SCENEAs Ari returned to the palace, the warm golden hues of sunset poured through the tall stained-glass windows, bathing the hallways in shades of crimson and amber. Her footsteps echoed softly against the marble, her thoughts still tangled with the scent of the rose Lucien had touched, now tucked carefully into her hair. She passed through the garden corridors quietly until she entered the drawing room where Rowan was sitting, reading a letter. His eyes lifted the moment he heard her steps. "You're late," he said calmly, but the subtle tension in his voice didn't go unnoticed. "I was with my friends," Ari replied, avoiding his gaze. "We were picking flowers." Rowan stood and approached her slowly, his eyes scanning her face—calm, but cautious. Then, his eyes flickered to the rose in her hair. He stilled. "That rose…" he said, voice low. "It's not from our garden." Ari's breath caught. She opened her mouth but said nothing. "Ari," Rowan continued, stepping closer now, "did you see him again?" She hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Just briefly. He didn't do anything. He just… talked." Rowan sighed deeply, then gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face. "I promised to respect your choices, didn't I? But I also swore to protect you. If he hurts you again, even once… I won't let him walk away." "I know," Ari whispered. "But he was kind, this time. He didn't even ask for my blood." Rowan looked away, jaw tight. "He doesn't have to ask when he already knows how to get it." A soft knock came from the doorway—it was Edward. "Dinner is ready," he said, then noticed the tension in the room. "Everything alright?" Rowan simply nodded, but Ari gave Edward a small smile and walked over to him. "I'm fine," she said, trying to lighten the mood. "Let's go." As they left for the dining hall, Rowan lingered behind a moment, looking out the window into the deepening dusk. "You're playing with fire, Lucien," he muttered under his breath. "And she's the flame you don't deserve."
SCENEAs days passed, Lucien appeared frequently to lighten her mood when she was dull and he helped her with small tasks like bringing medicinal flowers from his kingdom. They became more close. Rowan and Edward too, accepted and started to like Lucien. As days melted into nights and seasons whispered gently through the palace walls, Lucien began appearing more like a breeze than a storm—soft, quiet, and always when Ari needed him the most. When she looked tired, he'd bring her silver-petaled medicinal flowers from his kingdom, their rare scent calming her headaches and lifting her spirit. When she felt lonely, he'd appear with a smirk and a teasing tone, making her laugh even when she tried not to. Lucien no longer needed to force her presence—she welcomed him.
SCENE One evening, Rowan watched them from the garden balcony, arms crossed, his once guarded heart now softened. He glanced at Edward, who was leaning beside him. "Never thought I'd say this," Rowan muttered, "but... he's different now. For her." Edward chuckled quietly. "He is. He protects her like we do." "I still don't trust his thirst," Rowan said. "But... I can trust how he looks at her." Inside the hall, Ari was laughing. Lucien had just conjured a small silver flame in the shape of a rose that hovered above her palm. "You're getting better at magic," Ari smiled. Lucien tilted his head. "Only when you're near, my flame." She rolled her eyes playfully, but the blush gave her away. At that moment, Edward stepped in. "Lucien, you're coming with me tomorrow to the north gardens. We need more of those frost-leaf herbs you brought. They actually helped Ari." Lucien gave a polite nod. "Of course, Prince Edward." "And," Rowan said from behind them, "you're invited to join the council banquet this weekend. Officially." Lucien turned, surprised. "Thank you," he said, bowing slightly. "But," Rowan added with a smirk, "if you drink too much of anything—especially her—I'll stake you myself." Lucien chuckled, his fangs flashing faintly. "Understood." Ari just smiled quietly, her heart warm. For the first time, her world wasn't torn between two men. They were beginning to become her shield together.
SCENE One night, when Ari was sleeping, Edward entered in and said that, "Hey sis, I'll be sleeping in your room for tonight." Ari accepted it. After they leaned back, they had their sibling talk. And Ari insisted Edward that he should sleep with Flora one day, if she likes. Edward said that is a good idea and he liked it. Edward chuckled softly, ruffling Ari's hair as they both lay under the soft silken sheets. "You little matchmaker," he teased. "Trying to get your big brother in trouble?" Ari giggled. "Not at all! Flora really likes you, you know. She always blushes when I mention your name." Edward sighed with a smile, staring up at the ceiling. "She's sweet. I... I think I like her too. But I've never been good at this kind of thing." Ari nudged him. "Then take a small step. Spend time with her. Maybe... sleep in the same room one day, just to talk." He turned to look at her, a playful smirk on his face. "Are you giving your prince brother dating advice now?" Ari nodded proudly. "Someone has to." Edward laughed, the kind of laugh that warmed the room. "Alright then. Maybe I will, someday." The night turned quiet again as the moonlight filtered through the windows. There was a soft sense of peace, two siblings bound not just by blood, but by trust.