Lily looked over her shoulder for a second with a stoic look. Her green eyes bore into Angelique’s as hard as they could. “To be frank my dear. I don’t really give a damn.” It wasn’t that she was trying to be heartless. It was that Lily understood Clyde. Yaeger was her Margrett. The death of their beloveds would never go away and they would have to cope with it.

When they smiled Lily hadn’t forgotten about Angelique in the room. If anything she was more aware of the girl than ever before and if she was offensive that would have been dangerous. The wall shot up with a small chant and what a fast chant it had been. It was more like the words had waterfalled out of her mouth as the wall bounced the child back.

“Told you, Clyde, if I know it’s coming no one can get past me.” It was why it took an assassin to kill Lily. It was why she needed an escort home. Her powers were manifesting themselves in a strong way and it even made the holy water she had made crackle at the feel of her aura. 

Once the crying started Lily gave a sad smile. She knew she had to let go of Yaeger too. If anything it would hurt more so if they all didn’t move on from their sorrow. She moved over to them and she knelt by Angelique, her smile was soft. “I don’t care that your father loves your mother because I lost someone too. My daughter’s father.” She reached out and she hesitated for a moment as she pushed Angelique’s hair back and tucked it behind her ear. “Call it a mutual understanding.”

Maybe they weren’t the right words but Lily’s heart was in it. “To love is to memorialize that person. You’ll never stop loving them. Not once but to move on doesn’t mean you have to forget that person. I know with a deepness that Clyde has never once forgotten your mother. I could tell from the moment we met. That’s a special kind of love Angelique.”

Clyde wasn’t sure if it was all the holy water poured on her, or if it was because of Lily. She used her holy power on Angelique. Could that have broke her barrier as well? Clyde didn’t understand what had happened, but in that moment he didn’t care. His Angelique was back. Holding her in his arms, she cried out everything she had been holding in for the past few hundred years. Her cheeks had trails of blood running down her face. Her hair a damp matted mess from the constant water. As her tears fell, he didn’t care that they were staining his shirt red with blood. She needed him, needed him to hold her. His little girl didn’t pull away or even curse at him.

Hearing the voice of the Queen, Angelique pulled away from her father to look at Lily. As she spoke, her eyes looked at her as Lily knelt down before her. As the queen reached out towards her, she moved back for a moment but let Lily move her hair behind her ear. After she finished, Angelique frowned. “I am sorry.” Angelique apologised. She wasn’t one to say such cruel things. “I didn’t mean anything I said or did. I wasn’t in my right mind…” She said as her hand still gripped Clyde’s arm. He was grounding her.

Clyde arm held onto hers, as she gripped his forearm. As he stood he pulled her up with him. Anastasia came up to them with a sympathetic look. “Lets go get you cleaned up.” She held out her hand for Angelique to take. The vampire looked at Clyde for a moment before hugging him tightly. “Thank you.” She said as she let her arms drop from him, then went with Angelique.

As soon as they left the cell, Clyde turned to Lily. He didn’t hesitate to rush to kiss her. His lips connected with hers in a sweaty passionate kiss. He was thankful for her. “Thank you for helping me get my daughter back.” He said as he released her from the kiss. His eyes opened to look into her beautiful rose eyes. “If you didn’t come here then I don’t know if I could of got  her back at all… Thank you.” He finished his words with a kiss. Wrapping her up into his arms, he kissed her long and sweetly. She was the best thing that had ever happened to him. Along with Angelique of course.

Pulling away, the elemental looked down at his suit. It was stained in blood, and he smelt of sweat. “I think I need to get cleaned up.” He paused for a moment and smiled at her. “Would you like to join me?” He didn't want to just have sex with her. It was more than that, if they didn't that was okay with him. He wanted her close. He needed her after the exhausting day that he just had.

Lily’s smile was warm as she looked at Angelique. “Child, if I thought that was really you who said those things to me I wouldn’t have been here to help.” That was true when she looked back on Yaeger, he hadn’t always been a dark heart. He had been a father scared of losing his child to someone else. 

Her green eyes looked up at Ana. “In the lower part of my manor is a nice wash that we use for Nymph when she needs her baths. It’s large and comfortable. You can find some of Nymphaea’s clothes may fit. There should be extras in there as well.” 

She was quite off guard by his kiss and she chuckled as she kissed him back. “I know that if it had been Nymph you would have done the same thing.” She brought her hand up to face as she chuckled. “I would always come to your side. I would not lose someone that I am so fond of.” She kissed him back yet again and held him. 

After a bit, she chuckled and looked at how the blood had come onto her clothes as well from rubbing up on him. “I agree.” She nodded and took his arm. She cuddled close to him as they walked back to the manor. Up in her room, she opened the washroom door and the bath was already there waiting. The heat poured out and she smiled up at Clyde. “Come on now,” she shooed him into the bath and helped him undress so he could get down into the warm tub. “That has to feel good on your muscles after things like that.” She ran the water over his shoulders and kissed his neck gently. 

“I have soaps and oils nearby too if you wish to use them.”

Clyde nodded at Lily’s words. If it was her family, he would help no matter what. He was shortly realizing that he would do anything for this woman. He went with her without any hesitation. As they made their way to the manor. His mind started to think of his feelings for her. Now that he had let go and let everything in the past slip away, he wasn’t afraid anymore. He wasn’t afraid to be with someone. To share thoughts and feelings with. Could it be?

The elemental’s thoughts were pushed away as they made it to the manor. They were soon in the washroom and Lily started to undress him.  As soon as, he was undressed he stepped into the warm water. A sigh left his lips as he laid back into the water. The warmth of the water seeped into his muscles. His aches and pains soon faded as well as the smell of sweat. He let her wash him and slowly grew excited. The feel of her lips was too much for him to bare. He couldn’t keep his hands to himself.

“All I need is you.” He said in a husky voice as his desire took over. Pulling her into the water with a laugh, he kissed her lips. Being without a woman’s touch for so many years sometimes get to a man. Bringing his lips to her neck, he kissed her skin that soon became naked as he slid her dress off her shoulders. Occasionally he would glide his teeth over her skin.  

Soon the damp clothes were thrown out of the bath. They took each other to another realm as they made love. Nothing else matter, no previous loves, nothing that was going on in the world around them. It was just them. His heart warmed at the thought of them being together with this woman in his arms.

As they finished, he pulled them out of the bath. He dried her and then himself. As soon as he finish drying himself, he picked her up into his arms. Her legs wrapping around his waist as he carried her into the bedroom. His lips locked with her’s then her jaw.

They collapsed on the bed. The covers lost their perfection as they made love. When his lips weren’t kissing her skin, his eyes were locked with hers.

Rolling over onto his back, his breath came in quick gasps. Now he was sweaty again, but this time for a good reason. Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her head. He was so happy in this moment. So happy that she was with him and the woman she was. Pulling away, he rolled over onto his side to look into her eyes. He brought his hand up to move a loose strand of hair behind her ear. This time when he kissed her, it was sweet and slow. As he pulled away, he looked at her. He knew what he was feeling in that moment and didn’t want to miss another moment like this. “I love you, Lily.”

Clyde nodded at Lily’s words. If it was her family, he would help no matter what. He was shortly realizing that he would do anything for this woman. He went with her without any hesitation. As they made their way to the manor. His mind started to think of his feelings for her. Now that he had let go and let everything in the past slip away, he wasn’t afraid anymore. He wasn’t afraid to be with someone. To share thoughts and feelings with. Could it be?

The elemental’s thoughts were pushed away as they made it to the manor. They were soon in the washroom and Lily started to undress him.  As soon as, he was undressed he stepped into the warm water. A sigh left his lips as he laid back into the water. The warmth of the water seeped into his muscles. His aches and pains soon faded as well as the smell of sweat. He let her wash him and slowly grew excited. The feel of her lips was too much for him to bare. He couldn’t keep his hands to himself.

“All I need is you.” He said in a husky voice as his desire took over. Pulling her into the water with a laugh, he kissed her lips. Being without a woman’s touch for so many years sometimes get to a man. Bringing his lips to her neck, he kissed her skin that soon became naked as he slid her dress off her shoulders. Occasionally he would glide his teeth over her skin.  

Soon the damp clothes were thrown out of the bath. They took each other to another realm as they made love. Nothing else matter, no previous loves, nothing that was going on in the world around them. It was just them. His heart warmed at the thought of them being together with this woman in his arms.

As they finished, he pulled them out of the bath. He dried her and then himself. As soon as he finish drying himself, he picked her up into his arms. Her legs wrapping around his waist as he carried her into the bedroom. His lips locked with her’s then her jaw.

They collapsed on the bed. The covers lost their perfection as they made love. When his lips weren’t kissing her skin, his eyes were locked with hers.

Rolling over onto his back, his breath came in quick gasps. Now he was sweaty again, but this time for a good reason. Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her head. He was so happy in this moment. So happy that she was with him and the woman she was. Pulling away, he rolled over onto his side to look into her eyes. He brought his hand up to move a loose strand of hair behind her ear. This time when he kissed her, it was sweet and slow. As he pulled away, he looked at her. He knew what he was feeling in that moment and didn’t want to miss another moment like this. “I love you, Lily.”

Lily gave him a loving smile. “And I you.” It was a soft tone that left her lips as he pulled her in. She let out a surprised gasp but laughed as they kissed. She understood his desires and for once it was nice to have a man who loved her touch her. At least she thought that’s what this was. She was pretty sure, her mind tried to cloud but she pushed it away.

She was quite pleased with his strength as he managed to pull her up. Of course, she went willing with him as he dried her off the best she could. There was no point in putting her hair up now that it was soaked but he didn’t really give her time to react as he picked her up. A laugh left her lips as she wrapped herself around him. This was some of the most fun she had in years.

She wasn’t even sure if she had managed to get clean by the end of it all. She chuckled as her wild blonde curls were strung out and wet. There was still much movement as he appeared to be restless on the bed. She was shocked he had enough energy left as she laid there exhausted and rather happy. Her green eyes watched his blues as she thought about everything. She chuckled as he pushed the hair behind her ear. Their kiss slow and sweet, she liked it that way the most she had to admit.

His words made her blush, and for some reason, she didn’t understand why, but a smile came to her face. “I love you, Clyde.” She brought her hand up and gently rubbed his face. Reaching over she pulled the blankets back up onto the bed and covered them up as she flipped him back over. She rested her head on his shoulder after a quick kiss. 

“It’s been a long day but  I am so happy for you. I’m so glad that Angelique is back and I am glad that you are happy.” Her hand found him and her fingers entangled so easily with his as well. She supposed that there was a question now lingering in her mind that she wanted to ask him. “What will you do now?” Just because they said they loved each other didn’t mean the road would be any less bumpy for either of them. If they stayed together there would need to be a plan, a story, something that would make sense.

Her words had warmed his heart. Clyde couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. He was in love again, but this was nothing like his first love. It was welcomed not fought against. He let her pull the blankets over them and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her head and held her close against him. This moment was the best. If someone decided to disturb them, he would kill them instantly. Maybe. If it was his sister he would definitely throw her out on her ass.

Feeling her fingers against his, he laced his fingers with hers. She commented on his happiness and he smiled again. “Thank you, and you are part of why I am happy as well.” He kissed her head again as she spoke again. This time with a question that he hadn’t really thought about. He had been acting on whim since the first time he met her. He was always one to plan out his day. When she entered his life, he wasn’t planning anything out, just moving along with the moments that passed him.

“I have walked this earth for over a thousand years. I have only loved once before, and it effected my whole life. It was a love that shouldn’t have been. Now that I have met you. Falling in love with you was unexpected. “ He paused as he brought them up to a sitting position. “I am letting go of her now and I choose you. I choose to love only you…and be with only you.” He pulled her onto his lap, her legs on either side of him and kissed her. His arms circled her back. Her hair tickling his fingertips.

The elemental pulled away and leaned his head against her head. He closed his eyes and treasured this moment with her. They probably wouldn’t have many with his sister around. “I can’t beleive i didn’t meet you until now.” He whispered as he pulled away to look into her eyes. “You are an amazing woman, Lily.” He kissed her lips once more then pulled her into his arms just to hold her.

In that moment of silence, he heard his stomach growl. His eyes made it to the window and sighed. It was night already and he hadn’t ate all day. “Stay here, I am going to make us dinner.” Pulling her off him, he kissed her softly before he climbed out of bed. He didn’t bother putting anything on but his pants. They were the only ones there after all. “You can wear my shirt.” He said with a smirk before he headed down to the kitchen.

Looking around at the food he could prepare. She didn’t seem like a meat person. Pulling out some carrots, onion, celery out if a tray on the countertop, he chopped them up and threw them into the put with some water. Next was the chicken that seemed to have been left out for them, already skinned and ready to go. Chopping up the chicken he threw it into the pot as well with some herbs. One thing he knew how to do perfectly was cook. He loved it, cooking seemed like a meditation act for Clyde.

Grabbing some cilantro leaves, he threw them into the pot as well. He let that cook as he grabbed a loaf of bread and sliced it. Next was the bowls, it took him a minute to find them and when he did he put some soup into them and laid them onto a tray along with a plate of bread. The last to go on the tray was their cups of wine. He smiled. She would love this, he hopped.

Clyde made his way back to her room he put the tray onto the small table and pulled out a chair for her to sit down. He smiled when he saw her, after she took her seat, he sat across from her and began to eat. He was starving, but still ate with manners. No elbows on the table, no slurping, and sitting up straight. The learning from his past with his royal family still was carved into him.

Lily smiled at him and gently cupped his face before they kissed again. “I may not be as old as you are but I certainly know the feeling. I will gladly only be yours and accept your heart.” She leaned in and rubbed her nose against his before he could escape far enough so she could not reach. A steady smile was on her lips as she heard his words. “I’ve always been in the desert Love. You’ve just never had a reason to visit before.”

At the thought of her being amazing, Lily just chuckled. “I am just the woman I was raised to be Clyde. I’m not anything more or less.” The last thing she was going to be was a liar. She chuckled and let out a disappointed sound as he moved her off of him. “Fine,” she said jokingly as she kissed him back. At his request, she donned his shirt and pulled her blonde curls up onto the crown of her head. She tied them in place and waited for him to come back.

She waited for him and she eagerly got up and sat down when he pulled out her chair. “Thank you, Love.” She ate with just as much vigor as he did. She hadn’t eaten either. “This is splendid love.” She gave him a smile and chuckled a bit. “Today is a good day. We have much to celebrate.” She took the cup of wine and held it over to him so they could toast this great day.

After their toast, she drank down the wine and laughed a bit. “Maybe now we can sit down and finally figure out this annoying sister thing.” She toyed with the idea in her head. “Won’t be until Ang has time to breath, unfortunately.” She frowned a bit at Clyde. “She didn’t sound well when I talked to her. I was late coming to you today because Dalanesca is attacking her. I just wanted to make sure she was alright and… she doesn’t look it. She smiles and says she is but… Her skin is so sickly right now.” Lily seemed sad.

“My sisters may fight and they might not get along most of the time but we would be the first ones who go defend the other if we could… but we can’t with Ang. Not one of us is strong enough to even make a dent in Dalanesca’s defenses. She’s made arrangements in case she dies for one of her children to go through the trial so Arri isn’t without a ruler. I don’t know which one she named.” Why could a goddess die? Why did it have to be her sister?

Lily tried to cheer up and she smiled at him. “I can’t do anything. She told me just to be with you and enjoy you and not worry about her troubles. It sounds like so much more than a trouble to me.” Her hand shook a little bit as she forced herself to put down the spoon. “All I can do is protect Nymphaea and Rowan… maybe you as well.” She took a deep breath and looked out the window. Taking a slice of breath she nibbled on it and thought more.

“Can you take my mind off of that? I mean there has to be something we can talk about… I don’t want to dwell on a situation I can’t change when I have you right in front of me.” It was clear that it bothered her but it was also true she couldn’t do anything about it.

When Clyde looked over to her from across the table, he couldn’t help but smile at her. This was a good day, a long one but a great one. It was ending on a high note, and he didn’t want this to stop. When Lily wanted to toast, he laughed a bit as he held up his cup and brought it to hers. After they hit softly, he brought it to his lips and sipped the wine. It was splendid wine. The best he had ever taste. “Very good.” He said about the wine and more about the day.

Lily’s next words confused him a bit. Then Ana came to his mind. She was acting rather annoying when it came to Lily, but she did have her reasons. It wasn’t until she mentioned Angela, her sister he finally understood what she was saying. He didn’t know what really was going on with the gods, but you could tell by the chains in the sky, something was going on. As she continued to speak of her sister, he set down his spoon and listened. He frowned a bit. Her sister didn’t sound good at all.

Clyde sighed, she was going through so much. Reaching over the table, he touched her hand and held it. “Everything will turn out alright.” He hoped with all his heart his words would come true. “If not, then I will be here for you. You don’t need to protect everyone all the time. I am here now.” He gave a soft smile to her and brought her hand up to his lips to kiss her skin.

She wanted him to change the topic and speak of something else. He wasn’t sure what to talk about then his homeland came to mind. “My homeland is much different than yours.” He paused letting the image come to his mind. “The land is rich with flowers. Mostly wildflowers, the air is almost cool.” He smiled. “My sisters and I would run through those flowers all day. “ He paused thinking of those times. “One time I had to save them from a snake.” A laugh came out of him. “They didn’t have their powers yet. I was just started to use mine. At the last second I blew a fire ball at its face. Damn thing almost bit off my hand.” He laughed. It was great thinking of old times.

She sipped on the wine and gave a smile. “Angela made all the wine down in the cellar for me. It’s been down there for a good hundred years. I’ve been rather patient about opening my bottles. Can’t say my other sisters have been.” She said with a laugh. “Her wine is always… well, just right I think.”

She held his hand and gave a warm smile. “I worry about all of us, to be honest. Ang has kept us safe for a long time. We’ll have to be on our toes and make up for her not being here if something happens.” As rough as it was for her to think about it, Lily knew that Arri needed them to think about it at that moment. That even if Toya was sticking her nose up at Ang that it was only because Toya didn’t know how to show her love.

The kiss to her skin almost snapped her out of her stump as she sighed happily. “Sounds like fun. My sisters and I are very varied in age. I only played with the town kids.” She gave a smile. “But Ang and Cathrine were always there to protect us. Especially Ang once she became a god.” She chuckled a bit and kissed his hands. “You cook very well. I think you got me on skill level there.” She chuckled a bit. 

Lily pushed up out of the chair and came over to his side. She nimbly pushed him out, without over exerting herself, and sat down on her lap. Taking a piece of bread she tore and held it up for him to eat. “I’m still curious what we’re going to do now. I mean I’m not sure you want to be stuck with a sixteen-year-old know it all half demon.” She gave a smile as she moved to her own little problems. “She is quite sassy.”