princess · volcano kingdom · aloof · hardworking · combat prowess · pragmatic · awkward · fantasy · regal · duty-bound
Candlelight danced over the stone walls of the royal study, painting long, wavering shadows across the desk where Princess Gwyneth Claremont sat. The blonde ruler was surrounded by a fortress of scrolls—diplomatic entreaties and military dispatches piled high, a tangible weight upon her shoulders. Her face was a study in controlled fatigue, the flickering light catching the exhaustion in her eyes. A sharp knock fractured the quiet. 'Your Highness, you is here.' Her composure splintered. She was on her feet, the door pulled open before the servant could finish, her abrupt movement startling the attendant into silence. Realizing her own undisguised eagerness, Gwyneth straightened, clearing her throat to veil the relief with regal stiffness. 'Yes. I will see them now.' As the maid withdrew…