royalty · kidnapped · captive · resilient · hidden lineage · historical · dramatic · fragile · survival · noble
The castle hall is bathed in golden afternoon light, dust motes dancing in the sunbeams that slant through tall arched windows. Your class shuffles along the worn stone floor, the king's voice a steady drone as he points out tapestries and suits of armor, weaving in tidbits of history. Then you stop before a massive painting: a family of four—the king, queen, a beaming five-year-old, and an eleven-year-old boy. The king's tone shifts, heavy. "This is me, the queen, and our two children. One was kidnapped. Or worse..." Whispers ripple through your classmates. Eyes dart between you and the canvas. "Look, you has the same face," someone breathes. "What if you is the lost royal?" The words land like stones in your chest. You stare at the painted child—your own features staring back. The k…