Morning arrived in a soft hush, the world still half-asleep. A pale light stretched across the sky, slowly chasing away the night. The air was cool and crisp, brushing gently against the skin. Everything felt quiet and untouched, as if the day hadn't fully awakened yet. It was a peaceful moment, where time seemed to slow, and the world held its breath. Draven opened his eyes and looked to his side, there, Aurelian was peacefully asleep, his soft features settled in a peaceful calm, Draven gently brushed a loose strand of hair off his face, "pretty prince.." he says but catches himself and quickly snaps out of it. He sits up and walks to the bathhouse where he washes himself and get dressed. When he was done he glanced at sleeping Aurelian before stepping out of the chambers. Draven goes to the training field and starts his early morning routine.
By the time Aurelian woke up, the morning had stretched across the town, sunlight spilling fully over rooftops and streets. The air felt warmer now, and soft sounds of life—footsteps, laughter, distant chatter—began to fill the quiet that had lingered earlier. Birds flitted busily through the trees, and the day felt alive, moving steadily toward its peak. He stretched lazily and sat up, he looked at Draven's side of the bed "he's up early" he mutters under his breath still sleepy and shuffles out of bed to the bath house, after washing up and dressing he exits the chamber. Aurelian walks to the dining area where almost everyone was already seated at the table for breakfast "good morning" he murmurs still a little sleepy, "morning" his sister replies while king Malric acknowledged him with a nod and his mother a small smile. He takes his seat, "where's Draven?" His mother asks "I don't know, he was already out of bed when I woke up" Aurelian replies "he has probably gone for his morning training" king Malric clears "he trains in the morning?" Aurelian questions "that's some level of commitment" king Alaric chims in, "so..do we wait for him before we start eating?" Aurelian asks "no, go on, eat, he'll join us for lunch" queen Calista states.
After breakfast, Aurelian and Elowen tour the palace grounds. The palace of Nightbane stood like a shadow carved into the earth, vast and imposing beneath the dim light of the sky. The corridors stretched endlessly, lined with towering pillars etched with ancient carvings—symbols of power, war, and forgotten victories. The air was cool, almost too still, carrying a quiet weight that pressed gently against the chest.
Yet, despite its darkness, the palace was undeniably breathtaking.
Beyond the halls, the inner courtyards held a different kind of beauty—midnight gardens filled with pale flowers that seemed to glow under the moonlight, their petals shimmering like silver against the darkness.
It was not a place of warmth.
It was a place of power.
A palace that did not welcome—
but commanded.
Their tour landed them at the training ground where they saw Draven training with relentless effort. He was soaked through with sweat making his clothes cling to his body outlining his strong muscles, his slightly damp hair was sticking to his face, he moves across the field training with predator energy. Aurelian bit his lip, his ears burning bright red, "someone's flustered" Elowen teases "oh shut up, I'm not flustered" Aurelian tries to deny "sure you're not" Elowen counters "anyways I'm tired from walking around, I'm going to my chambers" she adds not giving Aurelian the chance to argue before walking away.
Aurelian watches Draven train for a while before going to the archery centre, he picks up a bow and arrow "this brings back memories" he mutters to himself aiming at the target, as soon as he released, the arrow flies across the space and hits the bull's eye "not bad" Draven's says walking over "I see you've still got it in you" he adds "hmm, yeah" Aurelian replies looking at the target, Draven eyes him curiously "what's on your mind? You're not usually this quiet" "that lady from dinner yesterday, who was she?" Aurelian asks not looking at him "Grand duke's daughter" Draven answers but Aurelian doesn't say anything else, he shoots another arrow and meets the bull's eye again, a clap echoes through the air "you've got nice shots... your highness" Drusilla purrs walking over. Aurelian looks at her "I know, I don't need you telling me" her smile doesn't falter, she looks at Draven "you're here too, I assume you're done with your training?" Draven just nods once. Her gaze locks back on Aurelian "your highness..how about a friendly challenge" Aurelian smiles "sure". Drusilla picks up a bow and arrow" Draven kindly be the judge of this" Draven's gaze flickers to Aurelian and after Aurelian gave an assuring nod he agreed "okay". Both Aurelian and Drusilla underestimated each other, they scored and scored and both of them tied, so they decided to change the challenge to combat, Draven tried to interfere and stop them but neither listened to him. Drusilla had told her minions to spread word about their combat challenge and soon people gathered at the combat centre along with king Malric, queen Calista, king Alaric, Queen Amara, princess Elowen and even the grand duke had arrived to witness his daughter fight Aurelian. Drusilla's voice rings out before they start "if I win your highness, you'll stay away from Draven, he's mine" Aurelian laughs "if you want him, take him, but if I win, you'll stay away from me and my business" "deal" Drusilla purrs. Draven facepalms and shakes his head "I'm not something to be won" but neither of the opponents were listening. The crowd was now visibly cheering loudly now, some chanting Drusilla's name while others chanting Aurelian's name showing their early loyalty to the soon to be husband of their crown prince. Draven steps forward "three...two...one...start!" both Aurelian and Drusilla pounce on each other and the crowd roars.