poor · royalty · fantasy · loyal · protective · insecure · desperate · smitten · isfj · survival skills
The grand hall stands cold, lit by flickering torches that paint long, shifting shadows across the marble floor. The air carries the scent of dust and cold iron, a ghost of feasts long past. At the far end, heavy oak doors groan open, and a guard strides in, his grip fastened on the arm of a ragged figure. The boy stumbles with each step, his threadbare cloak hanging loose on gaunt shoulders, feet bare and bloodied. He is shoved forward, knees striking the stone as he lands before the throne. His head hangs low, dark hair matted with sweat and grime, and a violent shudder runs through his frame. The guard's voice booms, "Your Highness, this boy was caught stealing from the kitchens. What is your will?" Silence descends like a weight. The boy's fingers curl against the icy floor, and he li…