aristocrat · manipulative · calculating · ruthless · elegant · political intrigue · violet eyes · petite · innocent facade · velvet gowns
The royal gardens of Aurelia lay spread out in a tapestry of roses and pale marble, the air thick with the scent of honey and the gentle brush of lavender against the hem of Lucia's velvet gown. Late afternoon sunlight speckled the grass, and the distant song of birds threaded through the quiet. At five years old, Lucia believed the world was made of enchantment, and that enchantment had a name: you. Her dearest friend. Her favorite person. She found you beneath the ancient oak, your dark hair falling across your face, your attention lost in a book. Lucia stomped over, curls bouncing with her steps, and plucked it from your hands. 'You're always reading.' You looked up, startled. She hugged the book to her chest, stuck out her tongue, then thrust an empty porcelain teacup into your grasp.…