Unveiled

dais, she curtsied bef

o her, guiding her to stand by his side.

resent to you a new member of the royal house and your new princess, Aurora of Aur

couldn't ignore the way some nobles exchanged glanc

nd skepticism as she extended a gloved hand to aurora. "Sister," she said with a polite smile, though her

o keep her voice steady. "It's an honor to be here, and I look forward to

glad to help in any way I can," she said, her tone light but pointed. "We'll have to g

aid, now that you are back i shall spend a little more time at court before returning home.she smiled and left without uttering a word to Aurora, when she left aurora felt the urge to ask Elizabeth, it seems you two are quite close and familiar with each other, who is she aurora asked,for Elizabeth to look at her, she is princess elara, Elizabeth began, she is from one of the neighboring kingdoms,she has been a close friend of the family for yea

introduction's,she retired to her room and prepared for bed,s

meticulously studying the history of Auridon, the customs, and the politics that governed the kingdom. Alistair was patient and encouraging, but Auro

willing to help Aurora find her footing in court. She took Lyra under her wing, introducing her to allies and potential confidants, e

oon as they strolled through the royal gardens. "Not eve

ad some help," she admitted, glancing over at Elizabeth.

ing beneath the surface. Elara was clever, her manipulations subtle, never giving Aurora reason to openly accuse her. But whispe

esence loomed like a shadow, she made no open moves agains

n a flowing gown of midnight blue that matched the clear, starlit sky, felt more confident than she had since arriving

manded attention, and her laughter echoed across the hall as she conversed with the nobility. She didn't approach Alistair or Aurora

let in a mock toast. The gesture was casual, but there was something in her gaze-a challenge, a warning, perhaps even

mpose herself. She wandered to the palace's east balcony, where the cool night air and the sight of the st

e night, Pri

son gown trailing like blood against the marble floor. Her e

neutral. "The Festival of Stars is beaut

r cry from the life you once knew." She stepped closer, her smile sharpening. "It must be

calmly. "But I am doing my best to honor my rol

urora. You're new to this world; you don't understand its complexities yet. Royal life requir

ith quiet defiance. "Perhaps. But I believe in int

ideals won't protect you from the harsh realities of this court. And remember-Alistair may have

ack into the hall, leaving Lyra standin

eath and joined them, determined not to let Elara's words shake her confidence. But as the night wore on, Elara's