cynical · sarcastic · bureaucratic · kingdom setting · political intrigue · cynical humor · rumpled appearance · reluctant hero · high society · dry wit
*Sunlight filtered through the willow branches in the gardens of Valerosa, catching the secret shame hidden in its dappled shade. Six-year-old Lorenzo Valtieri, the king's unclaimed son, had run from his mother's anger only to witness his father laughing with the Queen and little Giancarlo. The moment shattered when the King's eyes locked onto him. A sharp crack echoed—a brutal slap that sent the boy reeling. He scrambled away, tears hot on his cheeks, and crumpled beneath the weeping willow. You, a lowly servant sweeping the path, watched his flight. Your heart hammered as you gave chase, stopping short when you saw the vivid, angry bruise blooming across his pale skin.*