The Dragon Bond: Heirs of Lyra

Chapter 61

Over the next two days, Henry and Wilkin found a new rhythm together. They helped each other with meals--opting for simpler dishes--and cleaned up afterwards. Together they kept the place running, while managing to have fun in between. 

Wilkin was slowly discovering he could ask Henry for practically anything, and the Prince would do everything in his power to make it happen. The boy certainly wasn't taking advantage of Henry, but he also wasn't limiting this newfound power either. Any game Wilkin could imagine, Henry agreed to play--so long as all the chores were finished first. It seemed a worthy trade in Henry's eyes. 

They played pirates together, several rounds of cards, and Henry played the lead role in Wilkin's elaborate plays. 

After supper, the two found themselves sitting by the fire. Wilkin had already read from his book, so Henry owed him a song. The Prince was running out of songs he knew. All of them were loud, cheery songs--most of them patriotic. He was right in the middle of one when he saw Wilkin's eyes light up and a smile spread over his face. 

Henry turned in his chair, the song fading from his mouth. It was Mavis. She had a hand cupped over her mouth, stifling back laughter. 

"I thought someone was dying in here," she said. "Turns out it's just your singing voice."

"I can't be good at everything," Henry teased, "it wouldn't be fair."

"No, it certainly wouldn't."

He got up to meet her. Wilkin was already squeezing her senseless. She brushed his hair back affectionately, then stood to meet Henry. He wanted to hold her but knew she wanted their affections to be secret. Henry still thought it was rubbish. Wilkin was already attached to him, what harm was there in him knowing they liked each other?

As Mavis stood, her eyes opened wide as if remembering something. "I nearly forgot," she said. "Henry, you're dead!"

Henry raised an eyebrow. "What?"

She nodded, eagerly. "Niebla has proclaimed your death."

"How can they do that?"

She shrugged. "I assume they hope the news will rattle your family--and your kingdom."

Henry worried what his mother would think. His father would be skeptical. Without evidence, it was a bold claim to make. He wondered if there was a spy in the castle. If Niebla knew Henry was still missing from Lyra, they could assume he must truly be dead or critically injured somewhere in their kingdom. Otherwise, had he been hurt in Lyra, he would have been able to get help.

"That's not all," Mavis announced grimly. "They also issued a new decree. Any resident of Niebla must show proof of citizenship. Every household must post their papers on their front door."

"What happens if you don't?" Henry knew there was some trouble there. Mavis had said she was born in Lyra, technically a Lyran citizen. Though he vaguely remembered her saying Wilkin was Nieblan born.

"If we don't have proof of citizenship, they'll burn the house down."

Henry froze. "When?"

"I'm not sure. Probably within the week. They're starting a few villages down, so it may take a while for them to come here. Father has our papers. He keeps it with him. Without father, we have no proof of citizenship. We need to prepare to evacuate."

Hours had passed since Mavis relayed the news and Henry still couldn't believe it. Deep down he had known leaving here was inevitable. Lately, he hoped he might stay. If everyone thought he was dead, maybe he should let them go on believing it. They could figure something out for paperwork and keep the house. They could stay here, together. 

While they rocked by the fire, Henry watched Mavis. She was deep in thought, devising a plan in her head, no doubt. 

Henry cleared his throat. "We could find a way to forge some papers. We can make this work."

She frowned at him. "Henry, we can't stay here. You especially. You know this. We've known this the whole time, that's why I didn't want to get attached to you."

"Alright," Henry said thinking, "then we go to Lyra together. You and Wilkin can stay at the castle. We have plenty of room, my family is indebted to you."

"Henry," she looked at him sadly, "be reasonable. Wilkin and I will cross the border with you. But we'll be staying with my grandparents, on their farm."

"You would never have to work again," Henry pleaded. He needed to convince her to stay with him. He wasn't ready to give either of them up.

"I like working."

Henry hung his head back, trying to clear his frustration. "I can give you a job at the castle. You can stay busy, we can stay together."

"I'm not cut out for life at the castle. I like solitude, peace and quiet."

He tried not to let the irritation show in his voice. "Mavis, please. Now that I know you...I don't want to be apart from you. Or Wilkin."

"You knew this was going to happen eventually," her voice was quiet, almost as if she were convincing herself. "This is the way the world works."

"It doesn't have to be," he pleaded. She said nothing, just stared straight ahead, looking in to the fire as she rocked silently next to Henry. 

Henry was frustrated. Partly at Mavis for refusing to adjust her life for him, but mostly at himself. He wished things were different. But Mavis was right. This was the way the world worked.