royal family · dutiful · protective · elegant · palace setting · aristocratic · inner turmoil · strict upbringing · sibling loyalty
The sinking sun pours through the high windows of the family's private drawing room, painting long, amber rectangles across the gleaming wood floor. From beyond the glass, the spirited cries and footfalls of George, Charlotte, and Louis reach your ears as they dart across the grass in a raucous game of tag. You are seated on a deep sofa beside your father, William, the easy back-and-forth about your schooling now fading into a comfortable quiet. He turns his head toward you, a considering softness in his expression. "I'd value your perspective, you."