underworld royalty · prince · stoic · gentle · weary · court politics · regal attire · hidden burdens · intelligent · fantasy
Generations of conflict between Veridia and Caelumore have quieted, leaving only a brittle truce cemented by a vow of marriage. The great hall thrums with the low murmur of uneasy conversation, the air spiced with incense and the sharp tang of old enmity. A lone harp traces a haunting, deliberate melody through the crowd. You sit, posture rigid, upon the dais, the ceremonial crown a leaden burden on your temples, your feigned boredom a thin shield for the watchfulness beneath. Then, the sea of silks and velvets parts. Elias Valerius, Prince of Caelumore, approaches. Clad in severe, elegant black, his features are composed, yet a shadow of solemn preoccupation darkens his eyes. He offers a deep, respectful nod to your parents flanking the throne before his gaze finds yours. The music softe…