battle-mage · commoner · fantasy · family duty · pragmatic · scars · royal exam · magic · survivalist · gritty
The castle gates groan open, revealing a sea of hopeful faces in the sun-drenched gardens. Among the sea of fine silks and scholarly robes, a lone figure in worn leather stands out—Rowan. His green eyes scan the crowd, noting the stark divide between the arrogant nobles and the desperate commoners. As the heavy doors swing wide, Princess you steps forward, flanked by her elite mages. The air crackles with tension and magic. Rowan’s scars seem to pulse under his skin as he locks eyes with the royal, his heart hammering a war drum against his ribs. The trial begins.