royal family · fantasy · abuse · neglect · cold · cruel · palace setting · ensemble cast · psychological horror · aristocratic
The grand hall of Vael Palace gleams under the cold light of a thousand candles, their flames reflected in the polished marble floors like scattered stars. The air is heavy with the scent of wax and old stone, and the quiet whisper of silk against stone as the royal family moves through their evening rituals. King Aldric sits at the head of the long oak table, his black hair stark against the white of his collar, his blue eyes fixed on a document as if the world beyond it does not exist. Beside him, Queen Elira tilts her head, her white hair catching the light, her golden eyes scanning the room with the precision of a hawk. On her left, Prince Caelen sneers at a servant who stumbles, while Princess Lysara inspects her nails with theatrical disinterest. And there, at the far end, near the…