Scene — House Norwyn, Afternoon Courtyard
The forged letter spread through Velaris faster than wildfire.
By midday, whispers buzzed in every corridor — "Lady Lyra has ambitions beyond her rank," "She sent letters to seduce Lord Kaelrin, Lord Velan, and even the heir of House Marwen."
Lyra sat quietly in the garden, her fingers clenched around the false letter. Her chest felt tight, and not from the scandal — but from the sting of betrayal.
> Lyra (softly, to herself):
"This wasn't gossip… this was war."
Alina entered behind her, face composed, eyes unreadable.
> Alina: "The servants say House Velan is distancing themselves already."
Lyra: "I never wrote this. Someone forged it. Deliberately."
Alina tilted her head slightly, brushing her silver-blonde hair aside.
> Alina: "Perhaps someone sees you as… a threat."
> Lyra (eyeing her): "Should I count you among them?"
> Alina (calmly): "You don't need enemies when your pride does the damage for you."
The sting was deep, but Lyra didn't flinch. She stood, folding the letter into her palm.
> Lyra: "If someone wanted me silent, they should've tried harder."
---
Scene — Royal Assembly Hall, Evening
A hush fell as Duke Kaelrin stepped into the Royal Assembly.
The hall was grand — golden pillars lined with house banners, nobles seated on crescent balconies overlooking the floor below. Every word echoed, every glance judged.
Lady Elareth was already present, her violet robes sharp as her voice.
> Lady Elareth: "Duke Kaelrin, I assume you've heard of the letter?"
> Kaelrin (coolly): "I have. And I find it laughably amateur."
Gasps stirred through the crowd.
> Kaelrin (continuing):
"Lady Lyra Norwyn has done nothing to warrant such accusations. I will vouch for her character."
> Lord Marwen (from balcony):
"A little too personally involved, aren't we, Duke?"
Kaelrin's eyes narrowed.
> Kaelrin:
"Careful, Lord Marwen. My involvement may get personal if I find who slandered her."
A stunned silence followed. Then soft murmurs.
> Lady Elareth (sweetly):
"So, you're defending her... as what, exactly? A friend? A suitor?"
Kaelrin didn't blink.
> Kaelrin (firmly): "As someone who sees the truth."
Up above, in the noble tier, Lord Revian watched quietly — tall, striking, with dark green eyes that once haunted Lyra's dreams. His expression was unreadable, but his gaze never left her.
---
Scene — Later that Night, Westmere Carriage – Lyra & Kaelrin
Kaelrin insisted on escorting Lyra back in his private carriage.
The interior was lush — royal blue velvet, gold trim, scented with faint lavender. Outside, Velaris gleamed with twilight.
> Kaelrin: "You don't have to thank me."
> Lyra (sighing): "I wasn't going to."
He smiled faintly. "Still prideful."
> Lyra:
"And you still think every woman swoons because you show up in a dark coat and glare at nobles."
> Kaelrin (gently): "Not every woman. Just one."
The silence between them pulsed.
> Lyra (softly): "Why did you defend me? You didn't have to."
> Kaelrin:
"Because I know how it feels to be used as a political pawn. I won't let it happen to you."
Lyra looked at him then — truly looked.
> Lyra:
"You have more layers than you let on."
> Kaelrin (whispering): "And you're peeling through every one of them."
The carriage jolted as it reached the Norwyn estate. Kaelrin stepped down, offering his hand.
> Kaelrin (soft): "Until next we meet, Lady Lyra."
She hesitated… then took his hand, just for a moment.
> Lyra: "Next time, bring tea. I'm tired of nobles and daggers."
> Kaelrin (smiling): "I'll bring both."
---
Scene — House Norwyn Balcony, Midnight
Alina stood alone, watching the stars.
Behind her, a voice broke the silence.
> Voice: "You shine brighter than ever, Alina."
She turned sharply — and gasped.
> Alina: "Revian...?"
Lord Revian stepped out of the shadows. Same confident posture, same calculating eyes.
> Revian:
"Did you miss me?"
> Alina (tense): "You shouldn't be here."
> Revian:
"And yet… here I am. I hear your sister is capturing hearts. Especially Kaelrin's."
> Alina (stiffly): "Lyra isn't interested in him."
> Revian (amused): "Even if she is… maybe I'll make her remember me first."
Alina's heart sank. She knew that look — Revian wasn't back for love.
He was back to win.
Even if it meant destroying Lyra in the process.
---
Scene — Cliffside Edge, Dawn
Lyra stood by the old cliff near her estate, the ocean crashing far below. She held the silver pendant Kaelrin had gifted her — unsure what to do with it.
A voice stirred behind her.
> Voice: "It still suits you."
She turned — and froze.
> Lyra (cold): "You?"
Revian stepped forward, smirking.
> Revian:
"You didn't think I'd let a boring little Duke take what was mine, did you?"
Lyra's pulse quickened. Her past had returned — and this time, it wasn't just jealousy.
It was war.
---
To Be Continued…