Lyra's POV

The sound of hooves harder than the precious stones that adorn my father's crown click against rock, the sound causing me a sort of comfort in resonance with the subtle sway of Lasreal's stride. My eyes have adjusted enough in the darkness to see by the moonlight, illuminating the dark stone with its pale glow.

Lasreal's slender ears prick intently towards the ocean, and I feel him take deep, puffing breaths of the salty air against my calves. He is glad to be here, out of his confining stall and within sight of the rolling tide. It is dangerous to be here, with him, on this night, but it is exactly where I felt called to go. I know with certainty that he will not betray me this night.

"Are you certain that you can control him this close?" Kaladin calls, voice just loud enough to be heard over the distant crashing of the waves. The water is far, but close enough to smell and near enough to hear. I expected the dark steed he rides to be breathless with having kept up with Lasreal's fleet-footed stride, but his stamina has surprised me. Kaladin knows a good mount when he sees one, it would seem.

Lasreal is too taken by the view and by the lull of the sea to pay mind to the tall horse beside him, entranced by the siren's call of the moving tide, tossing magic into the air with each salted spray. "He will not be swayed." I answer, gazing towards the mist in the night. "My love for him runs deeper than the sweet song of his mother."

Kaladin tried to talk me out of coming here, but he knew that he had no chance of winning the argument. The ocean is over half of the night's ride from the castle, and it was risky to attempt such a trek with my wedding taking place in the morning. Kaladin is the only Guard I ordered to stay with me tonight, and soon upon his arrival, he found out why. Once I was certain that the others were sleeping, I slipped off my night clothes to reveal my riding clothing, and pulled on my boots. I knew that sleep would not come to me tonight, and the place that I wanted most to be was on the back of my Vann-Hest with the scent of the sea within my grasp.

Once the night Guards saw me with accompaniment, they allowed us to pass by without a word. This was likely because they serve my mother, who would not have ordered them to keep an eye on me like my father had. He, of course, would be worried that I would make a break for it, but my mother has some faith in me. Of course, she will panic once word of my absent presence reaches her ears, but I intend to return before her faith in me runs dry. I may go without sleep this night, but I have yet to feel regret. I may walk down the isle looking like a haggard grandmother in white, but I do not have much care of my appearance, anyway.

I instructed Kaladin to be with me now, because I know that Lance or Hana would try everything to keep me in the castle, afraid that I may try to make a dash for freedom again beneath the pressure of tomorrow's events. And I made sure to keep this evening's adventure from Sam, because I am already so worried about marrying him. I do not rue my decision to be wed to him, but the thought of being bound to someone eternally made me anxious.

Even in the darkness, I can feel Kaladin's gaze on me, wondering what I am thinking, why I had called him out here. He hasn't said anything to me since we had gathered our mounts, merely keeping his distance from Lasreal and keeping a watchful eye on me.

"So, now will you talk to me?" He asks after allowing a few moments for silence. I can feel his eyes on me, but I do not turn my head, keeping watch on Lasreal's movements. Surprisingly, he feels calm, more serene than savage. Unlike most of his kin, being by the water's edge does not always drive him to madness, as our bond has become enough to keep him sane. He may even be more mentally stable than me, at the moment.

"I'm sorry to have dragged you out here at this hour," I apologize, not sounding the least bit sincere. "But I had a question that needed answering."

Kaladin waits a moment for me to continue, but when I take too long, he sighs. "Get on with it, then."

I feel a bit annoyed with his lack of patience, but keep myself in check. Though I may not show it, I actually have a strong appreciation for Kal's attitude towards me. To him, my status does not matter. He still treats me as one of them, as the boy who wandered into their lives out of the wilderness. "What will you do after tomorrow?"

I think that he may ask me to elaborate, but it seems that he has figured out what I meant. He takes a moment, a if trying to decide if he really wants to say what he is about to. "I planned only to stay as your Guardsmen until I was certain of your safety... All approximate threats have been disposed of, and I have not heard of any more for a week . Never before have I stayed in a place for longer than necessary," He sounds almost puzzled, and like he may be smiling a little. "But that is beside the point. Lyra, what is it that you would have me do?"

I swallow, grateful for the darkness and for the late autumn breeze that whips at my face, curling it's cool claws around my body. My cheeks burn with embarrassment as I open my mouth to speak. "Of course, I want you to stay by my side. I wish for you, Adolin, Syl and Jed to stay with me until we are old and gray. You have done so much for me," I say quietly, looking down at my hands and swallowing. Have I always been this sentimental? I clear my throat and continue. "I wish to repay you for that. Stay with me here. I will grant you land and titles, so that you don't have to hire yourselves out like dogs any longer. But you have known all along that I would say that, haven't you?"

"Of course, I have." He replies coolly, voice unchanging. I wish he would have said something more, but he lapses into the infuriating silence that signifies the end of his sentence.

My voice raises and I turn to look at him. "Then why did you ask? You wanted to see me make a fool of myself, is that right?" I sigh in frustration, and Lasreal flicks an ear to me, gauging my mood. Kaladin's continued silence has clearly answered my question with a 'Yes'. "You really piss me off, Kal."

There is a laps of silence filled only with the distant crashing of waves, time which I utilize to calm myself down. If I am not at ease, then Lasreal will sense it. I do not want to disrupt his tranquil demeanor, which is rare to come by. I twist some of his mane between my fingers and exhale through my mouth, relaxing my body. He sighs as well, and pricks his ears back towards the water, content with the change in my body language.

I have been wound up all night, my mind a jumble of excitement and worry. I like the ocean, because it reminds me of happier times, back before I was old enough to be burdened with things such as marriage and war. I was free to be with my brother and to learn important things. I spent most of my early days with Lance, sweating and laughing and tending to bruises that were kept hidden from my parents. I liked that he could treat me tenderly, yet also equally, like sparring partners should. To hold back in practice was an insult, even if his partner was a young, skinny girl with wobbly legs. I did eventually get stronger knees, and became a worthy enough match for a man, I was not always as fierce as I am now.

"So then, you aren't going to stay." I finally perceive his lack of response, turning my head to look at him. As I do, a cloud that had been shading the moon drifts aside, illuminating his features in the darkness. I am struck when I see him, a cold statue in the night with an expression I have never before seen adorned upon him.

Kaladin is turned towards me already, and the pain on his face causes my heart to constrict. I can't remember ever seeing him look so anguished before, and I now realize why he had been so quiet. He is not going to cry, but he must have known that his voice would betray him, revealing his feelings to my ears. The darkness was a friend to him until now, when it slunk away from the light above us.

The breeze blows strands of hair across his face as he shows me a sad smile, just a small one, so subtle that it could hardly be classified as a motion at all. You cannot realize how rare a sight the slight upturn of his mouth is unless you've known Kaladin for a while. The action makes me feel suddenly sad.

"We will not. There are still things that need to be taken care of, scores that must be settled and names that must be cleared."

"Ah, I see." I say, matching his expression with my own. I feel stupid for even hoping that the Mercenaries would stay here, knowing full well that their lives were built on their swords and the blood of others. How did I expect them to give up that life to become aristocratic nobles of some kingdom? That life hardly suits any of them at all. The thought of being left without my comrades hurts, though I know how selfish I am being. It is like caging a bird for the sake of its company, denying its natural born right to take to the sky and fly.

Kaladin turns away, gazing out at the barely visible waves. "You must understand by now, Lyra, that we will not be parted forever. When I said that we will not stay, I meant that we will not stay yet."

My eyes go wide as hope springs back into my stomach. "What do you mean?"

"You will always be one of us, as Queen, Princess, or Navani. Our fidelity is yours, because you have proven yourself loyal to us. In return, we will keep you safe from your enemies. Once your safety is assured, we will return to your side, and remain there for as long as you need us. We will be your Knights- our swords are yours. All that I ask, is that you allow us some time beforehand."

I do not cry easily, or so I had once believed, but at the words of this trusted companion, of this bird who says that he will willingly surrender his wings to me, my cheeks become dampened. I blame it on the salted wind that caresses my face.

"Do not misunderstand," Kaladin says, as if he had read my thoughts. "We do not renounce the entirety of our freedom to you. Do you expect that wolves can be so easily tamed? You will have to work hard to keep Syl and Adolin in check, and I certainly do not promise to be a good pet. Allow us room to wander and keep us busy, and you shouldn't have too difficult a time."

I laugh through my tears, a choked sound that mingles with crashing waves. How can everything turn out so well? How have I been blessed with so many wonderful people? What have I possibly done to earn their loyalty? I can hardly bear it, my heart is so full. "Of course. You are my equals- you will not be mere servants to me. Not ever. I swear it on my life."

"I am glad that you understand," He gives another rare smile, turning his profile to me. "And please, do not allow your husband to get too comfortable with us. We are loyal only to you, until he shows us that he is worthy of our respect. Be certain that he understands- we will not be his to command. He will have to find his own wolves to leash."

"That sounds a fair enough deal to me," I respond, thinking of Sam's already assembled Guard. Lance and Thomas and the others will likely be all that he needs. He doesn't come off as a greedy sort of Prince, despite my first impression of him. I think he will be pleased with this outcome, rather than dissatisfied. Sam would want me to have people loyal solely to me, incase anything were to happen.

Kaladin turns away to look up at the sky. "Shall we turn back for home? You have a short time before your wedding. We wouldn't want anyone to believe that you may have become chicken-hearted again."

While he is turned away, I swipe the chilled tear from my cheek and discretely clear my throat. "Of course not. Will your horse be able to keep up? We will not check our speed this time around."

"Do not underestimate Arslan's heart. He will match your fancy beast stride for stride."

I chuckle, feeling better than when we first arrived at the waterside. "I bind you to your word, then." With this last exchange, I pull Lasreal from the sea's call and urge him towards Nordic, with Kaladin and his leggy mount close behind. The ride back is swift and silent, and we tear through the gates with the rising sun, not a moment too soon.

I take proper care of Lasreal and rush through the castle's main doors, Kaladin at my side. As soon as we cross the threshold, I am run into by a familiar chest. "My Lady!" Comes his startled cry. Before I could be knocked off of my feet, Kaladin had tipped me right side up and scooted me just behind him like a small child, shielding me from any further contact.

"I am terribly sorry, please, forgive me!" The voice belongs to Hana, who finds his knees very quickly and begs for forgiveness.

"Hana, what are you doing down there? Stand up, my friend. I thought I ordered you to get some rest."

My Captain looks disheveled, like he had just torn away his bedsheets and dashed out the door. He stands and looks at me through strands of blonde hair, cerulean eyes shining with what I decipher as relief. "I was told that you were absent from your chambers, My Lady, and I was worried that you may have..." He sighs and puts a hand to his heart, reminding me of a mother who had lost sight of a child at the market square, only to find them again just several paces behind, gazing at some toy or contraption displayed at a booth.

"My Captain," I say, walking around Kaladin to place a hand on Hana's scraped shoulder, looking him firmly in the eyes. "I will not leave you again. I give you my word. I am here now, so please, return to your chamber and clean yourself up. We have quite a day planned, and I want my favorite man to be looking his greatest."

Hana squeezes his eyes shut a moment before reopening them. He nods. "Yes, My Lady."

Before he turns to go, I slap him lightly on the shoulder of his tunic and offer an encouraging smile. "Once you have readied yourself, please gather the men together and wait for me in the hallway of my chambers for further instruction. Kaladin will stay with me for now, so please, do not worry."

With a nod, Hana smiles at me. "I will do as you ask," He pauses to lower his voice, checking around us quickly to see that no one else is within earshot before adding, "Thank you, Lyra. I am proud to be in your service." Despite how many times I've said that he may call me by my name at any time, he never spoke it in public before now. I feel honored, and it makes me smile as I watch Hana bow and walk back down the hallway.

I did not want to wear her out with the long excursion, so I commanded Sage to stay at the castle while I was away. As soon as I enter the door to my chamber, a bark like a thunderclap sounds as she leaps from her place in front of the fireplace and gallops towards me, tail flapping like a long, black whip that stings my legs. She jumps up and places her paws on my shoulders, giving me a nuzzle with her wet nose.

I chuckle and shove her off of me, giving her a pat on the head. "Don't jump. I'm happy to see you, too."

"My Lady!" Comes the exasperated voice of a wide-eyed hand maid, who peeks her head into my room. She offers a hasty bow in a greeting before continuing her ramble. "The Queen has been searching for you."

I offer a weak smile. The sun has only just risen, and my mother had already realized that I was gone. How early did she intend to have me woken? It was not a surprise to me that Hana had noticed- it is his job, and he is very dedicated to it and to me. "I apologize for the trouble I've caused you. Will you request her for me? I suspect she will want to start preparations as soon as possible."

"Certainly, Milady. It is no trouble at all! I will fetch her immediately." She says, then quickly hustles back down the hallway. She seems grateful to be able to bring the news to the Queen, which makes me wonder how long she had been searching for me.

"So, this is it?" I turn to look at Kaladin, wondering at the amusement in his voice. He looks over his shoulder at me with slightly raised brows, then glances back to the white dress that falls over the torso of a wooden mannequin. They must have moved it in here shortly before we arrived back.

I furrow my brow. "And what is wrong with it?"

Kaladin smiles I think, but I cannot properly tell from this view of him. "Nothing at all. I think it suits you very well."

I fold my arms and look at the dress beside him. He is right, which is why, out of the hundreds of gowns my mother had me try, this is the one I chose. The Queen, of course, prefered a porcelain dress with unnecessarily large amounts of lace adorning a golden waist, with a hem that dragged for yards behind it. I hated it. Though it was beautiful, it would be impossible to fight or run in, which I deem necessary qualities in any outfit.

I settled for this dress, because it was the lightest weight of any of the others, as well as the least unornamented. It is simple, which I greatly prefer over flashy, intricate and complicated designs. It is the color of freshly fallen snow, free from the addition of any other colors, with elegantly draped sleeves, nearly reaching the floor-length hem of the pristine dress.

"Will the others be coming tonight?" I ask, glancing at Kaladin without turning my head.

He does the same, showing me a sort of half smile. He seems to be presenting quite a few of those today. "You have an entire kingdom arriving in a short while, and you're worried about three people attending?"

I give him a withering look. "You lot aren't just a handful of subjects."

Kal rests a hand on his sword hilt and looks back to the dress. "No, I suppose not. I expect that you will see a loud-mouthed brat sticking close to the buffet table tonight, as well as a rowdy, red-headed woman who will undoubtedly drink everyone under their tables."

I smile, happy to hear that Adolin and Syl will be coming, even if it is just for the refreshments. My expression slowly fades though, as I ask in a soft voice, "And Jed?"

Kaladin shoots me an almost pitying glance. "I would not waste my time in looking for him. He will need some space for a while."

"Oh," I say, biting the inside of my cheek. "I understand." I shouldn't be so selfish- of course Jed is angry. I didn't even tell him what I had agreed to beforehand, as if it had nothing whatsoever to do with him. I knew that he cared for me. Of course I knew- I am more observant than that. I wasn't thinking about Jed when I decided what was best for me and for my kingdom, but I should have considered his feelings much more. I did not want to hurt him, poor Jed, but it seems that I may have caused him a great deal of pain.

I try not to dwell too much on it, because I did what I felt was right in the long run. Marrying Jed would not mend anything, and it would not be the best fit for Nordic. In marrying Sam, who I have come to love quite strongly, I have found myself a strong King, as well as ties with a well-off kingdom. I do not regret my choice, only that it had to harm someone I care for.

The door to my chambers open and in bursts the Queen, a train of maids trailing behind her. With her presence seems to come an overwhelming flood of noise, which makes me cringe a bit, but I cannot help but smile. I am glad to see my mother sincerely excited about my wedding, and I am grateful to have her here with me for the preparation.

"Lyra! There you are, I've been searching everywhere for you since this morning! My goodness, Child, you mustn't run off like that to do as you please, you're going to make me faint, one of these days," She rambles, striding towards me and enveloping me in an uncomfortably tight embrace. She pushes me back abruptly so that I am an arms length away, frowning. "My goodness. You've been with that beast again, haven't you? We must get you bathed immediately."

I turn to Kaladin, who had taken a step back and bowed his head at my mother's presence. "Go rest for now, and clean yourself up. This evening's attire should have been delivered to all of your rooms. Meet me with the others outside of my door in about three hours."

Kaladin lifts his glinting eyes and nods once, dropping into a bow with an amused expression. "Yes, My Lady." He says quietly, turning to slip out the door as The Queen continues to screech out her excited babble about what soaps they should use to clean me. I practically have to read his lips to know what he said before he took his leave.

The next few hours is agony. My skin was scrubbed well enough to make it red, but even I must admit to the dramatic improvement of my scent. After that, I was sat in a chair and had my hair tugged and pulled at, a slight debate about what to do with it took place, and then there was some scrapping of pins against my scalp as my hair was put up against my head. I nearly wanted to protest against this, because I was certain that I would look even more boyish like that, but after they pulled my face together with some makeup and showed me my reflection, I was in awe.

They allow me to look at myself while four of them put in the effort of getting my dress on. I had never been one for vanity, but I can't look away from my reflection. Compared to the skinny, plain looking girl who always has a sword at her side, this woman looks mature and elegant, yet strong. My lips are painted red, my lashes black, and my hair had grown longer than I'd thought it had. The maids had managed to make it retain some curl, and twisted and pinned it up. It looks surprisingly good.

I can't help but smile. "You all have done a wonderful job. Thank you." The last bit of my sentence is muffled by the material of the dress as it is pulled over my head. Once it falls like a rippling waterfall of ivory over the length of my body, the hand maidens pause their work to bow.

"Thank you, Milady. You look lovely."

"That is only thanks to you, girls." I chuckle, turning to look back at myself. As my eyes scan the whole of the dress, I wonder if it is too late to slip a dagger in my bodice somewhere, but the sound of Kaladin's voice reminds me that I have been safe for some time now. Plus, as long as he remains here, I have nothing to worry about.

I release a sigh and turn to my mother, who is looking at me with wet eyes. Her hands are held to her mouth as she gazes at me. "My love," She says, voice wobbly. She had finally calmed down a bit from before, no longer loud and jittery with excitement. "You look so beautiful. I'm so- I'm so proud of you, do you know that? You are my pride and joy. I am so happy that you are back and smiling."

"Oh, Mother," I say, thinking that her weeping may be contagious as my own eyes become dampened. I step towards her with open arms and she hugs me as tightly as her skinny arms are able. I rest my head on her shoulder and breathe in her light scent of rose water, something that I haven't done in such a long time. I'd forgotten how delicate she smelled and felt. "Thank you for raising me. I love you."

She pulls back enough to look at my face. So much love reflects in her moist orbs, that it overfills my heart. She doesn't have to tell me that she also loves me, because it is so plain on her face. She touches my cheek with a cool hand and then brushes the wet from her own.

"Goodness. Darling, we should finish up here soon. The guests will be arriving any moment. Now, I must leave to ready myself. I will see you at the ceremony, daughter."

I nod, and the maids go back to fidgeting with my gown for a bit longer. They dab and spritz scented water onto my skin, and step back to admire their work for a moment. Eventually, a freshly groomed Sage and I are allowed to exit my chambers to meet with my men, leaving behind a fresh scent, something unusual compared to the typically sea-smelling air we leave trailing in our wake.

I am greeted outside of my inner chamber door by Hana, dressed in fine attire and groomed to perfection. He wears a uniform that resembles the color of my gown, the gleaming lion's head on the hilt by his side matches the golden buttons that shine in a neat row upon his torso. He bows very deeply in my presence, until I give him verbal permission to look at me. When he lifts his head, his blue eyes become misted and he smiles.

"My Lady, I am unworthy to look upon your lovely face." He says.

I smile and pat his shoulder, firm enough to remind him that I am still me beneath this dress. My voice is kind, however. "Hana, thank you for always being so loyal to me. I look forward to raising my children beneath your ever watchful eye. Please, stay with me forever, My Captain."

Hana offers a small smile and kneels before me, a fist to his heart. He bows his head so deeply that his golden locks fall into his eyes, but he does not brush them aside. He is like a painting, portraying the very meaning of loyalty, the frozen picture of a Knight from the stories the Queen told me as a child. When he speaks, his voice is clear and true, no hint of dishonesty laced between his words. Hana bears his very soul to me in this moment, and I know very well that I do not deserve to have this man as my friend.

"Princess, my sword is yours for all of eternity. My life is yours, for as long as I may abide as a living man by your side. My breath will always remain yours, until I draw my very last from this world. It is as true as the day that I was introduced into your life- everything that I have is yours. I will remain at your side for as long as the Good Lord above permits it to be so. May I never give you reason to doubt my loyalty or integrity towards you. May I one day be able to prove myself worthy of your unremitting faith in me."

I crouch in front of my Captain, placing a slightly awkward hand on his fair head. My chest feels full with the words he has spoken, and I am not entirely sure how to express myself. "You have long since had my trust. Every ounce of it. May I, Dear Friend, one day prove worthy of you. Remain close to me, my Captain, for I do not wish to see a day with you absent from my side. Thank you for all of the hard work and dedication you have put into being in my service. Please, put up with me for a while longer."

Hana looks up at me and smiles. "I will deal with all of your quirks, My Lady, but now, if I may be so bold to say, you have many people waiting upon you. And perhaps, kneeling on the floor with a servant in such fine attire may not be deemed entirely appropriate for a Princess."

I roll my eyes at how quickly he brushes my words aside, but allow him to help me to my feet. He bows and opens the door for me, and I step out into the hallway to see the rest of my men, neatly lining the marble walls like statues. I stand just out of the doorway, and take a moment to take the scene in as Hana closes the door, taking his place behind my left shoulder.

My Guardsmen look impeccable, each one of them boasting fine, white uniforms. The coats are much like Hana's, but in order to show his merit, his suit is ornamented with golden threads and buttons, rather than scarlet and silver. My men look, to me, like a small army of The Lord's Angels, my own personal Guardians against all of the evils of this world. All those with facial hair have had it trimmed and groomed to perfection, and those who bear long enough tresses have it pulled back by a simple white ribbon. My eyes prick with tears as I stand before them, totally unworthy of their loyalty. I have been blessed with the best possible Guardsmen, and the affection that I feel for them all individually and as a whole threatens to burst my heart from my chest. I would die with these men, just as they would die with me. They are all brothers to each other, and they are all brothers of mine.

I clear my throat and step fully into the hallway, with Sage by my side and Hana at my back. My Guardsmen drop their gazes to the ground in a collective bow.

"Men, raise your eyes. I have a few words to speak to you before this evening's festivities," I wait for all of them to look up before continuing. "Many of you have been with me for a very long time, but some of you have only recently begun your time in my service. There is even a brother who should be here today, but who laid his life down for his position as my Guardsmen."

At the mention of Jensen, they lower their heads with the weighted air it brings. "He is greatly missed," I continue, voice strong. "But Jensen was not the sort of man who would have regretted his decision. He was prepared for his fate the moment that he swore his life to me, the same way that you all have. I take such pride in all of you, for your bravery and your loyalty. Even if the entirety of this kingdom were to turn against me, I have great confidence that you men would never betray me. There are so few like you in existence, that words cannot describe the love that I hold for you men, or delineate the amount of gratitude I feel for each of you. God has blessed me with such a fine Guard, assembled only by the most trustworthy. I simply wanted you all to know that I do not take a single one of you for granted."

I take a look at their serious faces, and realize how weighty the conversation has gotten. With a lighter air, I clap my hands together with a breathy sigh.

"Any how, I will draw the point to a close. What I mean to say is that I would have no other men be beside me tonight. You are so much more than Guardsmen to me- you are all brothers to me, in my mind." I give them a sly smile. "Of course, remain as vigilant as usual and do not forget your duties, but remember that tonight is a party, a feast to celebrate my new life with Prince Samson. Keep your eyes sharp and minds clear, but please, try to enjoy yourselves. Now, gentlemen. Prepare thyselves for merriment."