King of Blood

Chapter 36 - Lyanna

The world was still cloaked in darkness as Lyanna stepped into the quiet room holding the alter, her bare feet brushing against the cold marble floor. The nightgown she wore, soft and pale, flowed loosely around her as she moved toward the altar. The faintest hint of dawn crept through the high windows, casting muted shadows over the sacred space. Her heart was heavy, and though she couldn't name the exact burden weighing her down, it drove her to her knees before the altar.

Her fingers trembled as she traced the familiar symbols carved into the smooth marble—the six-pointed star of Amphorn, the rooted tree of Silvanus. She bowed her head, her hair cascading forward, and muttered a prayer, though she wasn't sure who she was praying to or what she was praying for.

"Amphorn, keep me inviolable," she whispered. "Silvanus, grant him strength."

Her words faltered, giving way to silence. She closed her eyes, letting the stillness of the room envelop her. Her chest rose and fell in time with her measured breaths, the only sound breaking the quiet.

The soft sound of footsteps behind her made her glance over her shoulder. Naida entered the room, her presence as calm and steady as the sea she served. She wore a simple gown, her hair loosely tied back. Without a word, she knelt beside Lyanna at the altar, bowing her head and muttering her own prayer.

The two women prayed in silence for a time, the weight of their shared history filling the space between them. Finally, Naida's voice broke the quiet.

"What are you praying about?" she asked softly, her gaze still fixed on the altar.

Lyanna hesitated, her fingers brushing over Silvanus's symbol. "I'm not sure," she admitted. "I'm not even sure what I'm asking for. Perhaps strength, or clarity. Maybe both." She glanced at Naida. "And you? What do you pray for?"

Naida gave a faint smile, her eyes reflecting the flickering light of the lanterns. "I'm not sure either," she said. "But I trust Alannis to lend her hand where she can. She always has a way of guiding the tides, even when they seem uncontrollable."

Lyanna nodded, taking comfort in her friend's faith. The silence returned, heavy but not unwelcome. After a while, Naida spoke again, her voice tinged with quiet resignation.

"We've dreaded this day for a long time."

Lyanna's heart clenched, but she nodded. "We have." She paused, her voice growing softer. "But maybe... maybe marriage will change him. Perhaps Aleksander will return to the man he once was. The boy we knew when we were children. Maybe it will be like it was back then."

The words felt hollow even as she spoke them, and she knew Naida could hear the doubt in her tone. Still, Naida reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, her grip firm and reassuring.

"Maybe," Naida said, though her voice carried the same uncertainty. "But if not, we'll face him together. Like we always have."

Lyanna swallowed hard, her gratitude evident as she turned to look at her friend. "Thank you, Naida. For everything."

Naida gave her a small smile. "Always."

With Naida's encouragement, Lyanna stood, her legs unsteady at first but finding strength as she straightened. She turned to the altar one last time, her fingers brushing over Amphorn's star. She pressed a kiss to the symbol, her lips lingering for a moment as if drawing strength from the act.

Together, the two women left the room, the first rays of dawn beginning to pierce the horizon. As they walked side by side, Lyanna felt a small flicker of hope rekindle within her—a fragile thing, but enough to keep her moving forward.