"Hey Lyra!" Aria exclaimed with excitement "How was the tour?"
I smiled glancing at Ryder. "It was lovely thanks. Ryder this is my best friend, Aria and Prince Kael who's...um... helping me with some magic stuff."
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly at my weird introduction but he still nodded politely.
Ryder's gaze lingered on Kael "Prince Kael, heard alot about you. Your reputation as a powerful vampire prince."
Kael smiled "And I've heard about your legendary dragon magic."
The air was heavy with tension as the two princes sized each other up.
"Uhm let's head to the dining hall... Mother's summoned us for dinner."
As we walked Aria whispered to me, "Wow Lyra, your life is getting more complicated by the minute."
I rolled my eyes "Tell me about it.",
I took a deep breath and pushed open the doors hoping that dinner would provide a distraction from the tension.
Inside my mother sat at the head of the table with my father King Thorne, who had already engaged in a conversation with Ryder, their voices low and serious.
As we sat around the dinner table, laughing and sharing stories, I couldn't help but steal glances at Ryder. His charming smiles and warm eyes made my heart flutter. I was grateful that my mother had suggested the tour, allowing us to spend more time together.