THE SHADOW BOUND CROWN

The morning sun filtered through the grand windows of the royal palace, casting soft golden hues across the expansive halls. The grand party had finally come to an end, and nobles from far and wide were already making their departures.

Many suitors, having caught the interest of potential matches, left with hopeful hearts, while others carried the weight of missed opportunities.

Although officially the season was supposed to last for more than two weeks the first day was usually of utmost importance and those that were unlucky to in finding mates would usually not linger any longer returning home to strategize or wait upon the next time.

Hence the former full ball quarters were now deserted with the place only filled with servants busy with the after cleaning up and removing the unnecessary decor to return the castle to its former status.

Among those who remained in the castle were Laurien and his sister Aurelia, as well as Caelum, the strongest contenders for Evelyn's hand. Both offered different residence in the guest side of the castle and provided for with the best servants due to the status of their stronger Kingdoms.

Meanwhile, one of the stepsisters, Lady Selene, had secured an engagement with Arlic of Belvor, an allied state of Ravenshade.She was slightly older and less striking than the two sisters, but she usually stayed away from the spotlight and had less animosity towards the three siblings. Her newfound love did come as a surprise but was deeply welcomed by many political men in the castle.

In the late morning, the princesses Lysara and Evelyn found themselves in Evelyn's solar, an elegant room adorned with intricate tapestries and filled with the soft fragrance of roses. Evelyn reclined gracefully on a cushioned settee, her delicate fingers tracing the rim of a porcelain teacup. Lysara, still stretching the stiffness from her limbs after her escapades the night before, leaned against the balcony railing, gazing out at the courtyards below.

"Well," Lysara began, a sly smirk playing on her lips, "now that the peacocking is over, I suppose we can finally talk about the suitors."

Evelyn sighed, setting her cup down with a soft clink. "It was exhausting. You would think men had never seen a woman before the way they paraded and fawned."

Lysara chuckled. "Oh, they have. Just not a woman like you. You were the star of the night, sister. Even Caelum and Laurien were at each other's throats for your attention."

Evelyn rolled her eyes but could not completely hide the small smile curling at the edges of her lips. "Laurien is... interesting. He is gentle, intelligent, and not nearly as arrogant as Caelum. I admit, speaking with him was easier than I expected."

"Easier, hmm? And how did you feel when he asked you for a walk?" Lysara leaned in, eyes glinting with mischief.

Evelyn gave her a pointed look. "You are enjoying this far too much."

"I have to. You rarely take interest in anyone, and now suddenly, there is a dashing northern prince stealing my sister's attention? How could I not be entertained?"

Evelyn sighed. "Laurien is... different. But I do not wish to rush into anything."

"Of course not. It is just convenient that he is the only one you did not politely escape from." Lysara smirked before taking a sip from her goblet.

Evelyn groaned. "Enough about me. What about you? I noticed you vanished. Again."

Lysara tensed slightly but forced herself to remain casual. "I needed air. You know how I hate these suffocating gatherings."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "Do not lie to me, Lysara. Where did you go?"

There was a pause before Lysara exhaled. "I was caught."

Evelyn straightened, alarm flashing in her eyes. "By whom?"

Lysara hesitated before responding. "Aurelia."

Evelyn's brows shot up. "Aurelia? The princess of the North? Lysara! Do you realize what could have happened if she spoke to father?"

"Calm yourself," Lysara replied, waving a hand dismissively. "We came to an agreement. She keeps my secret, and in return, I show her around the castle and the kingdom while she is here."

Evelyn rubbed her temples. "This is reckless, Lysara. First, your midnight escapades, and now you let another person in on your secret?"

"She did not leave me much of a choice," Lysara said, setting down her goblet. "She walked into my chambers at the worst possible time. I had to reveal myself, otherwise, she would have screamed and alerted the guards."

Evelyn frowned, worry etched into her features. "So now, she knows? She knows about your powers?"

"Not entirely. She knows I have them, but not the extent," Lysara admitted. "And if it makes you feel any better, she seems more curious than anything else."

Evelyn sighed heavily. "You are impossible. What am I to do with you?"

Lysara smirked. "Love me for the trouble I bring?"

Evelyn shook her head, though the corners of her lips twitched in reluctant amusement. "One day, this reckless behavior will catch up to you."

"Perhaps," Lysara admitted. "But not today."

As the morning light streamed in, the sisters sat in a harmonium way laughter sometimes filling the place as Lysara continued teasing her elder sister.