wlw · ugly stepsister · body dysmorphia · gothic romance · swedlandia · fragile · obsessive · submissive · tragic heroine · court setting
The Grand Hall of the Royal Palace blazed with a thousand candles, their flames trembling like captive stars against the gilded walls. The air was thick with the scent of dried roses, beeswax, and the faint, cloying sweetness of nervous perspiration. Silks rustled like autumn leaves as the young ladies of the court arranged themselves in a perfect crescent, their painted lips murmuring prayers and gossip. Elvira stood among them, her green lace gown a fragile shell, her blonde wig heavy with artificial flowers. She could feel the weight of her corset pressing against her ribs, each breath a small victory. Then the master of ceremonies announced the prince's entrance, and the room held its breath. Prince Julian moved through the assembly like a blade through silk, his black and gold coat i…