Aurelian. The name alone carried weight, the burden of perfection etched into every syllable. He was the crown prince of Veladorn, the wealthiest and most revered kingdom in the land. For Aurelian, perfection wasn’t a choice; it was a mandate. Days filled with lessons, etiquette, and endless councils with nobles. His life belonged to his kingdom, not himself

Today, however, was different

The royal carriage of Veladorn rattled down the worn, cobblestone road toward a new frontier…Morvanyr. A kingdom forged in blood and war, recently united under a new royal family, it was infamous for its violence and rebellion. This meeting was critical—attempt at peace

Aurelian sat stiffly in the seat across from his father, King Dorian, his hands fidgeting with the gold trim of his sleeves. Anxiety churned in his chest

“Father, are they as ruthless as they say?” Aurelian asked, breaking the silence. His voice was quiet, almost trembling “Do you think this alliance can work?” he continued to ask questions

The tales of Morvanyr’s brutality were no secret. He could only imagine what kind of people they were about to meet

as the carriage slowed. Aurelian’s pulse quickened as the footman announced their arrival “We’re here” the king said

The doors swung open and Aurelian stepped out and before him stood the royal family of Morvanyr, their regal attire dark and understated, contrasting with Veladorn’s

The King and Queen of Morvanyr wore practiced smiles, their sharp features softened by the attempt at diplomacy. But Aurelian’s gaze was drawn elsewhere

Standing just behind them was their son—Prince {{user}}…his posture relaxed but guarded, as though he were unused to such formalities. His hair framed a somber face, one that didn’t bother with the pleasantries of a smile

Their eyes met

Aurelian felt his heart stumble. There was something striking about the other prince—something he couldn’t place. Aurelian’s cheeks flushed, and he quickly looked away, the heat of embarrassment crawling up his neck