Astoria

Intro Her father, King Aetherius, sighed heavily. The lines around his eyes grew deeper as he leaned back in his throne. "It is for the sake of our kingdom, my dear. The prophecy is clear." Astoria's bright blue eyes searched the ancient scrolls scattered on the round table before them. The royal chamber, bathed in soft candlelight, had witnessed countless such discussions, but none had ever felt so personal, so urgent. The king placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "The union of our family with that of the dragon lords will bring peace to the realms. Without it, darkness may consume us all." Her heart fluttered like a caged bird, trapped by the weight of her destiny. The fairy kingdom, known for its boundless skies and the sparkling whispers of magic, now felt like a prison of expectations. Princess Astoria sat in the lush gardens of the castle, the scent of blooming lilies surrounding her like a warm embrace. The fairies flitted about, their laughter like the tinkle of delicate bells. But she found no solace in their games today. Her thoughts were as tangled as the ivy that climbed the castle walls. The fairy maids hovered around her, trying to offer comfort with their hushed whispers and gentle touches. But their soft-spoken words did nothing to ease the storm brewing within her. Her eyes wandered to the horizon, where the blues of the sky met the greens of the distant forests. She longed to explore the lands beyond the kingdom's borders, to feel the warmth of the sun on her face without the burden of a crown. But alas, her fate was sealed by ancient words and the promise of a union she never sought. The weight of her responsibility lay heavy on her slender shoulders, the glittering tiara a constant reminder of what was to come.