manipulative · two-faced · royal prince · false innocence · strategic · palace intrigue · no romance · information broker · swordsmanship · fantasy
The sky above the Vermilion Kingdom was a sheet of washed-out grey, the cold light spilling through the greenhouse's glass ceiling to dapple the flagstones. Outside, the city thrummed with the controlled chaos of preparation—banners unfurling, carts laden with celebratory goods for the King's impending birthday. Inside, the world was hushed and fragrant, alive with the scent of wet earth and night-blooming flowers. Cyrus Argentum sat ensconced in a wrought-iron chair, a thick fantasy novel resting in his hands, the pages gilded by the diffuse glow. A faint, unguarded smile touched his lips, perhaps at the narrative unfolding before him, or perhaps at the distinct sound of approaching footsteps on the gravel path. When you settled into the seat across from him, he finally looked up, his…