Enchantment of the Bow

Chapter Fifty-Three

Lyra's POV

When we near my bed chambers, there is a man with golden hair paused outside of my door, talking to the Guards posted there. It sounds like he is arguing with them about something and one of the two dressed in the uniform of my mother's Guard puts a hand up to stop the blonde man's advance towards the door.

"Sir! I'm afraid that the Princess isn't in at the moment. We can send for someone to alert you when she returns, but until then, you really should return to your bed. You are in no condition to be walking around just yet."

Recognition strikes me and I feel tears prick my eyes, a lump forming in my throat. The hardened facade from earlier crumbles at my feet as my emotions run wild. I stop in my tracks and have to wait a moment before attempting to speak, overcome by happiness. Sage kisses one of my hands in concern while the other covers my mouth.

Sam stops at my side and looks at me curiously. "Lyra? What's wrong, why are you crying?" His fingers brush my face before he follows my gaze and smiles in understanding. Lance turns to me, bay colored eyes finding mine. He had been looking at the golden haired man too, and judging by the smile on his face, he knows who it is.

I finally break into a run down the corridor, towards the man outside of my door. My cry echos down the hallway and I'm certain that everyone in the castle must be able to hear my voice. "Hana!" Tears stream down my face as I let out a laugh strangled by tears.

He turns, blue eyes wide with surprise. He stumbles forward, but looks like he may fall to his knees as he blanches and grabs his side. "Lyra!" Hana gasps, his free arm reaching towards me.

I run into his arms, uncaring of the men who look on from their post. As my body makes impact with his chest, Hana makes an oof sound, but doesn't hesitate in wrapping his arms around me. I feel his laugh vibrate through my body as we squeeze each other.

"I am so sorry," I choke into his tunic. "I knew that there was no one out there. I never should have sent you-"

Hana releases me and falls to one knee, placing a fist into his left shoulder. I can see that it physically pains him, but he keeps his head bowed. "My lady, I am who should be sorry. Please, forgive me. I allowed your men to be taken captive and left your defense weakened."

"Shut up," I order, making him lift his head to look at me with a quizzical expression. I swipe at my face, straighten my tunic and clear my throat. "I expect you to know your place and not argue with me. Hana, the failure of your mission was entirely my fault."

I see the will to argue in his eyes, but he bows his head. "Yes, My lady."

My tone and gaze softens. "I wanted so badly to visit you as soon as you returned, but I was confined to my chambers."

Hana looks to me, exasperated. "Confined? By who, for what reason? They are a fool to think that they could ever hope to contain a fire behind bars." His words give me more hope than I've felt in a great while, and I have to fight the tears that burn the back of my throat.

"To your feet, man," I order, voice shedding it's authoritative skin. I help Hana to his feet, grabbing his elbow for him to lean on me. "When is the last time that you've eaten? Come inside, we have so much to discuss. I need to know what happened to you men and I have quite a bit of news to tell you."

I pat Hana's shoulder and look back at the group of men who come to a stop behind me.
Sam wastes no time in coming directly beside me, his arm brushing mine. I can't help but be reminded of Jed, and my stomach sinks. How will I tell him?

Lance keeps his gaze averted, and Hana has a hard time looking at him, as well. I recall the tense conversation we had about my crown on the night of the ball, and how Hana didn't trust my brother. Judging by the awkward way they ignore each other, I would guess that neither has apologized. Though The Queen verified giving Lance my crown and resolved the matter, it is Hana's nature to ask for forgiveness in wrongly suspecting someone. Perhaps he hadn't had the chance before I sent him away.