Little John

After Lyra finished taking her bath, she changed into a pants, a long-sleeved top, and sandals, and wore her hair up in a ponytail.

"I'm done," she said as she took her phone and bag and exited the room.

While walking down the stairs, the girl noticed someone sitting on the couch in the living room.

"Is that you, Sylas?" she asked.

"No, it isn't," the person replied softly yet coldly, and her eyes widened as she realized it was Ximon.

"X- Ximon," she said as he stood up and smiled at her.

"Are you leaving now?" he questioned.

"Yeah, I am," she replied with her head down.

"Why wouldn't you look at me?" he asked as he was about to touch her, but she pulled back and he scoffed.

"Times have changed I guess, the little girl that used to cuddle with me as a kid is now gone," he said and she swallowed deeply.

"Is there anything you want to say to me, Lyra?" he asked and she clenched her fists and was about to speak when she heard the honking of a car outside and sighed.

"Nope, there is nothing I want or wish to say to you, but you are correct about one thing, times have changed, welcome home and I hope you enjoy your stay," she said as she walked away and he scoffed.

"Times have changed, and we have changed with it; this is about to get interesting," Ximon reflected as he walked up the stair to his room.

"Come on in, Lyra," Cyris said as he opened the door for her, and she sat in the front seat of his car, while his sister sat in the back.

"They'll be waiting for us at the park, and mom and dad will be there as well," Cyris replied.

"I see," she said.

"Thank you for coming, John wanted to see you, he liked you ever since you became friends with us, you spent a lot of time with him and he grew attached to you, you spoil him too much," Celia replied, and Lyra smiled.

"Oh come on, he's so cute, he deserves to be spoiled a little," Lyra said, to which Celia laughed.

"Yeah, your highness, the keyword is a little," Celia replied, and they both laughed.

"So you look a bit worried or is it sad? did something happen at home or so?" Celia questioned as Lyra lowered her head and Cyris cast a glance her way.

"Yeah, their elder brother came home, Ximon," she replied and Celia smiled.

"Why aren't you happy, that's the one who spoiled you as a child right ?" Celia asked.

"Have things changed?" Cyris asked.

"You can say that, but that's natural," she responded as they approached the crowded amusement park, where their family awaited them at the entrance.

"Your highness," John exclaimed as he ran up to her and hugged her.

He was an eight-year-old boy with black hair who adored Lyra and considered her family.

"Hello, my dear. How are you doing?" she asked then smiled as their parents bowed their heads in respect to her.

"I'm fine, mom promised I'd see you tonight and she kept her promise, I'm happy," he responded as they entered the park and looked at the rides.

"Who's up for some cotton candy?" Celia asked.

"Sweet mouth, you're not getting cotton candy," her mother said, thumping the girl behind the head as Celia pouted.

"Just consider giving it to her tonight," Lyra said.

"Stop spoiling everyone," Cyris instructed.

"Oh, you're serious? Should I? Stop drinking so many frappuccinos; it's unhealthy for you Cyris," she said and they laughed at him as he sighed.

"Fine, you can have the cotton candy tonight Celia," her mother said and she smiled brightly then hugged Lyra and John pushed her away.

"She's mine tonight, go hug someone else," he said, and they both laughed.

"Oh? Is that right? She is my best friend, and if you misbehave, I will take her away "Celia responded.

"You are evil, Celia," he mumbled with a pout, and Lyra patted him on the head as their parents got the cotton candies and distributed them to each of them.

"So, which ride shall we take first?" Cyris inquired.

"The Ferris wheel," John said, drawing their attention.

"Are you certain, sweetheart?" his mother asked and he nodded yes, and they all agreed to go on the ride first.

As they boarded, John sat next to Lyra, who gripped him tightly as the ride began to spin.

"Are you afraid?" she questioned.

"Nope, I have been on one before," he responded as he held onto her arm tightly and she sighed as she looked at the other rides

"Have you ever been on one of the swinging pirate ships?" she questioned.

"No, but I'd like to," he replied, and she smiled.

Hours passed and they went on many different rides, but some were only for adults, so John's parents took him on others that kids are allowed to ride, and finally, at midnight, when the park was about to close, they all decided to call it a night because they were all tired, but they had fun, John was happy he got to spend time with the princess.

"We will take Lyra home now," Cyris said as they walked out of the park.

"Good night, princess," John said, kissing her on the cheek and she patted him on the head.

"Good night," she said before they all left.

"I had a good time tonight, thanks guys," Lyra said as she exited the car upon arriving at the castle.

"You're welcome; tomorrow is Friday; are you ready to dress up and perform on stage for the fundraiser?" Cyris asked, and she smiled.

"Yeah, I am," she said, "good night guys."

"Good night," they said before leaving and she went inside.

"You're back," Arion said as he descended the stairwell, and she smiled.

"Are you going somewhere?" she asked.

"Yes, I am; it is late; shouldn't you be sleeping? You do remember that you have the fundraiser later right?" he asked.

"Yeah, I should, see you later," she responded.

"Did you have fun?" he asked, and she smiled.

"Yeah, I did, Good night, Arion," she replied.

"Night, sweetie," he said then left.