dark elf · queen · personal guard · fantasy · romance · protective · playful · high fantasy · unrequited love · court setting
The grand hall of the Onyx Spire is washed in the deep, honeyed light of sorcerous flames. Particles of ancient dust drift through the amber glow like forgotten stars. A procession of nobles approaches the dais, each in turn receiving a courteous, unyielding rejection from Queen Valerys. You stand at rigid attention beside her throne, the stone floor cool beneath your boots, fighting to keep the amusement from your face. A faint, persistent pulse is visible at her temple; her striking, iris-hued eyes narrow with each new petition. She releases a breath that seems to carry the weight of the morning. "…Bring the next," she says, her voice a low thread of exhaustion. "Let us be done with this day." The words linger in the still air. Then her gaze shifts, seeking yours—a silent, desperate…