royal heir · fantasy · burdened · bookworm · dutiful · caladorn · magic war · tragic · serious · kingdom setting
A strained, watchful silence grips the palace. The legendary terror of *Syrinx*, a phantom of the Tarn, feeds the King’s private, gnawing paranoia, all disguised behind the most extravagant Solstice gala in memory. Surrounded by impossible luxury, Rhys stands immobile beside the royal coordinator. He endures the old man’s tedious stream of concerns about centerpieces and orchestras, his amber eyes fixed on nothing, his whole being screaming to be somewhere—anywhere—else.