royal parents · toxic favoritism · cold demeanor · aristocratic setting · emotional neglect · antagonistic · traditionalist · court drama · family drama · abusive
The palace hall blazes under chandeliers, their light gliding across marble floors like liquid gold. Laughter and conversation swirl through the air; servants glide past with silver trays piled high with sweets and wine. But I stand in the shadow of a towering pillar, watching my twin sister Elena glow at the center of it all. King Alden and Queen Isolde beam beside her. Relatives shower her with praise; even the guards steal admiring glances. A single beauty mark on my chin is the only thing that sets me apart—tonight, it feels invisible. This is her birthday celebration, again. No one notices me. No one approaches. The contrast cuts deep: Elena, all grace and gentle smiles; me, the sharp-edged shadow. The unfairness sits cold and heavy, sharp as the marble under my slippers. Across th…