The Dragon Bond: Heirs of Lyra

Chapter 48

When Mirum spotted land, she flew lower, giving Ralf a better glimpse of Copia. While it was dark at this hour, lanterns lit up the coast, and Ralf could see the beautiful sandy beach before them. He watched as people waved, cheering at the approach of a dragon--something few people of Copia had ever seen.

Ralf could feel Karolina shifting in her seat behind him, could see her hand waving from his peripherals. She was excited to be home, that much was clear. 

When they reached the castle, King Lemoine and Queen Rachel were waiting with open arms for their beloved daughter. Karolina couldn't get off Mirum fast enough, and rushed into the arms of her parents. 

While the image before him was sweet, Ralf couldn't help but feel bitter. It would be easy for her to stay. If King Lemoine demanded it, Ralf was sure Karolina wouldn't put up a fight to remain in Copia. 

When the King and Queen released their daughter, Ralf felt King Lemoine's eyes regard him icily. "What is this I hear about the engagement display being ruined?"

Ralf took a deep breath in. King Lemoine sure didn't waste any time. "An act of vandalism, I assure you," Ralf lied, though he hoped he sounded convincing. "A disgruntled citizen that has been dealt with accordingly. My father has sent me with his deepest apologies for such an atrocity."

"Are there many opposed to the union in Lyra?" King Lemoine asked.

Ralf chose his words carefully. "Every kingdom has its share of unrest amongst citizens. We believe this one acted alone. The majority of our people are in favor of this prosperous union."

It took some convincing, but in time King Lemoine ceased his questions and focused instead on his beautiful daughter, whom they had missed greatly. They held a feast in celebration of her return and--while the food was delectable--Ralf found himself a loss for appetite. Too many parts of his life were worrisome. He had no idea where Henry was, no idea if he was well or hurt or even alive. The fact that his brother was gone seemed a complete waste, since Karolina obviously regretted her decision to choose Ralf instead of staying with Henry. What had been the point? 

While days ago he had practically been floating with feeling for Princess Karolina, he felt very anchored and weighed down now. The romance was gone, the intrigue lost. She had chosen poorly and everyone was paying dearly now.

Ralf couldn't help but feel as though the whole ordeal had been pointless. What good was a relationship if it didn't last after the first sign of trouble? Both Ralf and Karolina had jumped ship at the first storm, too afraid to stay aboard. Too worried about everyone else to remember their feelings for each other. 

His sleep that night was restless. Karolina hadn't spoken much to him, too distracted by the members of her family. She had introduced him to her many younger sisters, unfortunately he had not made the best impression. While he smiled and spoke with each individually, his mind was distant, his smile lacking sincerity. He was sure if asked, he wouldn't remember a single of their names. 

In the morning he rose swiftly, changing his clothes and preparing to seek the Mutatis flower. Copia was known for its luscious landscapes and exotic plant life. It wouldn't be hard to find the Mutatis flower, then he would be on his way. He already had the ash of the Great Memory tree and the scales of a dragon. Two more items and he would be ready to ask the Ultimate Question.

Just as he opened his door, Karolina began knocking. Her hand was still raised and she lowered it slowly, her gaze shifting to the floor. Ralf was not prepared for this. He wasn't ready to face her, not so early in the morning. Not now. 

Neither of them knew what to say. Ralf was ready to go, he had things to do, a mission to accomplish. Karolina seemed planted firmly in her position, yet unwilling to speak. Her left hand was behind her back and she slowly brought it forward, revealing a single stem of a mulberry colored flower. 

"Here," she said, extending it to Ralf. "It's what you need for the mission."

Ralf frowned. "This is a Mutatis Flower?" He had expected something more vibrant. 

She wouldn't meet his gaze. "It turns dark and weary in the shade. But bring it into the light," she shifted her stance until she was in the streak of sunlight coming in from the window, "and it blooms." Sure enough after a few seconds of sunlight, the flower opened up, its petals blossoming into a perfect honey color. 

Ralf reached out to touch it, mesmerized by its beauty. "I've never seen one before."

"They only grow in Copia. The soil has to be just right. Anyway, it's what you needed for your journey, yes?"

Ralf nodded. All he needed now was the feathers of the Naranja bird, found on an island not far from here. He could leave now if he wanted to. Part of him wondered if that wasn't Karolina's plan all along. "I guess I can find the next item then."

She nodded slowly. "Yes I think you should."

Tears stung in his eyes, he blinked them away. This was stupid. "I'll go tell your father my goodbyes and be off."

"He doesn't wake for another two hours. We are accustomed to Lyran time. I'll let him know you left early morning."

"Right," Ralf said, "then I guess I can go now."

Finally Karolina's eyes looked up at him. "Ralf--." She looked lost. "I don't know what to do."

From her expression Ralf could tell she was conflicted. What hurt was how much he sensed her desire to never leave Copia again. She felt safe here, at home. He knew he was losing her. On impulse he took hold of her hand. She closed her eyes and he watched as a single tear fell from the soft skin of her face. 

"I'll have to fly straight home once I get the answer to the Ultimate Question. Once I relay it to my father, I'll come back for you. You can decide then what you want to do."

"It is not my decision alone," her voice cracked. "As royals we can't afford to be selfish, Ralf."

"I understand," he conceded. 

She closed her eyes for a moment, then looked back at Ralf, her eyes glistening with tears. "Once you give the message to your father, don't come back for me."

He didn't bother to hide the hurt expression from his face. "Are you giving me your answer then?" She didn't want him. Of course she didn't want him. Stupid, bumbling idiot he was. 

"When the time comes for the Quinquennial Ball I will return to Lyra with my parents. Until then, this will provide everyone time to form their decisions. I can think about what I want versus what my kingdom needs. Perhaps I can negotiate something with my father, make him see the benefit of our relationship. I chose you, Ralf. Now I have to decide if that decision was made in haste."

"We were happy once."

"We were selfish. Look what it's done to your brother."

That stung. Ralf had taken a lot of insults in his lifetime, taken a lot of verbal abuse. This was the worst. For once in his life he finally found someone he could love, someone he thought loved him back. Why did this love have to cause him so much pain? Why did Henry have to react so poorly, why did he go off and get himself hurt? Why wasn't he home already? 

With nothing left to say, Ralf packed what he needed and prepared his dragon. Princess Karolina hung around, lingering loosely as he readied himself. Before he mounted his dragon, he turned to Karolina one last time. She looked absolutely distraught, her emotions clearly gnawing away at her soul. 

She stepped towards him and put her hand up to his face, cupping his cheek in her palm. He closed his eyes and leaned into her touch, his other hand coming up to meet hers. This time he couldn't keep his tears at bay. 

"Be careful out there," she whispered.

Ralf nodded, too choked up to speak. This felt too much like goodbye forever. 

She placed a soft kiss on his lips and it took all of his restraint to keep from pressing in and deepening the kiss. He knew she meant for this to be a sweet goodbye, not a passionate attempt at wooing her back. 

When she stepped back he felt a piece of his heart rip out. He knew no matter what she decided, in the end that piece of his heart would always be hers.