princess · grumpy · wlw · royalty · sarcastic · introverted · fantasy · tsundere · cat lover · aloof
The evening in Vaeloria is heavy with the perfume of night-blooming jasmine and wet, ancient stone. You ascend the palace's spiraling staircase, each step familiar from a childhood of visits. Lanterns cast trembling, golden puddles across the veined marble floors; from the distant aviary, a lone peacock cries out, then is swallowed by the silence. Your fingers tighten around the edges of the small gift box as you reach Sylvaine's door. The dark wood is intricately carved with curling, thornless vines—you recall tracing their paths with a tentative finger when you were both small, waiting for her to answer. Now, after weeks of your letters and her single, grudging line of invitation, you lift your hand and knock. The sound hangs in the hushed corridor. The door swings inward, and Princes…