Chapter 8: Unspoken Bonds

The soft hum of the evening air swirled around the manor, carrying with it the scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass. A gentle breeze moved through the open windows of the sitting room, where Lyria and Keiran sat, their conversation having turned into a more intimate discussion, now that the evening meal had ended.

Aiden, in Keiran's arms, was playing with the small rattle Lyria had given him. The sound of the gentle clicks of the toy was the only noise in the room as Lyria and her brother exchanged quiet words. The world outside seemed far away in this peaceful bubble, though there was a tension hanging in the air. They had not spoken much of the past since Keiran's arrival, but the weight was still there, an unspoken acknowledgment that lingered between them.

Keiran glanced at his sister, his face a mirror of concern. "Lyria, I know you don't like to talk about him, but you can't carry this burden alone. You never should have had to. What he did—" He shook his head, the anger clear in his eyes, though he tried to suppress it for his sister's sake. "I know it haunts you. And I know you're afraid it'll happen again."

Lyria took a deep breath, her gaze momentarily leaving her brother's face and shifting to Aiden. The infant's innocent laughter seemed to fill the room with an energy that softened the sharp edges of the conversation.

"I don't want him to grow up with that shadow hanging over him," Lyria said quietly, her voice almost a whisper. "I never wanted Aiden to feel the weight of my past. It's why I've kept him away from certain things... from people."

Keiran's eyes softened as he placed a hand on his sister's shoulder, his voice low and steady. "You don't have to hide him, Lyria. He's your son, and you've been through so much to protect him. But you can't keep carrying it all by yourself. You have a family here, and we'll protect him—together."

Lyria met her brother's gaze, and for a moment, the weight of her past seemed to lift just a little. It was a comfort, knowing that she wasn't alone in this.

Aiden, still cradled in Keiran's arms, gave a small coo and reached out, his tiny hands grabbing at Keiran's fingers with a grip far stronger than expected for someone his age. Lyria's heart warmed as she watched her son.

"You see that?" Keiran said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "He's already got your strength, Lyria."

Lyria smiled softly, a sense of pride filling her chest. "I hope he has your kindness as well, Keiran."

As they shared a quiet moment, the door opened with a soft creak, and the personal maid, Alina, entered the room, her hands carrying a tray with a fresh pot of tea and two cups. "My Lady, is there anything else you require?"

Lyria looked up at her maid with a smile. "No, thank you, Alina. That will be all for now." She turned to Keiran, her expression thoughtful. "We've not had a proper conversation in years. I've missed you, Keiran."

Keiran gave her a rueful smile. "I've been busy, but I'm glad to be here now. It's hard not to worry about you. There's too much at stake with everything that's going on in our world."

Lyria nodded. She knew that her brother's worries were valid. But she was also thankful for his support. "I know, but I've learned to find peace in what we have now. Aiden... he's my hope."

Keiran's gaze softened again, and for a brief moment, he didn't speak. Instead, he sat in silence, reflecting on the bond he shared with his sister and the hope that Aiden represented for them both. The world outside might be harsh and unpredictable, but here, in this small, peaceful corner of the world, they had something no one could take from them—family.

After a brief silence, Keiran cleared his throat, the weight of duty evident in his voice. "Lyria, there's something we need to discuss. I've been avoiding this conversation for as long as I could, but... the war is coming closer. The kingdoms around us are stirring, and my role as king is pulling me back to the front lines."

Lyria looked at him with a frown, her heart sinking. "Keiran... You can't possibly mean to leave again, not now. Aiden's still so young."

Keiran's eyes were filled with a blend of guilt and determination. "I know. But as king, I don't have much of a choice. The kingdom is at war, and it's my duty to protect it. I've sent envoys and tried to delay the conflict, but the enemy grows bolder every day."

Lyria's voice was tight with concern. "And you're going to fight?"

Keiran nodded grimly. "I have to. Our people are depending on me. You know I can't hide from my responsibilities, especially now. I'll always come back to you, to Aiden, but this war... it won't wait for any of us."

Lyria's heart was torn between her concern for her brother's safety and her pride in him. "I understand, Keiran. But promise me you'll be careful. You've been through so much already, and I can't bear the thought of losing you too."

Keiran smiled softly and stood, gently cradling Aiden once more. "I will, Lyria. I promise. But I need you to be strong, too. Take care of Aiden. Protect him. And if anything happens—"

"Don't say it," Lyria interrupted, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She stood and walked over to him, gently placing her hand on his arm. "Nothing will happen to you. I'll hold this house together. You just focus on bringing peace back to the kingdom."

Keiran met her gaze, his expression filled with determination. "I won't fail you. I won't fail Aiden."