I leave my mother to finish getting dressed to go find Prince Sam, telling the Queen that I would be back shortly. She said for me to be in the throne room by high noon, but until then she merely bid me stay inside.

  I find Sam in the castles massive library, sitting with Lance near the large fireplace. He has a book in his hands and several more closed and stacked near his feet. He is still in his clothes from last night's celebration, and his dark hair is a mess.

I never took him for much of a reader.

The room is typically unoccupied, save for the occasional scholar, so I find no surprise that we are alone now.

I come here sometimes just to think and sit by the fire in a comfortable chair, but I don't often give myself much time for reading; I would much rather spend my spare time with Lasreal.

The heavy feet of my Guards are what makes the men look up, and Lance scrambles to his feet, his face going pale. He gives a hasty bow before stepping over the miniature book towers to me.

"Lyra, are- how are you feeling?" His hair and uniform are disheveled, and he has dark half circles under both of his eyes. It looks like he hadn't slept at all.

"I am well. I am here to speak with Prince Sam. Alone." I say stiffly, looking at Sam pointedly.

He hadn't gotten up when I entered, and hardly lifts his head now as he continues reading.

Lance raises his brows in concern as he looks at me, but doesn't say anything else.

I can tell that my clipped words stung him and I know that he had been up, wringing his hands with concern for my health. I know that he still cares for me. I still care about him too, but he is no longer my subject, and will be leaving here soon enough so I see no point in giving him hope were there is none. He may never be released from his services, and it was foolish of him to offer them if he wished to return here. I already feel our bond faltering. 

I clear my throat and walk passed Lance to Sam, who glances up at me before looking back down. I am about to get impatient when he marks his page and closes the cover of the book.

When he looks up, I am surprised to find sleepless marks on his person as well, indented with purple poison under his green eyes. He has a small amount of dark stubble forming around his jaw, and he scratches it now absently.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" He says, stretching his legs out and putting his arms behind his head.

"Its a private matter." I say, staring down at him as Lance slinks over to the Prince.

Sam sighs and stands up, arching his back like he hasn't been on his feet in a while. "Alright. Were would you presume we hold this conversation? We could go for a ride, or- "

I silence him with a shake of my head. "No. I am to stay in doors only, and if it wasn't evident enough on the trip here, my beast doesn't fancy yours very much. "

Sam gives a slight, crooked smile." I don't think your beast fancies anything, except for possibly you. "

I think that was a compliment, but ignore it. "We should stay here and talk- alone." I add, casting my Guard a look behind my shoulder. "It's the most private place in the castle, no one comes in here. "

Camisêal looks unsure, but nods reluctantly. "As you wish. Call us if you need anything." He says, bowing and steping out, the other two Guards following.

Prince Sam keeps his gaze on mine as he waves Lance away.

When the doors shuts, Sam folds his arms in front of him and raises an eyebrow questioningly.
"Alright, Sam." I say, wanting to cut right to the chase. "I'm going to be blunt. Why did you let me lie yesterday? "

He looks bored and picks at a stray hair on his sleeve. "Why not? I've got nothing against you, and since your no longer going to be my," He pauses to roll his eyes. "Mother, then I figured that it's not of my affairs. If you want to lie to the king, then you go ahead and do what you please, princess. "

When he calls me his mother, I can't help the scowl that comes to my face. How strange a thing for a boy older than me to call me that. There is just something horribly wrong with that fact.

"Well, don't get me wrong, but I'm incredibly grateful to be getting cut loose from that deal. " I say, almost smiling. "And thank you, for keeping your mouth shut."

He smiles, and I realise just how charming he looks when he isn't being an ass. "Unless you go for a ride with me," he says, unfolding his arms and giving a coy look. "I may be forced to re-open my mouth. "

My almost smile disappears. "Are you blackmailing me?"

He looks confident. "I am."

I scoff. "Or you could just pin a target to my back. I am not allowed to leave the castle."

He furrows his brow, smile faltering. "What do you mean? For how long?  "

"Be in the throne room at noon and you'll know, along with anyone else who shows up." I say, turning on my heel and walking out.

Lance stops me in the hallway, before I can get too far.

I nod for Camisêal to step away so Lance and I can converse.

He has me gently by the elbow and pulls me away from my Guards. "Lyra, why are you doing this? "

I shake my arm free from his grip. "I am not doing anything. "

He clenches his jaw. "Yes, you are. Stop acting that way, I know you, child. Tell me what is wrong. Did I do something to upset you? "

I fold my arms stubbornly.

He sighs his big brother sigh, and runs his fingers through knotted hair. "I can feel our bond getting weaker, and it isn't from my will."

I look up at him at last, and see the hurt written across his face. My heart tugs towards him, telling me to forgive him, to let him back in. I swallow. "I'm just- having a hard time coping with everything... there's so many grey spots with you, things that don't add up. "

He seems confused. "What do you mean? I've been nothing but honest with you from the beginning."

I shake my head. "I don't know, I'm just having a hard time letting myself trust you again."

He arches an eyebrow. "And what of you? You've been acting strange as well, young one. Don't think I haven't noticed."

"Acting strange? How so, becoming a boy? Blending in with mercenaries? I did that because I had too!"

He looks away, rocking on his heels before looking back to me. "I did what I did for the same reasons, I never did it to cause you harm or pain. I did it because I had too. Do you think I wanted to trick you into coming off of Lasreal? Trick you into the prince's arms? I hate myself every day for causing you pain! But what was I to do? Let my Prince be shot? I did what any good knight would, I shielded him. I hardly knew that you would fling yourself at Sam's feet like that! If I disobey my orders, my head would be off in an instant. "

I know that he speaks the truth, and I'm relieved that he is being honest with me. "I know, Lance, I do. But you'll be leaving in a few days and I don't wish to give you hope were there is none, you may never be released from Whales. You swore your undying loyalty to them, not to me any longer."

He looks haunted as he listens to me, and he hangs his head. "I know that. Lyra, you know why I did it though, do you not? "

I stare up at him. Of course I know why. He did it because they saved him, and he is a gracious, humble man. He felt as though he owed them his life for what they did for him, when they could have left him to die on that battle field. So he offered his services in return.

"Of course. I don't judge you for your decisions, brother."

"Then tell me," he says, frustration riddling his features. "Tell me why you are cutting off our bond."

I sigh, unable to hold his gaze. "I only thought that it would be easier-"

"Easier?" He says in a lowered voice, his tone heated. "In what way is it easier to push me away? I moved else were, I have not abandon you."  He takes my chin in his thumb and forefinger, holding my face up with a stern gentleness, making me look at him. "I will come back to you. I will always come back." 

Tears start to well in my eyes, and his face is back to its normal softness when he is around me.
He pulls me into an embrace and strokes my hair gently.

"You imbecile, do you not understand that by now? You are what makes this place my home, and I will always return to you." He says, promise in his voice.

Now that he's said it several times, I start to believe it, and any shred of doubt I had is melted away with the warmth of him.

Someone clears their throats behind us, and we break apart to see Camisêal. He stands awkwardly with a hand at his belt habitually.

"Are you alright, Princess?" He asks, voice gruff.

I nod and smile. " Yes, Yes everything is alright. We should get going soon, shouldn't we? " 

My Guard stoops his head in a nod. "Yes, my lady. The Queen will be expecting you shortly." 

I pull away from Lance, and gently touch his hairy face. "Be sure to see me later today, I wish you talk more before you have to leave. I'll send for you after I am done with my mother."

I mostly say this because I know that he will hear about what I converse about with my parents, and I know he will be extremely fretful over it. Word travels fast among servants, so naturally, everyone will know.

Camisêal escorts me to the rest of my Guard, and we set out on the trek to the throne room.

-

A/N

Touching moment between Lance and Lyra! I love their brother sister bond, two of my favorite characters to write :)