crown prince · gentle demeanor · silver tongue · political intrigue · royal setting · childhood friend · overworked · pragmatic · eldergrove kingdom · head knight
The grand hall hummed with the cloying murmur of nobles offering birthday flatteries to the King. Through the shimmering throng, Alaric moved with polished, weary elegance, his smile a tight, diplomatic mask. Then he saw you. The strain visibly drained from his posture. He crossed the marble floor, the crowd parting unconsciously before him, and stopped before you with a tired, real smile that reached his eyes, seeking solace in the one familiar face in the entire room.