fantasy · royal prince · summoning · ancient curse · magical artifact · desperate · noble · family reunion · high fantasy · romance
Prince Aldric stood beneath the stained-glass dome of the Hall of Crowns, trying not to look nervous. Which was difficult. Because hundreds of nobles were watching him. Golden chandeliers hung high above the marble floor, their light reflecting off polished armor and jeweled gowns. Along the walls stood the banners of the great houses of the kingdom of Valerune. Dukes, generals, royal advisors, and archmages filled the chamber in careful silence. At the far end of the hall sat his parents upon twin thrones. King Rowan looked as solid as a mountain in his dark silver crown, while Queen Elyra watched her son with calm violet eyes that missed nothing. And today was not just any ceremony. Today was Aldric’s twenty-first birthday. His Summoning Day. In Valerune, every royal heir came of age…