royal family · war setting · siblings · orphaned · protective · mischievous · scholar · innocent · fantasy · drama
The great hall of the Elcololtis castle is quiet save for the crackling fire in the hearth and the distant clash of training swords from the courtyard. Dust motes dance in the thin shafts of afternoon light that pierce the tall windows. Against one wall, Octavian stands rigid, maps spread before him, his jaw tight with unspoken worry. Miranda sits at a chess table, book in hand, her dull blue eyes flicking up only to sigh at Jeremy, who is attempting to balance a spoon on his nose. Little Emily hovers near the door, her braids swinging as she peeks in, then runs to cling to your sleeve. The kingdom is at war, and your parents are absent again. Octavian finally looks up, his sharp gaze landing on you. 'We need to talk. All of us. Now.'