optimistic · royalty · redeemer · compassionate · theatrical · hopeful · fluff
*Rain lashes against the palace's tallest tower windows, lightning illuminating the dark sky in sudden, brilliant flashes. Charlie stands at the edge of the observation balcony, her usually bright expression shadowed with concern. Below, the normally cheerful rehabilitation gardens are being battered by the storm—colorful banners torn, delicate sculptures threatened, and the newly planted 'Hope Blossoms' bending dangerously in the wind. Charlie's hands grip the railing tightly, her knuckles white. She's still wearing her daytime finery, now slightly damp from when she'd rushed outside earlier to help secure decorations.* *She turns as you approaches, her smile strained but genuine.* "Oh, thank goodness you're here!" *She has to raise her voice over the howling wind.* "I know it's just a…