The King's POV

I ease my weight down in a chair, and I lift my eyes to see my reflection in the looking glass across the room.

The man smiles, and smooths down his ever greying facial hair.

My daughter has returned... a happy thought, but the man's smile falters at the heavy weight that accompanies it.

She will still have to be married within a year, or else the agreement that I made with my wife won't stand true any longer.

I agreed to bring our daughter back without punishment, if she will find a husband of her choosing; so she might feel more comfortable doing so.

Her mother is telling her right now, as she prepares her for the ball that Alandra decided to throw for her.

I still find it somewhat difficult to accept Lyra back into this home when she disrespected me so, and in such a way. But, my wife has told me that I cannot be short with her, or else I would be forfeiting the deal we made on her return.

Once a few years after Lyra finds a husband have passed, she and her husband will become the king and queen, as my age is starting to show in my bones, and every ruler knows that a woman cannot rule on her own; they haven't the mind for it.

I know my daughter is strong, but she is too kind for ruling this kingdom on her own. I don't doubt that she can, and will restore this kingdom in a way that I cannot, but in the inevitable wars that are to occur, I fear that this land will be wiped out- and her with it.

She needs a husband with a heavy hand, to do right in the sense of military.

I love my daughter, but I will not treat her softly, for that makes for a dog that bites. She should be quiet and obedient like a good beast, listening to what her master tells her. She should listen to men, because we are her masters, and her husband will expect that of her... if she stays obedient, it will save her a lot of trouble with her future husband- many beatings unreceived.

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Lyra's POV

My face falls in the mirror across from me, as my mother clasps the necklace that she gave me; the one that I've carried in my pocket this whole time, around my neck. The metal glints cold against my skin, dull and lifeless.

My mother's words start to sink in, and my face contorts into something ugly. I stand up so quickly that the chair that I sit in falls over, nearly falling on top of my head maid that jumps back with a shriek.

"Lady Lyra! "She exclaims, the hair pins in her mouth muffling her words. "Your not finished yet!"

I shoot her a look, that over the time I had been gone, had turned dangerous.

Alanta swallows, her blond, aging curls bouncing to and fro. "Right then, let me just put the last pins in..."

I stand still just long enough for her to pin the rest of my curled hair up. It had grown out just enough to curl and lift away from my face.

I was surprised that my room hadn't been touched since I left. Perhaps my mother was worried that I would never return, and wanted no disturbances of my belongings.

I glance in the mirror again. A pretty girl looks back, her eyes heavy and cheeks pink with makeup.

I don't miss that, makeup is uncomfortable.

My mother touches my arm, her fingers cold on my bare skin.

I had already been changed into the suffocating dress that I am to wear tonight, my corset tightened so much that it hurts to breathe. I certainly didn't miss that either.

"Honey, come now, you look beautiful... That is a much better deal than what you got before! I just wish you would think about it before you shy away again!" She says, voice soothing.

My face is cold and hard, as Alanta slides the last pin in and fluffs my hair. "There..."

I immediately step away, out of my mother's grasp, and march out the door.

"Lyra-" my mom starts after me.

I pause at the door to look back at her. "Give me a breath. I'll make it to the ball." Is all I say, before shutting the heavy door, none to lightly.

Hana jumps to attention as I step out, and he immediately follows me with long strides, no questions asked.

Maids and servants stop to bow as I pass them in the cold halls, the red silk fabric of my dress flapping unnecessarily behind me.

Hana looks at me side long, as he escorts me out side of the castle, so that it doesn't look like I'm running away again.

He lets me lead him to the only place that I feel safe, the guards letting us through with a salute to Hana as they step aside.

The salt and hay smell reaches my nose, and I instinctively make my way to Lasreal's stall.

Hana stands a few feet away, giving me space as I stare up at my beloved Vann Hest.

Lasreal peeps his head out, his lips bloodied from his evening meal, as his long, slender ears prick forward with interest.

He is happy to be home.

He licks his lips, black eyes watching me curiously, sensing my mood.

I let his familiar, salty smell envelop me, as I lean my forehead on his, trying to calm my mind.

Hana stays a safe distance from any of the Vann Hest, and he stiffens when one beast screams, followed by a crash.

Lasreal and I turn our heads in unison towards the noise, and I step back just in time as Lasreal snaps his teeth and growls, a few inches from my face.

I grab his nose and push him back forcefully. Enough.

I know that his sharp teeth weren't for me, but directed at the white Vann Hest. It was a challenge.

I look back at Sam's Vann Hest who is causing all sorts of ruckus as he kicks his door. He was put in a spacious, empty stall near the front of the stable.

Hana moves closer, lightly grabbing my arm. "Lyra-" He says, voice thick.

I think at first, that he is anxious because of Sam's Vann Hest, until he turns his head to look at the entrance of the barn.

A man's figure is silhouetted against the setting sun, and I squint a bit to see his face.

Familiar dark hair frames a grave face, as he starts to walk closer, a hand resting on his sword hilt.

Next I make out the green of his tunic, and I immediately recognize the way he walks. I know it like the back of my hand.

"Lance," I clarify to Hana, who still seems a untrusting.

Lance and Hana had never known one another, as Hana wasn't part of my guard- that was his father at the time.

"It's alright. Can you give us a moment? " I ask, and Hana nods, and reluctantly steps a few yards away, a hand at his belt; just in case.

Lance strides over, and I don't move to meet him.

"Lyra." He greets me. "You look lovely. I suppose you can still look like a girl after all." He says teasingly.
Lance looks very handsome, with his hair unknotted and his clothes and face clean- though he is still unshaven.

I give a half smile. "You clean up nice as well, brother. "

He has a hand behind him the whole wile, and I try to look around him and see it curiously.

"But you know, something is missing." He says, scratching the stubble on his chin. With a pause for emphasis, he takes a crown from his back.

I recognize it as mine, with its delicate gold curves and the simple, clear white jewel that is attached to the center.

I smile.

"May I?" Lance asks, giving a small bow.

"Yes, you may, good sir." I say, faking properness. I hold my skirts up and curtsy.

He steps forward and places it on my head gently, and brushes a loose curl from my face, tucking it behind my ear.

"There, now." He says. "Much better." There's my girl.

For some odd reason, I feel a blush creep up my cheeks. Why am I embarrassed? I am very taken back at my reaction.

"My father still wishes me to marry."
His face turns sad, but unsurprised. "I am sorry Lyra. I wish there was something that I could do to stop it."

I shrug. "I'm of age, it was bound to happen... its just a lot to take in at once. Coming home after being rejected, then welcomed with open arms by the same people. "

He touches my arm gently. "It's hard, I know... and what I did to you doesn't help. I shouldn't have let you believe that I was injured when that arrow struck my mail, but there was no way we could get close to you with Lasreal. "

I sigh, looking away. "You were only carrying out orders."

He turns my face to make me look at him; and Hana stiffens at him touching me, but Lance ignores him as he looks at me.

"Family should be more important that orders by a fool king. "

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I updated! Sorry if it's no good, but not that sorry :) Posted a picture of how I imagine Jed would see Lyra riding Lasreal when he was a boy in Nordic...

Comment who you think Lyra should end up with, because I need some opinions here, there's so many men to chose from! I'm writing this chapter by chapter, so I haven't thought about who she should end up with yet...

And follow my other account KaydenXTatum please! I'm going to be starting a book titled Inception on there sometime in the near future!

Thanks Loves,

-A.