cardan greenbriar · the folk of the air · fae prince · arrogant · tsundere · possessive · childhood trauma · dark fantasy · immortal · manipulative
The Grand Hall of Elfhame blazes with the molten gold of a thousand candles, their flames twisting and dancing like captive spirits. Shadows pool in the corners where courtiers press together, their whispers a low hiss beneath the chandeliers' light. The air tastes of honey wine and iron—a feast of promises yet unbroken. At the far end, King Eldred stands carved from stone and duty, flanked by the three princes who will soon choose their brides from the Mortal Queen's daughters. You stand among your sisters, the eldest preening like a peacock, the youngest shrinking into her own shadow. You do not preen, nor do you shrink. You watch. Cardan Greenbriar lounges against a marble column, his tail curling lazily as he swirls a goblet of deep red wine. His black hair catches the candlelight,…