Setting: Eastern Courtyard, House Norwyn — Just after the breakfast meeting
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The sun had climbed higher in the sky, spilling gold across the stone walkways of House Norwyn. A breeze swept in from the distant Vale, carrying with it the scent of blooming night-thorn flowers — sweet but laced with something bitter underneath.
Lady Lyra sat alone beneath the vine-covered gazebo in the eastern courtyard, a book open on her lap. But her eyes weren't reading. They were fixed far off, toward the gates of the estate… toward the image of Kaelrin, who hadn't spoken to her since that morning apology.
Her fingers curled slightly against the page.
"Why does it still bother me?" she whispered.
> "Because you're not used to being the one judged,"
a voice answered from behind.
Lyra turned sharply. Lord Darien stood leaning against the edge of a marble pillar, arms folded and an amused smile dancing on his lips.
"You again," she said dryly. "Do you always appear uninvited?"
"I could ask you the same. It's not every day I find a Lady hiding in a garden when there's a city preparing for the Royal Hunt."
"I'm not hiding."
"No?" he grinned. "Then perhaps you're just dreaming?"
Lyra narrowed her eyes but didn't respond. Darien walked forward, sitting on the edge of the stone bench across from her. His demeanor was playful, but behind those silver eyes lay something calculating.
> "He's not good at talking, you know."
"Excuse me?"
"Kaelrin. He's not good at expressing anything. He either offends, broods, or stays silent. It's charming in a very frustrating way."
Lyra looked away. "I don't care."
"But he does," Darien said, his tone shifting, softening. "Whether he understands it or not… he noticed you."
She bit her lower lip but didn't reply.
---
Scene Shift – Royal Decree Announcement
Later that afternoon, the central plaza of Velaris rang with trumpets. Citizens gathered in masses, nobles in their carriages, all turning toward the raised marble platform where two royal envoys stood — draped in sapphire and ivory banners.
A scroll was unfurled.
> "By decree of His Grace, Duke Kaelrin of Westmere, in alliance with the High Council of Velaris…"
A hush spread.
> "…the Royal Moonlight Hunt shall be hosted this season by House Norwyn, under the oversight of Lady Elareth and her daughters."
Gasps erupted.
This was rare. Such honors were only granted to the most politically rising Houses. Whispers spread like wildfire — Was it because of Lyra? Or Alina? Or something else entirely?
At the Norwyn estate, Lady Elareth nearly fainted from pride. "Velaris is watching," she told her daughters. "Dress accordingly. Smile accordingly. And do not — under any circumstance — bring shame."
Lyra barely heard her.
All she could think of was Kaelrin, and why he would choose their house to host such a prestigious event.
---
Scene – Preparation for the Hunt
The following morning, the gardens were filled with tailors, stable masters, guards, and seamstresses. Banners were being stitched, horses groomed, and ceremonial arrows polished. Everyone had a role to play.
In her chamber, Lyra stood before a tall mirror as Alina helped pin her hair up.
"You're thinking about him again," Alina whispered.
"I'm not," Lyra lied.
Alina smiled faintly. "You've never been this quiet while preparing for anything."
"…He makes no sense. He's cold. Arrogant. Distant. And yet… he apologised. He gave us the Hunt. And now he's sending invitations in our name?"
"Maybe he wants to test something," Alina said, "Or maybe… he wants to understand you."
Lyra glanced sideways at her sister. "What about you?"
"I've already been claimed by Darien, haven't I?" she said, laughing softly. "I think he's trying to woo me through poetry now."
Lyra chuckled despite herself. "Poor you."
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Scene – The Hunt Begins
The sun dipped low by the time the nobles gathered near the Vale Forest's edge. The ceremonial archery range had been prepared, and the fields beyond glittered with magical boundaries that protected both beasts and hunters.
Kaelrin arrived on horseback, dressed in black riding armor with silver trimming. He dismounted slowly and approached Lyra — who stood at the far end, lacing her gloves.
"Lady Lyra," he greeted, bowing slightly.
"My lord," she returned, curt but polite.
"I wanted to thank you. Your family's preparations are impeccable."
"My mother would be delighted to hear that."
He hesitated.
"…I would also like to request your company on the trail tomorrow."
Her eyes snapped to his. "Why?"
"Because I find myself… curious."
"That's not a compliment."
"It's not meant to be."
She looked at him. Really looked.
> For once, she didn't see arrogance in his eyes.
She saw restraint. Struggle. And something gentler behind the armor.
"I'll consider it," she said.
Kaelrin gave a small nod. "Then I'll wait."
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Scene – A New Challenger
But as fate would have it, peace would not last long.
As the crowd dispersed from the first round of ceremonial archery, another noble carriage rolled into the clearing — its flags crimson and gold.
Lady Elareth's face stiffened. "Oh no…"
From the carriage emerged Lord Thorne D'Arell, heir to one of the rival houses of Velaris, known for his wealth, charisma, and flair for dramatics.
He walked directly toward Lyra, took her hand, and kissed it.
> "Lady Lyra. I've heard tales of your beauty. But reality far surpasses rumor."
Kaelrin, from a distance, froze.
Darien whispered, amused, "And so it begins…"
Lyra looked at Lord Thorne, then at Kaelrin.
For the first time… she felt a triangle form — sharp, dangerous, and thrilling.
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To be continued…