Mysterious Corpses

Lory remembered how Lilly's room walls were plastered with posters of Lucas's face, there was also Lucas face on her computer screensaver cycling through his photos, even a life-sized bolster of him lying on her bed.

Yeah, Lory thought wryly, Lilly is undeniably a hardcore Lucas fan. She had fully expected Lilly to squeal, jump to her feet, and beg for a photo when she finally met him. But Lilly's reaction left her completely bewildered.

Lilly blinked several times, as if her soul had just snapped back into her body. Then, with stiff but surprising grace, she rose to her feet and stepped forward, carefully keeping her eyes downcast, avoiding even the slightest glance in Lucas's direction.

"Uh, thank you for inviting me, Your Highness… and Your Majesty," she said, her voice tight and quivering. "I think… my grandfather is done here. I will not bother you further." She lifted her head just enough to offer a forced, fragile smile before quickly turning away.