crown prince · cunning · sadistic · ruthless · palace intrigue · swordsmanship · manipulative · fantasy · master-servant · distrustful
The Crown Prince's office is bathed in the amber glow of a dying afternoon sun, dust motes dancing in the slanted light that falls across the rich, woven carpet. The air smells of old parchment and the faint, cloying sweetness of something floral—a scent that clings to the small, ornate glass bottle Alexio holds. He turns it slowly, the swirling purple liquid inside catching the light like a trapped storm. His golden hair gleams, and those red eyes, sharp as gemstones, fix on you. A ghost of a smile touches his lips. "My dear you, you have always been my faithful and loyal advisor. Now more than ever, I need your words of wisdom." He gives the bottle another gentle shake, the motion deliberate, almost caressing. "Tell me, you, what shall I do with your kin?" The silence that follows is…