Setting: The Eastern Tower – Norwyn Estate, Twilight
The amber light of evening poured into Lyra's room like liquid fire. She sat before her mirror, the glint of her silver comb paused mid-stroke through her hair. From below the tower, the wind carried distant laughter and music — nobles gathering again, no doubt. Another dinner. Another performance.
But Lyra's mind wasn't on politics. It was on him.
Kaelrin's apology kept echoing in her thoughts. The Duke of Westmere — cold, composed, proud — had said the word "sorry". Not because he had to, but because he meant it. That alone made her wary. She had built walls. Tall, strong ones.
And yet, in that moment in the maze, a crack had appeared.
She sighed and tied her hair back. If she was to attend another one of her mother's carefully orchestrated courtship ambushes, she would do so with grace — and armor.
She chose a deep crimson gown. Not for flirtation, but power.
---
Scene: The Grand Greenhouse – Evening Gathering
Velaris's famed glass greenhouse shimmered under a canopy of stars. Lush roses, enchanted vines, and glowing butterflies made it the perfect place for whispered deals and stolen glances. Tonight, the court's elite had gathered not for a ball — but a quiet musical evening hosted by House Norwyn.
Lady Elareth's intention was clear: place her daughters in full view of potential suitors. But Kaelrin wasn't just another suitor — he was the riddle that refused to be solved.
Kaelrin stood by a marble column, arms folded behind his back, eyes scanning the guests without much interest. Lord Darien had already drifted into the center of the crowd, laughing with Lady Alina over a glass of spiced wine.
When Lyra entered, the air shifted.
Kaelrin noticed immediately — her presence commanded attention, even in silence. He saw past the color of her dress, past the beauty. He saw defiance. Strength.
She approached without hesitation.
> "Enjoying the gardens, Your Grace?"
Kaelrin turned slightly. "I'm not fond of social games."
> "Then it must pain you to be winning at one."
A ghost of a smile touched his lips.
> "You're direct."
> "And you're impossible."
A pause. They both chuckled.
Just a little.
---
Scene: The Balcony Overlook – A Moment of Truth
As the evening thinned, guests moved indoors. Only a few lingered under the stars. Kaelrin found himself drawn toward the marble overlook where Lyra stood, gazing into the valley below. Her hands rested on the railing, fingers relaxed, but her eyes held storms.
> "You know what they say about this view?" she said, without turning. "That the first time you see it, your true self is revealed."
> "And what do you see in yours?"
She looked at him, unflinching. "A woman trying not to fall."
Kaelrin blinked. "Fall where?"
> "Into something I can't afford."
The air stilled.
> "And you?" she asked, softly.
Kaelrin stepped closer, his voice low. "A man who thought he was unshakable. Until a woman called him hollow."
Their eyes met. Neither looked away.
---
Scene: The Whisper Garden – Moments Later
Behind the greenhouse, a secret garden lay — known only to a few. Lyra led the way, Kaelrin following. There, in the hush of night and scent of violet petals, they sat on an old stone bench.
No court. No masks.
> "Why did you really move to Velaris?" she asked.
He hesitated. Then:
> "To escape a war I couldn't win. In Westmere, every alliance, every conversation… was a battlefield. I grew tired of pretending."
> "So you came to a place where everyone pretends?"
He smiled. "Perhaps I was foolish."
> "Or perhaps you're hoping someone sees you. The real you."
His silence spoke volumes.
---
Scene: Return to the Estate – Goodbye… For Now
As the night deepened, Kaelrin escorted Lyra back through the quiet halls of Norwyn Estate. Their steps echoed softly.
At her door, she paused.
> "Goodnight, Your Grace."
> "Kaelrin," he corrected.
> "Goodnight, Kaelrin."
He took her hand gently — a courtly gesture, not a promise. Yet his thumb brushed hers just a moment longer than expected.
And then he turned and walked away.
Lyra closed her door and leaned against it, breath catching.
Her world was shifting. And his had already started to.
---
To Be Continued…