie, scared because she didn’t know what her parents would say or do. There was only one thing she was certain off, David would never be welcome back in their home.

“You’re awake” Mathew sat up straight, smiling at her. “How are you feeling?” He was worried. She was his baby sister, and he had always looked out for her, protected her, she couldn’t imagine how he was feeling. “A little sore, but ready to go home” She answered. They had insisted to keep her over night for monitoring, making sure there were no hidden head trauma, she had hit her head pretty hard against the gazebo pillars. “I’ll go find a doctor” He stood, but hesitated, she could see how the guilt was welling up. “I’m so sorry, I should have protected you, I should have..” Tears welled up in his eyes, and Olivia felt how her chest tightened with guilt. “You did everything you could, it’s my fault” She had blamed herself for so long, told herself it was her fault, that she had done something wrong. If only she had done better, been a better girlfriend. “None of this is your fault, you hear me? None of it!” The sudden change took her by surprise, Mathew looked like he was ready to murder someone. “I’ll go find the doctor, and call mom” He walked quickly out of the room, and Olivia fell back against the pillows. 

[drabblcs]

Olivia and Talia had decided to take the afternoon tea out in the gazebo, just the two of them and the tabby cat Lady Kingston had decided to adopt once all of her kids had moved out. It was lying on the railway, enjoying the warm sun. April had turned to May, and the country were still on lockdown. Her home country had started to open up slowly, but a two week quarantine waited for her if she left now. She had wanted to go home, she had taken up enough of the Kingston family’s hospitality by now, but they wouldn’t hear of it. The only one who seemed to be annoyed with her presence was Shaun, he avoided her as much as he could. The only time the two of them would see each other in the day was for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and if they circumstantially passed each other in the hallway. Talia had spoked to Mathew about it, but he had told her to overlook it. It was Shaun, and he had been in a mood even before she had arrived. But Talia couldn’t help feeling like she was trespassing, no matter what the others said.

“I’ll be sad to see you leave” Olivia said. They had once been good friends, but after Talia had left England they had slipped away. They had both been busy with school, and once in separate countries it was easy to fall out of touch. But their friendship had bloomed in the past weeks, and it was nice to have her to talk with again. Mathew was a good friend, but there were some things he just didn’t understand as a man. “You have David to keep you distracted” Talia teased. She didn’t want to talk about leaving. “Sure, but David isn’t you” Olivia looked at Talia, leaning closer. “Thankfully” Talia said. David was nice enough, with his polite approach and carefree humour, but he wasn’t her cup of tea. He had one of those faces, pretty but forgetful, and though his blonde hair and blue eyes made him a perfect candidate for any advertisement he was just one of those people you saw everywhere. “Don’t be rude” Olivia took a sip of her tea. “Is he the one?” Talia asked. She had noticed that Olivia didn’t wear a ring, though she and David had been a couple for years. “I don’t know. Maybe” She took another sip. “Have you found your someone yet?” Talia snorted. “Shaun is still single” Olivia wiggled her eyebrows. “The gardens are looking nice” She changed subjects. There were few things Talia wouldn’t go in detail on, her love life was one, her past relationship with Shaun was another. “Grandma Rose and Adeline have done a good job with the gardener gone” She continued, and Olivia sighed. “You have to talk about it at one point” She stated before looking away, focusing on her garden. She hadn’t even noticed the flowers were in bloom. “I’ll schedule an appointment with a therapist, no wait” Talia said drily. “Are you over him?” Olivia kept pushing, refusing to let Talia avoid the subject forever. “The roses are looking lovely” Talia overheard her and kept talking about the garden like it was the most fascinating thing in the world. “Did you ever stop loving him?” Olivia continued, and Talia kept avoiding answering her questions. “I think you’re still into him. I think you’re both still into one another, and one day soon you’ll reconnect” Olivia kept going, now with a dreamy look on her face. “And it will be like no time has passed” She smiled to herself. “I’m sorry to break it to you, but this is real life, not some fantasy movie” Talia put her teacup down, she had finished it. “Thank you for tea, I should get some work done while Mathew is busy with politics” She excused and left Olivia in the gazebo to her own imagination. She adored the girl, truly, but sometimes she spent too much time in the world of fiction.  

[drabblcs]

That Friday afternoon an unfamiliar car drove up to the estate. There were three cars parked on the lot, the family were all gathered for the weekend. After spending months together in the same space you’d think they all needed a break from one another, but after everything that had happened they had grown closer as a family. Grandma Rose was the first who saw the car. From her chair by the window in the lounge she saw the headlights. They had all been gathered for dinner, and had decided to take the dessert in the lounge. “Are we expecting company?” She asked curious. Everyone looked at Mathew, he was the one to spring surprises at the family. “I wouldn’t know, I haven’t invited anyone” He said, but they didn’t believe him. “Can you see whose car it is?” Olivia asked. “It’s grey” Grandma Rose answered. It could belong to anyone, they knew many people who drove a grey car. “How many are there?” Shaun asked. “I can’t say, it’s too dark” Grandma Rose was an old lady, her eyesight was not what it had once been. “Let me see” Mathew took a stand by the window, squinting to make out anyone in the dark. Summer had turned to autumn, and with that the days got shorter and nights longer. It had gotten dark outside already, though the clock was barely passed by seven. “It’s not Talia” Olivia said. They all turned their attention to her. “What, everyone was thinking, so I asked her. She says she’s working on a campaign for some company in France” She held up her phone, and everyone looked disappointed. “I’ll go see who it is” Shaun left the room and Mathew found his seat on the couch again. Grandma Rose was the only one who kept an eye with the car from her seat by the window, and she could have sworn there was a woman with familiar blonde hair who stepped out of the car.

Shaun came back into the room a little later, a big smile on his face that his family hadn’t seen in weeks. “Who was it?” Lady Kingston asked curious. “A friend” Shaun answered cryptic as he took a seat in the armchair he had left. “Did you invite this friend in?” Olivia continued. “Was I raised in a cave?” He asked rhetorical, and she shrugged. “You could have been” Olivia teased, and got a pillow in her face in return. “You are no longer children, behave like adults” Lord Kingston demanded strictly from the chair, but he was hiding a smile behind the newspaper he was reading. The world was slowly going back to normal, and good was that. “So, is your friend joining us?” Lady Kingston wanted to know, and Shaun nodded. “She said she’d be back later” “She?” Olivia eyed her brother suspicious, he knew something they didn’t. Obviously, he knew who this person was.  “Yes, she. I have friends of both genders you know” Shaun answered a little annoyed, but it didn’t make the smile fade.

The conversation eventually went back to the ordinary. Lord Kingston and Mathew were discussing something about the company, and Olive and Lady Kingston were talking about a brunch they were hosting in one of the London tea saloons later that month. Grandma Rose sat in her chair nipping tea, keeping an eye with the outside. The car was still standing in the driveway, but she couldn’t see anyone in it. And Shaun was sitting in his chair, nipping at a glass of whiskey Robert had prepared earlier.

“If I may interrupt” Robert appeared suddenly in the doorway. “You have a guest” He stepped aside to let the guest pass him. “I knew it” Grandma Rose said from her chair. 

[drabblcs]

“That was all” Talia put the last of her suitcases in Mathews car. She had left his place with one large, she was leaving the Kingston Manor with two more. Mathew was already sitting in the car waiting for her, the rest of the family standing beside to say their farewells. Lockdown was officially over. It had taken months, longer than anyone had anticipated to begin with. She and Mathew had finished their project, and it was time to go home.

“Don’t be a stranger” Olivia wrapped her in a big hug. Ever since the accident in the gazebo they had gotten closer, their friendship blooming once everything was out in the open. “I wont” Talia promised, hugging her back. Lady Kingston wrapped her in a hug once again, she had tried to convince Talia to stay a little longer, insisting she wasn’t taking up any space. But Talia had made up her mind, it was time to go home, she had taken up their hospitality for long enough. And now that the everyday life was back to normal in her home country as well there was no reason for her to stay. “I promise I’ll come visit” Talia assured as she was realized from Lady Kingstons grip. Lord Kingston gave her a handshake and a smile, he had never been one for hugging. Last in line was Grandma Rose. “You take care child” She smiled and pulled her closer. Talia was surprised, the old lady was stronger than she looked. “And remember, your heart knows where it belongs” She whispered before letting go. She smiled cryptic as Talia turned to the car. Mathew and Lord Kingstons were the only ones left, Shaun had left before anyone had woken that morning. He hadn’t said anything the night before, and she didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye, not a second time. But she couldn’t wait, her flight were scheduled to leave in just a few hours. “I hate to do this to you, but we have to leave now” Mathew leaned over the passenger seat, speaking to her through the open window. She nodded, said a last goodbye to everyone and got in. They waved as the car got out of sight, and Talia did everything in her power to hold the tears back. 

“You know you don’t have to leave” Mathew said as they reached the highway. “There is always a place for you in the manor, and in our family” Talia didn’t look at him, she had to focus on the landscape passing by to keep herself from crying. Everything was different now, the trees were all green, the hills covered in wildflowers. Summer was here, and the English countryside had never looked more appealing. “If I don’t leave now I will never leave” Talia admitted. It had been strange at first, but now, now this felt like home. England had always felt like home, ever since her years at boarding school England had been her home. Norway was her birthplace, Kristiansand the town she would always call her hometown, but England. England was the place she felt most like herself, be it in the middle of London or the countryside of Surrey. “I know several people who would be happy for that” Mathew joked, but she wasn’t in a mood. The sky was grey, and before they reached Heathrow airport it had started to rain heavily. Mathew parked and helped her get her suitcases on a trolley, he offered to walk her to the security, but she declined. It was hard enough to say goodbye in the parking, she didn’t need to make it any harder. “I’ll miss you” Mathew said. “We’ll stay in touch” She smiled. “I’ll text you the moment I get back to the manor. Let me know when you land” They hugged one last time before he got into the car and drove off. She spent another minuet standing outside watching as he drove away before following the flow of people. There were less than when she had arrived months ago, but the world was slowly getting back to normal, and people had started traveling more for work again. It would take a long time before people left on holidays abroad again she imagined, but everything had to start somewhere. With a heavy heart she made her way to the check in to drop off her suitcases, Grandma Roses words weighing heavy on her shoulders. 

“I’ve waited for you” The voice behind her, she recognized it. “Shaun?” She spun around, and there he was. Standing behind her, smile on his face and a briefcase in his hand. “In the flesh” He put the briefcase down. “I couldn’t let you leave without saying goodbye, but I had something important to do in the city first” She raised a brow. “We both now where you belong, and it’s not in some fairytale manor from the 17th century or a magazine friendly coastal town” He started. “I’m not gonna ask you to stay because I love you, I’m not gonna steal a scene out of a movie. I just wanted to see you off, and give you this” He took a key out of his pocket, handing it to her. “If you ever decide to come back, even for a visit, my door is always open. And” He opened the briefcase and handed her an envelope. “My dad asked to give you that, and he told me to tell you to open it when you were ready” Talia accepted the envelope, looking confused as she turned it over in her hands. It was standard document sized, notably heavier than an ordinary letter. “Don’t ask me what he meant by that, he didn’t say” It was like he read her mind, she was going to miss it. “I promise I’ll come back” She would, London was her go to destination for every vacation she needed. “I don’t want you to leave” Shaun took her hand in his, looking deeply in her eyes. “I have to go back home, there are people waiting for me” Lie, there was nothing waiting for her but an empty office in an empty apartment. “You’ll always have a home here waiting for you” Shaun kissed her hand gently before letting go. There was a sad look on his face, but he didn’t argue with her. “I know. I’ve had a good time, everything considered” She tried to smile, but it faded quickly. “Safe travels” Shaun gave her a long hug, and tears welled up in her eyes. “Thank you” She said muffled against his shoulders, holding him close for another minuet before letting go. She had to blink the tears away, this was hard enough as it was. “I’ll wait in the car, just in case” Shaun said before leaving her in the hall. Talia took a deep breath, eyes finding the clock alerting her she didn’t have much time left before check in closed. 

“She left” He had been sitting outside the airport for over two hours before calling his father. He tried to hide it, but Shaun could hear he was disappointed. Talia had been his number one candidate for the job, with her young and fresh approach, and knowledge beyond her years. He had kept an eye on her since she had left England, and what he had seen her go and do had left a lasting impression. She was a young woman in an industry heavily influenced by young men, and she put them all to shame. It was refreshing, and Shaun had often caught his father smiling over her work. Having someone like her in the company would have been a benefit to all. “I’ll go to London to work, let mom know I’ll be back this weekend” He hung up and looked up at the sky, watching as the airplane heading for Norway passed over his head.

[drabblcs]

They stood at the porch watching as the ambulance drove off. Mathew had found Olivia unconscious, but with a strong pulse, and had called for the ambulance. "She's going to be okay" Shaun assured Talia. She was still shaking from the events earlier, her arms wrapped around herself for protection. "Did they find David?" His car was gone from the driveway, he must have fled the moment he lost sight of her. "Not yet, but the police is looking. They have an apb out for his car and him, they will find him" He put an arm around her, pulling her closer. "I keep blaming myself" Talia admitted. If it hadn't been for her, if she hadn't been in the gazebo with Olivia, if Olivia hadn't had the opportunity to kiss her, none of this would have happened. "None of this was your fault, you hear me? This wasn't the first, Olivia have had cuts and bruises before, we've all had our suspicions, but she always had an excuse. This time she won't, cause you were there. If anything, she was lucky" Talia wanted to believe him, but it was hard. "She kissed me" She admitted finally. "David got mad because she kissed me, because she told me..." She paused. "So she finally told you" Shaun almost laughed. "You knew?" Talia looked baffled. "Years ago she came and asked me, how did you know you were in love with Talia. I couldn't understand why she would come ask me such a thing, Mathew or mom would be better options. And then she told me, that she believed she was falling in love with you. I thought she was joking with me, like April's fools in June, cause never had I imagined my sister would fall in love with my girlfriend. But she told me about the butterflies, and how you saw her, and how important you made her feel, and how much she longed to be with you. And I realized she wasn't joking" Talia looked at him, why hadn't he said anything before? "Why?" She asked. "Because was she was describing, it was how I felt. When I first met you, you didn't know who I was, you just saw me for me. No money, no family name, just me. And I loved that, it made me trust that you spent time with me because you liked being with me, not because you wanted something from me. And you made me nervous, you made me act like a complete fool just because I wanted you to see me" He looked away and Talia smiled, they had both acted like fools because of one another. "And then she asked me, do you love her?" Shaun looked away. "And did you? Did you love me?" She wanted to know, had wanted to know for so long, even if the answer hurt she had to know. "I never stopped loving you" He finally said.

That night Talia slept in Shaun's bed, wrapped in his strong arms, and for the first time in a long time she felt completely safe.

[drabblcs]

The wind in her hair, the fresh air in her lungs, the warm sun on her face. If she hadn’t been riding galloping over the hills she would have closed her eyes and just enjoyed the feeling. But she didn’t dare. The mare Shaun had borrowed her was an unfamiliar horse to her, the mare she had used to ride back in time had sadly passed away a couple of years back. It was said, but the grey spotted mare she was now riding was a dream. Such a gentle creature, but she was fast. Shaun had ridden ahead of her, but it hadn’t taken her long to catch up with him. They were now galloping side by side, and it felt like everything was okay again. All the worries of the present vanished, all the ups and down just a vague memory in the back of her mind. Mathew had been right, it had been good for her to come with him, it was healing.

“We should stop by the lake so the horses can drink” Shaun shouted from her left side and she nodded agreeing. The lake was their spot, they had always ridden there in the past. They had spent countless hours there, swimming in the summers, relaxing under the trees in the fall, skating in the winter. It was an artificial lake, created by a former Lord Kingston who had loved fishing and hunting. 

“I remember the first time you showed me this place” Talia jumped of the mare and let her wander around. “The trees were shorter” A lot had changed in the past five years, the trees had gotten taller and daffodils were popping up everywhere. “Everything was shorter back then” Shaun came wading over to her, the grass hadn’t been trimmed in a while, it was reaching him well over his ankles. “It makes for a perfect field for the horses” Talia said, both the horses were walking around peacefully nipping at the grass. “I’ll let the stable boy now” Shaun sat down in the shadow of the oak tree. The leafs had just started to spring to life after the winter, it was the branches that provided most shadow. 

“Now that it’s just the two of us, no prying eyes or ears. Why did you decide to come back? And why now?” Shaun looked at Talia. She had expected him to ask, she had expected everyone to ask, but didn’t have a good answer. “Mathew convinced me” She shrugged. Mathew was the reason she had traveled to England, he was the reason she had been in London when the country went under lockdown, and he was the reason she hadn’t traveled back home. “How close are the two of you?” Shaun wanted to know, and she could swear he sounded jealous. “We’re friends” Talia shrugged. “With benefits?” Talia laughed. “Jealous?” Shaun looked away. “He’s my brother” He said, and Talia felt bad. “I know, which is why we’re only friends. We work together on a project, and it was easier when we were in the same place. He offered me to stay in the guest room so we could finish the project in time, but then corona happened. And now I’m here” Talia explained. She and Mathew had always been great friends, they were similar people, with the same ambitions and desires, the same goal to help those less fortunate. They were too similar to have ever worked as a couple, and beside, Mathew would never date his brothers ex. “And now you’re here” Shaun echoed. 

They sat in silence under the tree, watching the horses walk around, listening to the birds chirping above their heads. “I’ve missed this” Talia admitted. Kingston Manor had never been far away from her thoughts. The house, stables, fields and lake, it was like taken out of the books she used to read as a teenager. “What are you planning on doing once the lockdown is over?” If he had asked her a few days ago she would have said to go home in a heartbeat, no questions asked. But now. “I guess I’ll go home as soon as me and Mathew finish our project” She had no reasons to stay in England beyond that, and she had a company at home waiting for her to return. Though, she could run that from anywhere in the world. “You know you’re welcome to stay, for as long as you like” Shaun looked at her and she looked back, smiling. “Thank you”

[drabblcs]

Shaun found Talia in the bedroom his mother had decorated just for her. Before Talia had been introduced to his family this room had been more of a storage than a usable room, but after Adeline had decided Talia were to spend the Christmas holidays with them her first year in England she had turned it into a bedroom just for her. It had been untouched since Talia had left, preserved like she had left it, like they were trying to hold on to that memory of her. The walls were still that shade of light pink Talia had admitted was here favourite, the floors a light wood that gave a warm feel. The window were cracked open, letting in a breeze that made the chiffon curtains move softly. Talia was sitting on the canapé bed, curtains drawn back and a mountain of pillows behind her. Spreadsheets covered most of the bed, and she was sitting hunched over her laptop. Shaun leaned against the doorframe, studying her in silence. It had been years since they had last seen each other, since they had last spoked, but looking at her now it felt like no time had passed. It was like he was observing her study for the finals once again, and he couldn’t help but smile. Her brows were furrowed, and she kept tapping her pencil against her lips. “Did you want anything?” Talia said, her eyes still focused on the screen before her. “No” Shaun replied. There was a reason he had gone looking for her, but he had forgotten.  “Then maybe you should leave so I can continue working” She had put the pencil down and turned her attention to him. She looked tired, like someone who had spent too many hours looking at a screen. “You need a break” He walked into the room, careful not to step on the sheets that were lying on the floor as well. What was she even working on? Shaun didn’t even know what she was working with, only that she and Mathew worked on something together. He had been real secretive about it, to Shauns annoyance. “And you need...” She started, but paused, a yawn escaping her lips and she stretched her arms over her head. He knew he was right, and he knew she wouldn’t admit to it. “I’m gonna go for a ride, you’re welcome to join me” It had been a while since the horses had seen anything beyond their paddock, and it was about time. “It is a nice day” Talia looked out the window. The sun was shining, the breeze was warm, the flowers in bloom. How could she say no? He could tell she was considering it, he had seen that face so many times it was burnt into his memory. “Okay” She said in the end, closing her laptop and gathering her sheets together. “I’ll meet you in the stables” Shaun left her to tidy things up by herself, he knew better than anyone not to mess with her system. What was a logical system to him or anyone else, was illogical to her. She had her way of doing things, and Shaun wasn’t going to mess with it.

[drabblcs]

It had been a grey morning in London. The fog had hung low over the tall buildings downtown, the wind blowing along the Thames icy, making people hunch down into their coats. The rush hour wasn’t as usual, considering the country was on lockdown. Mathew had been asked to work from home, and had decided to escape the city air for the countryside. His parents owned a manor in Surrey, and his mother had invited him and both his siblings to stay there while the country was on lockdown to deal with the virus. His brother and sister both worked and lived in the city, Shaun in the family company and Olivia as a book editor. They were now both working from home, and had accepted their moms offer to come stay at the manor. Out on the countryside the virus wasn’t spreading as rapidly as in the city, and it would be nice with the scenic change. “Are you coming?” Mathew called, and a blonde woman came into sight. She was carrying a large suitcase, they had both packed more than they thought they would need, since neither knew how long they would be in Surrey for. “I can’t believe you convinced me to do this. I should have been at the airport, on the next flight back to Norway” The woman huffed. She wasn’t a Londoner, or a Britt for that matter. Her home was in Norway, a country they had locked down as well. It was still possible to get home, but the flight prices had gone up to more than triple of the ordinary cost, and if she were to leave now she would be put in a two week quarantine upon arrival. Mathew had convinced her it was better to stay, that way she didn’t risk getting sick from traveling. “Nonsense. We both have work to do, and I need you for it” Mathew helped her with the suitcase, putting it in the back of his car. “I could have helped you from home” Talia argued, pushing her blonde curls back from her face. Her blue eyes were twinkling from tears in her eyes, her lips pressed together. He didn’t have to ask to know, she was terrified. “Hey, I got you” He pulled her into a warm embrace, holding her close. He could feel how her heart were beating rapidly against her chest, how her breath were quick and shallow. Maybe this was asking too much. He pulled back, holding her on an arm's length, his eyes finding hers. “If you don’t want to, we don’t have to” He said softly. It had been five years since she had last set foot on the grounds surrounding the manor, and he knew it was asking a lot for her to come back. “No, I need to do this” She took a deep breath, brushing the tears away and forcing forth a smile. It softened her face, but didn’t reach her eyes. But Mathew knew, this was the best she could do for the moment. “Come on” He opened the door for her, helping her inside and ensuring once more that she would be okay before climbing in himself, maneuvering the car carefully into the slow London traffic and out of the city. He kept one hand on the steering wheel and in the other he held Talias hand. He watched as she tensed up more and more as the city landscape where replaced by greening grass and open fields. The trees had yet to spring into life, just the odd flower here and there confirmed that spring was right around the corner. The fog drew back the further they got, and when Mathew drove past the gates to Kingston Manor the sun way shining from a clear blue sky. Talia kept a hold of his hand as he parked next to the other cars. With his there were four in total, meaning they were the last to arrive. “Just take a deep breath” Mathew let go of Talias hand, giving her a reassuring smile before exiting the car. It had taken a lot of convincing to get her to agree to this, he hoped it wouldn’t all be for nothing. “You come in when you feel ready” The butler were already standing by the door waiting to great them. “Mr. Kingston” He said, and Mathew smiled. Normally he would have shook hands with him, but these were different times. “They are waiting for you inside” “Thank you Robert” Mathew smiled giving the butler a nod. Robert had been with the family for as long as Mathew could remember, possibly longer, yet the only sign of ageing was the silver threads in the otherwise black hair and the soft wrinkles by the eyes. Mathew cast another look behind him, Talia was still sitting in the car. “I didn’t know you were bringing company” Robert said. “It’s a surprise” Mathew answered, and Robert nodded. If there was one thing Robert were better at than keeping house it was keeping secrets. “Can you have someone bring in the luggage? I’m sure she just needs a moment” Mathew gave Robert a final smile before leaving him with his coat, making his way into the manor. Talia knew the place as good as him, she would find them when the time was right. Mathew followed the sound of voices, finding his family sitting in the lounge, a tray of tea and biscuits placed on the middle of the table. Olivia was mid sentence when his mother noticed her. “Mathew” His mother smiled and got up from her seat on the couch to greet him. Last time he had been home it had been Christmas, three months has surely passed by in a huff. “Mother” Mathew gave his mother a kiss on the cheek.  “You had me worried, I was expecting you last night with your siblings” “My apologies, I got held up” Mathew sat down on the couch next to his sister and her partner David, and his mother got seated in the armchair once again. “Olivia was just about to tell us something exciting” Grandma Rose said from her chair by the window. From there she had a prefect view of both the room and the gardens behind the manor. “Do tell!” Mathew turned excited to his sister. “We’re...” Olivia paused, her eyes focused on the doorway. It looked like she had seen a ghost, Mathew didn’t have to turn around to know who was standing there. Neither of them knew he was bringing a guest, let alone who. “What is it dearest?” Now that she had moved to the chair she had her back against the doorway. “I must be hallucinating” Olivia said with shaky voice, making the rest of the party turn towards the doorway. “Oh dear” Adeline Kingston gasped, hands clasping over her mouth. “Hi” Talia stepped into the room, hands fiddling with the hem of her coat. “Am I interrupting?” Olivia looked between her mother and Talia, Adeline blinked several times, unable to speak, Ethan Kingston set his teacup down and Shaun, Mathews brother, sat frozen. “It was about time” Grandma Rose said from her chair after what felt like minuets, and got up to greet the girl in the doorway. “Don’t just stand there like a fool, let me look at you girl” Grandma Rose took Talias hand and twirled her around, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Life have been good to you” She gave the younger woman a hug. Talia froze for a second, before wrapping her arms around the older woman in return. Once that was out of the way Olivia jumped to her feet to greet Talia as well, closely followed by Adeline. Mathew was smiling to himself, this was what he had expected, but not everyone shared his enthusiasm. Shaun was still sitting in the chair, his back straight and arms crossed on his lap. If there was one person Mathew had been semi worried about it was Shaun. Mathew and Talia went way back, as long as her and Shaun, but while their relationship had always been friendly Shaun and Talia had been more passionately involved at a point, and their breakup was the reason Talia hadn’t set foot on the property in five years.  “Mathew! Why didn’t you say Talia was coming?!” Olivia almost jumped with excitement as she hugged Talia. There were a two year gab between the women, yet they had always been great friends. “Surprise?” Mathew said carefully. He should have told them, but they would have made such a big deal out of it. This was better, for everyone. Except maybe Shaun, but Mathew hadn’t given his brothers feelings much thought in the past years. He did as he pleased, and so did Mathew. “I normally don’t like surprises” Ethan stood from his chair, putting his cup gently down on the table. “But I’m making an exception for this one. It’s good to see you again” The older man wrapped the girl in a hug. Mathew could see how Talia relaxed, her shoulders loosened and the smile grew in size. “Olivia was just about to announce something” Shaun reminded, making everyone turn to look at him. “Oh that can wait” Olivia waved. “This is more exciting. Come, sit” She dragged Talia with her to the couch, hushing Mathew away so she could sit next to Talia. Mathew just laughed, and found himself a stool to sit on. Almost everyone had been happy to see Talia again, as Mathew had suspected they would be, he was glad he had convinced her to come with. 

[drabblcs]

“Shaun Alexander Kingston!” Talia had been right, Ivy had run straight to his mother. He felt like a kid again, caught in steeling the last cookie and eat it before dinner. There was nothing his mother did better than to make her sons feel guilty when they had been caught in a wrong. “Yes mother” Shaun stopped short, looking down at his mother from the staircase he had been on the way down. “Come see me in my study” His mother walked ahead, and he followed her. If he had just been able to talk to John first. Ivy was many things, but smart wasn’t one of them. It wasn’t the brains he had fallen for.  “How could you be so stupid?” Abigail had never been one to raise her voice, she was always calm, which made everything ten times worse. Shaun closed the door after him, looking crestfallen as he sat down on one of the chairs in the corner. Both his parents had their own studies, while his fathers were filled with books, papers and a sitting area for tea and casual meetings his mothers study was sparingly furnished, with an easel in one corner and two chairs with a table in the other. One of the walls were covered in shelves with one odd book places here and there. It wasn’t a room his mother had spent much time in, it was more for show than use. “You have to be more specific” Shaun said, it didn’t amuse his mother. “Ivy told me she’s with children” Oh mother, never change. She was the epitome of politeness and political correct language. “She told me that to” “She also told me how you reacted” She couldn’t get herself to say it, he had straight up accused her of cheating.  “I believe it’s my right as a human being to react in the way I see appropriate” Shaun responded drily, earning himself a scolding from his mother. Once again he felt like a boy being caught red handed. “Don’t be smart with me Shaun, I’m your mother and you take that after me” When it came to his looks it was no doubt he had them from his father, but he was more like his mother as a person. “Sorry mother” He looked down at his feet. “So, what are you planing on doing with this? And I will hear nothing of you not being involved” “Mother, it’s not my child. I don’t even know if she’s expecting” “Then I suggest you find that out, quickly” “Yes mother” Shaun got to his feet. “I can’t say I’m not disappointed, I expected more from you” She wasn’t alone in that. Everyone always expected something from him, more or less. “I know mother” He gave her a kiss on the cheek before exiting the room. 

“I know she’s lying, I just don’t know how to prove it” Talia was pacing around the room he had found Grandma Rose in earlier. Grandma Rose had heard everything, and she agreed with Talia. That Ivy girl was up to something, she had been sure since the girl had showed up at the manor. And after hearing what Talia had overheard, she was convinced she was one of those gold digging ladies his son had always gone on about. “I have to find a way to prove it” Talia continued to walk. “You’re gonna make a permanent path if you don’t stop pacing dearest” Grandma Rose said. She had sat down on the futon by the foot of the bed. “Sorry” Talia sat down on the floor. “I just have to figure this out, I have to stop her” “Why is this so important to you dearest?” Grandma Rose looked at her with that motherly look her own grandma had given her. Oh how she missed her family, her mother and father, even her obnoxious little sister. And Grandma. The Kingstons were great, they had treated her like family since day one, but they were not her family. “Because..” Tears welled up in her eyes, oh great. The dam that had been on the verge of breaking for weeks were finally giving in. “Because I care. I care about you, Mathew, Ethan and Abigail. And..” She paused to stagger the incoming cobs. “And Shaun” Grandma Rose finished for her with a smile. “And Shaun” Talia admitted. She had tried for so long to not care, to not get emotionally invested, but it had been a lost cause. “I don’t want to see someone ruin his life, and Ivy will” “How can you be so sure?” “I know Shaun” “Are you sure about that?” Talia looked at Grandma Rose, how could she even ask that question? “I like to think I do at least” She responded after a moment of thinking. It had been years, maybe the Shaun she had once known where long gone? “Well, I do not want that Ivy in my family. Ivy, what kind of name is that anyway? No, we have to do something about it” Grandma Rose clasped her hands together. “Do you have an idea?” Talia looked hopeful, and the old lady nodded, the mischievous smile back on her lips.  “I do”

[drabblcs]

“Of course he’ll believe me” Talia heard Ivy say. She had been looking for the other woman, it was time the two of them buried the hatches and made peace with one another. On her mission she had involuntarily walked in on yet a private conversation. Ivy didn’t have her phone on speaker though, so Talia couldn’t make out what the other person said. It was rude to eavesdrop, she knew, but she had to know what Ivy was up to. “Yes I’m sure” Ivy said to the person on the phone. “I have him right where I want him” Talia inched closer to the door, making sure she wasn’t seen or heard, this she had to hear. “Of course I didn’t tell John, it would ruin everything” Who was John? There was a long pause, the other person had a lot to say. “No, keep him out of the loop. It won’t be long before I have the ring on my finger, it will be smooth sailing from there” Talia almost felt sorry for Ivy, she had no clue what she was getting herself in on. “Just stick to the plan. I have to go now” Ivy hung up the phone, and Talia hurried down the hall, hiding in one of the unoccupied bedrooms. She kept her ear to the door, listening for footsteps, not allowing herself to breath until she was sure Ivy had passed and there were a safe distance between them. Abigail was right to be skeptical of Ivy, the girl just wanted one thing. Money. It was easy to see that Shaun had grown tired of her, just looking for the right moment to send her packing. Ivy must have picked up on it as well, or was she just too naive? Talia wasn’t sure what to believe at this moment. “What’s wrong dear?” Talia spun around, she hadn’t expected there to be someone else in the room with her. But there, standing by the window stood Grandma Rose, eyes focused on her and the scene displaying in the gardens below. “I didn’t expect to run into someone here” Talia excused, trying to get control of her heartbeat. “Neither did I” Grandma Rose waved her over to the window. “This room has the best view, and if you just crack the window open just a little” Grandma Rose showed her, and Talia could easily hear the voices underneath, Shaun and Ivy. She sounded wounded, and he panicked. “I wonder what they are arguing about” Talia said, unconsciously leaning closer to hear what were said. “Oh, the usual” Grandma Rose shrugged. “She’s an ungrateful girl, wanting more and more. Look at him, he’s miserable” Ivy had walked away in a huff, leaving Shaun sitting alone on a bench, head in his hands. “I know” Talia felt bad. “I should go talk to him” She turned around, but stopped when she felt Grandma Roses hand on her wrist. “This is our secret” Talia nodded and left the older lady to the window.

Talia found Shaun still sitting in the gardens, still sitting with his head in his hands. “Hey” He sat down next to him, putting a hand on his knee. “Hey” He replied, slowly lifting his head to look at her. His eyes had dark rings under them, and the stubs on his chin had to be at least three days old. He looked older and more tired and she’d ever seen him before. “You look awful” “I know” He rubbed his chin in his hand, grimacing. “It’s Ivy - she keeps me awake at night” “Doesn’t she have her own room?” “Which she refuse to sleep in” “So, she sleeps with you?” There was a knot in her stomach, why had she asked that? “No” Shaun laughed. “We spend half the night arguing before she goes back to her bedroom” “Why don’t you ask her to leave?” Talia wanted to know.  “I don’t know” Shaun sighed. “Now that she’s first here my mom would have my head if I sent her packing” “I don’t think so” Talia shrugged. “She’s not a good person Shaun, she’s only...” They were interrupted by Ivy. “She’s only what?” She glared daggers at Talia, who just smiled back. “A simple thief?” Talia suggested, it didn’t sit well with Ivy, but she could have sworn Shaun smiled for just a second. And she knew Grandma Rose was smiling from the floor above them. “Excuse you?” Ivy was shocked, her mouth hanging half open, it wasn’t a very flattering look for her. “You hear me. You’re only in it for the money” Talia said, and Shaun looked at her, eyebrow raised. This was not how she had planned for this conversation to go. “Of course I’m not” Ivy crossed her arms over her chest, she sounded more like a tantrum throwing toddler than a woman trying to convince people otherwise. “Then who is John?” Once again Ivys mouth fell. “A friend” She regained her composer, but too slow for either of them to believe her. “I know John” Shaun looked at Ivy. “You should leave” “What?!” There was no ending to the surprised Ivy were being handed today. “You heard me. Pack your things, you’re no longer welcome here” He got to his feet, ready to walk away. “I’m pregnant!” Ivy shouted, and the other two froze. Talia looked at Shaun, holding her breath, she already knew what he was going to say. “It better not be mine” He didn’t even look at Ivy before he walked away. Ivy looked like she was about to break into tears, and Talia felt she had to say something, but what? “He doesn’t mean that, does he?” Ivy asked with shaking voice, she was on the verge of crying. Talia almost felt bad for her, if it hadn’t been for the conversation she had overheard earlier she would have. But truth was, she didn’t believe Ivy, and she didn’t want to lie to her. “He does. If you had known Shaun at all, you would have known he never wanted a family, to have kids” They had that conversation once, when Talia had been late one month. He had looked at her, told her straight up that he wanted nothing to do with a child, not then, not ever. They had been 19 at the time, and thought a lot could change in 6 years that was something that would never change. He had expected her to cry, to call him coldhearted, but she had breathed out in relief. They had disagreed on many things both before and after, but that was one of the things they had agreed on. And luckily enough it came the following day. “You don’t know that for sure. You don’t know him the way I do” Ivy cried. “No, I know him better”

“She’s joking, right?” Talia found Shaun in his bedroom, anxiously walking back and forth. Talia hadn’t seen him like this in years. “I wouldn’t know” Talia answered, and Shaun stopped. “How did you know about John?” He wanted to know.  “I overheard her on the phone” “Who was she talking to?” “I don’t know - unlike you she doesn’t put people on speaker” When she thought about it, the only person Talia had ever heard Shaun talk with over speaker was Ivy. She raised a brow at him, pieces falling together. “You knew I was there. You knew I was listening to your conversation with Ivy” Of course he knew, she had never been able to hide from him. ‘I could always feel your presence’ He had said back then, and she wondered if it was still true. “What did she say?” Shaun avoided her question, it was answer enough. “That she would believe you, and it wouldn’t be long before you put a ring on her finger. And something about keeping someone, I’m guessing John, out of the loop because it would ruin everything” Talia had really tried to hear what the other person had said, but it had been impossible. “So either she’s lying about being pregnant, or lying about who is the father” Shaun was suddenly in a better mood, even smiling. “She’s gonna tell your mom” Talia warned. Ivy hadn’t said so, but that was what most women would do if she was pregnant and her boyfriend refused to acknowledge it. Not that it had happened to her, she had just seen enough movies.  “My mom is going to be infuriated” Shaun sighed. “She’s gonna insist I look after my offspring” “Which you don’t want to do” “I don’t want any offspring” “Easy fix” Shaun looked at her, and she shrugged. “What? Have you never seen Cheaper by the dozen?” “I should have broken up with her before I left London” Shaun laid down on his bed with a loud sigh.  “Why didn’t you?” Talia sat down next to him. “Honestly? I don’t know. I guess I never got around to it. I was so busy I didn’t even...” He sat up. “You didn’t even...?” “Thank you” Shaun kissed her quickly on the cheeks before scrambling to his feet. “You welcome?” He left her sitting on the bed, eyebrows raised, her right hand resting on the cheek he had just kissed her on. 

[drabblcs]

Mr. Kingston retired to his study for work after lunch. Mathew and Talia decided to take the horses for a ride, it had been a while since the horses in the stable had seen anything but the field they grassed on. Abigail and Grandma Rose had decided to go for a walk in the garden, the gardeners hadn’t been able to work for a week and they had decided to take it up on themselves to tend to the gardens. It left Shaun and Ivy alone, giving them a chance to talk without being interrupted. “Why didn’t you tell me she was here?” Ivy wanted to know. Shaun had showed her to the room the staff had set up for her, which were far away from his bedroom. Abigail Kingston could not make it any more clear that Ivy was a guest, it made Ivy feel unwanted. “Because I knew how you would react” Shaun answered. This, the mood she was in, the ready to use any excuse to fight with him, this was what he had tried to avoid. “You lied to me!” She shouted. “I didn’t lie - I just avoided telling you the whole story” It didn’t make her in a better mood. “Did you even want me to come?” She had tears in her eyes. “Of course” Lying was easy for him, like blinking, telling the truth was a different story. “I don’t believe you” “What do you want me to do? Tell my brother to kick out his guest?” “She’s your brothers guest?” “Yes. They work together on a project, which is why she was in London when it went under lockdown. My mother insisted she come stay with us instead of rushing to the airport and get stuck with all these strangers” That part was at least true. “I still don’t understand why you didn’t tell me” Ivy pouted, and Shaun wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. “It was a mistake, I’m sorry” He was sorry, in a way. “You better be” She looked up at him with a smile, reaching up to kiss him. “I truly am” He smiled, but it didn’t feel right. Something was off, something had changed between them the past two weeks. He had known for a while, but now, standing here with her in his arms again, it was as clear as the sun in the sky. “So, this is my room” She untangled herself from him and took in the room she had been put in. It was rather large, with a canopied bed with blue sheets in silk, an empty dressed and wardrobe to fit her clothes and more, and a private bathroom. “It is” Shaun sat down on the bed, letting her take a look at it. This was the first time she was there, he expected her to want time to get familiar with the house he had known his entire life. “I still don’t understand why I couldn’t share a room with you” She got seated on the bed next to him, her hand resting on his knee. “My grandma is old fashioned” He shrugged, it was partly true. “I see” Ivy smiled. “We should make the best of it while she’s out then” She turned to face Shaun, her hand creeping up the inside of his thigh. “We really shouldn’t” Shaun took her hand in his. “I promised my dad to work with him in the office today” He excused, that part was actually true. “I’ll see you for dinner. Feel free to walk around, explore the place” He kissed her forehead quickly before leaving her alone, leaning heavily against the wall once he had closed the door behind him. “Get a grip man” He shook his head firmly, shaking the thought out of his head. Ivy should never have come, he should never have invited her, and how was he gonna deal with that now?

[drabblcs]

The great manor came into sight after the last turn. The fog that had been hanging over the landscape since she had left London that morning had evaporated, now replaced by a clear blue sky and a warming sun. Ivy felt nervous as she parked her car next to the row of others. She could easily recognize Shauns car, the black sportscar was sparkling in the sun, showing signs of well maintenance and little use for the past weeks. The reminding three she assumed belonged to the rest of the family, all of them shiny, well maintained and expensive. Next to them Ivys old Toyota looked like a dumpster car. She sucked in a deep breath, preparing herself for what was to meet her on the inside. She knew that Lady Kingston didn’t care much for her, she wasn’t classy or successful, she was just a waitress with no ambitions of reaching higher. If this had been the older days it would have been unheard of Shaun being seen with someone like her rank. But this was the modern day, and the Kingston family had to take a step into it with the rest of them. It was time to but the old believes aside and let anyone be with whoever they loved. “Miss Ivy, welcome” The butler opened the door for her, and shower her inside. “I’ll take your suitcase. They are all waiting for you in the parlour, follow me” Ivy didn’t have time to protest before the butler escorted her into the parlour in the back of the house. Ivy tried to take in her surroundings, the inside of the manor didn’t match the exterior. The outside had the original design, while the inside had been updated throughout the ages. The walls where light, the art modern and the furniture minimalistic. “Miss Ivy has arrived” The butler announced once in the parlour. They were all there in the room, Shaun, Mathew, lord Kingston and both of lady Kingston. Ivy felt like on display, she could tell both the women were assessing her from top to bottom, she wished she had dressed more formal, jeans and t-shirt were too casual for this company, even Shaun and Mathew wore shirts. “There you are” Shaun gave her a kick kiss on the cheek and took her hand. “You remember my brother Mathew” She nodded towards Mathew, and he smiled back. “You’ve already met my mother, Abigail” “It’s nice to meet you again lady Kingston” Ivy curtsied, and the woman smiled warmly. “Call me Abigail, lady Kingston is so formal” Ivy nodded, feeling relaxed. “My father, Ethan” Ivy could see where Shaun got his looks from. “It’s a pleasure” He said with a smile. “And my grandmother Rose” The older woman smiled brightly, making Ivy more relaxed. “It’s so nice to meet you dear, I trust you had a pleasant travel?” Ivy was about to answer when the butler reappeared in the doorway, turning the attention away from her. “Lunch is served” He informed, and the seating part of the family got to their feet. “I hope you like salmon” Shaun said, offering her his arm and guiding her towards the dining room. They walked behind the others, giving them a chance to talk privately. “Where is Mathews girlfriend?” Ivy asked curious. “She’s home with her parents, she just stopped by yesterday” Shaun answered. “Oh, okay” Ivy was a little disappointed, she was looking forward to finally meeting Mathews girlfriend. “There is one other guest I should tell you about though” Now that she was there it was impossible to keep it a secret. “Who?” Ivy looked up at him, but he didn’t get a chance to answer. “You must be Ivy” Talia stood before them in the dining room, dressed to perfection in a light coloured dress, her hair pulled back into a loose braid. “I’m..” But she didn’t get to finish. “I know who you are” Ivy said, this was the last person she had expected to see here. “O-kay” Talia raised a brow at Shaun, but didn’t make a scene. Instead she smiled politely at Ivy, gave her a quick nod before joining the others at the table, sitting down at the chair Mathew was holding out to her. “Talia is here?!” Ivy hissed, her cheeks red. “Please Ivy” Shaun could see his family watching them from the corner of his eye, the last thing he needed was for Ivy to make a scene. “Can we talk about this later?” Ivy looked from him to his family, they were all watching them, waiting for the ability to judge her for being tactless. “Of course” She squared her shoulders and pushed forwards a smile. “Let’s eat” She let Shaun hold out a chair to her on the other side of the table, opposite to Talia who had nothing but smiles for her. Ivy tried to smile back, but it was difficult.