The Dragon Bond: Heirs of Lyra

Chapter 1

The room was quiet as night settled in and darkness enveloped the room. Elysia counted to ten before she threw the covers from her body and sat up in bed. Her eyes had somewhat adjusted to the dark and so she grabbed her boots from her bedside and slipped them on. Then she tiptoed to the doorway and leaned her head on the wood until her ear was firmly pressed against it.

Patiently, she waited to hear any signs of movement. When she didn't, she slowly turned the knob and opened the door, just enough to peek out. Once it was clear no one was around, she lifted her dress up to avoid tripping, and hurried down the long hallway.

Her family's bedchambers were in the same hallway, so Elysia knew speed was crucial if she wanted to be unseen. After she rounded the corner, she took the two flights of stairs down until she reached the main level of the castle.

A couple of guards were walking around aimlessly and Elysia hid behind the corner until they passed. Then she sprinted across the large foyer and over to the kitchen. Despite the late hour, the kitchen lights were still on and a couple of apprentices were cleaning up and preparing for the next morning's meals.

Elysia stepped over to the side door and tapped four times, then waited. She held her breath, counting the seconds that ticked by.

Then, suddenly, the door opened and Sirey's head popped out. "You're late," she grumbled.

Knowing the coast was clear, Elysia allowed herself to exhale and grin at her friend's annoyance. "I had to make sure no one would see me."

Sirey opened the door wide enough for Elysia to step into the kitchen. The young apprentice chef crossed her arms at the rebellious princess. "Mr. Pots asked me twice why I hadn't yet given the leftovers to the pigs. He thinks I'm lazy."

Elysia ran her finger through some frosting that was in a bowl, and nonchalantly licked her finger clean. "You're not lazy, Sirey, you're generous. Besides, it would be a downright shame for all of this wonderfully cooked food to go to some nasty, unappreciative pigs."

"Pigs that we must fatten up to eat." Sirey pointed out.

Elysia waved her off and gathered the leftover bread in a basket and set the uneaten fruit in another. "I am sure the Fates will reward your good deeds someday soon."

Sirey's arms were still crossed as she looked at the princess. "If they could hurry up with that, that would be great. I'm getting a little tired of taking orders, I would love to start giving them."

"In due time," Elysia said, mocking a sophisticated voice. She then laughed, "Here you are wishing to grow up faster and here I am, dreading the future." It was true, if Elysia could freeze time, she would. She loved being able to wander the castle freely, to enjoy her days as she pleased. Independence was her best friend, and she loathed to think of the day that would all go away. 

Sirey's eyes softened in sympathy for Elysia. "You don't know that your future will be so bad. After all, you are King Alan's daughter, surely he wouldn't marry you off to some stranger."

Eylsia scoffed, "You obviously do not know my father well enough. He is so persistent to become allies with every kingdom possible, I wouldn't be surprised if he married me off to a dying old king three hundred miles away."

The sound of approaching footsteps startled both the girls.

"You better go," Sirey warned.

Elysia nodded and hugged her friend, before taking both baskets of food in her arms. She rushed out the door and turned left, down the hallway toward the stables. When she glimpsed the stableboy, she cursed under her breath, and came to a sudden halt.