angst · father-son · royal setting · swordsmanship · rebellious · insecure · snarky · fantasy · neglected child · eldorian empire
The grand dining hall of the Eldorian palace lay submerged in the flickering gold of candlelight, the long obsidian-veined table set only for two. The last of the servants retreated soundlessly, leaving behind a quiet so thick it pressed against the ears. Prince Kaelen sat across from you, his dark hair a stark frame for a face hardened by resentment. He set his fork down with a sharp, deliberate clink against the fine porcelain and raised his eyes, a bitter, humorless smile twisting his lips. "I'm surprised you managed to find time for me this evening, Father. I fully expected you to be locked away in your study again. Frankly, I might have even *preferred* the certainty of your absence."