The Dragon Bond: Heirs of Lyra

Chapter 85

Kenric sighed, realizing he would in fact have to wait a little longer to see his daughter. "I'm listening." 

"I stayed at your house for some time. It took a while to recover from my injuries. Most of Niebla was looking for me and your children bravely kept me hidden from their searches. I don't make friends easily," Henry explained. He felt like a fool, babbling and fighting for a good way to present his case. "But I feel a very strong connection to your son and daughter. Like family."

Kenric eyed Henry curiously, his arms crossed. Clearly he was waiting for the point of all this. "I'm glad my kids took good care of you. I always taught them to help those in need."

"Yes, you've certainly raised them both very well." Henry scratched his head, struggling to get back on track. "Listen, I'm not good at sharing how I feel about things. So I'm just going to say it. I fell in love with your daughter."

Kenric's posture grew, fury in his eyes. Clearly he suspected something improper had taken place. "What do you mean you fell in love--"

"I asked her to marry me," Henry blurted out before this man could get any angrier. "And she said yes."

Kenric froze. The fury transformed to complete astonishment. "You asked her to marry you?"

Henry nodded.

"And she said yes?" he repeated. 

Again, Henry nodded. 

"How can you do that? How are you allowed to marry her?" the man began sputtering, trying to make sense of it all. "You're the Prince, aren't you supposed to marry a princess? Don't you have to marry royalty?"

"I already spoke with my father about it and he's agreed. My brother will marry the princess I was betrothed to, and their children will be next in line after me. With your will, I would marry your daughter and be the next reigning king. I have a farm and cottage for you and your family to live on the castle grounds. She wouldn't have to be separated from her family." Henry was practically sweating. He could face an entire group of men trying to kill him but somehow this one man was giving him palpitations. 

"Let me get this straight," Kenric said, using his hands to emphasize his statements. "You were engaged to a princess, and instead you want to marry my Mavis?"

"Yes," Henry confirmed.

Kenric's frown deepened. "And you want my entire family to move to the castle on some farmland you have set aside?"

"If you want to live there," he added. He wanted to make sure none of this seemed like an order. It was all optional, all for their benefit. 

The man paused, thinking. His face gave nothing away. Henry had no idea what was going on inside his mind. 

"She already said yes?" he clarified.

"I would have liked to ask your permission on that matter, but you were otherwise detained," Henry pointed out. He knew proper etiquette called for the father's approval.

"You're a prince, why would you need my permission?"

"Because," Henry drew the word out, "you're her father and she loves you and it would have been the honorable thing to do. But I was caught up in the moment and I couldn't wait any longer. I love Mavis more than anything, I can't imagine living a moment without her."

Kenric raised an eyebrow. "We're talking about the same person right? My Mavis?"

Henry wasn't sure why it was so hard to believe. "Yes, of course."

To Henry's surprise, Kenric buckled over with laughter. He carried on so hard his chest started shaking and his face grew red. Henry was stunned. Was this a good reaction or a bad one?