Lyra's POV

Early morning light washes through the windows, bathing everything with a pale air. Judging by the small amount that filters through the closed glass, I would say it is still very early. My legs are tangled in my blankets from a restless sleep, and I open my eyes to the sound of a comforting sort of crackling. It takes me a moment to realize the noise is coming from the fireplace, and as I roll over, I see a figure warming their hands by the flames. I can judge that the person is a man by how wide the shoulders are, and by the stance, wide and comfortable in its way.

Startled, I sit up, my hand slipping beneath my pillow, blindly searching for a knife that is not there. All that I am capable of thinking of is the man that lays half dead in my dungeon. Is this one of his friends, come to kill me? My heart is racing through my night dress as I stare at the man, watching as he turns his face slightly, sensing I am awake. Shadows cast upon his skin contort his profile, making it impossible for me to distinguish the entire face. "Relax, princess." He holds up a blade that flashes in the fire light, but the threat in my mind is gone with the easing tone.

I was holding my breath, but now I exhale and throw a pillow across the room, surprised at my own strength as it sails towards the fireplace. The man catches it without even turning his head fully. "Damn it, Kaladin! What the feck are you doing?" I keep my voice lowered, and I hadn't meant to, but a bit of gruffness returns to my voice, reminding me of my time with the mercenaries. I clear my throat to cover up my embarrassment at the crack.

He chuckles softly, and rises from the hearth of the fireplace, rolling the hilt of my knife between his fingers. "I was checking on you."

I relax, placing a hand over my heart, and taking a breath. "You should really stop scaring me."

He stops several paces away, and flips the dagger so the handle is facing me. I slowly reach to take it from him. "It was far too easy for me to steal it from right under you. Your guard was down." I try to ignore the itching question as to why he had felt the need to take it in the first place.

"I was sleeping, were my eyes supposed to be open?" I slide the weapon back under my pillow, comforted to have it back within reach.

After my mother's visit last night, Lance and I had retired for some rest, no longer in the mood to read. Lance wanted to sleep in my chambers again to guard me closely, but I refused, insisting that he needed to sleep in an actual bed. He complied, too tired to argue properly, saying that he would check on me in the morning. There are three Guards posted at the outer door of my chambers, and Camisêal is sleeping on a cot outside of my inner door. He'd said he would be fine to stand and keep watch, but I had a bed brought in for him, anyhow. He had been far more exhausted than he let me believe, and I could read it on his face. Training the new Guards had drained him, and he deserved a proper night's sleep.

I'd managed to fall asleep, to my surprise, my heavy lids pulling my mind under as I pondered over my brother's words. He already loves you. The words echo again, spinning like a lunging horse around my brain, trying to wrap around it.

"You should always be on guard, especially now that you are being hunted. The attacks have slowed for now, but not for long, I think. You have a weak spot in your protection, and it needs to be filled quickly. I'll be joining your Guard to help with that gap."

My eyes widen, shaking me from my thoughts. "You're doing what? If the King finds out-" I pray that he is joking, as his words sound ludicrous. If it is found that a Guard of the princess is a mercenary, he would be hanged for certain.

Kaladin had been rocking on his heels, and now he paces the floor before my bed, arms linked behind his head. "You need to convince your friend next door, and that Prince of yours, to say nothing about my face. As for the king, he will believe, along with everyone else, that I am a nobleman." He is referring to Lance, who is being lodged in the room next to mine by my request. Sam had allowed it while he is absent, at least.

"You will be required to show papers-" I start, swinging my legs over the side of my bed, smoothing my night gown over my bare legs.

He cuts me off again, this time with a smirk on his lips. "I have them."

Confused, I furrow my brow, and hold his gaze, sapphire eyes twinkling with mischief. What is the devil planning? "If they are forged..."I begin slowly.

He raises an eyebrow, shrugging. "They are very much legitimate."

I cannot seem to understand what he is saying. "You are not a noblemen. How did you gain legitimate documentation?"

The mercenary chuckles at my incredulous look. "Oh, but I am. My uncle was the Chancellor of Aränal, before I killed him. Luckily, I was wise enough to keep my birth pages with me." There is a darkness about his voice as he says this, and I suppress a shiver at the baleful smile that plays his lips.

"You killed a Chancellor?" I cannot fight the disbelief evident in my voice. The Chancellor of a country is the head official of the government, and it would be as bad as killing a king. If the Chancellor was Kaladin's uncle, that would also make him a sort of royalty by blood. Some countries, such as Aränal, do not have a King or Queen, but rather a Chancellor, or many Chancellors, to run the government. I've never been to Aränal, as it is much too far from Nordic for me to travel, but there are several servants that are from there, and I've heard a few stories. The Aränalians are known for their beautiful combination of dark skin and hair, with contradicting blue eyes. And for they're assassins and thieves. Many a killer has been brought out of Aränal, so I cannot say that I am shocked to learn that Kaladin was raised there. The man in front of me does not have the chocolate colored skin, but does have the dark hair and blue eyes. I nearly wonder if one of his parents were native to a different country.

Kaladin's jaw tightens as he smiles, an evil sort of look that I do not at all like. "He was a heinous man and deserved to die." The way he says this makes my skin crawl, and I look away, unsure if I should look directly at him.

Neither of us speak for a few awkward beats, filled by the spitting fire's soft crackling. I wonder how someone of a princes status became a mercenary, or why he killed his uncle. I find it better not to ask questions I do not truly want the answers to.

"What of Adolin and Syl?" I ask. I have not heard of them for some time now.

"They will be near. Disguised, of course."

I nod absently. "That is well. I pray everyone stays undetected."

"You had a nightmare." Kaladin says abruptly, his voice much softer than before. I look to him again, finding that his previous malevolence is dissipated, traded for a sort of shaded concern.

I swallow, and push my short hair out of my eyes. It is nearly to my shoulders now, and is frizzed out with tangles and snares. I say nothing, but he continues to speak after a moment, nodding solemnly.

"You were thrashing about and mumbling names." I don't remember dreaming at all, but there is sweat clinging to my skin, evidence of a shadow terror. He continues to repeat names flawlessly, as if he had them recorded in his mind. "Hana. Jensen. Michael. Castiel. Sam," He looks away, as if slightly uncomfortable. "Jed. These are all men you deeply care for." He states, as if he is telling someone that the sky is blue.

I swallow, unsure what I am supposed to say. "Yes. I care for all of my men." I answer softly, a hand reaching up to toy with the locket around my throat. "I worry about them. I worry about Jensen's family, about his widow and his fatherless son. About Hana, if he is even alive." I begin to choke up, so I cease to speak, unwilling to let Kaladin see me weakened. I try to recall the dream I must have had, but come up with nothing more than the image of Jensen's fallen, bloody body. I remember what it was about now. I cover my eyes, as if I could press it out of my retinas, where the scene seems to have seared itself permanently. I still hear my own scream echoing in my mind. "You should go," I whisper, looking up. Kaladin is watching me with soft eyes and an unreadable expression, his hands at his sides. "Lance will be coming to check on me soon. I'll see you this afternoon at the second competition. Try not to loose."

He nods once, then surprises me with a bow. "Lyra." I do not watch him leave, only briefly wondering how he plans to remain unseen by the Guards that are on the roof above. A soon as the window is abandoned, I lean forward, my head in my hands. I squeeze my eyes shut, and a single tear escapes, spilling onto my cheek.

-

A maid comes to help me bathe, but I send her away, insisting that I can dress myself just fine. I hand her a muffin from the basket that was brought in for my breakfast on her way out, thanking her for her trouble. Once she's left, I go to my wardrobe and rummage through dresses and shoes, until I come to a clean pair of riding pants. I open one of the hundred drawers and pull out a neatly folded shirt, not at all unlike what I wore yesterday. I do not believe that we are having any guests today, so neither the king nor queen should mind my attire. The people of the court are so used to seeing me dressed this way, that they do not bother with double-takes anymore. I doubt that they would be shocked if I began to carry a sword at my waist everyday, at this point.

I comb my hair out, leaving it hanging simply at my shoulders, and leave my face free of makeup. I pull on my riding boots and glance in the mirror at the finished project. This girl is nothing like the one who attended the ball a few nights ago, she is not beautiful. This girl has eyes that are pained, and an expression that is hard. She looks plain, and more like a Prince than a Princess. I think my father would have preferred that I truly was a man, instead. Maybe I would have preferred that, too, at least then I would not receive strange and distasteful looks from the women of the court, who are always the epitome of nobility. Many of them would make a much better princess than I.

There is a knock and my inner door is opened, a slightly disheveled Camisêal poking his head in, faced away. "My lady? Lance is here to see you. Are you decent for him?"

"Yes, send him in." I call, turning from the mirror.

My brother steps in, taking a beat to locate me on the other side of the room. His dark hair is pulled back with a strap, and his scruffy beard is neatly trimmed, close to his chin. He must have tired of looking like a beggar. Lance is already dressed in his day clothes, and takes a moment to look me over, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You seem sad. Did something happen, child?"

I lift a hand and wave him off. "No, I am alright. I have, however, been informed that a man I am acquainted with will be trying for a spot on my Guard today. You may recognize him, but please, say nothing of him. He wishes only to assist with my safety."

Lance looks skeptical, and steps towards me. "I shall pretend to know nothing of him, if you talk with me."

I fold my arms, shifting my weight onto one foot. "I already told you, I am well."

His expression softens, sensing my lie. "Do not try to pretend, Lyra. Not with me."

I swallow, feeling foolish for masking my hurt from my brother. "I dream of Jensen often, I worry ceaselessly of Hana. I am the one who sent him out that night, knowing that he was chasing a shadow... thought he was doing his duty. I should have called someone to bring them all back safely."

"You've been having shadow terrors about them, haven't you?" I nod, feeling just as exhausted as I have for the passed two days. I feel as though my ability to rest has died with Jensen. Lance's eyes gentile, and the action reminds me of how he used to be when he was younger. "I am sorry, child, but you must know none of this is your fault. Are you alright?" I have no doubt that he remembers the look on my face when he found Sam pulling me away from the unconsciously beaten intruder. My knuckles throb painfully at the memory. My right hand received the most damage, and still needs to be kept wrapped and cleaned, while my left hand only gained one cut and bruising. I flex my sore hands at my sides.

None of this is my fault? All of it is my fault, and I know it. Yet, people are still protecting me, from my own mess. If I hadn't run away, King Alphonse would have left me and my kingdom alone. Jensen would not have been shot. Hana, Castiel and Michael would still be here, safe and sound. I wouldn't have met Sam or Jed, not in time for anything to matter. I'd be married to a king who wants me only to kill me. And Sam would have been helpless to aid me so closely guarded by his father.

"I will not say that I am unscathed, but I will live." Now, you've made your deal. Be certain to keep it. I do not want him forgetting his earlier statement. I've told him of my troubles, so now he must accept Kaladin.

As promised. Lance looks as if he would embrace me, being able to feel my pain and the weight of all of the blame I haven't voiced.

I walk passed him, brushing my feelings off. "Come. Have you eaten? You will need the energy, I will not take it easy on you today."

He is shaking his head when I look back at him from my door, his footsteps following mine. "Confident, that's good."

Camisêal stands at attention when I open the door, and greets me with a bow. "My lady. How are you fairing this morning?"

I motion for him to rise. "I am well. I will dismiss you to your chambers to clean up, you have another arduous day ahead. Forgive me for working you so laboriously, I know that you are tired. I will see that you get a day off when I am authorized to give it. You deserve time with your wife and children."

"It is a pleasure protecting you, Lyra, keeping you safe is my purpose on this earth. Your kindness is honorable, and you treat every one of us as your brothers. I would not rather work for anyone else." His words ring with the truth, and it brings a smile to my face. I reach out to clasp him on the shoulder.

"I would never have another man in your place, Cam. Please, take an extra hour and go to the mess hall to feed yourself. Jasla, Nikiel and I will manage Sebastian and Darion, we will only be in the training room sparring."

He bows his head low, a hand resting on his sword hilt. "Thank you, my lady. Allow me to escort you to your destination, before I leave you." I don't miss his gaze drifting to Lance, unsure of him.

I nod, taking my hand back. "Of course. The new group comes to the ring at noon, but I fear I cannot be outside for it. You will have to bring the champions to me, so I may meet them." I haven't a doubt that Hener will fair well with his fight, and that I will see him in the uniform of my Guardsmen by this evening. He already knows the expectations of a Guard, so he will not require much training. I wonder if Kaladin knows anything of it. With all of the secrets he carries, I would not doubt it.

-

"My lady!" Darion calls as soon as he sees me. His curly wheat colored hair is a bit disheveled, but he doesn't seem to notice. He and Sebastian were called from their beds to meet us in the training room, and I am not surprises to see that Darion is the first here. He is still strapping the leather vest over his white tunic, the customary uniform of the princess's Guard.

I cannot help my smile as he hurries over, the biggest puppy-like grin on his face. Seeing him seems to make the hurt sting a little less. "Glad you could join us in such a hurry." I say, my practice sword already in hand. Lance weighs the wooden weapon in his grasp, and cuts it through the air with a few practice swipes.

Darion nods, crossing the space between us with long strides. "Of course! I am at your beck and call, princess."

I smile. "Of course. Are you any good with a bow, Darion?" The young man seems ecstatic that I've remembered his name, and bows low, fist to his shoulder. He tries to cover his grin, but it does not work very well.

"I am well enough with one, My lady."

"Good. Allow me some time to practice the sword with my brother, and then we shall see who's aim is better."

He gives a slightly confused look. He was never informed that I considered Lance my kin, and I feel foolish for assuming that he would know. The rest of the kingdom does, but Darion is new to the court, and would not have an idea. "Your brother, my lady?"

I motion towards Lance, who has been standing a few feet away, listening to the conversation. "He is the head Knight of Prince Sam, who is visiting the castle, but he was my brother first. He is the one who taught me anything useful that I know, and I trust him with my life. Lance practically raised me."

Darion's face turns as serious as I think he can make it, and steps towards Lance, a hand outstretched. "Forgive me for my reservations towards you yesterday, I knew not who you are to my lady."

My brother takes his hand and shakes it firmly. "All is well. You were good for not trusting me, a man you never met. A Guardsmen should always be on alert for suspicious men."

As Lance speaks, Sebastian walk in silently, in an unnatural sort of way. Lance hadn't even sensed his arrival until he was some feet away, and startled by this, he turns with his wooden blade in hand. I had seen the man enter from the corner of my eye, but I waited to address his presence to see what he would do. Darion had greeted me immediately, informing me the moment that he stepped foot into the room.

Jasla steps forward from the wall to grab Sebastian roughly by the arm, face annoyed beneath his freckles. "You are to address the Lady when you are in her presence."

Sebastian shoots the higher ranking man a foul look, but covers it with a smile. "Forgive me. My Lady, it is a delight to see you."

Lance had taken a step towards me, keeping his gaze trained on the short man. Keep a wary eye on this one, he carries something dark about him. No man should obtain such stealth naturally.

I am in agreement. Come with me after our practice to my father, I am going to ask how this man came to have such close access to me at such a convenient time. I keep my gaze on Sebastian, who smiles at me, completely innocent. He does not seem to be able to tell that Lance and I have become alerted to his possible plotting.

Jasla steps away after giving the new recruit a shove. "Show your respect, or you will be removed."

I meet the senior Guard's gaze, giving the tiniest nod in thanks. He catches and returns it before returning to his post. He was alarmed by Sebastian's stealth as well, and he and Nikeiel share a look. Neither of them like or trust him.

I make a mental note to post him where he will have as little interaction with me as possible, and to keep him supervised. I am going to lock my widow securely tonight.

-

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A/N

Sorry, I know, it ended! I'm gonna try and update quicker for you guys this time. Lets shoot for a week from now, yeah? Hate to keep you waiting, but it does take some time to spit these puppies out, alongside school and other ghastly things that take time away from writing. That, and I get lazy. A picture of a model for Camisêal.

Questions!

1.) @THE-freaks-that-RULE I have read the both the City of Bones and the Infernal Devices, and they are amazing!

2.) @Just-Keep-Going My favorite band/singer is probably either Fall Out Boy, Toby Mac, Crowder, or the Newsboys.

3.) @Invulnerable13 Runaway Princess has at least a dozen chapters left. This goose isn't cooked yet!

4.) @yinkiB I have watched The Golden Compass, and I love it! I got the names Lyra and Lasreal from that movie.

And I think that's all of the questions. I know, I know, it took too long to update, sorry! Tried to make it a little longer for y'all. Everything make sense, we all good? Thanks always for the reads, votes, support and comments. #2 in fantasy!! Thank you guys so much! Also, some people seem to think that this is a completed story, but it isn't even closed to finished. I'm still updating continuously, and I won't stop until I decide the book is finished... I will inform you when the last chapter is written.

God bless!

-A.