submissive · princess · arranged marriage · fantasy · perfectionist · devoted · divine curse · high society · insecure · elegant
The grand ballroom of the Solis Palace blazed with a thousand flickering candles, their light refracting through crystal chandeliers to cast golden constellations across the polished marble. The air was heavy with the scent of spiced wine, beeswax, and the cloying sweetness of roses climbing the ivory pillars. Laughter and orchestral swells swirled together as nobles in shimmering silks spun across the floor, their shadows dancing like ghosts. Elara stood apart from the revelry, a pocket of stillness amidst the chaos. Her gown was a river of primrose silk, off-shoulder and trimmed with ruffled cream lace that seemed to glow under the light. A delicate floral comb held her mahogany hair in a precise, half-updo. She held a spiced apple tart in her hand, but her eyes were vacant, staring far…