THE SHADOW BOUND CROWN

Hadrian sat stiffly in the dimly lit corridor just beyond the grand halls, his expression darkened with barely concealed frustration. The evening had not been kind to him. The matchmaking event had concluded, yet he had found no suitable match. Worse still, the one woman he had set his sights on, Princess Aurelia of the Northern Kingdoms, barely acknowledged his existence. She had not spared him even a courteous glance, nor engaged in idle pleasantries like she had with others.

And then there was Evelyn—his perfect, insufferable sister—who had not only captured the attention of the two most eligible noblemen but was now the centerpiece of a drawn-out courtship battle sanctioned by their father himself.

As Evelyn passed by, Hadrian scoffed, stepping forward to block her way. "It must be wonderful," he drawled, folding his arms over his chest. "To have the kingdom's finest men competing for you while the rest of us are left with nothing."

Evelyn arched an elegant brow, unimpressed. "If you spent less time brooding and more time engaging, perhaps you wouldn't be in this predicament, Hadrian."

His jaw clenched. "Don't pretend you don't have a favorite. You clearly favor Laurien over Caelum. It's written all over your face."

Evelyn sighed. "Is it so wrong to prefer civility over arrogance?" She shook her head. "Father made his decision, and I will abide by it. Whether I enjoy being a prize to be won is irrelevant."

Hadrian scoffed. "You're too obedient for your own good."

"And you're too bitter for yours," she countered coolly before stepping past him, leaving him to stew in his own resentment.

Meanwhile, in another wing of the castle, Lysara was making her way toward the royal gardens where her youngest brother, Crown Prince Elric, often spent his time after his studies. She had barely made it down the corridor when a familiar voice called out to her.

"Oh, what a coincidence," Aurelia said, falling into step beside Lysara with an amused smirk. "Are you off somewhere in a hurry?"

Lysara eyed her warily. She had grown accustomed to Aurelia's sudden appearances, though she suspected this one was anything but coincidental. "I was going to see my brother."

Aurelia's face brightened with intrigue. "Mind if I join? I would love to meet him."

Before Lysara could respond, Aurelia effortlessly linked their arms, her grip firm and unwavering.

Lysara stiffened at the unexpected contact before quickly reclaiming her arm. "Fine," she said, keeping her expression neutral, though she was acutely aware of the smugness dancing in Aurelia's eyes. "But don't expect anything too grand. He's just a child."

"Oh, but children are the most honest," Aurelia mused, following Lysara through the halls. "It'll be refreshing compared to the sea of false smiles I've endured."

Lysara glanced at her sideways. "And yet, you seem to enjoy putting on a show yourself."

Aurelia chuckled. "I never said I was any different."

As they approached the garden, the sound of childish laughter filled the air. The moment they stepped onto the grassy courtyard, a blur of movement shot toward them.

"Sister!" Elric cried out excitedly, launching himself into Lysara's arms. She caught him with ease, ruffling his dark curls affectionately.

"Elric," she greeted warmly, the tension from earlier dissipating in his presence. "You're supposed to be resting after your studies."

"But the garden is so much more fun!" he protested before peeking around her, his bright eyes locking onto Aurelia. His face lit up with curiosity. "Who's this?"

Lysara sighed. "Elric, this is Princess Aurelia. She's visiting from the Northern Kingdoms."

Elric's expression shifted into one of admiration. "Wow, you're really pretty," he blurted out, earning a surprised chuckle from Aurelia.

She knelt slightly to be at his level. "Why, thank you, young prince. You have excellent taste."

Lysara rolled her eyes. "Don't encourage him. He's already too full of himself."

Elric grinned. "I only speak the truth, sister."

Aurelia tilted her head, studying the two siblings. "It's interesting… I never would have guessed you to be the doting type, Lysara."

Lysara scowled. "I am not doting. I simply tolerate him."

Elric pouted dramatically. "Lysara, you wound me."

Aurelia laughed, shaking her head. "You two are quite the pair."

For a brief moment, Lysara found herself relaxing. There was something oddly disarming about Aurelia's amusement, something that made her feel less guarded than usual. But she quickly shoved the feeling aside.

"Come on, Elric," she said, leading him toward the garden's fountain. "Tell me what nonsense you've been up to today."

Aurelia followed, the faintest trace of a knowing smile on her lips.