Enchantment of the Bow

Chapter Forty-Three

Lyra's POV

Kaladin looks surprisingly convincing in a Guard's uniform, and he even stands formally: spine straight, head high, eyes alert and face emotionless. He is rather handsome, as well, with his hair groomed back neatly and sporting a cleanly shaven jaw. I briefly wonder where he learned this particular facade, but I quickly decide that I really do not wish to know.

The mercenary? Lance asks me as the doorway becomes occupied, his every muscle tense. He had been standing a few feet away, watching me shoot like the other men in the room, and now takes several steps closer to me. Apparently he thought the man I told him about would be someone else, because he certainly did not expect this.

You promised. I remind my brother, glancing towards him and lowering the bow and arrow in my grasp. The smoothly carved wood is familiar in my hand, and I am once again reminded of Jed, who had brought it back for me.

Lance is as taut as a bow string, and a muscle in his folded arms jumps with tension. I did, but, Lyra, if he tries anything- His brown, calculating gaze never leaves Kaladin, who now looks up to meet his eyes.

Kaladin's cerulean orbs hold his a moment, as if to test the strength of my brother's promise to me. He silently dares Lance to expose him, to cross me and test my authority.

Lance looks away from the both of us, down at the marble floor. I don't miss the way his jaw matches his fists, and clenches. Damn it, Lyra.

I assure you, he won't do anything. I promise, praying that my words will stay true. Kaladin had better not have any ulterior motives to his desire to protect me, I hate to think about what might happen to him otherwise. I hope that he understands exactly what he signed up for, here. I am surrounded by men who love me, and who would torture him in the most unimaginable ways if he caused me any harm.

I am still in the training hall with Lance, Darion, Sebastian and the other Guardsmen, when Kaladin and Hener are brought in as today's victors. I try not to pay any particular attention to Kaladin, and direct my focus on Hener. I do not have to force a smile when I see him.

His golden locks are pulled away from his face, similarly to his brothers, and he grins at me. He puffs out his chest beneath his leather vest, much like a peacock. He's worked very hard for this position, and I can see reason for him to be proud. I am proud of him, too. I smile widely in return to his toothy expression, and motion him over with my free hand.

Kaladin keeps his gait at a calm walk, following slightly behind Camisêal as he tries to reach Hener, giving the previous knight a cross look as he comes to me, far too quickly. Camisêal reaches out and grabs Hener by the collar before he is out of reach, pulling him back.

"You never rush at the princess in that manner. I care not how exited you may be, nor how familiar you are with her. If that is seen in public, especially by the king-" His voice is hard and he leaves his warning open ended.

The truth is, that no one wants to know what would happen to that Guard, and I now feel foolish for encouraging him. He hadn't been running, or even jogging, but anything more than a slow walk when facing royalty is disrespectful. When Hana ran to me at the ball, he was permitted to, because I was not well. If I had been healthy and still standing, he would not have done so.

"Sir." Hener nods, sobering. "Forgive me, my lady."

Cam's face shows wear from his activities today, with haggard markings evident on his features. He's probably sparred with half of the village men trying to earn a spot on the Guard, yet he keeps up his posture and demeanor clean. He has to put on a good influence with the new Guards, so they do not learn any bad habits.