Shadows and Schemes

The grand halls of Ravenshade Castle stood in eerie silence as King Ravenshade remained seated upon his imposing throne, his fingers idly tapping against the armrest. His piercing gaze was fixed on the empty air before him, yet the subtle flicker of a shadow in the dimly lit chamber told another story. Without shifting his expression, he finally broke the silence.

"You have heard the boy's argument, I presume?" his voice, deep and commanding, reverberated through the hall.

From the corner of the chamber, an elderly figure emerged, his form cloaked in a heavy hooded robe. The old man's face was hidden in the shroud of darkness, his eyes glinting like sharp steel beneath the hood. He was the king's most trusted advisor, an enigmatic figure who had served the throne for decades, his presence felt more than seen.

"I have, Your Majesty," the advisor intoned, his voice raspy with age yet carrying the weight of wisdom. "Hadrien is not wrong in his assessment. Caelum of Thessara is indeed well-favored by his father, more so than the crowned prince. An alliance with Thessara would be beneficial in securing reinforcements against our age-old rivals, the kingdom of Durnmere. However…" he trailed off, waiting for the king's acknowledgment.

King Ravenshade narrowed his eyes. "However?"

"A marriage is not simply an alliance on parchment. It is a bond that can fortify or ruin a kingdom. You must evaluate more than just political advantage—you must understand the men in question. Laurien of Icevire may be a second son, but his reputation holds weight. His loyalty, his ambition, his character—all must be examined before a decision is made. Thessara offers stability, but Icevire's potential must not be disregarded," the advisor reasoned.

The king sighed, his patience thinning. "And what do you propose?"

"Probe them both. But more importantly, Your Majesty, probe your daughter. She is the one who will bind this alliance, and we both know she is not a pliable pawn. If you wish to maneuver her into a marriage of your choosing, you must do so with precision. Forcing her outright will only sharpen her defiance."

A sharp silence followed, the weight of the words hanging heavy in the air. The king leaned back into his throne, his expression unreadable. Finally, he made his decision.

"Summon her for lunch. I wish to see for myself how far her stubbornness has grown. Actually, summon the both of them Lysara and Evelyne."

Meanwhile, in the lower levels of the castle, Hadrien strode with a self-satisfied smirk, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. He had done what he needed—he had placed the seed of doubt in his father's mind. Now, all he had to do was wait for it to take root. But patience had never been his virtue.

Instead of retreating to his chambers, he made his way toward one of the lavish guest quarters where Caelum of Thessara resided. The guards stationed outside the chamber barely acknowledged his presence, allowing him to pass through the ornately carved doors into the luxurious suite.

Caelum was lounging near the grand window, a goblet of wine in hand, his golden hair illuminated by the flickering candlelight. His sharp, calculating eyes shifted toward Hadrien as he entered, a knowing smirk curling his lips.

"I take it you planted the thought in your father's mind?" Caelum's voice was smooth, his confidence unwavering.

Hadrien exhaled sharply as he sank into a seat across from him. "I did. He gave no reaction, but I know him. He will dwell on it, and eventually, he will act. I cannot make the decision for him, but I have ensured that you are now a contender in his eyes."

Caelum hummed in satisfaction, taking a leisurely sip of his wine. "That is good. Though the real challenge remains— your sister. She will not yield easily."

Hadrien chuckled darkly. "Lysara is headstrong, yes. But she is not invincible. If my father is considering a forced marriage, it is only a matter of time before he finds leverage against her. While Evelyne has always been the obedient and golden child one word from father and she will be all yours."

Caelum's gaze flickered with intrigue. "Leverage? Do you have something in mind?"

Hadrien leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Not yet. But everyone has a weakness, and Lysara is no exception. I intend to find hers."

Caelum studied him for a moment before reaching into a velvet pouch at his side. He withdrew a handful of shimmering gemstones—rare minerals mined from the deep veins of Thessara, their rich hues reflecting the candlelight.

"Take these," Caelum said, holding them out. "A small token to impress Aurelia. If I am to gain an alliance through this marriage, winning over the Icevire princess might serve as an advantage."

Hadrien did not hesitate to take the precious stones, his greed barely concealed. "Generous, as always," he mused, pocketing the gemstones with a sly grin. "Consider it done."