“Your Highness, your gardens are breathtaking. Would you be so kind as to give me a tour?”

  Sebastian turned to Lady Isadora, who stood poised with an expectant smile. He gave a small, polite nod and extended his arm.

  “It would be my pleasure, Lady Isadora.”

  With practiced grace, he led her through the winding paths of the palace gardens, where hedges towered like emerald walls and flowers bloomed in vibrant bursts of color. The scent of roses lingered in the warm breeze, but Sebastian’s attention was divided. A subtle glance over his shoulder reassured him that Elara was still following. A quiet relief settled in his chest—though she kept her gaze lowered, carefully avoiding his eyes.

  Isadora’s voice, light and honeyed, pulled him back. “Your Highness, I heard about the council’s decision regarding the western mines. I must admit, I found your proposal rather… unexpected. What inspired such a charitable approach?”

  Sebastian didn’t miss the slight hesitation in her words. “I presume you heard that from your father?”

  “Of course,” she answered smoothly, tilting her head slightly. “And I must say, I think it was quite an admirable decision.”

  He gave a small nod. “As crown prince, the well-being of my people is my priority. What good is a throne if the people beneath it have no trust in their future king?”

  Isadora smiled at him before glancing over her shoulder, her gaze landing smugly on Elara, who remained a step behind, seemingly absorbed in the scenery.

  “I must admit, Lady Elara is rather… unique, isn’t she?” Isadora mused, her tone casual but carrying an underlying sharpness. “She carries herself so differently from other noble ladies. What is it about her that caught your attention, Your Highness?”

  Sebastian’s expression remained composed, his reply smooth. “She is a good friend.”

  Isadora hummed, clearly unsatisfied with the answer.

  They reached a shaded gazebo at the center of the garden, where an assortment of delicate pastries and tea had already been prepared. The three of them settled in—Isadora taking the seat closest to Sebastian, while Elara quietly sat across from them.

  Isadora kept the conversation flowing effortlessly, showering Sebastian with praise, admiration, and well-placed laughter. Meanwhile, Elara remained quiet, simply enjoying the sweets. Occasionally, Sebastian would slide a particular confection toward her, offering it with a slight smile, which she accepted with a small nod.

  Isadora’s gaze flickered between them, her irritation barely masked behind a sweet expression.

  Just as she was about to launch into another well-crafted compliment, a maid approached and curtsied deeply. “Lady Isadora, your father has arrived at the palace. He is waiting for you in the lobby.”

  Isadora’s expression soured instantly. “Now? How inconvenient…” She turned to Sebastian, pouting slightly. “I do apologize, Your Highness. It seems I must take my leave.” Then, with a meaningful smile, she added, “But I will return shortly. Please don’t miss me too much.”

  Sebastian merely inclined his head, “Of course.”

  As soon as Isadora was out of sight, he turned to Elara with a sigh. “I had no idea she would be here. That was my father’s doing.”

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  Elara lifted her teacup to her lips, her expression unreadable. “I understand. The King wants you and Lady Isadora to get along—for the future of Emberlund.”

  Sebastian frowned at her quiet tone. “It’s not—” He exhaled, knowing there wasn’t much he could say without overstepping. Instead, he shifted the topic. “I’d much rather hear about your magic.”

  That finally earned a reaction. Elara blinked at him before placing her cup down. “Right… I wanted to tell you—I’ve been searching through old records, trying to find any historical accounts of what happened to me.”

  “And?”

  “Nothing. It’s as if no one else has ever experienced what I have.”

  “Perhaps it’s something entirely new.” He took a sip of his tea, frowning slightly.

  “Maybe.” Elara hesitated before adding, “You should try the meditation technique I told you about. It might help you determine if you have magic.”

  Sebastian chuckled, setting his cup down. “I doubt I have any magic, but I suppose there’s no harm in trying.”

  He stood and walked toward a patch of grass just outside the gazebo. Elara’s eyes widened as she watched him sit down under the heat of the sun.

  He closed his eyes, following the breathing techniques Elara had explained to him. Moments passed in silence, the only sound was the distant rustling of leaves in the afternoon breeze. Eventually, he opened his eyes and exhaled.

  “Anything?” Elara asked.

  Sebastian shook his head. “No orbs. Nothing at all.”

  Elara tilted her head, offering a small, reassuring smile. “That’s alright. Magic or not, you’re still the crown prince. And besides…” Her lips curved mischievously. “You could always teach me swordsmanship instead.”

  Sebastian, seemingly unfazed by the afternoon heat, raised an eyebrow. “You jest, but I think that’s a brilliant idea.”

  Elara’s smile faltered. “Wait, what?”

  “Come.” He stood up and walked toward her, offering his hand. “Let’s go to the courtyard.”

  “You’re serious?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Before she could protest, they were already walking past the garden arches and onto a dirt path leading to the palace’s private training grounds.

  Once there, Sebastian gestured to the surrounding area. “This is where I train with a friend.”

  Almost on cue, a voice called out, “Sebastian! You didn’t tell me you’d be here today.”

  Elara turned to see a young man approaching, his casual, confident stride exuding familiarity.

  Sebastian sighed. “And here he is. Elara, meet Oliver.”

  Oliver grinned, giving a slight bow. “A pleasure, my lady.”

  Elara returned the greeting politely, but before she could say anything else, Oliver shot Sebastian a curious look. “So, what’s the occasion? Don’t tell me you’re actually making her wield a sword.”

  “Why not?” Sebastian smirked. “A lady should know how to fight too.”

  Elara glanced at her flowing skirts. “And how exactly am I supposed to when I’m dressed like this?”

  Oliver chuckled. “Then perhaps something more suited to you—a bow and arrow, perhaps?”

  Elara looked between them before sighing. “Fine. But if I manage to hit a target, you both owe me an explanation on how you became friends.”

  Oliver laughed. “Deal.”

  Sebastian crossed his arms. “I still think you should learn to use a sword.”

  Elara smirked. “Let’s see how this goes first.”

  And with that, Oliver led her toward the archery range, while Sebastian—completely useless with a bow—watched from the sidelines, arms crossed and pouting slightly.

  He had the distinct feeling she was going to enjoy this more than she let on.