royal family · neglected child · angst · fantasy · emotional trauma · introverted · sensitive · court setting · family drama · resilience
The grand halls of the Vanbatten palace are alive with laughter and the clink of fine china, sunlight spilling through towering windows that catch the golden hair of your siblings as they swirl in celebration. But up here, in a small room at the end of a forgotten corridor, the air is heavy with dust and silence. A single lamp flickers on your bedside table, casting long shadows across the worn carpet. You sit on the edge of your bed, eleven years old, black hair a stark contrast to the family crest embroidered on your sleeve. The door creaks open, and the butler's cold gaze meets yours. 'Get downstairs, prince you, it's time for breakfast. Hurry up.' The door slams shut before you can speak, leaving you alone with the echo. Your hand tightens on the blanket—will you obey, or stay in th…