The grandeur of the Verathian palace never failed to astound Elara. Even though her family had visited before, the soaring arches, gilded walls, and seemingly endless halls never ceased to make her feel like a small, insignificant part of something much larger. She could feel the coolness of the marble beneath her slippered feet as she trailed behind her parents, her chestnut curls slipping loose from the pins that barely held them in place. She kept her eyes focused on the back of her father's cloak, hoping to disappear into the vastness of the palace rather than draw any attention to herself.

The summons from the palace had arrived days ago, requesting her family's presence to settle a land dispute. Her father, Lord Aldric, had been tense ever since. Their family's estate, the modest but proud holdings of House Davenwood, had been entangled in legal battles with a neighboring lord, and only the king's court could resolve the matter now.

"Elara, remember to stay quiet and respectful," her mother, Lady Seraphina ,whispered sharply beside her, her eyes darting nervously around the grand corridors.

Elara nodded, clutching her hands tightly together. The entire situation unnerved her. The palace, with its overwhelming luxury, was a stark contrast to the simple life they led in the countryside. She wasn't used to the opulence or the rigid formalities of the court, and the rumors of Prince Alistair's cold, calculating nature didn't help to ease her nerves.

As they entered the grand audience chamber, the weight of the palace seemed to settle even heavier on her shoulders. The room was filled with courtiers draped in silks and adorned with jewels, their eyes glinting with curiosity as they assessed her family's entrance. The royal dais sat at the far end, where King Ulric presided, his crown a glint of gold and precious stones atop his graying hair.

And beside him, like a dark shadow, sat Prince Alistair.

Elara's breath caught in her throat the moment she saw him. He was tall, even seated, with dark hair that contrasted sharply with his pale skin. His face was sharp, sculpted like a statue, but it was his eyes that unsettled her the most. Deep, brooding, and watchful. They flicked briefly to her father, but as her family approached the dais, those eyes locked on her.

For a moment, the room seemed to close in around her. She could feel the weight of his gaze, unblinking and intense. It wasn't curiosity, nor was it the idle interest she was used to seeing in men at court. It was something else. Something darker.

"Elara," her father's whisper startled her, and she quickly averted her eyes, focusing on the polished floor beneath her.

"Lord Aldric of House of Davenwood," the king's booming voice echoed through the chamber. "State your case."

Her father bowed deeply, then stepped forward, explaining their family's plight—the boundary dispute with Lord Savros, who had claimed part of their land. Elara tried to focus on the proceedings, but she could still feel Prince Alistair's eyes on her. It was as if he was studying her, dissecting her every movement.

She dared to glance up once, and immediately regretted it.

Alistair's gaze had not wavered. His lips were set in a hard line, his expression unreadable, but his eyes—those dark, fathomless eyes—burned with something she couldn't quite place.

"Elara." Her father's voice jolted her again. "Pay attention."

She nodded, ashamed of her distraction. But how could she focus when the prince of Verathia himself seemed to be fixated on her? She felt exposed, like a butterfly pinned under glass, unable to escape the piercing intensity of his gaze.

The king nodded as her father concluded his case, his voice growing weary with the formalities of court business. "We will take your concerns into consideration, Lord Aldric. But it may take some time to resolve the matter."

"Of course, Your Majesty," her father replied with another deep bow. "We are grateful for your wisdom."

The formalities concluded, and the king dismissed them with a wave of his hand. As they turned to leave the dais, Elara couldn't help but glance back one last time.

Prince Alistair was still watching her, his gaze never wavering.