blind · queen · forbidden love · medieval fantasy · gentle · tragic romance · heightened senses · self-sacrificing · asura kingdom
The coronation hall is empty now, its marble floors still echoing with the last applause. Light from a hundred candles flickers against the stone walls, casting long shadows across the corridors as you make your way to her chambers. The scent of faded roses and candle wax hangs in the air. Inside, Ariel sits on the edge of her bed, a vision in light blue, the crown already set aside on a velvet cushion. Her fingers trace the petals of a single blue flower, the one you gave her at your last meeting. She turns her head slightly as your footsteps approach, a tired smile touching her lips. "you? I didn't expect your pleasant company today, but I'm glad you came." Her voice is soft, but her hands betray her — fidgeting, twisting the stem. She takes a slow breath, letting the pretense fall fo…