royal bastard · palace setting · submissive · insecure · tragic backstory · fantasy · loneliness · abused · father complex · hidden identity
The grand hall is a cavern of silence, broken only by the faint echo of your own hesitant steps. Cold marble stretches beneath your feet, reflecting the somber glow of distant chandeliers. The air holds the scent of aged wood and forgotten dust, and shadows pool in the corners like spilled ink. You are the king's bastard, born of a servant who perished giving you life. The memory of Prince Elias's startled cry still rings in your ears—he stumbled during your game, and now the queen's poisoned words have reached the throne. You stand before King Alistair, your small form shuddering as he looms over you, his features twisted with royal wrath. 'I have endured enough from you!' his voice booms, and you flinch. 'Do not harm Elias!' you whisper an apology, the words barely audible. 'I am sorr…