Midnight Whispers – Velaris Castle
The moon hung low, half-veiled in drifting clouds. Beyond the high walls of Velaris Castle, the city slumbered, unaware of the storms slowly brewing inside its most powerful halls.
A figure cloaked in black stood in the shadow of the training yard wall, where only hours earlier Kaelrin and Lyra had exchanged unspoken truths. His eyes glimmered with amusement as he leaned against the stone.
"So fragile… so human," he murmured, a cruel smile tugging at his lips. "A single promise tying them together. How easy it would be to sever."
The figure vanished into the night, his presence as fleeting as smoke, but the chill of his intent lingered in the air.
---
The Morning Council
Kaelrin sat stiffly in the Duke's council chamber, the weight of his father's gaze pressing down on him like an iron shackle.
"The northern borders are restless again," the Duke's deep voice rumbled. "We cannot afford distraction. Our allies must remain strong and loyal. And that includes House Elowen."
At the mention of Lyra's family, Kaelrin's head snapped up. "House Elowen has been loyal for generations."
His father's sharp eyes narrowed. "Then you understand why their daughter must be kept close. Appearances, Kaelrin. Every smile, every gesture matters."
Kaelrin's jaw clenched. He understood far too well — his father wasn't speaking of loyalty in politics, but loyalty in marriage.
"I will not use her as a pawn," Kaelrin said firmly.
The Duke's lips curved into a humorless smile. "You will do as duty requires. You are not a child anymore."
The council moved on to maps and treaties, but Kaelrin's thoughts had already drifted elsewhere — to a girl with lavender eyes who had reminded him of a forgotten promise.
---
Garden Encounter
Lyra was waiting for him in the east garden later that day, leaning against the marble fountain, her dress catching the sunlight like liquid silk.
"You look troubled," she remarked as he approached.
Kaelrin forced composure. "The council was long. Nothing unusual."
She gave him a knowing look. "You're a terrible liar."
He almost smiled. "And you're too observant for your own good."
They sat by the fountain, silence stretching before Lyra broke it with a teasing grin. "Do you remember when you tried to build me a crown from daisies? You said you'd make me a queen."
Kaelrin chuckled despite himself. "It fell apart before I even put it on your head."
"Yes," she laughed softly, "but I kept the ribbon you tied it with. I still have it."
Her words struck something deep inside him — an echo of innocence, of a time before duty chained them.
"You shouldn't hold onto foolish things," he whispered.
Lyra tilted her head. "Maybe not. But sometimes foolish things are the only ones worth holding onto."
For a moment, their eyes met, a fragile intimacy blooming between them.
---
Jealousy Stirred
Unseen by either of them, a shadow lurked among the hedges — the same figure from last night. His eyes glinted as he watched their closeness.
"How touching," he hissed softly. "But love… love is the easiest chain to break. Let's see how long your bond lasts when I pull the threads."
With that, he slipped away, already weaving his schemes.
---
A Sudden Misunderstanding
Later that evening, as Kaelrin walked through the grand corridors, he overheard hushed voices behind a half-closed door.
"…the Duke insists. The Lady Lyra must be prepared for a union," said a courtier.
"And if Kaelrin resists?" another asked.
"Then perhaps another match will secure the alliance. The Elowens have other suitors."
Kaelrin froze. His chest tightened, a storm of anger and fear surging inside. Another match?
Before he could step forward, he realized Lyra herself stood just around the corner, having heard the same words. Her face was pale, her eyes shadowed with hurt.
She turned and walked quickly away.
"Lyra—!" Kaelrin called, but she didn't stop.
For the first time since their childhood, a real crack appeared between them.
---
The Miracle of Fate
Hours later, when the moon was high again, a sudden commotion broke out in the castle. A messenger arrived breathless — news from the northern borders:
"The skirmishes have ceased! The northern tribes have withdrawn without reason. The threat is gone — almost as if the winds themselves shifted overnight!"
The council declared it a miracle, a blessing of fate.
Kaelrin, however, only thought of one thing: Fate is giving me time. Time to make things right with her.
---
Chapter End – To Be Continued