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Love, Amy
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The air in the dining room grew thick, and Lyra found herself tuning out the sound of Rohan's voice. The man stared at her with an intensity that made her uneasy as he chewed his food slowly.
"...Good, the food is here," Rohan said, nudging her gently with his elbow.
"Huh? What were you saying?" Lyra snapped out of her trance, her attention shifting back to her brother. She felt a wave of relief, grateful he hadn't noticed the silent exchange that had just taken place.
"Are you alright? I have been speaking to you, yet it seemed as though you were not listening," Rohan complained, shoving a piece of cake into his mouth.
A small smile appeared across her face, "Forgive me, brother, what is it you were saying?"
"I mentioned how good the food is here," Rohan added, his eyes drifting toward Sevastian. "I think Azrael's cooks could use a lesson or two." He chuckled lightly, but Sevastian merely ignored him.
They continued their dinner as Lyra and Rohan engaged in light conversation, filling each other in on the parts of their lives they had missed. Sevastian listened in silence, hardly contributing to their exchange.
"Sevastian, I must show you an amazing view of the city. I am certain you will love it." Rohan set his napkin on the table and rose from his chair.
"I would rather—"
"Oh, do not be such a bore," Rohan interrupted with a dismissive wave of his hand. "It will only take a few minutes, I promise. You shall enjoy it." He was already at Sevastian's side of the table by the time he finished speaking.
Sevastian reluctantly rose to his feet and walked beside an overly excited Rohan, with his sister locking her arm around his. The sky had darkened, the sun settled into its resting place, and beads of stars now scattered across the sky.
Every corner and wall had light against it, brightening up the pathway. The guards bowed their head in respect as the trio walked past them. Rohan lead them through a narrow path covered in beautiful glowing flowers. There were quite a number of stairs which they climbed until they reached an open space.
Sevastian narrowed his eyes as he scanned the space, desperately trying to see what exactly Rohan thought could excite him here. When he decided to open his mouth to speak, Rohan beat him to it. "You are looking the wrong way, Sev, turn around."
Sevastian did as he was told, and his thoughts began to shift. It wasn't something that would usually excite him, but the view was undeniably beautiful. The city sprawled out beneath them, with lights illuminating every street and house. People, dressed in various clothes, laughed and enjoyed their time with companions, while children ran playfully through the streets. The soft hum of music filled the air, adding to the lively atmosphere.
"I told you it was beautiful, right?" Rohan's eyes shone brightly, a smirk playing on his lips.
"It is indeed beautiful," he replied, eyes on the view in front of him.
"How did you discover this place?" Lyra asked, her gaze fixed on her brother. She knew her father would never allow her to be in a place like this.
Rohan looked at the view before answering, a soft chuckle escaping him. "When I was very little, before you were born. I would come here to sulk whenever he shouted at me, which happened quite often. I cannot blame him though, I was a stubborn bastard, just as he always said." He chuckled again, but his eyes held a mixture of emotions. His childhood had been a turbulent one, filled with difficult memories. He sometimes wondered how his life would have turned out if he'd stayed locked up in that palace. He would have definitely gone mad, that much was for sure.
Lyra tugged on his arm, trying to console him, her head resting on his shoulder. "I am sorry you had to go through all that. Father is a very.... complicated man, but he loves you."
Another chuckle escaped his lips, "Such a fucked up way of showing love if you ask me," he cleared his throat. "Do not let us trouble Sevastian with our sad family affairs."
"It is time to return, it is already late," Lyra announced, and the men agreed. They made their way back into the palace.
"I do not think I can fall asleep now. Perhaps you could help me with a book of any sort?" Sevastian stated, looking at Rohan.
"Books? I do believe we have a massive library on the second floor. Is it still there?" He asked his sister.
"Yes, it is," she replied.
"How about you take my dear friend to see it? Let him pick a book of his liking while I go pay mother a visit," Rohan suggested.
"I do not think that is a good idea. You can take him there yourself before visiting Mother," Lyra said, her arms crossed over her chest, clearly not interested in spending time with Sevastian.
"Nonsense, sister. I know you have been avoiding him. Sevastian is a good man, and he does not bite. Take him to the library," Rohan pushed further, ignoring his sister's glaring eyes.
"I—"
"Have fun. I will be back in an hour or so." Rohan was already a few steps ahead, his silhouette disappearing down the hallway, leaving Sevastian and Lyra standing in the parlor.
Sevastian cleared his throat. "It appears you are not quite fond of me, and I will not force you to be in the same space with me if you choose not to. You can give me the directions to the library, and I will find it on my own." His tone was calm and collected.
Lyra narrowed her eyes and took a step toward him. "I am not afraid of you if that is what you think."
"I have never thought such, Princess." His face remained expressionless.
"I am merely curious about you. Rohan mentioned you are a dragon and the advisor to the mad King of Valeria, but you do not look like... one of them." She retorted, her eyes watching him closely.
"What do 'they' look like, Princess?" He arched a brow at her.
"Rough, ruthless, loud, and very much not gentlemen." She explained, letting her hand fall to her side.