THE SHADOW BOUND CROWN

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the stone corridors as Lysara made her way toward her sister's chambers. The castle, grand and imposing, always felt suffocating to her, but here—where Evelyne resided—it carried a different warmth.

She hesitated at the heavy wooden door before pushing it open. Inside, Evelyne stood near the window, her auburn hair cascading down her back, eyes distant as she gazed at the sprawling courtyard below.

"You've been sneaking out again," Evelyne said without turning.

Lysara sighed, stepping into the room. "You came looking for me."

"I always do." Evelyne turned then, her green eyes sharp but filled with worry. "One day, you won't come back."

Lysara scoffed. "I can handle myself."

Evelyne shook her head. "It's not just about handling yourself, Lysara. You think father doesn't notice? You think the court isn't watching?"

Lysara crossed her arms. "Let them watch. What does it matter?"

Evelyne stepped forward, lowering her voice. "Because the matchmaking season has begun. Soon, nobles from every allied kingdom will be arriving, seeking matches among the highborn families." She exhaled, tension lacing her voice. "You think father will let you run free when your duty to marry strengthens his hold on power?"

Lysara stiffened. She had known this was coming, of course. It was inevitable. But hearing it spoken aloud made the weight of it settle in her chest like iron chains.

"I don't care about their stupid politics," Lysara muttered. "I won't be some bargaining piece."

Evelyne gave her a sad smile. "Neither did I."

Lysara's eyes flickered to her sister's face. Evelyne, always so composed, rarely spoke of her own fate, the expectations placed upon her.

"You don't want to marry either," Lysara realized.

Evelyne laughed, but there was no joy in it. "Want? Lysara, what we want has never mattered. I've spent my life being groomed for an alliance that benefits the kingdom. Now, my match is only two weeks away. And you think you'll escape that fate?"

Lysara swallowed. "It isn't fair."

"No," Evelyne agreed, sitting on the edge of her bed. "But we are daughters of the crown. Our futures are not our own."

Silence stretched between them.

Finally, Lysara sat beside her. "Is there anyone… you'd choose, if you could?"

Evelyne hesitated. "No one that would be accepted."

Lysara frowned. "Then why not fight it? You're the heir, you have some influence."

Evelyne gave her a sad look. "Influence is an illusion when wielded against the will of a king."

Lysara clenched her fists. "Then I'll find a way to break free."

Evelyne reached out, squeezing her hand. "Just… be careful, Lysara. The court is a battlefield, just like the streets you fight in. But here, the weapons are words and alliances, and one wrong step can be just as deadly as a blade."

Lysara nodded, but in her heart, she already knew—she would never let herself be caged.

As she left her sister's chambers, her resolve burned brighter than ever. The matchmaking season may have begun, but she would not be a pawn in their games. She would find her own path, no matter the cost

She quickly checked up on their little brother in his room, whom he found fast asleep, all the days plays had taken a toll on him, after a kiss goodnight she went back to her quarters. 

As she lay in bed contemplating, she suddenly stood up had a switch of clothes, opened her widows and swiftly disappeared into the night.

Someplace else in the kings quaters, a hooded could be seen bowing down while whispering somethingto King .After a few nods the King raised his arm and dismissed the man who quickly left. King Ravenshade was deep in thought as his cold eyes stared straight into the empty space.

He then sighed and stood up and retired into one of his many concubines' rooms.