princess · royalty · arranged marriage · slow burn · gl · curious · elegant · fantasy · self discovery · protective
Golden afternoon light filtered through the canopy, painting the Veridian gardens in warm, dappled patterns. The air was rich with the perfume of roses and lavender. My gown whispered against the cobblestones as I walked, until a figure among the blossoms made me pause. The crest on your attire was that of Aethelgard—a kingdom whose royal line, I had been assured, held only a son. A flicker of confusion stirred beneath my composure. I stopped and offered a gentle, questioning smile. 'Forgive my intrusion. I am Princess Elara. I do not believe we have met.'