BENEATH THE STARLIT SKY 🔞🔞

Ch - 1 ( Gathering of kingdom)

In the heart of the most beautiful kingdom, the sun cast its golden rays over the vibrant gardens of Elantheia, making the flowers bloom in a riot of colors. Petals danced in the gentle breeze, and the air was filled with the sweet fragrance of jasmine and roses. Yet, amidst the breathtaking scenery, Princess Lyra stood at the edge of the balcony, her heart racing in her chest.

Elantheia was known for its exquisite beauty, not just in its landscapes but also in its people. The citizens were renowned for their striking features and sharp minds, but today, Lyra felt anything but regal. The thought of the impending meeting with the powerful kingdom of Draecor weighed heavily on her shoulders.

Draecor was a land of magic and might, ruled by King Malakar, a man whose aura commanded respect and fear. The kingdom was also the largest supplier of weapons and core minerals, a titan in trade that overshadowed even the grandest of alliances. And now, they were coming to negotiate with her father, King Alaric, in their search for an alliance.

“Your Highness,” a soft voice called, pulling her from her thoughts. It was her lady-in-waiting, Mira, with an encouraging smile. “The council awaits you in the Great Hall. You mustn’t keep them waiting.”

Lyra nodded, her throat dry. “I’ll be right there.”

As she stared at her reflection in the mirror, she took a moment to gather her composure. Her long chestnut hair fell in soft waves, framing a face that many claimed could rival the finest art. But beneath her beauty lay a quivering heart filled with uncertainty. Today was not just another meeting; it was her chance to prove herself worthy of her title.

When she finally entered the Great Hall, the atmosphere was thick with tension. King Alaric stood at the head of the long table, flanked by his advisors, each one whispering fervently. The air crackled with anticipation as the nobles of Elantheia took their seats.

Then, the grand double doors swung open, and the delegation from Draecor entered. King Malakar walked in with a commanding presence, his armor glinting in the sunlight like a dragon’s scales. Behind him stood his son, Prince Kael, whose very aura seemed to draw the attention of everyone present. His dark hair fell in tousled waves, framing a face that was both handsome and intimidating.

Lyra swallowed hard as her gaze met Prince Kael’s. There was an intensity in his eyes, a flicker of power that sent a chill down her spine. She knew that Draecor’s strength was not merely in its armies but in the very magic that coursed through their veins.

“Welcome to Elantheia,” King Alaric greeted, his voice steady but strained. “We are honored by your presence.”
King Malakar inclined his head, his expression unreadable. “The honor is ours, King Alaric. We seek to forge a bond between our kingdoms, one that will be beneficial for both.”

Lyra felt her father’s gaze shift to her, and she steeled herself. It was her role to represent their kingdom, to negotiate the terms that would secure their future. She took a deep breath and stepped forward, projecting confidence despite the fluttering in her stomach.

“Your Majesties, esteemed delegates,” she began, her voice clear and strong. “Elantheia stands ready to offer you our most precious assets—our intelligence, our beauty, and the loyalty of our people. In return, we seek your protection and access to the resources that only Draecor can provide.”

A murmur rippled through the room as she spoke. King Malakar’s gaze sharpened, and a hint of a smile crossed his lips. “You speak well, Princess Lyra. But beauty and loyalty alone will not safeguard our kingdoms. What can Elantheia offer that truly holds value?”

Lyra hesitated, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. The nobles of Draecor looked on, their eyes piercing through her façade. She needed to think quickly. “We have skilled artisans and scholars who can enhance the quality of your weaponry, making them unmatched on any battlefield. And our people are known for their intelligence; we can aid in your magical research, strengthening your kingdom further.”

King Malakar leaned back in his chair, clearly intrigued. But Lyra could sense his frustration, the tension radiating from him like heat from a forge. She glanced at Prince Kael, who was watching her intently, his expression unreadable.

“I believe it is wise to hear the full extent of what Elantheia can provide,” Prince Kael interjected, his voice smooth and rich, sending an unexpected warmth through her. “If the princess is to represent her kingdom, we must understand her worth.”

Lyra’s heart raced at the compliment, but there was something about his gaze—something intense and piercing—that made her feel both flattered and vulnerable. She pressed on, trying to maintain her focus despite the heat creeping into her cheeks.

As negotiations continued, Lyra fought to keep her composure. She answered questions, addressed concerns, and even countered a few of King Malakar’s points, all while feeling the weight of his authority pressing down on her. The air crackled with tension, and she could sense the king’s growing frustration as her pride remained unyielding.

Just as the meeting seemed to reach a turning point, something unusual began to happen. As Lyra spoke, she felt an odd energy pooling around her, a tingling sensation at the back of her neck. She looked up to find Prince Kael staring at her with an intensity that made her dizzy. His dark eyes seemed to bore into her soul, unraveling her thoughts, making her feel exposed and vulnerable.

Lyra tried to shake off the feeling, to push through, but the dizziness intensified. She blinked hard, forcing herself to focus on her father’s voice, on the discussions at hand, but it was as if the world around her began to spin. The other delegates continued their negotiations, unaware of the internal battle raging within her.

With one final glance at Prince Kael, who seemed to hold her gaze with a strange mix of fascination and hunger, everything around her blurred. The sound of voices faded into a dull roar, and she staggered backward, clutching the edge of the table for support.

“Princess?” her father’s voice broke through the haze, laced with concern.

But it was too late. The energy swirling around her grew too strong, too overwhelming, and darkness enveloped her as she lost consciousness.

When Lyra awoke, she found herself in her chambers, the familiar surroundings offering little comfort. Panic surged through her as she realized she had missed the culmination of the meeting. Had she lost the alliance?

Mira rushed to her side, her face pale with worry. “You fainted during the negotiations, Your Highness. We were all so concerned.”

Lyra groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead. “Did they leave? What happened?”

“They… they were concerned for you, but King Malakar insisted on returning to Draecor. He offered his terms before he left, but it was unclear whether they will honor the agreement. Prince Kael… he looked troubled when he left.”

Troubled? Lyra felt a rush of conflicting emotions—frustration at her own weakness, embarrassment at fainting before such powerful rulers, and a strange curiosity about the prince who had captivated her so completely.

What was it about him? Why did he affect her so profoundly?

She needed to regain her strength and confidence. The alliance was vital for Elantheia’s future, and she had to ensure it, no matter the cost. As she resolved to find a way to mend what had happened, she couldn’t shake the memory of those intense dark eyes—nor the feeling of being watched.

Draecor would return, and when they did, she would be ready.

               .......To be continue.......