THE SHADOW BOUND CROWN

Aurelia stirred before the first rays of sunlight could seep through the heavy curtains of her chamber. Her excitement had kept her awake longer than she would admit, but even with little sleep, she felt invigorated. Today was the day of their outing, the day she would explore Ravenshade beyond its towering walls.

But more than that, she would be spending the entire day in Lysara's company.

The thought made her lips curl into a small smile as she threw on a simple yet elegant travel dress. Without hesitation, she made her way to Lysara's chambers, barely knocking before pushing the door open.

Lysara, still half-asleep, groaned and turned over, her face buried in her pillows. "What in the gods' names—?"

Aurelia leaned over the bed, her silver-white hair falling over one shoulder as she grinned down at the groggy princess. "Wake up, shadow walker. We have a tour to attend."

Lysara peeked out from beneath her arm, her dark eyes squinting at the brightness in the room. Her exhaustion was evident; faint circles lined her eyes from what Aurelia suspected was another late-night excursion.

"You didn't sleep, did you?" Aurelia asked knowingly.

Lysara grumbled and pushed herself up onto her elbows. "I slept enough."

Aurelia tsked, crossing her arms. "Don't lie to me. Did you sneak out again?"

Lysara yawned, stretching her arms overhead. "If I ignore that question, will you go away?"

Aurelia smirked, sitting at the edge of the bed. "Not a chance."

Lysara shot her a glare before rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "You look like you barely slept yourself."

Aurelia shrugged, feigning indifference. "Excitement keeps one awake." She tilted her head, watching as Lysara tried to blink the drowsiness away. "Do you need help freshening up?"

Lysara's expression instantly hardened, her sleepiness replaced with irritation. "Absolutely not."

Aurelia let out a laugh. "You're adorable when you're grumpy."

Lysara groaned as she swung her legs off the bed and forced herself upright. "I will throw you out."

"Fine, fine. I'll let you prepare in peace." Aurelia held up her hands in mock surrender but remained seated.

Lysara narrowed her eyes. "Out."

Aurelia sighed dramatically, rising to her feet. "If you insist."

She left the room with a playful smirk, and Lysara scowled before stomping off to her washroom. She took her time freshening up, but the hunger gnawing at her stomach forced her to be quick. After using so much energy the night before, she was absolutely famished.

When she emerged, fully dressed and refreshed, Aurelia linked her arm through hers without warning. "Shall we get breakfast, my grumpy shadow?"

Lysara exhaled, too hungry to argue. "Fine. But if you talk too much, I will leave you to starve."

Aurelia chuckled as they made their way toward the dining hall.

Breakfast had already begun when they arrived. Servants bowed as they stepped inside, and an array of steaming dishes awaited them. Lysara wasted no time filling her plate with grace and precision, her hunger evident but her composure never breaking. Aurelia watched in amusement before taking her own seat beside her.

As they ate, a new presence joined them.

Laurien strode into the dining hall, hands shoved into the pockets of his tunic. His expression was one of clear boredom, but his eyes widened slightly when he noticed his sister already seated. His gaze flickered between her and Lysara before a knowing smirk played on his lips.

"Well, well," he mused as he pulled out a chair across from them. "Imagine my surprise to find my dear sister here before me."

Aurelia did not grace him with an answer, instead focusing on her meal.

Laurien leaned back, tilting his head at Lysara. "I take it she dragged you here?"

Lysara, unfazed, took a sip of her drink. "More like forced me out of bed at an ungodly hour."

Laurien laughed, clearly entertained. "That sounds like her."

Aurelia rolled her eyes but said nothing.

The conversation took a turn as Laurien's expression grew more contemplative. "So, Evelyn spent the evening with Caelum yesterday," he muttered, his tone laced with irritation.

Lysara's grip on her fork tightened, but she kept her face neutral. "Yes."

Laurien exhaled heavily. "And?"

"And what?" Lysara finally looked up at him, her cool expression giving away nothing.

Laurien frowned, rubbing the back of his neck. "You've seen how she acts around him. Do you think she favors him?"

Aurelia studied her brother for a moment. It was rare to see him this invested in anyone's opinion.

"I don't know," Lysara said at last. "But I do know she has a mind of her own. Whatever decision she makes, it will be hers alone."

Laurien's expression hardened slightly, but he nodded. "That's fair."

Aurelia sighed, glancing down at her plate. Her brother was many things—charming, cold, ambitious—but never before had she seen him so affected by a woman's affections.

Trying to win a woman's heart was difficult.

She knew that all too well.

As that thought crept onto her mind a faint blush crept onto her pale rosy cheeks.

Lysara who had been glancing at her could not help raising an eyebrow at her sudden change in color. 

When they locked eyes, Aurelia blushed even more like someone who had been caught doing something naughty, she quickly put those thoughts away and returned to her normal proud look.