Setting:
Velaris — a magical kingdom where royal families and noble houses are deeply entangled in politics, driven by raw power and ancient magic. Here, every twilight sees the stars nearly kiss the ground… and gossip spreads faster than wildfire.
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Narrator Voice (in elegant, modern tone):
> "A new prince has arrived in Velaris."
This line was no longer just a whisper… it echoed in every court, marketplace, and noble house.
Lady Elareth, matriarch of House Norwyn, had already begun calculating her daughters' future alliances. Her eldest daughter — Lyra — was known for her intelligence, slight stubbornness, and razor-sharp tongue. The second — Alina — was widely considered the most beautiful, calm, and graceful of them all.
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Scene – House Norwyn Dining Hall
Lady Elareth (with excitement):
> "They say Duke Kaelrin of Westmere is moving his royal estate here, into the Eastern Vale of Velaris. His income exceeds 10,000 aurens per moon! He could be the perfect match!"
Lord Norwyn (dry, sarcastic):
> "So what now? Marry him off to any one of our daughters the moment he steps into the city? You've got stars in your eyes and crowns in your dreams."
Lady Elareth (firmly):
> "You don't understand. When a prince chooses to settle here of his own will, there must be a reason. Perhaps... he's looking for a life partner."
---
Scene Shift – Grand Ball in Velaris
A grand welcome ball was arranged in Velaris to honor the Duke's arrival.
Starlight dripped from chandeliers above, and every noble house in the realm was present.
Duke Kaelrin, tall, composed, and enigmatic — stood dressed in a royal blue cloak, his eyes holding the kind of arrogance some would mistake for confidence. Beside him was his closest friend, Lord Darien, known for his flirty, lighthearted nature.
Kaelrin (in a cool, distant tone):
> "This place is beautiful. Its people... talk too much."
Darien (grinning):
> "That's the charm of Velaris. And look — there they are… the daughters of House Norwyn."
Kaelrin's eyes briefly passed over Alina — radiant and graceful.
But when his gaze met Lyra, something different sparked — a flicker of challenge.
---
Lyra (whispering to Alina):
> "There's arrogance in his eyes. I doubt someone like that could ever impress me."
Kaelrin (to Darien, unaware Lyra overhears):
> "She's tolerable... but not beautiful enough to tempt me."
Lyra heard that.
And in that moment, something shifted — this wasn't just pride clashing anymore.
It was the beginning of something deeper… a spark, a battle, a journey.
House Norwyn Estate – Next Morning
The amber sun rose over the cliffs of Velaris, washing the cobblestone paths and vine-covered towers of House Norwyn in golden light. Birds sang high above, their songs weaving between the distant bells of the Temple of Vale. In the central courtyard of the estate, Lyra stood poised, a book in one hand and a frown on her face.
She hadn't slept well.
Kaelrin's words from the ball echoed in her ears — "not beautiful enough to tempt me." The arrogance. The sheer gall. Lyra wasn't one to care much for flattery or public opinion, but being so casually dismissed in front of an entire noble gathering? That struck a nerve she didn't know was exposed.
"Lyra?" Alina's soft voice drifted into the courtyard.
Lyra looked up from her book. "Yes?"
"You've been out here since dawn," Alina said, brushing her long silver-blonde hair aside. She wore a soft peach dress, glowing in the morning light. "Mother's hosting breakfast in the upper gardens. Lord Velan and his sister are joining us."
Lyra sighed. "More posturing."
Alina giggled. "You say that like it's not fun. Come. If nothing else, the pastries will make it worth your time."
Scene Shift – Upper Garden Breakfast
The garden buzzed with activity. Servants moved gracefully between guests, setting down platters of honeyed fruits, dew-cakes, and warm blossom buns. Lady Elareth, dressed in her finest violet robes, greeted Lord Velan with a flourish. Lord Velan, a lean man with a hawk-like nose and a reputation for silent brooding, bowed politely.
Darien, however, brought a fresh breeze into the gathering.
"Lady Elareth," he said with a charming grin, "Your estate is even more radiant by daylight. I'm convinced the stars stayed up late last night just to gossip about your garden."
Lady Elareth laughed — genuinely. "You flatter too easily, Lord Darien."
"Not easily," Darien said, eyes sparkling. "Just honestly."
Kaelrin entered shortly after. He wore a dark coat embroidered with silver branches and leaves, the sigil of his house. His expression was unreadable as he nodded to the others, seating himself quietly beside Lord Velan.
Lyra watched him from across the table, trying not to scowl.
He didn't glance at her. Not once. As if she didn't exist.
Scene – Walk through the Flowered Maze
Later that morning, as social customs dictated, the young nobles were encouraged to walk through the estate's flowered maze. An opportunity for courtly conversations... or subtle rivalries.
Darien, ever the extrovert, took Alina's arm with a grin. "Shall we test our fate in the maze, Lady Alina?"
She blushed, nodding. "If you promise not to let me get lost."
"I make no such promises."
Kaelrin, meanwhile, stood near the entrance, arms folded.
Lyra walked past him without a word.
"Lady Lyra," he said suddenly.
She stopped. "Lord Kaelrin."
"You disapprove of me."
She turned to face him. "I don't know you well enough to form a proper opinion. But I've heard enough."
He raised an eyebrow. "You take offense easily."
She smiled coldly. "Only when I'm insulted in public."
A pause. Birds chirped overhead.
"I apologize," Kaelrin said at last.
Lyra blinked. "Excuse me?"
"I said something without thought, and it reached ears it shouldn't have."
"Meaning, had I not heard it, you wouldn't regret it?"
"Perhaps."
"Then your apology is hollow."
Kaelrin looked at her — truly looked, for the first time. "You are not what I expected."
"And you are exactly what I expected."
She turned and walked into the maze, heart pounding, unsure if she was proud of herself or furious. Maybe both.
Scene – Rumors in Velaris
Later that week, gossip flared across Velaris like wildfire.
"Duke Kaelrin snubbed Lady Alina at the garden ball."
"No, no — it was Lady Lyra who insulted him."
"Lord Darien is courting Alina. Confirmed."
The Norwyn sisters became the center of speculation. Invitations arrived in waves. Nobles and commoners alike speculated who would win the heart of the most eligible man in the realm.
At the Norwyn estate, Lyra took no joy in the attention.
"I'm not a prize to be won," she told Alina as they sorted through silk invitation scrolls.
"I know," Alina said, "but Mother thinks we are."
Lyra's eyes softened. "I won't let them use you."
"I can protect myself, Lyra. You don't have to fight every battle alone."
They smiled, a moment of sisterly calm in the storm of social maneuvering.
Scene – Kaelrin's Study in Westmere Manor
Meanwhile, Kaelrin stood by a tall window in his Velaris manor, staring at the distant lights of the Norwyn estate.
Darien entered behind him. "Still brooding?"
"I'm not brooding."
"You are. And you're thinking about her."
Kaelrin didn't respond.
Darien chuckled. "She's not like the others. That's what's bothering you."
"She called me hollow."
"You were."
Kaelrin turned. "Do you think I should court her?"
Darien's grin widened. "Now that would make the nobles scream."
Scene – A Storm is Coming
That night, lightning danced over Velaris. A storm was on the horizon.
Lyra stood on her balcony, the wind tossing her hair, eyes staring into the clouds.
She didn't know what it meant — this uneasy feeling in her chest — but she knew the story between her and Kaelrin was far from over.
And the crown… and the thorns… had only just begun to grow.
To be continued:-