THE SHADOW BOUND CROWN

The tension in the room slowly settled as Lysara stepped back, her sharp gaze still fixed on Aurelia. The princess smoothed her dress and let out a slow breath, as if processing the entire situation. Before either could speak, a faint noise echoed in the corridor beyond the heavy wooden door.

Lysara tensed, but Aurelia raised a hand quickly. "The guards must have heard something," she whispered.

Lysara's grip on her dagger tightened instinctively, but Aurelia, with a calm air of authority, stepped toward the door. Opening it just a crack, she peered outside and found two guards approaching. Before they could knock, she stepped out and spoke in a firm yet casual tone.

"I was merely startled by a flickering candlelight," she lied smoothly. "You may return to your posts. I am fine."

The guards exchanged glances before nodding hesitantly. "As you wish, Your Highness."

Aurelia closed the door with a soft click and turned back to find Lysara still watching her with a raised brow. "Impressive. I expected you to cause a scene."

Aurelia shrugged, smirking. "Not all princesses are helpless." She took in Lysara's current attire again—the dark, combat-ready clothing she had worn as the Shadow Knight. "But you, on the other hand... How often do you do this?"

Lysara sighed, rolling her eyes as she removed her gloves and tossed them onto a nearby chair. "That's none of your concern." She turned away, stepping towards an ornate wooden screen in the corner of her room. "If I am to entertain your presence for the foreseeable future, I should at least be comfortable."

Without another word, she disappeared behind the screen, the sound of rustling fabric indicating she was changing.

Aurelia crossed her arms, still curious. "So... how long have you had those powers? And your swordsmanship—I assume you trained in secret?"

Lysara let out a dry chuckle from behind the screen. "Your curiosity is as persistent as it is irritating."

"Humor me."

Lysara stepped out, now dressed in more traditional noble attire—a dark blue gown with silver embroidery that accentuated her sharp features. Her long silver hair, no longer hidden beneath her mask, framed her face in soft waves.

"Yes," she said simply. "I trained in secret, and yes, I have powers. That's all you need to know."

Aurelia frowned slightly. "You're really not much for conversation, are you?"

Lysara smirked. "And yet, you keep talking."

Aurelia's lips pressed into a thin line before she let out a small laugh. "Fine. Keep your secrets, Shadow Knight."

Lysara ignored her as she moved toward the door, motioning for Aurelia to follow. "Come. If I am to be your unwilling guide, I should at least make sure you don't faint from hunger before dawn."

Curious, Aurelia trailed behind as Lysara led them through the quiet corridors of the castle toward a small kitchen near her quarters. It was a simple space, meant for personal use rather than grand feasts. Lysara moved with ease, gathering bread, cheese, and some dried fruits.

Aurelia leaned against the counter, watching with amusement. "You can cook?"

Lysara shot her a sharp look. "I can prepare food. There's a difference."

Aurelia chuckled. "A warrior who fights in the night and prepares her own food. How mysterious."

Lysara sighed, placing the food on a tray. "Are you always this talkative?"

Before Aurelia could answer, a sudden knock at the door made both of them freeze.

Lysara set down the tray, her expression shifting to something colder. "Stay here."

She strode to the door and opened it just enough to see who was there. Her eyes narrowed as she came face-to-face with her half-brother, Haiden, and another of their scheming siblings.

"What do you want?" Lysara's tone was laced with irritation.

Haiden smirked, his gaze shifting past her as if trying to peer into the room. "I heard a rumor that a certain princess found her way into your chambers. I simply wanted to confirm."

Lysara scoffed. "You're not welcome here. Leave."

Haiden's smirk deepened. "You're rather protective of her already, dear sister. You wouldn't be hiding her, would you?"

Lysara clenched her fists, her patience waning. "Even if she were here, what business is it of yours? Or do you fancy her already?"

Aurelia, who had been listening carefully, took that as her cue. Stepping up beside Lysara, she met Haiden's gaze with cool disinterest her signature cold look plastered back firmly on her face. "Even if he did, I wouldn't return the sentiment."

Lysara smirked at Haiden's barely contained irritation. "You heard her. Now, get lost."

Haiden's expression darkened, but seeing no opportunity to push further, he turned on his heel. "This isn't over." He said dryly as he left feeling humiliated but still wanting to leave a good impression on Aurelia whom he had not given up on yet.

"Oh, but it is," Lysara said with a smirk before slamming the door shut.

Aurelia let out a small breath. "He's insufferable."

Lysara chuckled. "Welcome to my world, Princess."

For the first time that night, they exchanged a glance of mutual understanding. The truce between them had just been strengthened, whether either of them wanted to admit it or not.