"Mother."
"Lyra dear" my mother said, her eyes shining with warmth. "I see you're getting acquainted with Prince Ryder. That's wonderful."
She approached us gracefully in her steps "Ryder, it's lovely to see you again. I trust Lyra has been showing you the wonders of our home."
Ryder bowed slightly, his smile charming. "Queen Lirien, your hospitality is renowned and Lyra has been an excellent guide. Your home is even more magnificent than I imagined."
My mother's eyes sparkled with pleasure. "Thank you Ryder. We're glad to have you here. Lyra why don't you show Ryder the gardens? The sunset is lovely this time of year."
I nodded sensing a hint of mischief in my mother's eyes. "Yes mother. Let's go Ryder."
As we walked towards the gardens I couldn't help but believe my mom's up to something. Probably wants to set me up with Ryder. I know my mom's skilled in matchmaking. I glanced at Ryder who was walking beside me, oblivious to what was happening.
"Ryder, my mom can be a bit... persistent when it comes to the matter of the heart." I whispered, trying to warn him.
He raised an eyebrow, his eyes sparkling with amusement "Oh... And what does she have in store for us?"
I rolled my eyes "Let's just say she's eager to see me settled down with a suitable partner. And by suitable, I mean someone with a title and an impressive magic."
Ryder chuckled, "Well I do have a title and a decent amount of magic but I think I'd rather focus on getting to know you than worrying about your mother's plans."
I smiled at him and he smiled back. I had shown Ryder around the gardens and walked back to the house and met Aria and Kael.