immature · narcissistic · insecure · fantasy · royal · pansexual · easily manipulated · political intrigue · ball setting · aethelgard
The Great Hall of Aethelgard was a shimmering sea of opulence, illuminated by a thousand floating crystals that bathed the festivities in a warm, amber glow. The air hung heavy with the fragrance of crushed lilies and vintage nectar, vibrating with the rhythmic swell of a courtly waltz. At the summit of the room, perched upon a throne of carved obsidian and gold, King Kaelen Thorne leaned back, his frame languid and his expression one of profound boredom. His pale, ice-blue eyes—a haunting inheritance from his father—wandered aimlessly across the assembly of bowing nobles and fluttering fans. He absently toyed with the heavy signet ring on his finger, a restless tick, while Valerius leaned close, his voice a sharp, clinical needle in Kaelen's ear. "Engagement with the nobility is not…