“Sorry,” he panted, setting the cases down at their feet and taking off his hat, resting it on his knee. “I thought it was the same driver!” he smiled.
“Aye it’s me alright,” answered the cabbie taking in a deep lungful of smoke and coughing roughly as he removed the cigarette from his lips.
“Have you driven to Bath before?” enquired Theodore, opening his case to take out a thin blanket.
“Aye off course, it’s all but an hour’s drive, before he war, I used to take my misses down to Bath for an ice cream and walk.” The driver replied, memories of himself and his wife walking about the pump rooms, filling his mind.
“I’m guessing she’s a fan of Miss.Austen?” asked Theodore, winking across at Eveline, who was letting her head fall back against the corner, smiling lazily.
“Oh aye that she is, Mr. Darcy this and Captain Wentworth that, sometimes I have to just close my ears,” laughed the driver. “You wouldn’t think she was a reader if you met her, she’s a hard working lass, tough and determined; people find it hard to believe she likes to swan about the house up to her eyes in regency nightgowns and what not.”
Theodore laughed alongside the taxi driver, trying to lighten the mood so that Eveline could relax, noticing how apprehensive she had become. The driver began the long drive to Bath, leading the couple through the darkened streets of Bristol back out towards Temple Meads. The streets were quiet, and street lights rare, but somehow the driver knew where he was going and so they all sat in comfortable silence. After a while, Theodore turned and noticed that Eveline had fallen asleep and so took the blanket he had procured from his suitcase and draped it about her softly so as not to waken her. Eveline looked as though she was sleeping in a most uncomfortable position so he gently brought her over to him and let her head fall onto his knees. The rest of the journey went by quietly and with ease, Eveline snored like an elephant but the men didn’t seem to mind. Theodore let his fingers wind their way through Eveline’s now made up hair, he frowned slightly she must have fixed it while he was getting their luggage.
“She’s right out for the count that one,” the driver announced, rubbing his hands together.
“It’s been a long day,” yawned an exhausted Theodore.
“She’s got strange eyes, if you don’t mind me asking,” the driver went on, his breathe visible in the cold air. Theodore sat silently trying to think of a reply.
“I suppose they are strange,” he muttered, flicking his index finger across one of her closed eyes.
“Beautiful but strange,” the driver sighed inwardly.
“Yes well I suppose there are others who have strange eyes too.” Answered Theodore hoping to bring an end to the conversation. He didn’t believe that the driver was dangerous but at the moment it was incredibly hard to define between a shapeshifting demon and a real life human being. Why didn’t he pick up on John and Georgiana? He felt betrayed by his old friends, and yet he could understand, John and Georgiana were devoted to one another always had been, there death was tragic and unnecessary. Theodore felt a bolt of anger surge throughout him, he would have his vengeance someday, and whoever Lagar sent next, Theodore would make sure to send him back a direct message. Theodore let his eyes drift to the night sky, smiling up at the stars feeling instant relief. Eveline was safe, yes Lagar had finally found her and yes this posed bigger concerns, but for now, for tonight she was safe with him. Heiden, his master wouldn’t let anything happen to Eveline, not now. But how? How would Heiden help? Since the murder of his wife and two sons, Heiden has changed, not in a bad way, but he had changed. His only daughter, Unyae, Eveline’s real mother had gone and fallen in love with a human against her father’s wishes and her actions alongside, Lagar’s insidious lust for the beautiful goddess, had led to most tragic of situations.
Theodore turned his eyes and looked down at the ethereal looking Eveline, would she cope with the truth? Would she want to go back to her real home or would she stay here with Estelle? He didn’t know, and he felt real empathy for the young woman he had watched and protected since that night in Calhuni garden, were her dying parents handed her over to him for protection, could he keep their oath? Would his love for Eveline bare the same consequences? He closed his eyes tightly and felt her body move slightly as his own tensed. Theodore remembered that night in Calhuni garden as clearly as he remembered yesterday. Unyae and her husband King Elieor had been poisoned by assassins from Ruarr, a nearby kingdom in alliance with Lagar. Unyae had brought her husband and baby to the garden, to keep their only child safe. As they lay dying, Theodore had promised to keep Eveline safe and that no harm would befall her whilst under his protection, soon after he left, Unyae and Elieor dying in each other’s embrace.
“Cael, protect our child, promise you will tell her about us,” cried Unyae, her face white and her lips a dark black.
“I promise.”
Theodore had not seen Heiden’s arrival just after his departure but sometime later he had listened to his master’s account of that night.
“I will see mother,” smiled Unyae, her eyes now glazing and looking up into the clear sky.
“You will join her amongst the stars,” whispered Heiden.
“I’m sorry,” she coughed, “I couldn’t help myself, I love him.” She looked over to her husband who lay smiling at her.
“Your love for him has come at a terrible price,” replied Heiden looking over at his son-in law, feeling only sorrow, for he was not a bad man, he was a great and fair king.
“Not if she lives on, not if she unites the Kingdoms against Lagar,” cried Unyae, now gasping.
“Hush my child, hush,” commanded Heiden, his powerful body slumped over his daughters, thin and frail frame.
“Promise me you won’t let him touch her?” begged Unyae.
“I promise.” cried Heiden. “I promise.”
Soon after the couple died, hands still entwined and a great cry engulfed the gardens as Heiden bent his head over his beautiful daughter and wept. A great funeral was held in the heavens for both Unyae and Elieor and whilst the kingdoms of Heaven and Caci mourned, Theodore had taken Eveline far away across the universe to the planet of earth and planted her in the care of Estelle, and from then on watched and protected her with love and adoration; and she grew into a fine, head strong young woman, unable to see her qualities against an equally strong willed Estelle.
“Theodore?” murmured a dazed Eveline, her golden eyes looking up into his own sapphire blue eyes.
“Yes?” he replied, lifting his hand from her arm as she turned onto her back.
“Did I fall asleep on you?” she whispered shyly, rubbing her eyes gently.
“No, I let you sleep on me, you were in quite the awkward position, I didn’t want you to have a sore neck,” Theodore smiled warmly, leaning back as she sat up stretching her arms, her hands touching the ceiling of the taxi. The driver looked round quickly and then turned back smiling.
“Sorry,” she apologised weakly. “I’m so tired and it’s been a long day.”
“I know,” Theodore replied, he was looking forward to getting some much needed sleep later. Eveline sat up and moved herself over to Theodore, laying the blanket over both of their knees, and tenderly letting her head drop upon his shoulder, sighing.
“You should sleep too,” she groaned gently, closing her eyes.
“I wish I could.” he muttered looking at the driver who winked at him.
“Why not?” she replied blankly already falling into slumber.
“Because who would keep an eye on you?” he teased.
“The stars,” she whispered, finally going back to sleep.
*
The taxi stopped outside Mary’s house and Theodore looked down at a sleeping Eveline and decided the only thing he could do was to carry her in. The taxi driver got out and opened the door for him, taking Eveline’s case and making for the large, black door of the terrace house on Crescent Road. Awkwardly, Theodore got out of the tax
i, Eveline in his arms and made his way to the door, which now opened to reveal a plump, Estelle, dressing gown on and hair rollers in.
“My god, what has happened!” she snapped at the taxi driver firstly then at Theodore. Quickly walking down the steps onto the cobbled path, she went to Eveline and lay a hand on her forehead, looking up at the handsome stranger.
“Is she ill?” she quizzed. Theodore shook his head.
“No she is asleep,” he muttered, feeling awkward, off course he knew Estelle, but to her he was a stranger, a stranger carrying a sleeping and rumpled Eveline in his arms.
“And what is the meaning of this?” she snapped, taking a hold of his arm and hauling him in through the front door, into the reception.
“We met on the way here and she fell asleep,” Theodore lied, looking around the beautiful, cream reception room, a square lantern hanging mere inches from his head.
“Right bring her into the morning room,” she huffed, tightening her dress gown and frowning at the taxi driver. “What in heavens are you doing following us about!” she spat.
“Eh well, em I’m awaiting my payment,” he replied, half petrified of the fire breathing old woman, who stuck her nose in air whilst demanding Theodore to put Eveline down on one of the yellow and golden settees.
“Well don’t look at me, I’ve hardly got a penny on me,” she answered firmly, waving her hands in the air dramatically. The taxi driver looked round the room in disbelief, Estelle followed his gaze and hissed. “Unless you would like a piece of that chandelier above your head?”
Theodore smothered a laugh and turned to the taxi driver thanking him and giving him his fare, “I will see you out,” he smiled politely showing him to the door and allowing Estelle to examine Eveline, who was snoring. When Theodore returned he watched the plump, middle aged madam softly slap Eveline’s cheek. He stood against the door frame watching as Eveline stirred from her slumber, opening her eyes and instantly screaming. Estelle in fright fell back onto the green carpet shrieking.
“Grandmamma!” cried Eveline sitting upright and glancing across at Theodore who shrugged his shoulders. Estelle brought herself up, her eyes large with anger.
“Just what is the meaning of this?” she pointed at Theodore.
“Oh him, we met on the train, he offered to bring me here,” Eveline muffled, throwing her feet to the floor and offering Theodore an apologetic smile.
“Very odd business indeed,” Estelle murmured getting up and turning to the young gentleman. “Well sir what is your business in Bath?”
“Grandmother!” squawked Eveline embarrassed.
“It’s alright, I am here visiting a friend, Mary Trawley, who I believe resides in this very house,” smiled Theodore, his face lopsided.
“What!” exclaimed Estelle and Eveline in the same breathe.
“And who is Mary to you?” exclaimed Estelle, hushing Eveline with a finger.
“She is the mother of George Trawley, we fought in the war together, he was sent home and I have come to visit,” answered Theodore defiantly, feeling intimidated by the dramatic author.
“Then you haven’t heard?” Estelle softened, her fiery brown eyes melting.
“Heard what?” asked Theodore concerned. George had been one of his friends, but also was his ward; unbeknownst to him, he had saved Theodore from being blown up and in doing so lost his left arm. Estelle walked to Theodore and lay a hand on his upper arm, her face softened.
“He passed away a few weeks ago,” she explained gently, watching as Theodores face fell in sadness.
“But why wasn’t I told?” he asked, looking across from Estelle to Eveline who shrugged her shoulders in confusion.
“I’m not sure why, did he send you word?” Estelle enquired.
“He wrote to me, when I was in hospital, well I think it must have been a nurse, but he told me that if I should ever need a place to rest that I should come here and that he would meet me here in the near future,” sighed Theodore, were would he go now? Off course his main task was Eveline but he had hoped to meet and spend time with George.
“I’m sorry, but he died of infection, but I’m nearly certain he left his mother instructions, maybe to get ready for your arrival?” Estelle’s eyebrows lifted.
“Maybe, well that puts me in a pickle,” he smiled. “On one hand I am in shock and the other I do not know where I shall go,” he explained.
“You shall go nowhere,” came the voice of Eveline. “He can stay with us until he has somewhere else to go, is that alright grandma?”
“Off course, off course, we wouldn’t throw you out, Mary is unfortunately,” she looked to Theodore gravely. “In the throes of grieve, and she has not come out of her room this last week,” she sighed gravely.
“It wouldn’t feel right to stay here under the circumstances, but for tonight may I trespass on your kindness until I can find a suitable place in which to stay?” asked Theodore, in need of some space to take in the news.
“Off course, come, grab your things I will take you to a room,” smiled Estelle, taking Theodore from the morning room and leaving Eveline behind. The morning room was decorated in a fine yellow, the settees and cushions matching gold and bronze. A fire was lit and a lamp was burning in the far corner at which sat a typewriter, a plate, saucer and cup. Estelle must have been sitting writing when they arrived on the doorstep. Getting up, Eveline took off her gloves, scarf and coat and set them neatly down behind her before standing in front of the fire, warming her hands.
“Well that’s that sorted,” came a stern voice from behind. “What an adventure you have had,” smiled Estelle taking her granddaughter into her arms and hugging her tightly.
“I am so happy to see you,” cried Eveline into her grandmothers grey curls.
“And I you child, now come lets have some brandy and talk about your adventures,” smiled Estelle leading her back to the settee. “I’ll go get a glass, I’ll be with you in a minute,” she squeaked, trotting away. Eveline threw her head back and gazed up at the beautiful ceiling, decorated in flowers and leaves, she wondered if Theodore was alright.
Theodore closed the door behind Estelle and turned on the light. The bedroom was sky blue, the Georgian windows were masked behind marigold curtains that fell to the cream carpet. By the window stood a writing desk and chair and to either side were panelled walls that held a library of books. Tired and in need of sleep, Theodore dropped his case at the end of the four posted sky blue bed and let himself fall back onto the silk, closing his eyes and dangling his feet. Right now he couldn’t think of Eveline, all he could think of was George, kind and courageous George. What a tragedy that he has passed away, he was renowned for his skill on the field and his compassionate nature. Of course Theodore had come to Bath to keep an eye on Eveline, but he had really hoped to spend time with his human friend, who loved to talk about philosophy, astronomy and history, subjects he loved. Flinging off his shoes, Theodore sat up and took off his coat, flinging it to a nearby chair. A candle was burning on the desk and so Theodore got up and turned off the light, undressing along the way. Opening his case he took out his nightclothes and put them on, before jumping into the big bed, hiding under the covers and crying, his body shivering.
“Now, here we go,” smiled Estelle bringing in a tray of fruit cake and brandy. Setting it down she handed Eveline a small glass of brandy and a plate of fruit bread, before taking her own portion and sitting opposite the exhausted young woman. “Now I want to hear all about it, from the very beginning.” And so, fatigued as she was, Eveline told her grandmother of the whole day’s events, watching Estelle’s face dramatically change from excitement to curiosity, gasping in between.
“Oh my dear, what a journey but,” she leaned off her chair and patted Eveline’s hand tenderly. “You are here and so is that young gentleman, poor soul.”
“Yes, well it’s been one strange day if you ask me, almost as though fate brought us together,” answered Eveline looking over at the fire
, the feeling of disorientation increasing within her, preventing her from feeling at ease.
“Yes I will admit that it is strange, but stranger things have happened,” clapped Estelle. “Now if you don’t mind, I am tired and must retire, and so should you, now you know where your old room is?” she enquired, getting up and making for the doorway.
“I think so,” smiled Eveline, kissing her grandmother on the cheek.
“We will talk in the morning,” murmured Estelle, bobbing away up the staircase, leaving Eveline to sit down in front of the fire, her face buried in her hands. She didn’t know why but she felt like crying and cry she did, despite their being no valid reason for it. For one day it seemed as though she had been awake for several hours, and still, somehow she felt as though she had missed something, something important and try as she might she could not remember. After a while, the flames began to cool and the house lay quiet, Eveline rose to her feet, taking off her shoes and leaving them by the hearth. Slowly and without much thought she made her way from the morning room to the staircase, descending it quietly, fatigued. As she walked down the corridor, dark and still, she unbuttoned her blouse and brought it up over her head, folding it and draping it over her elbow. Leaning on the dark, panelled walls, she swiftly rolled her nylon stockings down, folding them up and piled them on top of her blouse. As she opened her bedroom door, she unbuttoned the top of her skirt, and drew the zip downwards, letting her skirt fall to her feet as she closed the oak door behind her. The room was dark and only the light of the moon aided Eveline in draping her clothes over a nearby chair. Sitting on the chair, she unpinned her hair, putting the pins on the writing desk that sat in front of the window. Eveline’s auburn curls fell to her waist, as she leaned forward and putting an elbow on the table, resting her chin upon her palm, gazing up at the full moon. Eveline moved to open the window, heaving it upwards just a little, to listen to the quietness. The cold did not seem to bother her as she sat in her silk underwear, thinking about the day’s events. Her thoughts strayed to Theodore, she wondered how he felt, was he as exhausted as she? What would he do now that his friend had sadly passed away, would he leave Bath? Would he leave her?
One Crown & Two Thrones: The Guardians Page 7