A whisper bargain and unforeseen embrace

The morning sun had barely begun its ascent when Caelum made his way through the castle corridors, his stride confident as he prepared to collect Evelyne for breakfast. His thoughts were occupied with his plans for the day, but as he turned a corner, a lone figure blocked his path.

Hadrien.

Caelum narrowed his eyes, already irritated by the mere sight of the man. "Move."

Hadrien did not step aside. Instead, he offered a thin smile. "I have a proposition."

Caelum let out a contemptuous chuckle. "And what could a man of your station possibly offer me?" His voice dripped with arrogance as he folded his arms across his chest. "I have no need for beggars' deals."

Undeterred, Hadrien pressed on. "I believe we share a common goal. The princess Evelyne."

At that, Caelum raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And you presume to tell me how to woo a woman?" He scoffed; his amusement evident. "What could you possibly offer?"

"Influence," Hadrien said smoothly. "You may have charm and riches, but Lysara holds sway over Evelyne's heart. You must have noticed how often she heeds her younger sister's words. And Lysara, as we both know, is growing closer to Laurien and Aurelia. That is a problem for you."

Caelum stilled, his expression unreadable. Hadrien, sensing an opportunity, continued. "If Lysara deems you unworthy, she will poison Evelyne's mind against you. I can ensure that does not happen."

Caelum studied him for a long moment before he smirked. "And what do you get out of this, Hadrien? What is it that you truly want?"

Hadrien's jaw clenched slightly, as if considering whether to speak the truth. Finally, he murmured, "Aurelia."

Caelum let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "You aim high for a man with nothing to his name. And you expect me to trust you?"

"I do not expect trust," Hadrien said with a knowing glint in his eyes. "Only mutual benefit."

Caelum tapped a finger against his chin, appearing to weigh the offer. "Interesting. But tell me, what exactly do you intend to do?"

Hadrien leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Let's just say... I will ensure Lysara has other matters to worry about. Matters that will leave her little time to meddle in Evelyne's affairs."

Caelum gave a slow nod, the faintest flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Do as you will, Hadrien. But know this—you are a tool, nothing more."

Hadrien's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second, but he inclined his head. "As you say, my lord."

With that, Caelum stepped around him and continued toward Evelyne's chambers, his mind already shifting from the brief disturbance back to his intended purpose. Whatever Hadrien thought he was playing at; Caelum would use him until he was no longer useful. And then, he would discard him like all the rest.

In another wing of the castle, all was quiet save for the soft breaths of Lysara, who lay cocooned in her blankets. The exhaustion of the previous night still weighed heavily upon her, and she had not stirred even as the morning light crept through her chamber window.

Unbeknownst to her, the door to her quarters had been carefully nudged open. A slim figure slipped inside, moving with practiced ease. Bare feet padded silently across the floor before a delicate hand reached out, pulling back the covers just enough to slide in beside her.

Lysara remained unaware, lost in her dreams, until the sensation of warmth against her back pulled her from the depths of sleep. A pair of arms encircled her waist, firm yet gentle, drawing her close.

Her eyes fluttered open in an instant, her body tensing. The warmth, the solid presence behind her—it was unmistakable. Someone was in her bed.