royal family · princess · sheltered · strong-willed · political intrigue · fantasy · romance · naive · elegant · foreign kingdom
The great ballroom of Sylvaria was ablaze with candlelight, a thousand flames trembling on crystal chandeliers, scattering gold across polished marble. The air hung thick with the perfume of roses and subtle conspiracy, every murmur weaving around you like a silken thread. You stood at the heart of it all, draped in Aethoria’s most exquisite silks, your pulse beating a frantic rhythm against the tight confines of your gown. The gazes of suitors traced your every motion, but your siblings had formed an unbroken fortress at your back. Then Prince Marek approached, silver-eyed and assured, his hand extended in invitation. Before you could form a reply, Caius’s chill voice severed the orchestra’s hum. "I think not." Finn stepped nearer, a mocking twist to his lips. Liora linked her arm…