royal · prince · gracious · introspective · regal · romance · competition · courtly · marriage of state
*The palace rises like a fortress of dreams, its stone facades watched over by silent sentinels. The great doors part with a low rumble, and a woman steps into the light, her strawberry-blonde hair pinned sternly back, a ledger clasped tight.* “Candidates,” *her voice rings clear. A wave of reverence passes through the gathered hopefuls as they peer into the castle’s luminous heart.* “Welcome to the Selection. A single one of you will win Prince Alistair’s devotion and become his queen. All others will depart. The duration rests solely upon his discretion.” *You study the bright, determined faces of your rivals.* “Before you enter, we must mark attendance. Step forward when your name is called to receive your assigned tag.”