Page 4 of The Searching Songbird

“Well? Do you see her?”

A head full of chestnut-colored hair, adorned by a simple, gold tiara peeked out of the crowd on the far side of the room. “As a matter of fact, I do. Now put me down,” Lily laughed.

He obliged, setting her back on the floor and looking down at her with eyes full of mischief. “Where to, milady?”

She nodded across the room. “That way, good sir.”

“That way it is, then.” Grinning, they cut through the crowd, side stepping and spinning as they went. When they finally reach Josselyn, who was being held quite securely in her husband Alex's arms, Edmund gave Lily a final spin before dipping her low, so that she ended up looking into Josselyn's face upside down.

“Your Majesties,” she intoned, as seriously as if she were being presented at court. “Might I beg a moment of Her Majesty's time?”

Josselyn shook her head. “You too, Lily? Is no one safe from the ridiculousness that is Sir Eddie of the Bogwater?”

Edmund pulled Lily back up, making sure she was steady on her feet before giving Josselyn a look of mock indignation. “I was merely doing my duty as one of Her Majesty's royal knights by assisting the fair Lily in gaining an audience with Your Grace. And doing so quite effectively, I might add.”

“Ah. Well, congratulations. We've found each other.” Josselyn raised an eyebrow. “Sooo, you can let go of her anytime now.”

He pouted. “Aw, but she's so cute and tiny. Can't I keep her just a little longer?”

Lily elbowed him in the side. “I'm not your pet, you know.”

“Alex? Would you mind...?” Josselyn looked up at her husband, who grinned before dropping a quick kiss on her forehead.

“With pleasure, love.”

The king stepped over to Edmund and threw an arm around his shoulder. “Care for a drink?” He began propelling Edmund away, heading toward a room off to the side.

“With you?” The question was laced with distaste as the two men walked off, Edmund's feet dragging a bit as he did. He glanced back at them over his shoulder, and Lily saw Alex's arm tighten around his neck.

“Drinks with your king, doesn't that sound nice? You should feel honored.”

“Lucky me,” Edmund grumbled, his voice fading as they stepped out of sight. Lily looked over at Josselyn with wide eyes.

“Is he going to be okay? He really did help me out.”

Josselyn smirked. “He'll be fine. He and Alex go way back.” She linked her arm with Lily's and gave it a reassuring pat as she led her off the floor toward a large terrace. The guards standing on either side of the wide, open doors straightened as they approached, and Josselyn gave them each a small nod as they walked out into the cool evening air.

Lily let her eyes close for a moment, enjoying the feel of the breeze against her warm skin. They strolled arm-in-arm around the edge of the terrace, walking in silence for awhile, content in simply being together. There was a certain rightness about being near Josselyn, a soothing balm on the frazzled edges of her soul.

“He really is a good guy, you know.” Josselyn glanced sideways at Lily as she spoke, breaking the silence. “Edmund, I mean. He comes off as flirty, but when it comes down to it, he's solid. I'd trust him with my life.”

“He seems nice.”

“He is. Eligible, too, in case you're interested?” Josselyn bumped her hip into Lily's.

“Who, me? Interested in Edmund?” Lily looked at Josselyn in surprise. “I'd honestly never considered it. He's fun, but...” She shrugged. “He doesn't make my soul sing.”

Josselyn made a humming noise, her gaze wandering over the ivy covered walls that separated the terrace from the bustling streets of Tallis. “Is there someone who does? Make you soul sing?”

An image of David flashed through her mind, his eyes dancing with joy as they sang together, their voices blending together in perfect harmony. Heat crept up her neck, lighting her face with a mixture of embarrassment and shame. Move. On.

She forced out a laugh. “No, no one. It's just a silly idea I've always had.”

Josselyn stopped walking as she turned to face her. “It's not silly at all. Isn't singing what brought out Suzu for the first time? Maybe you made her soul sing.”

“Maybe I did,” Lily laughed. “But let's forget about love and singing souls for now. I want to hear about this strange dream you wanted to discuss with me, cause it just so happens I had one I wanted to share with you, as well.”

Josselyn's face turned serious. “It was so real.” She shivered. “I woke up in tears. Alex was completely panicked, not knowing what to do.” Her lips twitched. “Okay, that was actually pretty funny, in retrospect. I've never seen him so flustered before.”