Growing Up, Growing Closer

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William could see his father's brain turning like clockwork. He was certainly impressed. "What brings you to our pleasant town, Lady Rotherham?" William hoped she had a good answer. He knew that 'to travel' was improper and would go terrible. "Father, Lady Rotherham came to stay with a relative but found his house ablaze," William intercepted. "Is that so," Titania grimaced. She already worked it out. "Yes, it is so, Titania." Lord Hulme looked saddened, "What fate do your parent's have, Lady Rotherham? Pardon for the curiosity." Titania nodded, "Curiosity is a sin, father." William scowled, "He is not your father, he is mine. Remember that I'm a Lord, and you aren't."
 
Livia was glad that William took that first question. She might have come up with something ridiculous. "I'm afraid that my parents are no longer alive. My mother died in childbirth and my father was killed. We don't know who the assailants are. I was sent here to stay with a relative after our home was burgled countless times by peasants. They told me it wasn't safe there and that I shouldn't return." Livia put on a pained expression. "Forgive me, it is quite difficult for me to speak of. The hurt is still fresh." She hoped that would stop him from asking further.

Livia enjoyed it when William and Titania bickered. William may not have enjoyed it, but Livia found siblings to have such an amusing relationship. She was an only child, so she never had the chance to experience that type of lifestyle.
 
Titania scowled, "Remember that my mother is married to your father and he left yours for mine." William didn't reply. "How awful. You poor girl," Lord Rotherham. "Where will you stay?" Titania laughed, "On the street, there's nowhere else." Lord Hulme laughed at his stepdaughter, "Tish-tosh. Lady Rotherham, my son has taken a liking to you, and I like your fashion sense. You may stay here for as long as you need." Titania's jaw dropped. "W-what?" William grinned, "Father, that's generous of you." Lord Hulme shook his head, "It is part of my job as a Lord. I suppose Lady Rotherham would be at the ball of love tonight?"
 
"I am eternally grateful to you your lordship. I humbly accept your invitation. If it pleases you, allow me to attend the ball tonight as the young lord's escort." Livia gave a sigh on relief. They had convinced him to allow her to stay. They were one step closer to being together.
 
"Of course, my dear. Helena!" the Lord clapped his hands to a passing maid, "Show Lady Rutherham to her place of residence if you would. She will be attending the ball as my son's escort." Helena nodded. "Lady Rutherham, if you would." She walked out.

"May I speak to William. In private," Titania said. "Of course," Lord Hulme said, waving his children out.

"What, Titania?" William was irritated. "Are you crazy? She could get executed if father finds out!" Titania was shocked, "And I quite like her. Is she wearing my dress?" William nodded, "It could've been your yellow one but I know how much you liked it so I told her she'd look nicer in green." Titania scowled, "And mother's pendant." William nodded, "Not my fault she looks beautiful in it." Titania grimaced. "How much for your silence?" William asked. "Your title," she whispered in her younger stepbrother's ear.
 
Helena showed Livia to her new room. It was the epitome of extravagance. The walls were white and had gold laid into them. It was more beautiful than words. Of course, this room was not unknown to Livia. In fact, she and William had often played in this room when they were little. It was unused even back then. She wondered if anyone had ever stayed in it before.

Helena left and three other servant girls walked into the room. They brought in a wash basin, clothes both for sleeping and daily wear, and cosmetics of every kind. They had even brought in some sophisticated jewelry and some high end hair accessories. Livia had hardly seen such riches, let alone have them bestowed upon her. She knew Lord Humle was trying to make a good impression on her. Happiness and worry both flooded into Livia's mind. Sure, he was glad to have her now, but what if he found out of her deception. She would surely be put to death, but she was much more concerned with the repercussions William would face. He had deceived his father and if he was discovered by anyone he would surely pay a hefty price.

At that moment, a servant girl about Livia's age entered the room with food. "The Lord has asked I bring you food and anything else you desire during your stay here. My name is Angela and I will be your personal maid, Lady Rutherham."

Livia couldn't stand having this poor girl call her that. It was like looking into a mirror of the life Livia should be living in now. "Please, call me Liv-" she paused, "Forgive me. Please, call me Annabelle. Or rather Anna, if you would. I'm not used to being spoken to so formally."

"Not used to?" the girl gave Livia a sideways glance, "Ah, forgive my impudence, please Lady Anna. I meant no disrespect."

"Worry not. I meant I am not used to such formality because at my old home, our servants were instructed to be less proper and more friendly. It allowed them to feel closer to us and thus increased their loyalty." she lied. "I would prefer everyone here refer to me that way, but it would be unforgivable to ask for any more luxuries from my host. However, since you will be my personal maid, I would hope to grow quite close to you." Livia smiled at the girl and Angela returned the grin.

"As you wish, Lady Anna. Shall I pour you a glass of water?"

"No need, I can do such small tasks on my own. However, if we are in the presence of the others, I will require you to assist me as you would any normal lady. I would hate to see you receive punishment for my independent nature." Livia ate and waited for William to seek her out. She needed to know if what she was wearing would be appropriate for the ball tonight.
 
"M-m-my title?" William stuttered. "Oh, it's not much, just the land, and the legitimate part of you. Not as important as Livia, is it?" Titania said, "Imagine, being beheading for treason and impersonation. That would be terrible, wouldn't it, William?" She teased. "But...father, the heir..." William protested. "The heir? What heir? I'd be the heir, and marry Fredrick, Lord Peters' son. A reuniting of villages." William swallowed. "You won't tell anyone, right?" Titania did a zipping lip motion. "Fine. You can have it. Just, don't tell father." Titania raised her eyebrows, "And at the ball of love, there is where you declare yourself illegitimate. So I can trust you. When you do your speech."

William knocked on Livia's door. He came inside and smiled at the two girls, "Good day, Angela, Lady Rutherham. May I excuse you, Angela?" He was pale and the smile was plastered on for Angela's sake. I've traded my kingdom for a girl. Why on earth have I done that?!
 
As soon as Angela left, Livia rushed to William. She knew something was dreadfully wrong. She had grown up with this boy. She knew when he was faking it. "What is it, darling? What's happened?" Her eyes filled with worry and she grabbed Williams hands in hers. She looked deep into his eyes. Whatever it was, it was something extreme.
 
"I have to declare myself illegitimate or send you to your death. Or Titania will tell my father your real identity," he was feeling torn. He loved Livia so much that he'd do anything, but his father owned him and could send him to his death just as easy as he could a peasant, for no reason at all. "I can't betray either of you. My lineage can't be ruined by my stepsister, but you saw her with father, she'll snitch the second we back out, and then father will kill us both. You don't even get a fair trial." He didn't mention that he did. He didn't mention that he was tempted to send her off, but he saw her eyes, heard her voice, remembered her loyalty, and a small, evil part of him die.
 
Livia shook with fear. How could Titania do such a thing. This was the girl who saw Livia as a friend, or so she thought. Were titles really that important to her? Could reputation really be such a powerful thing? Reputation... Suddenly Livia had an idea. It was despicable, but she was in a dire situation. "I have something. It's wrong, but what if we blackmail her into silence? She may not be happy with us, but it should make her fall into line without you having to abandon anything." Livia looked around to ensure that they were alone. "Not long after Titania got here, she had a love affair with the married Lord Damion Taylor. I know they went to bed together on multiple occasions. She told me about it in tears saying that if anyone ever found out, she would be disowned by your father and the courts. She said something about it being considered impure and would immediately eliminate any chances she had for finding a Lord as a husband." Livia looked at William with new hope. Could this be their ticket to dealing with Titania?
 
"I want her to leave us alone, not ruin her life!" William exclaimed. "Though it might work. I think I better talk to my sister..."

"Titania." His stepsister turned around, "How is 'Lady Rutherham'?" William smirked, "How is Lord Taylor?" Titania was as pale as her anxious sibling. "How did you know that?" William shrugged, "Now we're even. After all, Lord Peters wouldn't let his son marry such an impure girl, would he? He's doubtful of you being in wedlock..." Titania glared, "Don't worry, I'll find a way to get what I want."

"We did it. She's quiet...for now. I think I shall pay Lord Taylor a visit. He'll be in the parlour, he prefers it there from the courtroom. It's quiet." William needed dirt and he needed it fast to keep Titania off her back.
 
Livia heaved a sigh of relief. She hoped William would be able to succeed with Lord Taylor. Livia hated herself for playing tricks, but it seemed that that was the price to pay for being involved with the courts. Deceit ran rampant through them. Soon, ladies came in and started dressing her for the ball tonight. It would be a trial Livia had to face. She was so lucky to have her love by her side through this.
 
"Oh, young William. Nice to see you," Lord Taylor said, smiling and holding up his glass of wine to the teenager. "I apologise for speaking to you in such a manner, but I have collected a piece of gossip: is it true you had an affair with my illegitimate stepsister, Titania?" William asked. "T'is true, but not what you think. The girl threatened to kill baby Joseph, and you know what would happen if that happened, don't you?" William nodded, "You'd be without an heir and a wife." Damion nodded.

"It's true," William said, rubbing his hands together and smiling at his lover. "I love court gossip."
 
Livia nearly jumped with excitement. She hugged William, but then quickly let go. "I need to know the rules of what we can and cannot do tonight. I know we can't make love, obviously, but what about holding hands, embracing, or sharing a kiss? I don't know the rules of court in regards to our relationship."
 
"We've only met today. However, in court one marries for expense, not love. So none, until I propose. Apparently, father already has an engagement ring," William said, chuckling.

"I hope they'll propose, Maudie," Lord Hulme said.
 
Livia was sad that she couldn't even touch the man she loved, but when he said the word engagement, she whirled her face up to Williams. "Marriage? Really? You think he will let us wed this soon?" her eyes were sparkling and she was on the verge of tears. She didn't know what to say. She really didn't know what to say. "How do I answer? I mean properly. A lady can't just say yes and jump into your arms like I would like to do."
 
"No, she'd say, 'Why, of course,' and yes, he would because you're rich," William laughed at her shock. This was so normal.
 
Livia's head was spinning. Was it all going to work out after all? She prepared for the ball, head floating and full of wonderful daydreams. As she made her way down the corridor, Livia bumped into someone. "Oh my, Beg your pardon, sir." She looked up to see a very handsome, young man. He had dark hair and green eyes and he looked at Livia with a smirk before bowing, "The fault is mine, Miss..." Livia shook her head, "Lady Annabelle Rotherham."

"Interesting, I've never met a young lady from the Rotherham lineage before." his eyes were filled with intrigue. "That, good sir, is because I am not from the same lineage as the Lord Rotherham in these courts. I am staying here on personal invitation of Lord Hulme. And I would like to request you tell me your name. It is too unfortunate for you to know mine whilst I still do not know yours."

A gleam appeared on the strangers face, and he said with a bow, "I am Lord Kale Mustfield. It is an honor to meet you Lady Annabelle, or should I refer to you as Lady Rotherham?"

"Please, Lady Anna will do. I am not so strict with how I am called."

"Ah, but that would be improper for a Lady of nobility. However, if you insist I shall call you that the next time we are alone together." Kale's eyes shown bright.

"And what makes you think there will be a next time?"

"I will see to it that there is." he said. With that he turned and walked away. Great. Now Livia had something new to be worried about. She decided to return to her room and await William before she walked into anybody else.
 
Lord Hulme was discussing the marriage with Lord Peters when William walked in, "Father, Lord Peters," he nodded a welcome to the two men and smiled. "And of course, Titania and Fredrick's vows would be spoken by the vicar of Lord Thompson..." Lord Hulme droned on so much William didn't want to listen anymore.

He knocked on Livia's door. "Hello, Lady Rutherham. May I enter?" he asked in a joking tone.
 
"Please do so, Lord Hulme." She thought it was strange calling him that. The same name as his father, but Livia knew she'd have to get used to it. He walked into the room as she was finishing her accessorizing. Angela was inside with them, but she left after William stepped in. "How do I look?" She spun around in a gold and rose colored gown. She had left the jade pendent on and paired it with simple earrings. A gold bracelet encircled her thin wrist and a gold hair ornament was in place, holding her curled tendrils up and just barely off her neck.
 
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