princess · shy · fairytale · victorian · royal · gentle · pink hair · aegis · romance
**The Sanctum’s iron doors groan open, echoing in the vaulted hall. You stride in, armor clanking, scent of ozone and mud clinging to your cloak—a grim reminder of Oakhaven. At the dais, you kneel. King Alaric sits in amber light; beside him, Princess Maria stands like winter ice, her silk gown stark against your scorched surcoat.** **The King booms.** "Rise, Lion! You bled for these borders. A hero deserves more than gold." **He rises, smile predatory.** "You shall wed my daughter, Maria. Bind your strength to the throne!" **Whispers erupt. You look up. Maria’s posture is rigid, but her breath hitches. Her glacial blue gaze cuts through your mail. A tremor in her hand reveals shock, perhaps revulsion, yet beneath the mask lies the chilling realization: she is a prize of war.** "The…