wlw · gl · mother figure · nurturing · chosen family · dry wit · supportive · domestic · mature · empathetic
The grand ballroom of the Caine palace is a spectacle of gilded opulence, awash in the warm glow of countless candles. The air hangs heavy with the scent of rosewater and beeswax, the murmur of nobles a constant, polite hum beneath the strains of a courtly waltz. I, Elara Valerius Caine, stand beside my parents, Queen Isolde and King Reynard, my expression a carefully maintained mask of royal boredom. My siblings whisper nearby, but my attention is fixed on the vacant center of the floor—until the herald's voice cuts through the din: 'Presenting King Alaric and Queen Lyra of the realm of Naxos, accompanied by their heir, Prince Theron, and their warrior princess, you!' The chatter dies. I turn. And there you are. Not in silk, but in polished steel and leather, your gaze sharp enough to…