Chapter 3: The King's Hunt
(The Moonlit Balcony – The Cold Night Air Whispering Against Their Skin)
Prince Kael Veylan
(Leaning casually against the railing, studying Lyra)
"Tell me something, Princess. Are you truly prepared for this marriage?"
Lyra
(Fiddling with the rim of her goblet, avoiding his gaze)
"I was raised to be. My feelings are irrelevant."
Prince Kael Veylan
(Chuckling softly)
"That wasn’t an answer."
Lyra
(Finally looking at him, her tone guarded)
"And what answer would satisfy you?"
Prince Kael Veylan
(Stepping closer, voice low)
"The truth. That your Dragon King doesn’t want this to happen."
Lyra
(Stiffening at his words, her fingers tightening around the goblet)
"Draven has no say in my future."
Prince Kael Veylan
(Smirking, tilting his head)
"You almost sounded convinced just now."
Lyra
(Glaring, setting her goblet down sharply)
"You overstep, Your Highness."
Prince Kael Veylan
(Holding up his hands in mock surrender)
"Forgive me. I only mean to say—if you ever wish to leave on your own terms, I would be willing to ensure your freedom."
Lyra
(Pausing, voice hesitant)
"Freedom from what?"
Prince Kael Veylan
(Eyes gleaming)
"That is for you to decide."
(A Long, Tense Silence – The Unspoken Linger Between Them.)
(The Sky Bleeds Red as the Sun Rises – The Clashing of Swords Echoes in the Cold Air)
Orin Voss
(Panting, wiping sweat from his brow, sword locked against Draven’s)
"This isn’t sparring, Draven. You’re trying to kill me."
King Draven
(Growling, pushing him back effortlessly)
"Fight harder, then."
Prince Marion Steele
(Watching from the sidelines, arms crossed)
"Should we be worried that our king has lost his damn mind?"
Orin Voss
(Gritting his teeth, stepping back)
"He hasn’t lost it. He’s trying not to."
Prince Marion Steele
(Eyes narrowing)
"You mean Lyra?"
Orin Voss
(Rolling his shoulder, sighing)
"Who else?"
King Draven
(Gripping his sword tighter, voice low)
"Where is she?"
Prince Marion Steele
(Grinning darkly)
"Riding through the forest. With Kael."
(The Sword Snaps in Draven’s Grip – His Golden Eyes Burn Like Fire.)
(The Lush Green of the Royal Forest – The Sound of Hooves Against the Earth)
Lyra
(Smiling slightly, breathing in the crisp air)
"It’s been so long since I’ve been outside the palace walls."
Prince Kael Veylan
(Watching her with interest)
"You sound as though you’ve been caged."
Lyra
(Hesitating, gaze flickering downward)
"Perhaps I have."
(A Sudden Whistle Through the Air – An Arrow Strikes a Tree Beside Them.)
Prince Kael Veylan
(Grabbing Lyra’s reins, voice sharp)
"Stay close."
[Masked Assassins Emerge From the Trees – Blades Glinting in the Sunlight.
Lyra
(Heart pounding, drawing a hidden dagger)
"Who are they?!"
Prince Kael Veylan
(Gritted teeth)
"Not mine."
(They Fight – The Battle Is Quick and Brutal, but They Are Outnumbered.)
Lyra
(Slashing at one attacker, barely dodging another’s strike)
"We need to get back to the palace!"
(Before Kael Can Respond, A Massive Shadow Descends From the Sky – A Roar Splits the Air.)
(The World Trembles as Fire and Fury Rain Down.)
King Draven
[Draven, in Dragon Form] (crashing into the battlefield, flames igniting the trees)
Masked Assassins
Screaming, scattering in terror
Lyra
(Staring up at him, breathless)
"Draven…?"
(Draven Shifts Back, His Tall Form Now Standing in the Ashes of the Dead.)
King Draven
(His golden eyes burning, striding toward her)
"You are hurt."
Lyra
(Shaking her head, stunned)
"No, I—"
(He Cups Her Face, Thumb Brushing Over Her Skin, Searching for Wounds.)
Prince Kael Veylan
(Stepping forward, voice cold)
"You followed us."
King Draven
(Not looking away from Lyra, voice dangerously low)
"And if I hadn’t?"
Prince Kael Veylan
(Clenching his jaw)
"You think she’s incapable of defending herself?"
King Draven
(Finally turning to Kael, his presence like a brewing storm)
"I think you are incapable of keeping her safe."
(A Standoff – The Two Princes Lock Eyes, the Air Heavy With Unspoken Threats.)
(The Royal Palace – A Gilded Cage Once More)
Lady Celeste Dain
(Brushing a strand of Lyra’s hair back, voice soft)
"You do know why he follows you, don’t you?"
Lyra
(Exhausted, shaking her head)
"Draven is just… protective."
Lady Celeste Dain
(Smiling slightly, eyes sharp)
"Is that what you believe? That it is only protection?"
Lyra
(Hesitating, unease creeping up her spine)
"What else would it be?"
Lady Celeste Dain
(Leaning in, voice like silk)
"Obsession, dear girl. And not the kind a brother should have for his sister."
(Lyra’s Heart Stops – Her Mind Begins to Race With Questions She Never Thought to Ask.)
(The Balcony Overlooking the City – The Moon Casting Silver Light Over Them.)
Lyra
(Arms crossed, voice firm)
"You cannot keep doing this, Draven."
King Draven
(Leaning against the stone railing, golden eyes unreadable)
"Doing what?"
Lyra
(Stepping closer, frustration in her voice)
"Following me. Controlling me. Acting as if you—" she cuts herself off, swallowing hard.
King Draven
(Watching her carefully)
"As if I what?"
Lyra
(Shaking her head)
"I am not yours to protect."
King Draven
(Gripping the railing, voice tight)
"Then whose are you?"
Lyra
(Taken aback, whispering)
"What?"
King Draven
(Turning to face her fully, his golden gaze burning into her)
"If not mine, then whose?"
(A Heavy Silence – The Question Hangs Between Them, More Dangerous Than Any Sword.)
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