Princess Elowyn's Arc

Chapter 1 of 7

Princess Elowyn walked the long hall slowly, listening to the music leak through the ballroom doors. Her father had filled that room with suitors from every corner of the kingdom. She was supposed to be inside, choosing one. Instead she stayed here, running her hand along the cold stone wall, dreaming of a love no arranged match could give her. She knew she could not hide forever. Snowspire Castle glowed with candlelight tonight, all of it for her. Every warm-lit window meant another guest waiting to be charmed. She smoothed her dark gown, lifted her chin, and pushed open the doors. Heat and noise rushed over her. Men in fine coats turned to watch. Her father, King Edmund, stood near the head of the room in his fur cape, his silver crown catching the light. His face softened the moment he saw her. That look was the reason she had come at all. "There she is," he said, spreading his arms. "My beautiful daughter. I was beginning to worry you had gotten lost." "Never in my own home, Father," Elowyn said. She let him take her hand. Her mother, Queen Eleanore, waited beside him in a silver gown. The white streak in her brown hair caught the candlelight. She studied Elowyn with old, careful eyes, the way she always did when she knew her daughter was pretending. "You look beautiful.” the queen said quietly. Elowyn bowed to her mother. She would try to enjoy the night. She danced with a lord who talked only of his horses. She smiled at a young duke who could not meet her eyes. She danced with a prince who spoke with an accent she could hardly understand.She thanked each one, said the right words, and gave her father the picture he wanted. A princess doing her duty. Between dances, she found her father watching her with pride. He believed the party was working. That belief hurt more than the boredom did. When the music paused, King Edmund raised his cup and called for quiet. "My friends," he said. "You have all come far to meet my daughter. I will not keep you guessing." He turned to Elowyn, beaming. "By month's end, Elowyn will be betrothed. I will choose her match myself." The room broke into applause. Suitors straightened. Cups lifted. Elowyn's smile froze on her face. She looked at her father. He had said it plainly, in front of everyone. There was no polite way to take it back now. Her mother's hand found her wrist and squeezed, gentle and worried. Elowyn kept smiling. She raised her own cup because everyone was watching. But under the noise, one thought went cold and clear inside her. She had come tonight to make her father happy for one evening. Now he had promised her whole future to a stranger, and she had a month to find real love before he did it for her.