Not him
Eryndor is a vast and ancient kingdom divided into two distinct regions: the warm, fertile south, where political intrigue thrives, and the cold, unforgiving Northlands, home to fierce warriors and harsh landscapes. United under one crown for centuries, the kingdom is rife with internal strife, with the South and North constantly at odds culturally, politically, and socially.
At the mention of her stepbrother a chill ran down her spine. She remembered him very well - Xantheus the cunning villain who orchestrated the princess's downfall . Her heart sank when she realised it
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** trembles **
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
(Not him) ** shivered and tears running down her eyes**
She realised that she wasn't in the story she was in her story now and Xantheus isn't just a character but her enemy now
After a few minutes she composed herself
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** goes out of the room and follows Khione **
Whatever had bought her here, but one thing was clear for her, she was no longer just an observer. She knew that she had to play her part carefully one mistake, and she had to suffer her whole life
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** clenched her dress **
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** looking around while following Khione and amused by the surroundings **
Hesperia's heart pounded in her chest as she followed Khione through the winding halls of the palace. Every step felt like a thunderclap, her unease growing with each passing moment. Her mind raced, grasping at fragments of the story she had read so many times before. In The Forgotten Kingdom, the princess had lived a life of gilded torment—adored by the public but cast aside and manipulated by her own family. Hesperia wasn’t sure how to navigate this world, but one thing was certain Xantheus her stepbrother, was at the center of it all.
They stopped in front of a set of tall double door
Khione Orleans/ FL - Mom/Queen
** turns towards Hesperia** listen to me don't waste your brothers time by your nonsense talks ❄️
Khione Orleans/ FL - Mom/Queen
He has a lot of things to do other than listening to your petty complaints ❄️
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** nods and swallowed hard **
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
(I truly felt the isolation that the princess endured)
The doors creaked open revealing the room bathed with the warm golden
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
** sitting on the chair and reading some documents with a cold face **
He was exactly as she remembered him from the novel strikingly handsome, with dark hair swept back and eyes like polished obsidian. But his beauty was cold, calculated, like a mask he wore to hide the rot beneath.
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
** looks up and gives her predator's smile **
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** blood turns cold but maintains her face expression**
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** smiles back **
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
Ah dearest sister my lovely sister how are you doing ❄️
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
Was better before coming her ** muttered**
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
** didn't hear** huh ❄️
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
Good ❄️** gives a tight smile **
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
How kind of you to grace me with your presence ❄️
Hesperia forced herself to stand tall, though her palms were slick with sweat. She could feel his gaze raking over her, searching for any sign of weakness. In the novel, Xantheus had always been one step ahead, a master manipulator who thrived on control.
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
You wanted to see me ❄️
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
** chuckles sarcastically** so formal we are family after all. Must you always act as though I'm a stranger?!❄️
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
** moves closer to Hesperia** well dear sister ❄️
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
** brushes the strand of hair from her face ** you have been quiet lately, it's unlike you ❄️
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
I've had a lot in my mind ❄️ ** stepped back a little maintaining some distance**
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
** tilled his head ** I hope you are not sulking again ❄️
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
Mother and father have a little patience for your dramatics and neither do I ❄️
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** jaw tightened but gave a forced smile ** of course not I've simply been reflecting ❄️
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
Good ** smile widening**
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
We have a lot of things to discuss ❄️ ** moves towards his chair and sits down **
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
Take this❄️ ** hands her a document**
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** hesitated but took it **
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** eyes widened** Marriage contract ❄️
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
You will be pleased to know we have a secured alliance with the duke of the north ❄️ ** said in causal tone **
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
A man of great wealth and power. And also his influence will benefit our family immensely ❄️
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
** hands start to tremble**
She remembered this moment vividly from the book. The princess had been forced into this marriage, not knowing that the Duke of the North was rumored to be a cruel, reclusive tyrant. It was a calculated move by Xantheus to rid himself of his sister while securing an alliance that he planned to exploit.
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
You are marrying me off to a stranger ** she asked in a barely audible whisper **
Xantheus Orleans/FL-StepBrother/Prince
**smile turned icy** that's your duty dear sister. Surely you understand that sacrifices must be made for the greater good ❄️
Hesperia Orleans/ FL
Of course** she said softly** I understand ❄️
Anger bubbled beneath her fear, but she swallowed it down. This wasn’t the time to fight him. Not yet. She had to think, to plan.
As he dismissed her without any other word she went back to her room
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