The Dragon Bond: Heirs of Lyra

Chapter 93

Henry was struggling to keep up with the chaos. What's more, he wasn't sure whose side he was on. Truly, he thought Elysia was in favor of marrying Finnian. Otherwise, why would she have chosen him, of all the other men? 

Now, he was beginning to realize he had been blind to the truth. Previously he had been swept up in the idea of all the siblings finding their happy endings, he never questioned Elysia's feelings. After all, it would have been so easy, so convenient. Elysia would marry and gain another alliance, Ralf would wed the love of his life and gain an alliance, and Henry would spend the rest of his life with Mavis. 

It wasn't long after realizing the disappearance of Elysia and her guardian, that they returned. Everyone was pleasantly shocked to see them return of their own accord. Henry's first thought was Elysia had run off, away from her problems. He was relieved to see her safely among them.

"If everyone is done arguing about our lives," Elysia began, "we would like to voice our own opinions now."

Collectively, those in the room waited for her to continue. She looked surprised she had gained their attention so easily. 

"Shade and I will marry," she announced.

Shade piped in. "Because we want to, not because we feel obligated to."

"Yes," Elysia agreed, "that's right. We both agree it's best for the two kingdoms, and we share a fondness for each other. So, yes, that's the plan. If there are any objections, too bad."

Henry resisted a chuckle. She truly was a force of nature. Not many women could captivate and command a room full of royals, but Elysia succeeded with great elegance and grace. She was completely nervous, no doubt about it, but Henry was proud of her. 

"I support anything my sister chooses to do," Henry proclaimed warmly. He earned a grateful smile from his sister. He decided he wouldn't tell her everyone already decided she was to marry Shade. That would only crush her spirit. Better to let her believe her demands had swayed the room, rather than the decision already made for her. 

Finnian, on the other hand, looked ready to melt into a puddle of despair. He was clearly infatuated with the Princess, beyond all reason. Henry felt sorry for him, but knew there was something off about the man. He didn't take rejection well, and tended to whine like a child when his demands weren't met. 

King Alan addressed his daughter. "You are sure this is what you want?" 

Henry wanted to scoff at the statement. Moments ago it seemed she wouldn't have a choice. But he wondered if his father sensed something he didn't. Were there true feelings between Elysia and her guardian? Or were they simply putting forth a brave face for their kingdoms?

He supposed it was possible, that Elysia had eventually developed a fondness for her guardian. At first, the guardian's presence had been a thorn in her side, Henry knew that much for certain. His sister had been very clear in expressing her initial disdain for the man. But they had journeyed together on several occasions, spent long days and even nights together. Now that he thought of it, Henry supposed it would be almost impossible for the two not to develop feelings for one another. 

"Yes," Elysia replied. "We are certain. Let's do this."

Henry had never seen Queen Lilith smile. It was effective at lighting up the room. Her face transformed into true radiance, a beauty that had been muted by years of grief and heartache. 

"I'm so pleased," she said, clasping her hands together. Henry could see she wanted to embrace her son. She looked at him with such longing, as if it pained her to remain distanced. It's as if she knew her son needed time, he needed to process things and understand their relationship. Perhaps they might never develop the bond the Queen so obviously desired. He felt sorry for the Queen, knowing the difficulty ahead. He hoped Shade wouldn't disappoint her. She seemed nice. 

"I'm sure we can find you a change of clothing," King Alan said, addressing Shade's faded brown cloak. 

Elysia looked ready to argue, but Shade spoke for himself. "I'm fine how I am, thank you."

At first, Henry expected his father to insist otherwise. Instead, he sighed, admitting defeat on the matter. Clearly, King Alan was choosing his battles. It would shock the guests, for this plain looking man to stand across Elysia's radiant beauty, exchanging vows in front of hundreds of royals and highborns. 

There would certainly be mass confusion. But in the end, the only thing that mattered was his sister's happiness. If this is the man she wanted, then Henry cared not what he wore. 

While the others prepared themselves to reenter the chapel, Henry pulled his sister aside quietly. He had to know for himself, that Elysia was doing this for her own happiness. 

"Are you certain this is what you want?" Henry asked.

Elysia nodded as a hopeful smile lit up her face. "Yes."

"Is this for the alliance?" He clarified. "Or do you truly have feelings for this man?"

Elysia put her hands on Henry's shoulders, as if to ensure he heard her clearly. "Both. It's both for the alliance and for myself. I've loved him in secret since the ball. But I suspect I had feelings before that even, I just didn't want to admit them to myself."

Henry was shocked. He had no idea. This entire time, throughout the engagement with Finnian, Elysia had loved another man. How hard it must have been for her to harbor feelings for another, while engaged to a man she did not love. All for her kingdom. 

Unable to resist the surge of affection, Henry hugged his sister, taken aback by her own strength as she squeezed him in return. 

Henry held onto her for another moment, wondering where the years had gone. "If you're happy, then so am I."