The atmosphere in the castle grew heavier as the days passed, the tension between Lucian, Sophia, and Kael palpable in every glance exchanged and every word spoken. It was as though a storm was brewing, one that none of them could avoid, no matter how much they tried.
Inside the grand hall of the castle, a feast was being held in honor of Sophia's arrival, but Lucian barely registered the cheerful clinking of glasses or the soft laughter of the court. His mind was elsewhere—focused solely on the woman seated beside him. Sophia, beautiful and ethereal as ever, had taken her place at his side, but something was different. She seemed distant, her gaze often flicking toward Kael, who had joined the feast with a smile that seemed more like a challenge than a greeting.
Lucian clenched his jaw, a flash of possessiveness rising in him. But he kept his composure, aware of the eyes on them, both in the hall and outside in the garden. The kingdom had not yet fully accepted her, though many seemed mesmerized by her beauty and growing powers. Yet, Lucian could feel that underlying tension within his family, especially from his mother, who had kept a watchful eye on every interaction Sophia had with the rest of the court.
"Are you all right?" Sophia's voice broke through his spiraling thoughts, soft yet firm.
Lucian turned to her, startled out of his dark reverie. Her golden eyes were filled with concern, but there was a hesitance in her gaze that made his chest tighten. It was as though she was struggling with something, something she couldn't voice.
"I'm fine," he lied, forcing a smile. He placed a hand on her knee, a gesture of possessiveness that he couldn't fully hide. "Are you?"
Sophia hesitated, her lips pressing together as she glanced over at Kael, who was engaged in conversation with a few nobles at the far end of the table. "I… I'm just not sure I belong here, Lucian. I don't know if I'm ready for all of this."
Her words were like a cold splash of water, knocking the breath out of him. The fear he had been trying to ignore suddenly flooded him, threatening to pull him under. Sophia was slipping away from him, not physically, but emotionally. She was still unsure of their bond, unsure of her place in this new world, in this new life that he had thrust her into.
Lucian's hand tightened around hers, his thumb tracing circles over her skin in an attempt to calm her. "You belong here with me," he said, his voice low and firm. "We'll figure this out together. I promise."
Sophia looked at him, searching his eyes for something, for reassurance, perhaps. She didn't speak, but the way her gaze softened told him she was willing to believe him—for now. But Lucian could feel the storm of doubt still swirling in her heart.
The feast continued around them, but Lucian couldn't shake the feeling that everything was starting to unravel. He had been so sure that the bond between them was unbreakable, but now, it felt fragile. Vulnerable.
And then, as though summoned by the very tension in the room, Kael rose from his seat, his eyes landing on Sophia. He smiled, an expression that was equal parts charming and taunting, and made his way toward her.
Lucian felt his blood boil, but he stayed seated, his hand still holding Sophia's tightly. He had to trust her, had to let her navigate this world on her own terms, even if the thought of her being alone with Kael sent jealousy coursing through his veins.
"Care for a walk in the garden, Lady Sophia?" Kael's voice rang out, smooth and inviting. "The night air is quite refreshing, and I do believe you deserve some peace."
Sophia hesitated, her gaze flicking to Lucian. But before she could speak, Lucian's voice cut in, firm and commanding. "She's not going anywhere with you, Kael."
There was a charged silence, the entire hall going still as the tension between the two brothers became impossible to ignore. Kael's smile faltered, but only for a moment before he recovered, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
"I see," Kael said slowly, his tone laced with mockery. "Seems like you're a little possessive, Lucian. Don't worry. I'll stay out of your way."
Lucian stood, his chair scraping against the floor. "You always do."
Sophia, caught in the middle of their rivalry, looked between them, her face a mask of frustration. "Lucian, stop," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't need anyone fighting over me."
Lucian turned to her, his gaze softening, but the heat of his jealousy was still there. "I'm not fighting, Sophia. I'm protecting you."
"And I don't need protection," she replied, her voice growing firmer. "I can handle Kael. I can handle this. But you have to trust me."
Her words stung more than he expected, but there was a truth in them he couldn't ignore. He had been suffocating her with his overprotectiveness, and he knew it. But it was hard to let go, especially when everything in him screamed to hold on, to keep her safe, to keep her close.
"Fine," Lucian said, his voice clipped. He took a step back, but his eyes never left Kael, who was watching the interaction with an almost predatory interest. "But if you need me, you come to me. Not him."
Sophia's gaze softened, and for a moment, she looked like the woman he had fallen in love with—strong, capable, and yet vulnerable in ways that made him want to protect her, even if it meant letting go.
"I will," she promised.
But Lucian wasn't so sure.
As they made their way through the corridors, Sophia's steps slowing as she reached for the door to the garden, Lucian couldn't shake the feeling that the path ahead was becoming more uncertain by the day. He had claimed her, marked her in a way no one could ever undo. Yet, she still seemed so far away.
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