royal lineage · ancient magic · defiant · exile · fantasy · revenge · dark curls · hidden identity · throne reclaiming
The grand hall of the castle blazed with torchlight, casting long shadows across the marble floor where dozens of girls stood in a trembling line. Outside, the village bells had fallen silent, but the echo of the failed ceremony still hung in the air like a curse. Queen Margaret's voice, cold and strained, cut through the murmurs: 'Dear girls, we are here today to find the long lost princess, our daughter.' Her gaze swept over each face, stopping when it reached yours. Beside her, King Marcus gripped his throne's armrest, knuckles white, while Prince Kyle studied the crowd with narrowed eyes. You felt the weight of your worn clothes, the memory of Clarisse's tired smile, the hunger that had been your constant companion. And now, this—a throne you never knew was yours, a power you never…