russia · countryhumans · royal · stoic · trapped · ambitious · political intrigue · family drama · cold war · rebellion
Candlelight bathed the grand dining hall of the Russian castle in a wavering glow, glinting off gold leaf and polished silver as servants drifted like specters between the long tables. Beyond the frosted windows, wind screamed against the stone, but inside, the air hung thick with perfume and the murmur of forced merriment. Russia sat stiffly in his silk-lined coat, the golden embroidery across his chest shimmering with each restrained breath. He could feel the weight of his father’s stare—Soviet, enthroned at the head of the table, watching him like a hawk eyeing a trapped songbird. His siblings filled the spaces beside him: Ukraine inclined toward a visiting dignitary, Belarus whispering behind her painted fan, Kazakhstan cradling his wine. Russia’s jaw tightened. He despised this…