“BAH!” I say loudly. “If you truly believe the haunted aren’t living in these stone walls, then you are suffering from a severe case of the delusions.” I jab my finger into my bed. “This place is crawling in spooks.”
“You’re playing tricks on yourself.”
“Don’t you tell me what I’m thinking. I can smell a ghost from a mile away, and they’re standing in this room, laughing at us as we speak.” I toss my arms up in the air. “Laugh all you want. You don’t scare me.”
I think we all know that’s a giant lie. I’m surprised I didn’t piddle the bed.
“Seems like you were scared.”
I flash my disdain at Keller. “Is there a reason why you were tapping on your nightstand?”
“My pen was drying up.”
“Your pen? What, are you writing in your diary or something?” I laugh but he just nods.
“Yes, I was.”
“Wait. You have a diary?”
“More of a journal, but, yes. It’s my responsibility to record history, just like every other private secretary before me.”
Huh, well, I guess that makes sense.
“So... did you happen to mention me in your journal?”
“Yes.”
“Can I read it?”
“No.”
“But it’s about me.”
“It’s still my private thoughts.”
“Uh, it’s not private if it’s for history.” Good one, Lilly. Got him there.
“I record everything, and then it’s my choice when I retire if I want to contribute them to the royal archive. It’s not a requirement.”
“Well, still, I’d like to know your thoughts on me.”
“You really don’t,” he answers.
Tilting my head to the side, I say, “You know, you seem to have an attitude problem. Are you aware? It’s very surly, unpleasant, and—”
“Need I remind you whose jacket you borrowed this afternoon?”
“Eh—well, that was yours—”
“And must I bring it to your attention who had Lara pick up clothes for you so you’re comfortable while staying here?”
“Yes, that was in fact you, but—”
“And despite wanting to go to sleep, I came in here to check on you because it seemed like you were scared.”
I let out a frustrated breath. “Yes, that was all you, but, you know... it wouldn’t kill you to be a little nicer in conversation.”
“It’s not my job to be nice in conversation. It’s my job to protect you.” He takes a step back toward our slightly ajar pocket doors—shutting them has been a severe, unwanted burden, so we decided to leave them as is. “Get some sleep. You’re going to need it tomorrow.”
