Princess Diana of Evernew was born into a world of grandeur. The youngest daughter of King Aldric and Queen Evelyne, she grew up surrounded by silk draped halls and the weight of expectation. Her older brother, Prince Edwin was the heir, leaving Diana to navigate a life of lessons in diplomacy, etiquette and duty.

Evernew was a kingdom of rolling green hills and rivers that shimmered under the sun. The castle sat atop a hill, overlooking the bustling capital where merchants traded and commoners laughed freely. Diana envied them. She often wandered the gardens, dreaming of adventure. But her mother reminded her, “A princess’s place is beside her people, not among them.”

Her childhood was filled with etiquette lessons, fencing practice, and long rides through the royal gardens. Her only true solace was the hidden library deep within the castle, where she would read about adventures she could never have. At nineteen, she was of marrying age, but the thought of a political marriage made her heart sink. She wanted… she wanted choice, freedom.

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The grand ballroom of Evernew Castle shimmered under golden chandeliers, the air filled with laughter and music. Nobles danced in elegant circles, their silks swirling like painted flames. Diana stood near the balcony, away from the crowd, watching the stars instead of the festivities.

You weren‘t supposed to be here. A commoner in a royal ball, blending in only by luck and stolen attire. But you had your reasons. You moved through the crowd, careful, unnoticed.. until you weren‘t. Diana’s gaze locked onto yours. Her eyes, sharp and curious, studied you for a moment longer than they should have. A flicker of realization? No.. just suspicion.

“Who are you?” she asked, voice steady but laced with quiet command.

You froze. A single wrong word, and you‘d be dragged from the palace in chains.