THE SHADOW BOUND CROWN

The castle was alive with activity, servants rushing through the halls, draping banners of rich crimson and gold over the grand archways. The air smelled of fresh flowers and polished wood as preparations for the matchmaking season continued at a relentless pace. Nobles from the outer regions had already begun arriving, setting up their residences in the noble quarter outside the castle gates, awaiting the start of the grand event.

Within the castle walls, the royal siblings were preparing in their own ways. Evelyne, ever dutiful, met with tailors and attendants to ensure her wardrobe was fit for the occasion. Lysara, however, had taken a more strategic approach—watching, listening, and ensuring her presence gave away nothing.

Among the castle's many inhabitants, animosity festered. The children of the concubines, half-brothers and half-sisters to Evelyne, Lysara, and their younger brother, whispered among themselves, their resentment simmering beneath carefully crafted smiles.

Prince Hadrian, the eldest of the concubine's sons, leaned against the polished stone railing of the upper balcony, watching Lysara move through the hall below. His dark eyes flickered with amusement as he turned to his closest confidant his other brother Prince Adin, who was also one of his people in court but played the role of a henchman well as his standing in the court was even worse as his mother was actually a servant of the King and not even a real concubine. The presence of the the two siblings was always a constant reminder of his low standings

. "She plays the role of a ghost too well. A princess who neither seeks power nor plays the fool. It's unnatural."

"She's waiting," his companion replied. "Biding her time, perhaps. But even if she doesn't want the throne, her very existence is an insult to you."

Hadrian smirked. "Then let's see if we can shake her out of that little mask of hers."

He always hated Lysara more due to her always talking back unlike Evelyne who was more kind and acted like a true princess .He knew that if he were to challenge for the throne he would find it hard with Lysara in the way protecting her little brother the King to be ,hence why he wanted the two siblings out of the castle. Deep down he even wished it was the youger sibling getting married. He knew he had to secure a good match with good political influence and from a powerful kingdom if his dream to be kingdom was to be realized 

Later that evening, as Lysara strolled through the castle corridors, Hadrian intercepted her path. "Little sister," he drawled, arms crossed over his chest. "Excited for the matchmaking festivities?"

Lysara didn't pause, didn't react. She merely glanced at him, her expression impassive. "Should I be?"

Hadrian chuckled. "Well, you'll finally have the chance to meet all those noble suitors eager to tie their names to royal blood. Maybe you'll even find yourself a husband."

She tilted her head slightly, as if in mock curiosity. "Should I assume you'll be vying for a match as well? Or are you too preoccupied with ensuring your station remains secure?"

Hadrian's smirk twitched, but he maintained his composure. "You wound me, Lysara."

"Then stop standing in my way, dear brother." She stepped past him without another word, leaving him fuming behind her.

Meanwhile, the arriving nobles attempted to gain favor where they could, flocking to Evelyne and Lysara like moths to a flame. The daughters of true royalty, after all, held the greatest influence. They offered gifts, flattery, and subtle alliances, all in hopes of securing a powerful future.

This blatant favoritism only deepened the resentment among the concubine's children. Prince Hadrian clenched his jaw as he watched yet another noblewoman curtsy before Evelyne, praising her grace and charm. His mother had always told him he had just as much right to the throne, but reality was proving otherwise.

As the days passed, tensions continued to rise, and Lysara remained vigilant. The games had begun, and she knew she would have to play carefully if she wished to survive.