Lyra barely slept, not because of the massive bed or the silken sheets that felt far too luxurious for someone who used to sleep on straw, but because her heart hadn't stopped racing since last night.
Linked. That word kept echoing in her mind. She and Lord Kyro were now tied together, bound by a strange ritual and ancient curse. He couldn't step foot outside without her. Her blood and her presence meant his freedom. And still, she hadn't really processed how his gaze had lingered on her, or how he'd let her walk away with that cocky little smirk.
Reward, huh?
She changed quickly and made her way to the front garden, where Kyro was already waiting. He leaned casually against the stone archway, dressed in a simple dark cloak, looking completely out of place and yet somehow even more... handsome.
"So," Kyro said, straightening from the archway, "what is it that you want for your reward?"
Lyra paused. "Well... I want to go to the market. Grocery shopping. I want to cook something myself."
Kyro tilted his head. "That's it?"
"That's plenty," she said. "Besides, it'll be my first time seeing your kingdom."
He smiled gently. "Then let's go."
"W-Wait you're coming too?"
"Of course. I must ensure your safety, after all, it would be your first time in town."
Lyra narrowed her eyes. "You just wanted an excuse to leave."
He grinned. "Maybe."
The carriage rolled to a slow stop just outside of town. One of the knights opened the door and said, "We'll drop you off here so you don't draw attention."
Kyro stepped out first, then turned and offered his hand to help Lyra down. She hesitated only a second before taking it.
As they approached the town on foot, farms and quiet homes lined the path. Kyro's eyes lit up like a child seeing the world for the first time.
Lyra glanced at him sideways. Now that I think about it... he said he was here to ensure my protection, but this is clearly his first time here too, she thought.
They reached the entrance of the town, where the dirt road turned to cobblestone and streets started to buzz with life.
"Are you ready?" Kyro asked.
"Yes, Lord Kyro," she answered automatically.
He leaned in slightly, whispering, "Try to avoid using my name too much while we're here. We're supposed to be disguised, remember?"
Lyra blinked. "Right. Then what should I call you?"
He smirked. "Whatever you want. Just not 'my lord'—unless you want attention."
She rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched upward.
They wandered through the marketplace. Lyra lit up at the rows of fresh produce and hand-woven fabrics. She picked up some herbs, sniffing them with a soft smile.
"You're glowing," Kyro said suddenly.
She blinked. "What?"
"You look happy. I like seeing that."
She turned away quickly. "Stop saying weird things."
He just chuckled. "It's not weird. It's honest."
They bought ingredients for a warm meal—vegetables, herbs, and some meat. Kyro tried to haggle at the butcher's stall and failed miserably. The old man actually raised the price instead.
"You're terrible at this," Lyra said, laughing for real this time.
"Is that so? Then teach me."
"There's nothing to teach." She says.
Kyro ends up paying for the overpriced meat, and they keep looking around.
They passed a dressmaker's booth next. A light green dress caught Lyra's eye. She stopped, staring for just a second too long.
"Do you want it?" Kyro asked.
She hesitated. "I mean, I was going to stay within my little budget, but… oh no. I ran out of money." She gave him a sly look. Suddenly she thought, "But I do know how men work…"
She turned to him, eyes wide and fake-innocent. "Heyyyy Kyro~"
He looked like he was trying not to combust on the spot. He cleared his throat. "You're dangerous."
"Is that a yes?"
He handed the vendor the coins.
"You know," Kyro said casually, slipping the bag into her hands, "if you keep looking at me like that, I might start thinking you actually like me."
Her eyes shot open, face blooming like a cherry blossom tree in spring.
Now she was the one blushing.
As they walked back through the winding streets, a sudden downpour struck. People scrambled for cover.
"We're soaked," Lyra said, lifting her arms over her head.
"Here," Kyro said quickly, slipping off his cloak and throwing it over her.
"Wait—then you'll get drenched!"
"Better me than you."
She wanted to argue, but the rain was heavy, and Kyro was already smiling like it was nothing. They ran through the storm together, heading to the meeting spot where the carriage was waiting, laughing and slipping slightly on the stone path. She slipped a little on the wet stone, letting out a tiny gasp. Kyro grabbed her hand quickly to steady her, and he didn't let go.
Back at the castle, Kyro led her to her little home beside the main wing. She was dripping wet, and so was he, but he looked… happy.
"Thanks for today," she said quietly. "It meant a lot."
He stepped closer. "Then I'm glad."
She unlocked her door and turned to him. "Would you… Like to eat with me? I'll cook."
His expression softened. "Only if you promise not to poison me."
She rolled her eyes. "No promises."
Dinner was warm, simple, and delicious. They sat together, close but not too close. Their legs brushed once under the table. Neither pulled away.
After they ate, Kyro stood.
"I should let you rest."
She followed him to the door. "Good night, Kyro."
He paused. "I like hearing my name from you."
Lyra froze.
He leaned in slightly—not too much—but close enough to make her face burn. He said it in a soft, playful tone, drawing out her name just slightly—"Sleep well, Lyra."
And then he was gone.
She shut the door and leaned against it, covering her face with both hands.
What is happening to me...