THE SHADOW BOUND CROWN

Evelyn stood in the grand hall of the castle, her hands folded neatly before her as she faced the imposing figure of her father, King Ravenshade. His piercing gaze studied her intently, his fingers tapping against the armrest of his gilded throne. The air was thick with unspoken expectations, and though she remained poised, she could already sense that this meeting would be yet another exercise in his political maneuvering.

"You have done well, Evelyn," the king finally spoke, his voice steady but carrying the weight of authority. "You have garnered interest from two of the most powerful men who visited our kingdom. Their presence here is an advantage we must not squander."

Evelyn's lips parted slightly before she closed them again. Her father never acknowledged her for anything other than how useful she could be. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, prolonging their stay might create tensions. If one is ultimately rejected, we risk alienating a powerful kingdom. Would it not be wiser to let them return with grace?"

The king smirked, leaning forward. "That is precisely why you must keep them both here. If they leave now, their affections might wane, their alliances might shift. If we hold them close, we ensure their devotion, and they will fight harder for your hand." His smile widened slightly. "Besides, the more interested parties you have, the greater leverage we gain."

Evelyn sighed inwardly. There was no reasoning with him when he had made up his mind. "And if one of them harbors resentment? If their pride turns them against us?"

"Then you will do what any true princess would—handle it with grace and ensure they remain useful to us regardless of the outcome." His tone left no room for further argument. "You will entertain them for another fortnight. And to make it fair, I have arranged for them to take turns. A week each, to see who impresses you more."

Evelyn's heart sank. "A week each?" Her voice was softer now, controlled, though she hated every bit of this decision.

The king nodded. "They will draw lots in your presence. You will give them their fair chance. Then, when the time comes, you will choose."

The words sent a chill through her. Choose? As if she were selecting a gown for an evening. As if the decision wasn't weighted with lifelong consequences.

The doors to the hall swung open, and Laurien and Caelum strode in, their regal presences filling the space. Laurien had reverted to his composed, serious demeanor, a stark contrast to his warmth the previous night. Caelum, on the other hand, carried himself with arrogant confidence, his smirk practically daring Laurien to falter.

The king observed them both, pleased. "You both have shown great interest in my daughter. As a fair ruler, I have decided to grant you equal opportunity. Each of you will have one week with her to court her, to prove yourselves. The one who captures her heart shall have my blessing."

Caelum's smirk deepened. "A challenge I gladly accept, Your Majesty. I doubt it will take a week for the princess to see reason."

Laurien, standing beside him, showed no outward reaction except for a slow blink. Then, with a quiet nod, he spoke. "I only hope she chooses freely and without pressure. That is all I desire."

The king chuckled. "Let fate decide." A servant stepped forward, holding a small ornate box with two slips of parchment inside. "Draw. The one who picks first shall have the first week."

Caelum reached in, pulled a slip, and grinned as he read it. "Looks like I shall be first."

Laurien glanced at his own parchment, his expression neutral, though a slight shadow of disappointment crossed his face before he concealed it. He turned to Evelyn with an apologetic look. "It appears you'll have to endure me last, Princess."

Evelyn gave him a wry smile. "If I survive the first week."

The king laughed heartily. "A fine jest! Let the courtship begin."

With that, the meeting ended, and the suitors took their leave. As Evelyn turned to go back to her quarters, Caelum lingered, offering a charming smile. "Princess, may I have a moment?"

She sighed. "I am rather tired, Lord Caelum. Perhaps later."

His smirk faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered, bowing. "Of course, my lady. Rest well."

As she exited the hall, a strong hand caught her wrist, and she yelped before turning sharply, ready to reprimand whoever dared—

"I apologize for startling you," Laurien said, his voice softer than before. He smirked, though there was a kindness behind it. "I only wished to say—do try not to fall in love before my turn comes, won't you?"

Evelyn exhaled, her initial shock melting into amusement. "You jest, Laurien. But I assure you, my heart is not so easily won."

"Good," he said, inclining his head. "That means I still stand a chance."

She rolled her eyes, though a small smile played on her lips. "Good evening, Laurien."

"Good evening, Princess."

As she walked away, she felt an unexpected warmth in her chest. However, her moment of peace was shattered when she noticed movement from the shadows. A pair of sharp eyes glowed with fury, watching.

Someone had seen everything.

Hadrien!!

He had failed to secure a good prospect from the party and his mother the first concubine would always nag him about it. He hated every argument with her, but he also found it hard to choose as he had fallen for Aurelia the cold Princess of Icevire.

Since that day she had plagued his dreams, like a fleeting shadow occupying his mind. Unfortunately, he could not even get the chance to talk her, she did not put him in mind and did not even grant her audience when he visited her in the visitors' quarters.

He was on his way to the visitor's place again today when he chanced upon the interaction. Seeing one of his hated sisters so happy and successful where he could not, left him seething with unmasked anger his eyes red and fists clenched.