The Dragon Bond: Heirs of Lyra

Chapter 16

Elysia was up before the sun had even risen. She slipped on a comfortable, long, sleek dress that she always wore when she went out before sunrise. The dress allowed her to move freely and it appeased her grandmother. Though Queen Ariana had once worn men's trousers every day when she was younger, Elysia was not allowed to do the same. She had to resemble a lady at all times, even if she didn't act like one.

As soon as Elysia stepped out of her room, she was startled by the presence of her new guardian. He was sitting right next to her doorway, his back leaning against the wall. The dark hood of his robe was pulled over his head. His face was hidden by the darkness of the corridor and the shadow of his hood. Elysia hoped he was asleep but knew it was too good to be true.

She hadn't even taken a step past him before he was up on his feet and standing right in front of her.

She jumped and a gasp escaped her mouth. "Don't do that!" she exclaimed.

He simply stared at her, unwilling to speak as usual. She found it odd being face to face with him. Before he had always been behind her as if he were her shadow.

Now that he was right in front of her, she took the time to notice some of the features of his face. His eyes were as dark as she remembered but now there was an addition of dark circles underneath his eyes. He looked tired and the scruff on his face had grown darker and thicker. She knew the only time he slept and rested was when she did. He was not allowed to leave her side unless she was using the facilities or if she was in her room.

As a result, the princess spent most of her time hiding away in her room, enjoying the solitude.

"I'm not going to do anything," she muttered to him now.

She rolled her eyes when he didn't reply. "For the love of dragons, would you please say something! Or are you incapable?" She crossed her arms.

Though he did not say anything, she did notice her guardian narrow his eyes slightly as if in annoyance. She held her breath, hoping perhaps she would finally earn a response from the silent man.

Impatient, she took a step forward, but he cut her off. "Kindly move out of the way."

When he didn't, she tried again. And once again he matched her stride, successfully blocking her path.

"All I want is some fresh air." When that didn't appease him, she added, "You can come with me if you want, I just need to move around."

It was true, she was tired of being stuffed up in her room, even if it was night. She used to love waking up before the sun and going out into the forest to explore. Then, just as the sun began to rise she would hunt to better her skill with the bow and arrow.

He didn't move, but something about his demeanor seemed more at ease. She tested this by stepping to her right. When he didn't cut her off, she finally released a breath and walked with confidence down the dark hallway. She didn't look back to see, but she could feel the presence of her guardian behind her, silently stalking her.

Even in the darkness she knew the castle well. When she rounded the corner she was able to hurry down the steps with ease, knowing where to place her feet.

Once they reached the stables, Elysia walked over to the wall and grabbed her favorite bow. It had been made just for her by the most esteemed craftsman in Lyra. The craftsman had made the bow from the wood of the finest tree and had crafted it to be light in Elysia's hands. The finish on the wood was dark and sleek with the crest of Lyra engraved on the upper limb of the bow.

She made sure her quiver was stocked with arrows before she slung it over her shoulder. She paused when she heard her guardian grab a bow and quiver for himself.