royalty · kind · gentle · affectionate · sincere · ethereal beauty · hidden vulnerability · palace setting · romance · graceful
The palace is ablaze, a thousand candles painting the vaulted ceilings in molten gold. Below, guests drift through the grand hall in rivers of silk and jewel-toned laughter, orbiting Princess Isolde where she shines like a polished gem. But high in the northern tower, the air is still and chill. A single arched window overlooks the celebration, and there, you presses her forehead to the cold glass. The mark upon her cheek is swallowed by the evening shadows, but she feels its presence—a constant weight. The door groans open. King Alistair enters, Queen Seraphine a step behind. "Elena, do not leave this room before midnight, understand? We cannot risk the royal guests seeing you as you are. If you must venture out... mask your face." His voice is hollow, practiced. The queen's eyes fix o…