Vows of Sovereignty Oneshots

Honesty and Complexities: Lyra (Unspoken Vows)

Lyra couldn't believe she'd let herself be that stupid. No one should fall in love with a prince from Silverthorne, and it could only be worse if that person was a princess from its rival kingdom. The weight of that knowledge settled heavily on her shoulders, pushing her to take a step back from Damien.

The chaos in her head spun faster as she glanced back at him. He was probably grinning, ready to call after her with one of his useless nicknames. But as her gaze locked onto his expression, she caught a glimpse of something deeper—something that echoed regret.

He probably regretted kissing her. If Lyra was in her right mind, or at least thinking about her kingdom, she would be too. But she wasn't. All she could think about was walking over and kissing him again. Even if it meant nothing, even if everything got in the way. But the bravery she craved eluded her.

Instead, she whispered, "It's a beautiful night... everything about it," as she had minutes before.

To her surprise, the prince gave another halfhearted smirk, but there was a lingering shadow in his eyes. "I doubt you mean that in the way I hope you do, Dewdrop."

Her face heated up at the nickname once again, but this time, she ventured off script. "Something about the night reminds me of... you know... us. The way the stars dance around the darkened sky... you control the shadows... and I'm right there, using light. It's not black and white, though. There's darkness in everyone. And there's light too."

He froze, the contemplative expression on his face more pronounced than ever. Taking a deep breath, he whispered, "Lyra, there's something I've been meaning to tell you..."

Her heart raced as anticipation filled the air. She doubted it would lead anywhere meaningful, but the way his golden curls framed his face and the vulnerability in his gaze sent her pulse racing.

"When I tell you this," he continued, any teasing noticeably absent, "I need you to promise that you won't hold it against me... No. That you won't... completely shut me out after."

Obviously, that wasn't the proclamation of love Lyra had been expecting. Why should it be? He was a prince. And an attractive one at that. He kissed princesses all the time. It didn't mean anything.

"I wouldn't... couldn't, Damien."

There were many unspoken words in her trembling voice, and both she and Damien were well aware of the emotions swirling between them.

He took a moment, his breath shaky, avoiding her gaze. "I... when... you... Your brother. When he was murdered... that was my people, you know—"

"I know that," she mumbled, her stomach twisting, "And I don't hold it against you. So if that's why—"

"Lyra. Sunshine." He stepped closer, his voice low and heavy. "I was there. I was the assassin that killed the Prince of Everdale. I killed your brother."

Lyra felt as if the ground had dropped beneath her. Sure, she knew he had an affinity for anything concerning shadows and she'd heard rumors, but maybe she was just too naïve. Maybe this was obvious to everyone but her.

But she couldn't bring herself to meet Damien's eyes. "I... um... have to go."

She pushed past him, heart pounding in her chest as she returned to her dorm. How could you be so stupid, Lyra? You found one person, and it had to be the assassin who ended your brother's life. The one who put you in this mess. The one who... who hurt you.

Memories of Damien flooded her mind—every smirk, every laugh, every nickname, all the hours they spent trying to bridge the animosity between their kingdoms. Was it all for nothing?

Worst of all, she kept imagining the way he'd pressed his lips against hers, softly, like a promise of peace, a whisper of what could come, a plea for her to stay with him. But how could she? How could she ever look at him the same way again?