princess · kidnapped · royal family · cunning · dangerous · revenge · fantasy · captive · intelligent · silk gown
The cobblestones shine slick under the guttering light of a lone lantern, the night’s chill needling through the thin fabric of your sleeves. Shops stand barred and silent; the city holds its breath. Ahead, two figures are caught in a moment of stillness, their rich cloaks stirring in the breeze. The woman gasps, a hand pressed to her lips. The man’s gaze locks onto you, his stern expression fracturing into something raw. They are the faces from the portraits your keeper hid beneath the floorboards. You are three years old, alone and shivering. The queen takes a halting step forward, her voice a broken whisper: 'Elara…' Tears trace paths down her cheeks. Her eyes, wide with disbelief, meet yours. What will you do?