THE SHADOW BOUND CROWN

Lystra watched as her young brother, Prince Erlic, giggled in delight while playing with his wooden sword, engaging in an imaginary duel against an invisible foe. The warm afternoon sunbathed the castle gardens in golden light, and the gentle rustling of leaves accompanied his laughter. Standing a few feet away, Aurelia observed with quiet amusement, her icy demeanor slightly thawed by the boy's innocence.

After a while, a royal attendant approached, bowing respectfully before announcing, "Your Highness, it is time for the Crown Prince's bath and afternoon lessons."

Erlic pouted but ultimately sighed in resignation. "Duty calls," he said dramatically, sheathing his toy sword before turning to Aurelia. With a bright smile, he stepped forward and lightly kissed her cheek. "It was an honor playing before such a lovely lady."

Aurelia blinked in surprise before letting out a small laugh, clearly charmed. "The honor was all mine, young prince," she replied, giving him a small bow.

Lysara, however, stood frozen, her lips slightly parted in shock. The casual display of affection had caught her off guard, and for a fleeting second, she found herself feeling something she couldn't quite name. Shaking herself from the strange moment, she turned her attention to Aurelia, who was now smirking knowingly.

"Something wrong, Lysara?" Aurelia teased, arching a brow.

Lysara narrowed her eyes. "Don't get used to it," she muttered before swiftly changing the subject. "You mentioned wanting a tour. When do you wish to begin?"

Aurelia tapped a finger to her chin in feigned thoughtfulness before responding, "Well, since you so kindly offered, why not now? But the full tour—both inside and outside the castle."

Lysara exhaled in mild exasperation, already regretting her words. "Fine. I will keep my word. But we will start with the castle."

Aurelia grinned victoriously as she stepped beside Lysara, linking their arms. "Good. Lead the way, my dear guide."

Lysara tensed slightly at the contact but didn't pull away this time, forcing herself to ignore the warmth seeping through the layers of fabric between them. The two began their walk, with Lysara pointing out various important sections of the castle—the grand banquet halls, the royal library, the courtyards where dignitaries often gathered. Aurelia listened attentively, throwing in the occasional question or teasing remark, which Lysara did her best to dodge.

As they turned a corner toward one of the open corridors leading to the inner courtyards, they unexpectedly ran into Hadrian. His expression darkened upon seeing them together, but in an instant, he schooled his features into a practiced smile, directing his gaze toward Aurelia.

"Ah, Princess Aurelia," Hadrian greeted smoothly, his voice dripping with false charm. "I had been looking for you. It seems I missed you at lunch."

Aurelia's face turned cold in an instant. "I was otherwise occupied."

Undeterred, Hadrian took a step closer, his gaze lingering. "I do hope you're enjoying our hospitality. I'd be more than happy to provide any assistance should you require it."

Lysara, already tired of his presence, crossed her arms. "I think she's managing just fine without your help, Hadrian."

Hadrian turned to his half-sister, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Ah, of course. Always the protector, Lysara. But surely the princess can speak for herself."

Aurelia, unimpressed, let out a soft scoff. "Indeed, I can. And as Lysara has stated—I require nothing from you."

Hadrian's mask cracked for a fraction of a second, but he quickly recovered, his smirk returning. "That's quite unfortunate."

Lysara, now irritated, reached for Aurelia's hand and tugged her away. "Then let's not waste any more time. We have a tour to complete."

Aurelia, both startled and amused, allowed herself to be pulled along, though she made no effort to hide her growing smirk. Once they were a safe distance away, she let out a low chuckle.

"Oh my, Lysara, was that jealousy I just witnessed? Were you afraid I might fall for your dear half-brother's charms?"

Lysara's hold on Aurelia's hand tightened briefly before she abruptly let go, huffing in irritation. "Don't flatter yourself. He is insufferable, and I simply didn't want to waste time listening to his nonsense."

Aurelia placed a hand over her heart, feigning disappointment. "Oh, so you're saying you wouldn't mind if I entertained him?"

Lysara shot her a sharp glare. "You would be wasting your time."

Aurelia laughed, clearly enjoying the exchange. "Noted. But I must admit, you're rather fun to tease."

Lysara rolled her eyes, continuing down the corridor with determined strides. "Come on, we still have a castle to tour."

Aurelia followed, her smirk never fading, the warmth of Lysara's touch still lingering on her skin.

She had always been reserved only talking a few words to strangers and even had few friends with the only people to keep her company been her royal maids back home and her brother the only other person she spoke to.

All this however seemed to vanish when she met the taller woman next to her. She had first seen her at the party her head high with arrogance her eyes cold a contrast to Evelyne who had stood beside her in the banquet.

She had also seen her sneak out from the party, making her curious about this second princess of Ravenshade. When she had caught her sneaking back into her room that night, she was both surprised but especially thrilled, she was a bit scared with a knofe at her throat but thats when that plan and deal had come to mind.

She enjoyed teasing her, seeing her annoyed everything she said made her only want to know her more. Her affectionate gaze when she looked at her siblings and her protective tone when she spoke of them reminded her of her older brother Laurien.

She had knowledge and also many secrets which she dying to uncover.

And now she finally had a good plan and time to do that.