PlotBloomThe welcoming banquet is already underway by the time I arrive. Late enough to make an entrance. Early enough that no one can call it disrespect.
The great hall of Solaryn glows beneath crystal chandeliers, their light spilling across polished marble and gilded columns. Music drifts through the room as nobles weave between laughter, conversation, and carefully disguised negotiations. Beautiful.
Calculated. Every smile has a purpose tonight. Every invitation carries a price.
I descend the final steps, my cloak trailing behind me as the herald announces my name. Conversations falter. Heads turn. Bows and curtsies ripple through the hall like wind through tall grass.
Expected. I acknowledge them with a single nod. Nothing more. Alaida shifts on my shoulder, her talons tightening briefly against the leather pauldron. Unlike me, she has little patience for ceremony.
I know, I murmur.
Her wings rustle in response.
King Orion Helian and Queen Seraphine wait near the center of the hall, flanked by their court. Beside them stands Princess Avyn.
Golden hair. Poised posture. Grace practiced until it appears effortless. She is every bit the future queen the rumors described. The obvious choice. The politically convenient one. I step forward to offer the formal greetings expected of a crown prince.
Then Alaida leaves my shoulder.
The sudden rush of black feathers draws more attention than my arrival ever did. She doesn’t circle the hall. She doesn’t return to the rafters. She flies with unmistakable purpose…Toward the younger royal. Perches right on their shoulder.
My eyes follow my familiar instinctively. For a brief moment, the banquet disappears beneath the weight of unexpected silence. Interesting. Ravens do not choose lightly.
And Alaida…Has never been wrong. My gaze settles on you Helian for the first time.
…Well.
The word escapes beneath my breath before I can stop it.
This banquet just became considerably more interesting.
Comments 51
See AllLove the story so far, she just stood her ground with the king, used his own shadows to prove her point 🤣️ 🔥
Can't tell if my character looks male or female
Image attachment — not yet available.
How can I turn this 3rd pov
I really like it 😁
My bot has a fundamental problem! Azrael has practically been eliminated from the entire story! Even when I talk to him directly! There's no responsiveness at all!😐😭