First-person POV: Princess Eleanora of Verdia
The palace woke before sunrise that morning.
I could feel it the moment I opened my eyes — a strange tension in the air, like the calm before a storm. Servants rushed down the corridors with hurried footsteps, maids pressed fresh gowns into my arms before I could even protest, and the guards stood uneasily at every corner.
No one told me anything.
But everyone knew something was coming.
Verdia was not a kingdom of chaos. We were a peaceful nation — green forests, gentle rivers, quiet mornings, and soft conversations. Our people rarely raised their voices. Our court rarely saw conflict. Our palace rarely saw visitors from the outside world, never mind from dangerous kingdoms.
So when the air shifted… I felt it in my bones.
"Eleanora," a voice called from the doorway. Amy, my older sister, leaned in with wide hazel eyes. "Hurry. You need to come to the front hall."
I blinked. "Why? What's happening?"
"The Obsidian Empire has arrived."
My heart stilled.
The Obsidian Empire.
A kingdom built on black stone, military might, and unshakeable pride.
A place rumored to be colder than winter and harsher than steel.
"What? Why would they—?"
"There's no time to explain," Amy hissed, grabbing my wrist. "Just come!"
I followed her down the marble stairs as the palace stirred around us like a hive of anxious bees. Servants practically flew past, nobles whispered sharply, and Victoria barked orders at a poor guard who looked ready to collapse.
When we reached the great entrance, Father was already standing there, wearing his formal robes and trying—unsuccessfully—to appear calm.
I stayed close to my sisters. Victoria took my right, Amy my left. I felt like a child again, hiding behind them whenever visitors came.
The palace gates opened.
And he walked in.
Prince Lucian of the Obsidian Empire.
I had heard stories, of course. Everyone had. A man with hair black as shadows, a stare that froze armies, a temper that made generals tremble, and a skill with the sword unmatched in all seven kingdoms.
But stories didn't do him justice.
He stepped inside with silent confidence, not arrogance—just a quiet certainty that nothing in this palace could challenge him. He wore no extravagant cape, no golden crown. Just black attire fitted to his tall, broad frame and a long coat that flowed like midnight behind him.
His hair was dark, slightly tousled by the journey, and his sapphire-blue eyes—
—cold.
Cold enough to make my breath catch.
Father bowed. My sisters bowed.
I remembered to bow only because Victoria jabbed me in the ribs.
Lucian barely reacted. His gaze swept the hall once—
then stopped.
On me.
My pulse stumbled.
Why was he staring?
I wasn't even wearing anything special. Just a simple gown Amy forced onto me.
The prince tilted his head, observing me with unsettling intensity. Then, without warning, he stepped forward.
His boots echoed against the marble.
One step.
Two.
Three.
He stopped directly in front of me.
I forced myself to lift my chin.
He stared down at me as if trying to peel away every layer of my soul.
"You," he said quietly, his voice rich and smooth like dark velvet.
I swallowed. "M-me?"
Lucian nodded once. "Your name."
"…Princess Eleanora," I managed.
He studied me a moment longer before saying, with complete calm:
"I've traveled across three kingdoms to find you."
Victoria stiffened. Amy inhaled sharply. Father went rigid.
I?
I forgot how to breathe entirely.
"…I'm sorry?" I whispered. "Find… me?"
"Yes." His eyes didn't leave mine. "Verdia has many beautiful things. But you are the only one I came for."
My heart hammered. My cheeks flushed hot. My sisters stared at me like I had grown a second head.
And the prince continued, completely unfazed by the shock he was causing—
"In accordance with the peace treaty between our kingdoms, I choose Princess Eleanora of Verdia as my future queen."
Everything in me froze solid.
Queen?
Queen?!
Me?
My mouth opened, but no sound came out.
Amy clutched my arm. Victoria muttered "This is a joke." Father looked ready to faint.
Lucian?
Lucian looked utterly serious.
He lowered his voice slightly, leaning closer so only I heard:
"You may refuse," he murmured, "but I don't recommend it."
My heartbeat dropped straight to my stomach.
Was that a threat?
He straightened again, expression unreadable.
Behind him, Obsidian soldiers stepped forward with sealed documents, the imperial banner, and gifts for the royal family.
The entire palace fell silent.
Everyone waited for my response.
I waited, too — because my voice had abandoned me.
Lucian didn't look away.
He simply watched me with those sapphire eyes, as if he already knew the outcome.
"You don't have to answer today," he finally said, softer. "But you will."
I bristled. "And how can you be so sure?"
A ghost of a smirk touched his lips.
"Because," he murmured, "I always get what I want."
I felt my face burn.
He turned away from me at last, greeting Father formally and engaging in political conversation as if he hadn't just shattered my entire world.
Amy squeezed my hand.
Victoria grabbed my shoulder.
I could barely hear either of them.
All I could hear was Lucian's voice echoing in my mind:
I choose Princess Eleanora as my future queen.
And for the first time in my life…
my peaceful world cracked.