Sam's POV

For the sake of Lyra, I want to save Danak, even despite what he tried to do to her. If I cannot preserve his life, I can at least save the one that he loves. That is why I sent Thomas to retrieve Annelise and take her into the next town for a while, until I can confirm that it is safe enough for her return.

That way, at least Lyra's suffering will be lessened if the King still chooses to have Danak killed for his attempted assassination.  Perhaps I will be able to talk him into postponing the execution until after Lyra and I are wed; then we will have the power to call it off, ourselves, once we are the new rulers of Nordic. I have to at least try to speak with the King about the delay, otherwise I do not think I will be able to look Lyra in the eye again.

Thomas is well trained in close combat and swordsmanship, and has the sharp senses of a well trained assassin. He was raised as one, after all, being the oldest son in a family of killers. Being resistant to poisons and being able to rip a mans heart from his chest with your bare hands certainly has its perks, though the the immense suffering that Thomas had to go through beginning at the age of seven is hardly worth the skills acquired. No matter how he was raised, though, he grew into a fine man who saved my life.

I was no more than fourteen when I was attacked by bandits. I had foolishly left the castle grounds by myself to go hunting with Dazarias, who was an obvious indicator of my royal heritage. Only people of importance are permitted to own Vann-Hest in Whales, so even though I hadn't been wearing my crown, the man-eating beast was enough to give me away. I was a selfish brat still undergoing my self defense training, and thought that I could handle myself if something was to happen. I was wrong, and was about to be kidnapped for a ransom when Thomas, who had been traveling by on horseback in search of work, intervened.

Shortly after I offered him a spot on my Guard. He accepted and worked to gradually earn my trust. It soon became apparent that he was on a completely different level than the other men in combat skills, and was promoted to the position of my Captain. He has been nothing but loyal to me since, having left the ways of his 'family business' long ago. He didn't much care for killing people in return for money, even if he was quite good at it -or so I've heard. It helps having someone on your team who doesn't mind killing, though, as much as I dislike to admit it, especially since I don't particularly enjoy doing it myself.

I asked for a private meeting with the King, but he is taking his time in answering my request. Until I receive his acceptance or refusal to my presence, I have decided to be near Lyra. I would be wasting my time down in the awful smelling dungeons with Danak, as there is nothing more for him to tell me. With Camiseal keeping watch over him, I trust that he will be kept safe from those who threatened him until the King has decided what will be done with his fate. I've sent two men out to investigate the Staph family further, to see if what Danak said about his parents was true. Until I receive their reports, I do not have many things to do here in this castle of lies but wait.

Once Lyra woke up and we had taken time to ourselves to clean up, she decided to do something reckless, something that made me smile. As soon as the King's men were switched out for her own beloved Guardsmen, she abandoned her chambers. With the the near entirety of her Guard, Lance and I to accompany her, the King can hardly say that she is unprotected. I don't believe that she has ever been so safe, actually. There is not one man here that wouldn't lay down their life for this Princess... Including myself.

Lyra hasn't spoken about what happened last night to anyone, not even to Lance. She has been rather distant, though, so I know that she hasn't forgotten about her former distress. In fact, I think that she is fighting to keep it at bay, and Lance has begun to catch on. I have yet to grow accustomed to the strange ways that the two have with each other,  but when Lyra turns her head to her close companion as though he had spoken to her aloud, I am reminded of the bond that they share. I have never gotten close enough to anyone to attempt that sort of communication.

It may seem like a cowardice or betrayal that Lance left Lyra here alone, but he did it because he loves her. He loved her enough to part with her in order to risk his life to join an organization that he wasn't even certain existed. He went against his own kingdom in order to keep her safe. I respect Lansing for the decisions he has made, even if some do not share the same views about it as I do.

Once her men have lined the walls of the room, Lyra pauses near the center of the large space and turns to Sage. She gives the Chimera an order that I do not understand, but the beast turns and trots to the doorway, sitting beside me.

I look down at the black creature in curiosity, but don't dare to pet her the way that Lyra does. I do not trust Sage... yet.

It is then that I noticed where the Princess had been leading us, and I feel myself smile a bit at her choice. I was wondering why she had taken the sword from her chambers this morning, and I understand now as she places a hand on the handle at her side and faces Lance.

I stand by the doorway between Jasla and Kaladin as I watch Lyra. She hasn't exactly been ignoring me since this morning, so much as she has been exceedingly distant, but I haven't been vying for her attention, either. Just being near her right now is enough- just to see her face, even if she is not smiling. I just need to be around her for now, to see that she is safe.

Lyra pulls her hair back and secures it with a leather strap, and I can't help but find the action mesmerizing. Her hair may not be as long as some of the other maidens, but the way a few strands fall free and frame her face makes her locks seem more beautiful than any I've ever seen before. The Princess feels my stare and glances at me, mesmerizing brown eyes meeting mine for a moment, lips parted slightly in her daze.

I can't remember a time that my cheeks flushed when it wasn't associated with anger. But as the heat rises to my face, I realize that I'm blushing. I, Prince Samson, am blushing over a girl. I cross my arms and clear my throat awkwardly, but no one else seems to have noticed my distraction. If I didn't know better, I would say that Sage's side-long look at me was one of judgment. The beast huffs a sigh and turns her attention back to her master.

Lyra gives a ghost of a smile before returning her attention to Lance. Once she sets her sights on the man before her, Lyra seems to become different. The air around her shifts, putting off a sort of vibe similar to her Vann-Hest.

Danger prickles at the back of my neck, warning me of her presence. I had never actually seen her fight, though I knew that she could. Hearing about it and seeing it are two very different things, I realize, as she draws her sword from its sheath.

As soon as her foot takes the first step forward, I  am entranced. Each parry is an exchange of sparks and every lunge is a dance of metal and grace. Each step she takes is beautiful and I realize then just how hopelessly I've fallen. There will be no return for me after this.

Lyra is so unlike any woman I've ever seen and she reminds me of something I saw once when I was small. I witnessed a mongoose fighting a deadly snake in the streets of Whales, where some traders had set up a ring around them. They had captured the animals from different parts of the world, and thought to make an exotic show of it, having people place bets on which would win. I remember thinking that there would be no way the mongoose could prevail.. If it got bitten, that would be it, wouldn't it? It would be dead if it stepped into that ring of people.

But when the match started, I was amazed at the fearless animal as it bared its fangs at the snake and attacked. It must have knew that I thought it was at a disadvantage, because it took the snake down within minutes, even after being bitten by its poisonous mouth, as if it was proving me wrong. That is exactly what I see in Lyra right now as she copy's the mongoose, staying always just out of reach of Lance's sword. Any normal spectator would assume that she would be at a disadvantage because of Lance's size, but they are so wrong.

The Princess fights with the fearlessness I witnessed in that mongoose. Savage, calculating, beautiful. That woman is unparalleled as she dances around her opponent, eyes never leaving him. She uses her small stature to her advantage as she dips, dives and dodges Lance's attacks, waiting for the chance to make her moves. The deadly exchange goes on for several minutes, until Lyra flips Lance's wepon right from his hand and onto the ground with a clatter.

I, along with the guardsmen in the room, eurpt into applause. I am impressed that the pair of dueling nobles are so confident in their abilities that they would spar using bladded weapons, rather than wood. Watching them, it is easy to see that they know each other's movements well, practically reading each other's minds.

Lyra rolls the shoulder of her sword arm, as if it is bothering her. Lance notices, as well, and takes note of it.

"Should we take a break?" He asks, bending to retrieve his sword. Sweat drips from his brow, but he doesn't seem fatigued, otherwise.

Lyra is breathing a bit heavily and is showing signs of exertion as well, but shakes her head. "No, let's go again, brother."

Lance complies, and they start up again. They go five times in total before being interrupted, three of which were wins belonging to Lyra. She had lost the last two, I speculate, because of her shoulder's apparent injury. It was when Queen Alandra entered the training hall that the sparring was halted.

I was so engrossed in watching that if it wasn't for Jasla calling her entry, I may not have noticed Lyra's mother. Sage, on the other hand, was the first at the door, escorting the Queen while thoroughly examining her. Alandra smiles, but makes no move to pet her as she waits for Lyra.

Lyra takes the towel that a guardsmen tosses her and uses it to wipe the sweat from her face and neck. She makes eye contact with me and nods her head for me to come over as she and Lance walk towards the Queen.

I peel away from the wall and go to Lyra's side. "Is something wrong with your shoulder?" I ask, looking down at her.

Lyra glances up and shrugs, allowing the towel to fall around her neck as she sheaths her sword. "It's just a bit stiff. I was shot there several months ago and it must have healed strangely."

I remember hearing about her injury, now, and feel foolish for asking about it. "You should have it looked at." I comment.

Lyra glances at Lance as if he has said something, then back to me. "I'm alright, you have no reason to be concerned."

"None?" I question, referring to last night's events with a raised eyebrow. She can't seriously expect me to forget about it so easily. I am willing to keep quiet about the indecent if she wishes me to, but I will not so easily cease to worry about it, no matter how much Lyra insists upon it.

The Princess catches on and gives a half-hearted glare. "None at all." 

Lance shares a look with me that implies that he knows that she is lying, but says nothing about it aloud. Judging by the look that Lyra shoots him, though, he must have commented in some way. Knowing him, he probably called her a liar.

We come to a stop in front of the Queen, who looks at her daughter with soft eyes. Lance and I bow before her, and when I look up again, I realize that she seems older than I used to think. It is clear that she was quite beautiful in her youth, and still is, though she now had faint lines indented into her forehead and wrinkles around her eyes. Stress seems to have worn her down, but it doesn't stop the gentle sort of smile that she gives before she speaks. "I should not be surprised to find you here. Your father would be upset if he knew that you had defied him." She sounds teasing.

Lyra doesn't look bothered by this, but I see the difference in how she acts around the Queen. She speaks to her much more gently than she does in usual conversation, as if Alandra is a rabbit she doesn't want to scare away. "Oh, let him throw his fit. Did he finally allow you a moment away? He has been keeping you on such a tight rein that I was beginning to worry about you. Are you alright? He hasn't caused you any harm, has he?" I notice the way she tenses, prepared to march off and confront the King if it is true, no doubt.

"No, you mustn't worry about me, Aizen hasn't harmed me," The Queen folds her hands daintily in front of her skirts and smiles. "It seems that you've gotten quite good at this swordplay of yours. I am impressed. You would be a rival for your father with a sword."

Lyra looks as if she would like to smile, but can't quite manage it. "Thank you, Lance is a good teacher. So, why don't you tell me why you've come here?"

The Queen's eyes light a bit, obviously excited for something. "Oh, of course, I came to fetch you. The seamstress has arrived and is waiting to take the measurements for your dress. We have so much to discuss and plan before the wedding."

My own heart skips a beat at the reminder, and I see Lyra stiffen from the corner of my eye. I originally think that it is because of the thought of us getting married, but when I look, I see that she's picked the scab from her knuckles and made it angry. She must have been scratching at it through out the conversation. It doesn't bleed, though it looks sore, like the air should sting the wound. Lyra shows no signs of pain, though, and attempts a half smile at her mother.

"Oh, yes. Of course." The look in Lyra's eyes tells me that she had wanted to hide from reality, at least for today, and her voice is flatter than it was a moment ago. It is painfully obvious that she is not as excited about this as her mother.

I try to imagine this woman in a huge, white dress. It doesn't work- not with her standing before in men's clothing and covered in sweat with a sword at her belt. I think I may prefer her this way, though. I don't know that I would recognize Lyra in a dress. This is how I know her... this is how I love her-

"Ah, that reminds me. Prince Samson?" My thoughts are interrupted by the Queen's voice, making me snap to attention.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"My husband has agreed to see you, now. I believe he is in the throne room at present." 

Lyra looks at me quizzically, but I don't look at her. Instead, I bow my head to the Queen. "Thank you very much. Would you please excuse me? I am very eager to speak with him."

Alandra smiles at me, a genuine gesture. "Samson, I must tell you that I am very happy that Lyra chose you. I was worried that she would never find a man she could happily marry."

I feel myself begin to blush again, but suppress it with a smile. "As am I," I whisper, glancing down at Lyra beside me. Her eyes widen slightly, and I know that she has heard me. "Please, pardon me." I turn to leave, but a hand on my sleeve stops me. I look back at Lyra in slight surprise.

"Why do you wish to meet with the King?" She asks, voice lowered. I cannot tell if she looks concerned or not, so I put a hand on her head and smile.

"It's a secret. I will check in on you later once my business is concluded," I take a step closer and kiss the crown of her head, partially surprising myself with the bold action. When I pull back, I have pulled the leather strap from her hair and slip it around my wrist with a sly grin.

Lyra's eyes are wide in shock and a pink tint has found its way to her cheeks. Her brown locks now frame her face as she looks at me, mouth partially agape at my behavior. "Sam?" She whispers in her surprise.

I take my hand from her hair and flick her forehead with my index finger. "Don't disappear. I'll see you later." I turn for a final bow at the Queen before striding out, unable to help the smile upon my face.

~

Author's Note

Okay, I'm really sorry. I am. It took way too long. It could've and probably should've made this chapter longer, but it took so long for me to write that I just wanted to publish it as soon as possible for you guys. There will be much more happening in the next update.

Man, I'm horrible to you poor Nuggets for neglecting you for so long. I'm very sorry, I'm unworthy of having such amazing, wonderful readers. Thank you for tolerating me! I know that my writing patterns are just insufferable. I should really get my act together if I want to be a serious author... a schedule or something. Up until now, writing has just been a hobby I liked doing.  I want to take my writing seriously and stop slacking off now, though. I'm going to try it, for you guys, if nothing else. You deserve better.

I've been receiving so much love from you guys, and I'm so grateful. I'm so not worthy of you Nuggets! God bless you all. I seriously love you guys, thank you so, so much for your unending support! I've gotten some fantastic fanart, too, and they're amazing. You make me so happy that I could cry. If not for you, I probably would have left this book as it was somewhere in the middle and never touched it again. But I didn't do that. Because you urged me on and kept telling me how much you loved this book. You guys are the reason this book is going to get finished, maybe even published one day. If that time ever comes, I will be thinking about all of you the entire time that I cradle my first paper back copy of Runaway Princess and sob like a baby. Thank you so much. I seriously love you. So much. I love fan mail and try to answer every one that finds its way to my inbox, so if you have anything you'd like to ask or talk to be about, please don't be afraid to annoy me!

You guys have been so good to me. Thank you so much. I really don't deserve you beautiful Nuggets. Thank you for sticking with me.

XOXO,

-A.