THE SHADOW BOUND CROWN

Despite her departure the party went on harmoniously, grand hall alive with more symphony of laughter, the clinking of goblets, and the hum of conversations weaving through the air. Evelyne still moved with effortless grace, the very image of poised royalty, her hair flattering with every movement as she entertained more and guests.

Surrounded by nobles, she engaged in effortless conversation, her every word measured yet charming. While every young male guest in attendance fought fiercely to get her attention some choosing to not engage her due to their lower social standing compared to the many princes in attendance.

She was deeply engrossed in a conversation with Prince Dain the crown prince to one of their allied Kingdoms of Viremont when they were rudely interrupted. Seething with anger, Prince Dain quickly looked back ready to retort, but his words easily fading into his mouth when he saw the taller colder framed figure behind him. He quickly cleared his throat," Prince Laurien, how are you, am not yet done speaking to the Princess you could wait your turn." 

Laurien, ever composed, extended a hand toward Evelyne. "My lady, would you honor me with a dance?" he asked, his voice smooth, his gaze steady yet warm. Blatantly ignoring the completely stunned Dain.

Evelyne smiled, nodding. "It would be my pleasure." She had wanted to refuse at first, but there was something in Laurien's eyes that just pulled her in irresistible and yet provided a gentle comfort and a sense of security.

As they stepped onto the dance floor, their movements synchronized effortlessly. Laurien was a skilled dancer, guiding her with a gentle yet assured touch. They spoke in hushed tones, exchanging insights about their respective kingdoms, their responsibilities, and the intricate politics that bound them. Evelyne found his presence calming—his words thoughtful, his demeanor devoid of unnecessary pomp. 

"You should have at least returned Dains, your action may have put me in an awkward position you know," said Evelyne in a quiet but gentle tone.

Laurien had a confused look at first having no recollection of such a name but quickly remembered the guy trying to carry favors and who, that, that guy? Do not worry he also understands your predicament and the hierarchy of powers. Plus, I also saw that look in your eyes and you looked like you needed saving from that guy and this party in general," he replied leaving Evelyne stunned from his arrogant yet true words.

Her cheeks slightly flushed from been easily read and found out, "Well it is still my duty to make all guests feel welcomed and equal you know" she retorted quickly even surprising herself and quickly gave a small bow to Laurien in apology who also stopped her from the bow.

"I don't mind your words you know but the world also is not fair or equal is it. In this world of ours what matters is status and power too. Don't tell me you are so eager to get married and are okay with this arrangement. I mean you could say you are but the sadness in your eyes even as you smile is hard to mask," he quickly replied his beautifully eyes locked onto hers.

Evelyne was instantly stunned by his words, with his close proximity and their eyes locking, she felt her heart race. She was completely drawn into his pale blue eyes that yet looked completely honest and warm, his silver white hair flattering as they danced in a complete tune with her blond hair.

Before she could answer Caelum cut in with a playful smirk. "Surely, Lady Evelyne, you wouldn't mind sharing the floor with another?" he quipped, extending his hand.

Evelyne hesitated for the briefest moment before nodding graciously. "Of course not."

Laurien, ever the gentleman, bowed slightly before stepping away, allowing Caelum to take his place. Unlike Laurien's measured grace, Caelum's movements were more assertive, almost daring. "You move well, Princess," he remarked, his emerald eyes gleaming with mischief. "I wonder, do you enjoy the dance, or merely endure it for diplomacy's sake?"

Evelyne allowed a small, enigmatic smile to grace her lips. "Perhaps a little of both," she answered coyly. "One must do what is necessary, after all."

Their exchange continued as they twirled across the floor, the air between them charged with subtle tension—an interplay of wit and challenge. As the dance came to an end, she curtsied gracefully, retreating back into the swirling crowd of nobles and courtiers. The matchmaking season had only just begun, but already, lines were being drawn, alliances being considered, and ambitions quietly stoked in the flickering candlelight.

Elsewhere in the hall, Evelyne's half-brother Hadrian was busy in his own right, conversing animatedly with other royals and nobility. His charm was undeniable, his laughter infectious, effortlessly drawing people toward him. The other half-siblings, each with their own agendas, mingled strategically, attempting to assert their place in the grand hierarchy of power.

Although he spoke to many his eyes were still resting on a single entity who seated without a care for the socializing part. Princess Aurelia of Icevire, Laurien's younger sister. She was not yet of marriage age and had only accompanied his brother to escape from her normal boring routinely life.

She sat alone at a corner sipping her drink without a care, her brows drawn together and her eyes pale blue like her brother's had a hidden cold chasing many nobles away. Her platinum blond hair resting on her shoulders.

Hadrian quickly slipped from the rest and swiftly approached her his heart pounding with an excitement he had never felt before.

"Princess Aurelia, would spare me a dance, "he quickly said the earlier rehearsed speech that almost rendered him breathless, he stood there his heart pounding waiting for an answer as some of the other nobles were looking as they waited.

A minute passed without him getting an answer and his face started flushing red with embarrassment although many were busy and he did not garner too much, there were still a couple of people staring those whose evening had proven unfruitful in their endeavor to find a partner.

He quickly cleared his throat leading to Aurelia to look at him," Do I know you or do you need something ", she quickly mattered under breath annoyed with the intrusion from her thoughts

Hadrien was stunned dumb from both her question while her simple, yet sweet and melodic voice sent shivers across his whole body giving him feelings he never knew he had and awakening something deep inside him. Yet embarrassed from the fact she had not even put him in her eyes.

Before he could ask again, Laurien who had just returned from the dance joined his sister. He respectfully paid his greetings which was returned with a nod from Laurien and quickly left.

"Was he harassing you," he asked his younger sister whom he always doted on so much. I do not even know him, is he a friend of yours the seemingly aloof Aurelia replied, which completely stunned Laurien. He could not help but let out a wry smile for sister's detached nature. 

He went on to survey the place, his eyes lingering longer on the dancing duo, an action that did not escape his sister's eyes as she had been talking to him as he was in his stupor.

"Oh, I did not think that you would fall in love that quick and especially with her dear brother," she could not help but tease, "you are ogling at her was she that good at dancing or is it her appearance she continued.

"What ogling, I mean she is a good dancer, beautiful and kind but besides that she is in the same as us, been used as tools of power you know," he quickly corrected himself as he saw his sister give him a knowing look.

Whatever you say dear brother, but careful not to lose her to him ," she replied having lost interest in the matter and returned to her thoughts.

From her thoughts Laurien could not help but clench his fists slowly a bit annoyed but continued to act like nothing happened stealing glances to the two from time to time.

His sister quickly excused herself to go get some air and turned his request to accompany her down. After giving her word to return soon she quickly left the suffocating place, some few of her guards following her for her safety.

Throughout it all, the night pressed on in shimmering elegance, the air thick with veiled intentions and unspoken desires.