THE SHADOW BOUND CROWN

As midday arrived, the golden sunbathed the castle in its warm embrace, casting a soft glow over the lavish courtyards and the sprawling gardens of Evelyn's private quarters. The scent of blooming roses and freshly cut grass filled the air, mingling with the distant melodies of songbirds. It was a picturesque setting, one that Laurien deemed perfect for an impromptu luncheon.

Determined, he strode confidently towards Evelyn's quarters, his sister Aurelia in tow. She followed begrudgingly; her arms crossed over her chest as she gave her brother an unimpressed glance.

"You are being ridiculous," Aurelia muttered. "Dragging me along as if I'm some child in need of socializing."

Laurien chuckled. "Oh, come now, sister. It's not every day you get to dine with the renowned Evelyn of Ravenshade. Consider it an honor."

Aurelia rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched with the barest hint of amusement. "More like an inconvenience, am not the one lovestruck."

As they reached Evelyn's door, Laurien plucked a delicate white flower from the garden lining the path. He twirled it between his fingers before offering it to Evelyn with a grin the moment she opened the door.

"For you, my lady," he said dramatically, bowing slightly. "A humble offering from your own garden."

Evelyn's eyes flickered to the flower, then to Laurien's earnest expression, and she let out a soft laugh. "You truly are incorrigible, Laurien."

"This is my sister Aurelia, you did not have a chance to be acquainted last night," he said.

Evelyn quickly gave a slight bow to Aurelia which she also returned with a slight smile on her face.

She took the flower with an amused smile and stepped aside. "Come in, both of you. You've gone through too much effort for me to refuse."

Laurien beamed triumphantly, leading Aurelia inside. The princess remained impassive, though a glint of curiosity shimmered in her sharp blue eyes.

Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, the garden terrace shaded by elegant canopies and adorned with lush greenery. A prepared meal awaited them on a long marble table, set with fresh fruits, fine meats, and an array of delicacies. Evelyn's younger sister, Lysara, was still present, seated at the far end of the table, her expression souring the moment she caught sight of Aurelia.

Aurelia, however, was anything but deterred. Instead, a rare, mischievous smile curled upon her lips, her earlier annoyance with her brother melting into something far more amusing. She sauntered forward, deliberately taking the seat directly across from Lysara.

Lysara stiffened but said nothing.

"Oh, I see you're still here," Aurelia said airily, plucking a grape from the fruit bowl and popping it into her mouth. "How fortunate."

Lysara shot her a glare. "You're free to leave, you know."

Aurelia simply tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Why would I? It would be terribly rude to miss a meal with our gracious hosts."

Laurien, noticing the tension but choosing to ignore it, turned his attention to Evelyn. "It truly is a lovely day. I can't think of a better way to spend it than in such refined company."

Evelyn smiled politely. "It's a pleasure to have you both here."

Aurelia leaned her chin on her hand, glancing at Lysara. "So, tell me, do you always slink off at night, or was that just a special occasion?" She whispered in a tone only the both of them could hear.

Lysara's jaw clenched, her grip tightening around her goblet. "You seem awfully interested in my affairs."

"I find you intriguing," Aurelia admitted, picking up a slice of apple and, rather pointedly, placing it onto Lysara's plate. "Here, you should eat more. You'll need the energy."

Lysara narrowed her eyes at the gesture, but before she could retort, another voice cut through the air.

"I do hope I am not interrupting anything," came the smooth, deliberate tone of Caelum as he strolled into the garden, his confident gait making it clear he had no intention of being turned away.

Laurien turned, instantly bristling. "Caelum."

Caelum smirked, brushing an imaginary speck from his tunic. "Laurien."

Evelyn sighed inwardly, already regretting what she knew was about to unfold.

"Please, do sit down," Laurien said with forced politeness.

"Oh, I already have." Caelum slid into the seat beside Evelyn, flashing her his signature charming grin. "I couldn't possibly pass up an opportunity to dine in such lovely company."

Laurien's expression tightened, but he masked it quickly, pouring himself a goblet of wine. "How fortunate for us."

Aurelia, meanwhile, exchanged an amused glance with Lysara, silently acknowledging the sudden shift in atmosphere.

The meal commenced, but it was anything but peaceful. The air was thick with veiled barbs and subtle jabs, with Laurien and Caelum engaged in a battle of wits and charm.

"Did you know," Caelum began, cutting into his meat with practiced ease, "that the architecture of Ravenshade's castle was inspired by the old kingdoms of the East? Quite the impressive history."

"Indeed," Laurien responded smoothly. "Though, I must admit, I'm more fascinated by the advancements in the kingdom's agricultural developments. A strong economy, after all, is the backbone of any great nation."

Evelyn, caught between them, merely sipped her wine, offering polite nods at their comments.

Aurelia smirked, watching the show unfold with mild interest. "You two certainly seem eager to educate us."

"It's important to be knowledgeable," Caelum said, flashing a pointed glance at Laurien. "One must always be prepared."

"Agreed," Laurien said, his smile unwavering. "Which is why I make it a point to study not just books, but also people."

Lysara, unimpressed by the ongoing performance, reached for her goblet. "Are you two competing for a throne or a woman?"

Silence fell for a moment before Aurelia burst into a beautiful laughter, breaking the tension with her amused chuckle. "Well said, Lysara." She added giving Lysara a wink and a thumbs up which as usual was ignored by the other party, but she did not seem to mind.

Laurien and Caelum both straightened, their expressions unreadable.

Evelyn finally interjected, her voice carrying its usual grace but also a firm finality. "Gentlemen, I appreciate the effort, but perhaps we should enjoy the meal for what it is."

Laurien inclined his head. "Of course."

Caelum smirked. "As you wish."

The meal continued, though the rivalry between the two men remained palpable. Meanwhile, Lysara found herself distracted—not by the dueling suitors but by Aurelia's occasional glances her way, each one carrying an air of challenge and amusement.

By the time the luncheon ended, Evelyn felt drained but managed to maintain her composure. Lysara, on the other hand, left the table with a newfound determination to avoid Aurelia whenever possible, a task that was becoming increasingly difficult.

As the nobles departed from the garden, one thought lingered in everyone's mind—this was only the beginning of what promised to be a very, very long stay at the castle.