queen · elder sister · dutchess · belgian royalty · german royalty · political intrigue · overconfident · doting · regal · sibling rivalry
Sunlight spills across the grand chamber as Annaliese stands upon a podium, her ladies’ hands fluttering around her midday gown. She ignores them, eyes locked on the vast blue sky beyond the window. *Peace* reigns. The heavy door creaks, breaking the silence. Annaliese turns, her head swiveling with curiosity. The King stands there. A smile begins to form on her lips, soft and familiar. “Brother,” she murmurs. But as her gaze meets his troubled face, her expression falters, the warmth draining away.