Chapter 3 Destined Heart

Lyra：POV

I was dancing again, trapped in the crystal ballroom. Prince Valen's hand slid lower than propriety allowed, his fingers spreading across my backside with deliberate pressure. The heat from his palm burned through the thin fabric of my gown. I wanted to pull away, but my legs refused to move.

"An accident," his voice whispered, but his amber eyes told a different story.

I jerked awake, my heart hammering against my ribs. Morning light filtered through the crystal windows of my chamber, casting prismatic patterns across the floor.

"The same dream again?" Stella's voice echoed in my mind.

"Third time tonight," I muttered, pushing tangled silver-blue hair from my face. "I can't stop thinking about that moment."

"Trust your instincts, Lyra. That touch wasn't accidental. And remember how he looked at that servant girl? For just a second, his mask slipped."

I sighed, sinking back into my pillows. "Maybe. But what if I'm being unfair? One bad moment doesn't define—"

Three sharp knocks interrupted my thoughts. Aria's voice called through the door, "Lady Lyra? Prince Valen has arrived. He's waiting in the reception hall."

I groaned, pulling the covers over my head. "Tell him I'm unwell. I'm not receiving visitors today."

Aria cracked the door open, slipping inside with a conspiratorial expression. "He's brought gifts," she whispered. "And from what I gathered, he's planned an entire day's outing."

"I don't care if he's brought the Eternal Flame itself," I mumbled into my pillow.

"Lyra." My father's stern voice froze my blood. "Do not keep our honored guest waiting."

I sat bolt upright as Lord Darius's commanding presence filled the doorway. His expression left no room for argument.

My mother stood next to my father, catching my eye with a pointed glance that indicated I should go see.

"Looks like we don't have a choice," Stella observed dryly.

I dressed quickly with Aria's help, selecting a flowing blue gown suitable for an outing yet still befitting my station. Twenty minutes later, I descended the stairs to the reception hall, my diplomatic mask firmly in place.

Prince Valen rose as I entered, his posture perfect, his expression warm and inviting. Not a hint of the coldness I'd glimpsed yesterday showed on his handsome face.

"Princess Lyra," he bowed elegantly. "You look radiant this morning. I hope I'm not imposing with this early visit."

My father's watchful gaze from across the room compelled my courteous response. "Not at all, Prince Valen. This is a pleasant surprise."

Valen presented a small box wrapped in shimmering gold paper. "A token of my esteem. This fire crystal comes from the deepest caves of Emberscale Domain. It symbolizes the harmony our territories might share."

I unwrapped the gift to find a stunning crystal pendant that caught the light and fractured it into dancing flames. Despite my reservations, I was touched by the thoughtfulness.

"Would you honor me with your company today?" Valen asked. "I'd love to see Star Crystal Territory through your eyes."

"Stay alert," Stella cautioned. "Observe him carefully."

After a moment's hesitation and my father's expectant stare, I nodded. "I'd be pleased to show you our home."

We set out for the market first, with Aria following discreetly behind us at my request. The Star Crystal market buzzed with activity—water dragons hawking their wares, craftsmen demonstrating their crystal-working skills, merchants displaying exotic goods from distant territories.

Valen's manners remained impeccable as he engaged with every merchant we passed, showing genuine interest in local customs and crafts.

When a scantily-clad female vendor walked past us, his gaze lingered on her curves for just a fraction too long.

When he turned back to me, his perfect smile revealed nothing of that momentary lapse.

"Did you see that?" Stella's voice was sharp. "His eyes aren't as disciplined as his smile."

But before I could dwell on it, Valen noticed an elderly dragoness whose crystal stall sat neglected at the market's edge. He approached her directly, examining her modest wares with genuine interest.

"These are exquisite," he said, purchasing a small crystal figurine for triple its asking price. "How long have you been crafting these?"

The old woman's weathered face brightened as she explained her fifty years of artistry. Valen listened attentively, asking thoughtful questions about her technique.

I found myself softening toward him. "That was kind," I said as we walked away.

"My mother taught me to respect those who maintain ancient crafts," he replied with what seemed like genuine sincerity.

At the Crystal Lake, sunlight danced across the water's surface like scattered diamonds. Valen walked beside me, maintaining a respectful distance—nothing like the prince who had touched me inappropriately at the ball.

"Would you show me some of your water element control?" he asked. "I've heard the Star Crystal water dragons possess unmatched skill."

I demonstrated a simple water manipulation, lifting droplets into complex patterns in the air. Valen watched with appreciative eyes, then showed his own fire element ability, creating small dancing flames that complemented my water display.

Our elements intertwined in a beautiful harmony of steam and light.

"I understand the pressure of political unions," Valen said in a mused tone as we watched our elements dance together. "I want you to know that regardless of our territories' expectations, I hope we can build something based on mutual respect."

When a young female dragon swam in the lake nearby, I noticed his gaze briefly turn hungry before quickly returning to me. Had I imagined it?

"You didn't," Stella insisted. "He's good at hiding it, but not perfect."

At the finest restaurant in Star Crystal Territory, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch. The conversation flowed easily as Valen shared amusing anecdotes about Emberscale Domain and asked incisive questions about my interests.

"Our territories united would create a powerful alliance against the Void threats," he observed. "But I wouldn't want such a union without genuine compatibility."

When a beautiful server poured our wine, his eyes briefly traced her figure before returning to mine so quickly I almost missed it.

Just as we finished our meal, a messenger approached Valen, whispering urgently in his ear. His expression shifted to something strange—a mixture of what seemed like relief and fake concern.

"Please forgive me," he said, rising from the table. "An urgent matter requires my attention. May I call on you again tomorrow?"

I nodded, surprised by the abrupt departure but also relieved for a moment to myself.

After Valen left, Aria and I parted ways in the market square, agreeing to meet in half an hour. I welcomed the solitude, needing time to sort through my conflicted feelings.

"He was perfect today," I told Stella as I wandered through a quiet alley. "Maybe yesterday was just a misunderstanding."

"I noticed his wandering eyes," Stella countered. "One day of good behavior doesn't erase what we saw. Still, be cautious in your judgment."

As I crossed a small plaza, a sudden warmth bloomed in my chest—not the heat of embarrassment or anxiety, but something deeper, more primal. My heart pounded with a rhythm that seemed to call to something outside myself.

"Lyra!" Stella's presence surged within me, suddenly fully alert. "This is it! The true Soulbound connection! Follow it!"

The sensation intensified with each step, drawing me forward like an invisible thread. I turned a corner and froze.

A young male water dragon stood across the square, in his human form—ordinary brown hair, deep blue eyes, common clothing—yet something about him called to me at a soul-deep level. As our eyes met, I knew he felt it too. The connection between us was instant, electric, undeniable.

He walked toward me slowly, his eyes never leaving mine, his expression a mirror of my own wonder and confusion.

"He's your true Soulbound," Stella confirmed, her energy pulsing with excitement. "This connection cannot be faked!"

The stranger stopped before me, his smile genuine and warm. "May I have the honor of knowing your name, Lady...?" he asked, his voice sending ripples of recognition through my very core.

I stood at a crossroads of destiny, suddenly uncertain of everything I thought I knew.