THE SHADOW BOUND CROWN

The royal carriage rolled steadily along the cobbled roads, the rhythmic clatter of hooves against stone filling the morning air. Inside, Lysara sat stiffly beside Aurelia, their arms brushing from time to time due to the slight jolts of the ride. Each accidental touch sent a small ripple of tension through Lysara, her posture tightening in an effort to maintain some distance.

Aurelia, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy this small exchange. Her lips curled in amusement each time Lysara flinched, the foreign princess leaning in slightly more than necessary, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Across from them, Laurien barely noticed the silent battle between the two. His gaze remained distant, lost in thoughts of Evelyn. He rested his chin on his hand, drumming his fingers against the carriage's window frame. The week-long courtship challenge weighed heavily on him, and he found himself impatiently waiting for his turn, dreading that Caelum might win Evelyn's favor before he had the chance to properly show himself worthy.

Aurelia, noticing Laurien's silence, tilted her head. "You've barely said a word since we left," she remarked, tapping a gloved finger against her knee. "Are you still brooding about your competition?"

Laurien's brows furrowed, and he exhaled heavily. "It's not brooding," he muttered. "I'm simply… reflecting."

Aurelia rolled her eyes. "Right. Reflecting on how to best win over Evelyn?"

Lysara finally allowed herself to relax slightly, smirking as she observed Laurien shift uncomfortably. It was rare to see the usually composed prince so unsettled.

"I was merely considering the circumstances," Laurien admitted. "Evelyn is intelligent. She sees through mere pleasantries, and I must ensure my approach is sincere."

Aurelia's expression softened slightly. For all his ambitions, her brother truly did care for Evelyn. She found herself hoping he would not end up disappointed.

Lysara, taking pity on Laurien's inner turmoil, decided to change the subject. "You've yet to ask where I'm taking you," she said, directing the comment at both of them.

Aurelia turned her attention back to her with interest. "Oh? So we're simply meant to follow you blindly, then?"

Lysara's lips quirked slightly. "You do not trust me?"

Aurelia narrowed her eyes playfully. "I trust you about as much as I trust this carriage to not hit a pothole and send me flying."

Lysara chuckled. "Well, you'll just have to wait and see."

Aurelia sat back, crossing her arms but smiling nonetheless. She wasn't used to Lysara teasing her, but she rather liked it. "Fine. I'll wait. But only because I'm certain it will be interesting."

They continued in silence for a while, the scenery gradually changing as they passed from the noble estates surrounding the castle into the middle section of the kingdom. The grandeur of the upper-class manors gave way to well-kept townhouses and bustling streets filled with merchants setting up their shops for the day. The scent of freshly baked bread and roasted nuts drifted through the air, mingling with the lively chatter of the city's inhabitants.

The carriage came to a halt in front of a modest courtyard, surrounded by a wrought iron fence adorned with creeping vines. Laurien, finally snapping out of his brooding, frowned in confusion. "Where are we?"

Aurelia, too, was surprised, her expression shifting from playful to intrigued as she stepped down from the carriage. "This… isn't quite what I expected."

Lysara stepped forward, gesturing for them to follow her through the gate. "Come. You'll understand soon enough."

Aurelia exchanged a glance with Laurien before following. Her boots clicked against the stone pathway as she entered the small courtyard, her gaze taking in the simple, well-kept garden surrounding a humble stone cottage. A few children ran past them, giggling as they weaved through the narrow alleys beyond. The scent of wildflowers and freshly tilled earth filled the air, a stark contrast to the perfumes and polished halls of the castle.

Laurien crossed his arms. "I assumed we were visiting a place of significance. Not someone's backyard."

Lysara gave him an unimpressed look. "You nobles are all the same. You think importance is measured in grand halls and gold-plated ceilings."

Laurien scoffed. "I do not—"

Aurelia, watching the exchange with amusement, interrupted. "Alright, alright. Enough squabbling. Lysara, tell us—who lives here?"

Lysara's expression softened slightly as she approached the front door and knocked lightly. "A friend."

Before Aurelia could question her further, the door creaked open, revealing an older woman with kind eyes and a knowing smile. She wiped her hands on her apron, looking Lysara up and down. "Well, well. Look who finally decided to visit."

Lysara offered a rare, genuine smile. "I had business at the castle."

The woman shook her head fondly. "You always have business. Come in."

Aurelia and Laurien followed Lysara inside, exchanging puzzled looks as they stepped into the cozy home. A fire crackled in the hearth, filling the space with warmth. The shelves were lined with books, trinkets, and worn-out maps, each item telling a story of its own. The scent of fresh herbs and stew lingered in the air, making Aurelia suddenly realize how hungry she was.

"Sit," the woman instructed, pulling out chairs for them at the wooden table. "I imagine you've traveled quite a bit this morning."

Lysara sat without hesitation, her posture more at ease than it had been all day. "These are my companions. Laurien and Aurelia."

The woman nodded. "I see. Royal visitors, then?"

Laurien straightened slightly, unused to being referred to so casually. "Yes."

The woman chuckled. "You look the part."

Aurelia, sensing the warmth in the interaction, leaned forward. "And you are?"

The woman met her gaze evenly. "Marienne. I was Lysara's caretaker when she was younger."

Aurelia blinked in surprise, glancing at Lysara. "You never mentioned having a caretaker."

Lysara looked away, running a finger along the grain of the wooden table. "I don't talk about my childhood much."

Marienne sat down beside her. "Lysara had her reasons. But she was always a bright child. Stubborn, but bright."

Aurelia smirked. "That checks out."

Laurien, though still confused, found himself curious. "So you lived outside the castle?"

Marienne nodded. "For the most part. Lysara used to sneak out to visit me when she could."

Aurelia raised an eyebrow at Lysara. "Sneaking out seems to be a habit of yours."

Lysara shot her a look. "It's how I learned about the kingdom beyond the castle walls. Something you both could benefit from."

Marienne chuckled. "Indeed. And now, Lysara has brought you here for a reason, I assume?"

Lysara nodded. "I wanted them to see what life is like outside of court politics."

Aurelia leaned back, her eyes thoughtful. "Well, you certainly have my attention."

Laurien, despite himself, found he was intrigued as well. Perhaps this trip would be more enlightening than he expected.

Lysara smirked slightly, satisfied. "Good. Because this is just the beginning."