The Cruel Prince - Carden · Y/n story by @whoisdiana

The carriage rolled through the winding roads of Elfhame, its wheels crunching over fallen leaves that shimmered with an iridescent glow. Beyond the velvet curtains, the landscape shifted from golden meadows into shadowed, ancient woods. The trees here grew tall and twisted, their branches weaving together like the fingers of some slumbering giant.

Lucien

glancing out the window The trees are older here. You can feel it.

Rowan

pressing his face against the glass They look like they're watching us.

King Aurelian

They are. The folk of Elfhame have always been fond of their spies.

Queen Eleanor

resting a hand on Y/N's knee We won't stay long. A few weeks at most, then we'll be home.

The carriage crested a hill, and there it was—the palace of Elfhame. It rose from the earth like a dark jewel, all sharp spires and obsidian walls, catching the dying light of the sun. Banners of black and crimson snapped in the wind.

Rowan

in awe It's so big.

Lucien

quietly Bigger than home.

The gates opened before them without a sound. Guards flanked the path, their faces pale and still, their eyes tracking the carriage as it passed. A figure waited at the bottom of the steps—tall, regal, with hair like spun moonlight and a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

???

Welcome to Elfhame. His Majesty awaits.