Chapter 2: The King's Silent Fury
(The Grand Hall – Evening, Golden Chandeliers Casting Shadows Across the Room)
Prince Marion Steele
(Grinning, raising his goblet)
"To the kingdom’s most reluctant bride-to-be! May she not freeze to death in the Iceborn Empire."
Lyra
(Rolling her eyes, smirking)
"You’re so dramatic, Marion."
Orin Voss
(Chuckling, nudging his goblet toward hers)
"Still, you haven’t said a word about your betrothed, Lyra. Are you excited to meet Prince Kael?"
Lyra
(Shrugging, voice neutral)
"I suppose I should be. It’s what’s expected of me."
King Draven
(Silent, swirling his wine, golden eyes fixated on Lyra but saying nothing.)
Prince Marion Steele
(Leaning toward Orin, whispering with a smirk)
"Look at him. He’s barely touched his drink. Someone’s in a mood."
Orin Voss
(Low chuckle)
"I’d rather face an army than sit in his head right now."
(The Grand Doors Open – A Cold Gust Follows as Prince Kael Steps Inside, Clad in White and Silver)
Prince Kael Veylan
(Calm, eyes sharp, assessing the room)
"I apologize for the delay. Traveling through your lands is… warmer than I’m accustomed to."
Lyra
(Standing, offering a polite smile)
"Welcome, Your Highness. I hope your journey was pleasant."
Prince Kael Veylan
(His gaze settling on Lyra, lingering for a moment before he takes her hand)
"The journey was long, but I see now that it was well worth it."
King Draven
(His grip on his goblet tightens, knuckles whitening.)
Prince Marion Steele
(Muttering to Orin)
"Did you see that? He’s ready to set the entire table on fire."
Orin Voss
(Calmly sipping his wine)
"And here I was hoping for a peaceful evening."
(Music Starts – A Soft, Haunting Melody Echoes Through the Hall)
Prince Kael Veylan
(Offering his hand to Lyra)
"Would you grant me a dance?"
Lyra
(Hesitating for a second before nodding)
"Of course."
King Draven
(His gaze sharp, his entire body rigid as he watches her take Kael’s hand.)
Lady Celeste Dain
(Whispering to Lord Darius, eyes gleaming)
"Look at him. The mighty Dragon King losing his grip over a girl."
Lord Darius Blackthrone
(Smirking)
"Let him burn. It’ll make our work easier."
(Kael and Lyra Begin to Dance – Slow, Elegant Movements in Perfect Synchronization)
Prince Kael Veylan
(Low voice, just for Lyra)
"You don’t seem eager for this marriage. Should I be concerned?"
Lyra
(Forcing a soft chuckle)
"I thought political alliances weren’t about eagerness, Your Highness."
Prince Kael Veylan
(Smirking slightly)
"True, but some find their duty more… tolerable than others."
King Draven
(Watching, his golden eyes like molten fire, his fingers curling into a fist.)
Prince Marion Steele
(Leaning toward Orin)
"He’s going to snap. Should we stop him?"
Orin Voss
(Sighing)
"It’s already too late."
(Kael Leans Closer, Whispering Something to Lyra – Her Eyes Widen Slightly, Laughing at His Words)
King Draven
(Voice low, sharp as a blade)
"Enough."
(The Music Stops Abruptly – The Hall Falls Silent as All Eyes Turn Toward Him.)
Lyra
(Startled, stepping back from Kael)
"Draven…?"
Prince Kael Veylan
(Unfazed, arching an eyebrow)
"Something wrong, Your Majesty?"
King Draven
(Standing, his presence alone enough to command the room)
"This engagement was arranged to strengthen alliances, not to entertain foolishness."
Lyra
(Narrowing her eyes, stepping forward)
"Excuse me?"
King Draven
(His gaze cutting to her, unreadable)
"You are not here to be charmed, Lyra."
Prince Kael Veylan
(Smirking slightly)
"I was under the impression that a future queen could decide for herself who she enjoys speaking with."
King Draven
(Stepping closer, voice a dangerous whisper)
"You are under my kingdom’s rule, Prince. I suggest you remember that."
Lyra
(Clenching her fists, voice cold)
"Enough, both of you. This is a celebration, not a battlefield."
Orin Voss
(Stepping forward, trying to ease the tension)
"Perhaps we should move forward with the toast?"
Prince Marion Steele
(Muttering)
"A toast won’t fix this mess."
(The Royal Garden – Moonlight Casting Shadows Across the Marble Pathway)
Lyra
(Storming up to Draven, furious)
"What was that?"
King Draven
(Leaning against a pillar, arms crossed, unbothered)
"I don’t know what you mean."
Lyra
(Voice rising)
"You humiliated me in front of the entire court! And Kael—"
King Draven
(Voice cold, cutting her off)
"You shouldn’t have danced with him."
Lyra
(Glaring, stepping closer)
"Why? Because you said so?"
King Draven
(His jaw clenches, golden eyes unreadable)
"Because it isn’t right."
Lyra
(Laughing bitterly)
"Since when do you care about what’s right?"
King Draven
(Stepping forward suddenly, crowding her space)
"Since it involves you."
Lyra
(Breath catching, unable to move under his gaze)
"I don’t belong to you, Draven."
King Draven
(His hand twitches, as if resisting the urge to touch her)
"Don’t say that."
Lyra
(Staring at him, eyes full of unspoken emotion)
"Why not?"
King Draven
(Silent, breathing hard, before finally whispering)
"Because it isn’t true."
(A Long, Tense Silence – The Night Air Feels Heavy Between Them.)
Prince Marion Steele
(Calling from the castle entrance, breaking the moment)
"Lyra! Prince Kael is looking for you!"
Lyra
(Tearing her gaze away from Draven, turning to leave)
"Then I suppose I shouldn’t keep him waiting."
King Draven
(Watching her walk away, eyes dark, voice barely a whisper)
"No. You shouldn’t."
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