Hiding Royalty

18

Birds chirped outside, as the Sun shone through Liams window. His eyes crept open, the blurriness slowly subsiding. Staring at the ceiling, he smiled as he remembered his night with Lyra. They confessed their love for each other, and ended a great night with a sweet, and intimate kiss. Just thinking about the kiss sends goosebumps all over his body.

With a yawn, Liam got up and started getting dressed eager to see Lyra. He smiled thinking about how she helped him get over Emma, but also to remember her how she was when she was living. A knock on his door brought Liam out of his thoughts.

"Liam, lets get some breakfast." Lyra said sweetly.

Instead of answering, Liam opened the door to find Lyra smiling brightly at him. He smiled right back and wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. Lyras face turned red but she returned the hug.

"Whats for breakfast?" Liam asked releasing Lyra who took a couple of deep breaths.

"Eggs, Bacon, Biscuits, and Toast." Lyra answered grabbing Liams hand and leading him to the kitchen. 

Mary and Arthur were standing by the table waiting for the two lovers. They smiled as they approached, and bowed deeply. Liam awkwardly scratched his head, still not used to be bowed to.

As they sat down to eat, Liam kissed Lyras hand. She blushed and began eating. As they began chatting about the plans for the day, a knock at the front door, quieted them. Arthur got up and made his way to the front door.

Liam looked at Lyra, who was looking at the door, turning his attention to Mary. She was also staring at the door. Liam turned around and looked in the direction they were staring. His eyes widened at the site. A corrier with the royal colors was talking fervently with Arthur, and handed him a note before leaving quickly.

"What was that about Arthur?" Lyra asked.

"Here." Arthur said somberly, handing a letter to Lyra.

She hesitated for a second, afraid to take it, but she swallowed that fear in hope of good news. She began thinking that it was a letter to tell them it was safe to come home. She took the letter and unrolled it.

To Lyra,

Wherever you are, I come with news. It seems that your parents, The King and Queen have been assassinated, murdered really. Apparently, some powerful people in the court hired an assassin in an attempt to take over. He has been taken care of. So that means by default YOU are the new Queen. We request your presence in the official coronation whenever you get this letter. My condolences to you for your loss.

From,

 Sir Wilhem, Knight Commander.

Lyra dropped the letter as tears formed in her eyes. Her parents, the once seeming immortal King and Queen, who only became better with age, were now dead. She stood up abruptly, and walked towards the door.

"Lyra, where are you going?" Liam asked but the question rang on deaf ears. 

Lyra continued on, opening the door and walking outside. Liam stood up and followed her quickly. When he caught up, he could hear her sobbing. He put his hand on her shoulder and she slapped it away.

"Leave me alone, Liam. Please." She said in between sobs.

"But I want to help." Liam persisted.

Lyra reared back and slapped Liam hard across the face. He just stood there in shock, as she continued walking. She didn't pay attention to her surroundings as she was lost in her thoughts.

The only ones Lyra looked up to were dead. Her protectors, who safeguarded her well-being. Her healers who cared for her when she was ill or injured. Her educators who taught her everything she knew. Her inspiration to become a great ruler, and her trusted confidants who listened to all her problems. Dead. They were both dead. Killed by some lowly assassin. Hired by some traitor, to try and take the crown. They were gonna pay. All that were involved.

Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around her. She struggled to break free but the arms never budged as though made of steel. She tried biting the nearest arm but that only made the arms squeeze her tighter. She felt a warm breath blowing against her ear. 

"Lyra, please let me help you." The voice said. "I am not going to pretend to know what you're going through but let me tell you it isn't the end of the world." 

Lyra turned to see Liam. She teared up agained and leaned against him. She started crying quietly at first, but soon became aware of her surroundings which made her cry harder and louder.

"Let it out, dear. Remember this place, you held me as I cried. Now it is my turn to hold you while you cry." He whispered in her ear.

Lyra stopped crying for a second to process what he just said. He was correct, this was the same place that Liam was wailing on the ground at the sudden loss of his childhood friend Emma. She turned to look at Liam, there was a red handprint where she had slapped him. He saw the look on her face and let go of her. 

"My parents have been murdered, someone hired an assassin in an attempt to gain the crown." Lyra said sobbing again at the thought.

Liam didn't say anything, just looked past her trying to process what she just said. Lyra searched his eyes for anything, pity, sadness, anger, but he remained stoned faced. Liam, suddenly, kneeled on the ground. 

"I promise you, my Queen. I will stay by your side forever and always. I will help you bear your burdens by being your most trusted confidant. Becoming your shield and sword would be an honor." Liam said.

Lyra stared at him in shock. She started to cry softly, tears rolling down her pale cheeks. She lifted Liams head so he was looking at her.

"Brave, Courageous, Caring, Level-headed, and Gentle. Those are the traits my mother saw in my father when he became King, and the same traits I see in you. I love you, Liam. And with you as King I think the people will be happy, as happy as I am with you. So please, will you marry me? " Lyra asked. "So that you can be the kind of King the people need and also the one I believe you can be." 

Liam was shocked at what he just heard her ask. Him? King? He couldn't believe it. He was not that great was he? He looked Lyra in the eyes to see if she was teasing him but all he could find was truth in her eyes.

"You mean that?" He asked.

"Of course, I would not lie to you. It may be hard at times, and you will lose sleep. But I believe you would make a great King." She replied.

Liam stood up and looked down at her. He smiled and took both of her hands and his. His determination was radiating around him. He would not let her down.

"Alright. I will marry you. Not because of the people, nor the status but because I love you so much." He said.

This reply made her smile, and another tear rolled down her cheek. But it wasn't a tear of sadness but one of happiness. Liam wiped the tear off of her cheek. They both leaned into one another. Their lips made contact with each other, and it sent an tingles down each of their spines.

Sorry for the really late update. It has a been a rough couple of months but don't worry. I will be doing more. Just please be patient with me.

Okami(TheHowlingWolves)