Chapter 211 - The Unveiling

Chapter 211 - The Unveiling
LIRA 

Morning came too quickly.

I had barely slept, my mind still replaying the events of the night before. The flames. The screams. The spear that had narrowly missed my chest. I could still feel the rush of wind, the heat of Kael's fire, the terror and exhilaration of flying into battle.

Aveline had invited me to breakfast in her chambers.

I dressed quickly, my hands still trembling slightly. Luna was curled on my bed, her eyes watching me with concern.

You look tired, she said.

"I am fine."

You are not fine. You barely slept at all. 

"I will rest later. The Princess has invited me for breakfast.” 

I crossed to the door.

Lira. Her voice stopped me. Be careful.

I am always careful.

No, she said. You are not. But I love you anyway.

I almost smiled.

\-————————————-

I had never been to the Princess’s chambers, but Aveline's chambers were warm and bright.

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting golden patterns across the stone floor. The fire crackled in the hearth, and the table was laid with fresh bread, cheese, and fruit.

Aveline sat at the head of the table, her hair loose around her shoulders, a smile on her face. In that moment I was reminded of how much she looked like Cassian. All of them shared the same blue eyes, but she shared more similarities with Cassian. His sharp jawline, his high cheekbones and his full lips. 

"Lira," she said. "Sit. Eat. You look like you need it."

I sat.

"I am fine," I said.

"You are such a terrible liar."

I picked up a piece of bread and tore off a small piece.

Aveline watched me for a moment.

"You did very well last night," she said finally. "I was impressed. Most people would have panicked. You did not."

"To be honest, I was completely terrified."

"Terrified is fine. Panic is not. There is a difference."

I took a bite of bread.

Aveline leaned back in her chair.

"Tell me," she said. "How did you and my brother fall in love? I’ve always wondered how that happened. I mean, I didn’t even notice you that much until you started talking to my brother Evander, now all of a sudden, you’re the love of Cassian’s life but somehow still engaged to Evander.” 

I blinked. "What?"

"I have never seen Cassian look at anyone the way he looks at you. Even when he was furious last night—when he was scolding me for taking you, I could see it. The fear in his eyes. The love." She tilted her head. "How did it happen?"

I was silent for a moment.

"I disliked him at first," I admitted.

Aveline laughed. "Disliked him?"

"Intensely. I thought he was arrogant. Spoiled. Entitled. The other girls would swarm over me and it irritated my soul. I didn’t know what they saw in him.” 

"And now?"

"Now I know he is all those things." I paused. "But he is also many other good things. He is very kind, he is selfless and brave too. He truly cares for his people and he loves them too. And he loves me, even after everything that has happened between us. He has always been on my side and protected me."

Aveline smiled.

"That sounds very much like Cassian."

"I hope he didn’t scold you too much last night?"

"Oh he did. Fiercely too." She shook her head. "He said I should never have taken you. That I put you in danger. That if anything had happened to you…” She stopped. "He didn’t finish the sentence. He was vibrating with so much anger he could barely contain it.” 

I felt a warmth spread through my chest.

"And Kael," I said. "How is he?"

"He is healing nicely. The spear only grazed his wing. He will be fine. You can see him when he flies out for his patrol later."

"Thank you."

Aveline studied me for a long moment.

"Lira," she said carefully, "I know you are not bonded to Kael."

I felt my blood turn to ice.

"What?"

"I know," she repeated. "I have spent years around dragons, studying dragons, learning about the bond. I know what it looks and feels like. And I know that you and Kael do not have it."

"Aveline…” 

"You are bonded to Luna. The white dragon.” Her voice was gentle. "I saw it last night. The way you communicated. The way she guided him. The way she caught you when you almost fell."

"Aveline…” 

"Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me." She reached across the table and took my hand. "I will not tell anyone. I promise."

I stared at her.

I did not know what to say.

"Thank you," I whispered finally.

Aveline squeezed my hand.

"You are part of this family now, Lira. Whether you like it or not."

\---

I did not eat much breakfast.

There was a low, persistent queasiness that made my stomach churn. I pushed the food around my plate, hoping Aveline would not notice.

She noticed. She was more observant than I gave her credit for.

"You look quite pale," she said. "Are you unwell?"

"I did not sleep well last night. That is all."

"And the nausea?"

I blinked. "What?"

"You have been turning green since you sat down," she said. "I thought you were going to be sick."

"It is nothing. Just tired. We had a long night yesterday. I just need a full day of rest.” 

Aveline studied me for a moment.

"If you say so."

I excused myself shortly after.

\-————————-

I walked through the corridors, my mind churning with a million and one thoughts. 

The nausea, I thought. The late cycle. The… 

I stopped.

No, I told myself. No. It is just the stress. I never did used to have a regular cycles before, my cycles had only gotten regular when I entered the palace. My cycles being irregular again was only because of the stress of the palace. Because of the war and everything going on. It is just everything that has been happening. It does not mean anything.

"Lady Lira."

I looked up.

A guard stood before me, his face grim. Behind him stood three more guards. And behind them… 

The Queen.

"Your Majesty," I said, curtsying.

"Lady Lira." Her voice was cold. "I have been looking for you."

"Your Majesty?"

She nodded to the guards.

"Arrest her."

I felt the blood drain from my face.

"Your Majesty. What is the meaning of this?” 

"Treason," she said. "Impersonating a noble. Conspiring against the crown."

"Your Majesty, I do not know what you are…” 

"Take her to the dungeons."

The guards stepped forward.

I did not fight them.

I could not.

I just stood there, frozen, as they took my arms and led me away.

The Queen watched me go.