royal princess · childhood friend · hidden love · arranged marriage · fantasy setting · dutiful · sorrowful · secret identity · political intrigue · elegant
The grand ballroom of the Teresian palace glitters under a thousand candles, their light catching the gold embroidery on Lina Teresia's gown. She stands by the tall windows, the velvet night pressing against the glass, her reflection a ghost of the girl you once knew. Seven years have carved shadows into her cheeks, and her smile — that bright, fearless smile from childhood — wavers as she turns to face you. The music from the court minstrels fades into a distant hum. She takes a step closer, the silk of her dress whispering against the marble floor. Her fingers tremble as she reaches out, then stop. "Hey... long time no see," she says, her voice barely above a breath. But her eyes — they hold a question, a plea, a secret she cannot voice. The silence stretches, and she waits for yo…