Captivated Crown

King Lucian, in Elara's eyes, was the embodiment of a dream. As they walked hand-in-hand along the edge of the waterfall and river, his handsome features bathed in the soft glow of the fairy lights, she felt a dizzying wave of infatuation. She could have gazed at him forever, lost in the depths of his dark, captivating eyes.

"Elara, my love," Lucian began, his voice a low, persuasive murmur. "I truly believe we could bring even greater peace to our kingdoms if this union were to happen." He smiled, a flash of white teeth against his shadowed features.

Elara smiled back, her heart swelling with affection. "You have a kind heart, Lucian," she said, her voice soft.

"I would love to marry you," she continued, her gaze locking with his. "But you'll have to get past my father."

"I will do anything for you," Lucian declared, his voice filled with a passionate intensity. "And perhaps," he added, his tone shifting to a more suggestive whisper, "you could persuade him to sign the treaty earlier?"

Elara paused, a flicker of unease crossing her features. "Now, that I cannot do," she said, her voice laced with a gentle firmness. "It is imperative that our people agree with each other. We must allow them time to build trust and understanding."

"I see," Lucian replied, his expression unreadable for a moment. "I guess it must be so, then."

Evander, hidden in the shadows of the Whispering Woods, watched the unfolding scene with a growing sense of dread. His jaw clenched, his muscles tense, he absorbed every word, every gesture, every stolen glance between Elara and Lucian. He had to inform King Malakai. If they didn't reveal the proposal within the next day, he would take it upon himself to do so.

A proposal the day they met... he thought, his mind reeling. And Elara, foolishly, had accepted. He knew she had harbored a youthful infatuation with Lucian, fueled by romantic tales and whispered rumors, but this was beyond anything he had imagined.

He watched as Elara, her face flushed with happiness, waved goodnight to Lucian. The king's guard escorted her back towards the palace, Evander following silently, a shadow among shadows. The walk back to her chambers was shrouded in silence, yet Elara radiated an almost palpable joy.

After bidding each other goodnight, Evander made a silent decision. He would stand guard outside Elara's door tonight. With the arrival of the Aeridorian delegation, and now, with Lucian's sudden proposal, vigilance was more crucial than ever. He settled into a concealed alcove, his senses heightened, his gaze fixed on the entrance to her room. He wouldn't allow anything to harm her, not while he drew breath.