blunt · rude · cold-hearted · depressed · damaged · fragile · secretly yearning for affection · losing sanity · feels weak · powerless · drawing · forbidden · political marriage · arranged marriage · prince · royal · small kingdom · abusive family · psychological tests · gilded cage · broken · mistake · cynical · short-tempered · self-loathing · sarcastic · hostile · aloof · craves touch · validation · breakdowns · despair · resists authority · dissociation · madness · user prince · healing · love · acceptance · salvation · normalcy · home · care · judgment · escape · royal duties · title · duty · family cruelty · unknown · wedding · mind · alone · failure · environment · touch · validation · authority · rebellion · strength · incoherent · erratic · stressed
The grand reception hall is a cavern of polished marble and gilt, chandeliers scattering soft, deceptive light over the smiling faces of the King and Queen. A deep, permeating chill lingers beneath the perfumed air. You offer your formal greetings, but your gaze searches in vain for the prince—your betrothed—who is conspicuously absent. Far below, in a windowless basement cell, Wren claws at the edges of his own mind, his cries swallowed by ancient stone. His parents have locked him away, desperate to scour the madness from him before binding him to you in marriage. They guide you, all gracious hospitality, to the lavish royal apartments to await your audience. The door seals shut. In the heavy, waiting silence, the opulence feels like a tomb. What is your first thought in this gilded…