Character Interview: Lyren
This is the last interview with the characters of Betrayed. Only one person is left.
I step into a sitting room in Havaliah castle. The others are gone. King Lyren sits looking out a window, though doesn’t appear to be seeing anything.
“King Lyren?” I ask.
He turns to me with a warm smile. “My turn already?”
“Yes.” I glance back at the room as we head into the hall. “Where is everyone?”
“I sent the children away. There was no need for them to stay just to keep me company when they could do something more enjoyable. Besides, I relish quiet moments; they give me time to pray.”
“Being king doesn’t leave time for many quiet moments, does it?”
“Not always. But I try to find at least some time every day to spend with the Lord. No matter how busy we may be, we cannot neglect our souls.”
“Very true.” We step into the library. “But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Your interview hasn’t even started yet and you’re already giving important answers.”
He chuckles and sits in a chair in front of the desk as I take my seat behind it. I glance at my paper of questions.
“First, why don’t you introduce yourself?”
“I am Lyren Torrench, king of Bysra.” He glances at the desk with a wry smile. “So this is what it’s like being on this side of the desk. It’s been so long, I’ve forgotten.”
“You used to train here with your father when you were a child?”
He nods. “Not much changes in Exterrah. Every heir has studied here under his father for many centuries. It is how we learn to rule, by watching their example.”
“Have you been king for a long time?”
“For an elf, no. I’ve ruled for five hundred years.”
“Do you enjoy it?”
“Most of the time, yes. I love my kingdom and people, and leading them, though difficult, is what I was born to do.”
“Everyone says you’re the best king Bysra has had in centuries.”
Lyren laughs, in that reserved elf king kind of way. “I don’t know about that. I pray and try my best. That’s all I can offer.”
That’s probably one reason his people love him. He’s king, but he’s humble.
I glance at my papers again. “So… You’re Aven and Eryna’s father, right?”
“Yes.” His expression grows more serious. “I’ve been meaning to ask; they didn’t give any trouble about being interviewed, did they? I’m sure Eryna didn’t, but…”
“Aven didn’t like it, but he wasn’t trouble.”
“Good.” Lyren lets out a breath. “I was worried he’d say something he shouldn’t. He hasn’t always had the best attitude as of late, at least, not where humans are concerned.”
Aven had thrown out an insult, but I’m not going to burden Lyren with that. “So I’ve heard. But maybe things will get better soon. That’s why you’re letting Maddie visit, isn’t it?”
“Yes. I’m hoping that having the girl around will show Aven that not all humans are bad. So far, it doesn’t seem to be working, but these things take time. And much prayer.”
“You’ve prayed for Aven for a long time.”
A sad smile crosses his face. “I have. Eighty years. But we don’t give up on those we love. I’ll continue to pray for my children until the day I die.”
“There should be more fathers like you.”
He chuckles again. “If you say so. I try my best, but there are ways I wish I could do better by my children.”
“Is that because of what you said earlier, that being king doesn’t leave much time?”
“That is one issue, yes. There is much work involved, and I haven’t always had time for my family. It is something I greatly regret, though it is not so much of a problem now that my children are grown. But when I couldn’t be there when they were children, their mother always was.”
“Pynn told me about Queen Jesinia, how she taught him, Aven, and Eryna and supported him despite his half blood. She sounds like a nice woman.”
“She was an incredible woman.” A faraway look falls over him. After a moment, he shakes his head, but a deep sadness lingers in his eyes. “Jesinia has been gone for eighty years now. There isn’t a day I don’t miss her.”
“I’m sorry. How did she die?”
“That is not a topic I enjoy. Besides, isn’t it your own rule not to give—what is it called?—spoilers?”
“True. Let’s move on. Aven mentioned it is tradition for all royal men to join the military. Does that mean you’re a warrior?”
“I’m not anymore, but yes. I spent many years in the military and was a general when I took the throne.”
“It’s hard to believe you were a fighter, considering how you are now.”
“Boring?”
“Mild mannered.”
He smiles. “Perhaps now, but I had many adventures in my day.”
“Maybe we’ll hear about them someday.”
“Perhaps.” His smile turns knowing. “I’ve heard you’re working on a secret project, and I get the feeling it involves me.”
“I can’t say. No spoilers.” I glance at my papers one last time. “And no more questions. Looks like your interview is over.”
I hope you enjoyed getting to know the characters of Betrayed! Who was your favorite? Is there a character you’d like to hear more about in the future?
