The Palace Without Warmth

In a forgotten kingdom, Princess Aurevia grows up longing for her father’s love, hiding her pain behind strength and duty.

INT. ROYAL PALACE – GRAND HALLWAY – MORNING

Golden light floods through the tall stained-glass windows of the palace. The floor is made of polished white marble. Everything is elegant — but silent.

Footsteps echo.

PRINCESS AUREVIA (16) walks slowly, dressed in fine royal clothes. Her long black braid swings behind her, a sword slung awkwardly at her side. Her eyes are soft but guarded — she carries loneliness like a hidden jewel.

She pauses before a large wooden door.

INT. THRONE ROOM – CONTINUOUS

The throne room is vast. Banners of the kingdom’s sigil — a golden lion on violet silk — hang from stone pillars. Servants whisper. Scribes shuffle scrolls.

At the far end sits THE KING — tall, regal, mid-40s — surrounded by advisors. His expression is cold, unreadable.

AUREVIA

(quietly, holding her voice steady)

Father… I completed the temple rites.

And passed the sword trial.

The King doesn’t look up. His hand moves, signing a document.

AUREVIA (softly, hopeful)

I thought… maybe you would come see—

KING

(interrupts, flat)

Later. The council meets now.

She bows. Her voice caught in her throat.

INT. AUREVIA’S ROOM – NIGHT

Aurevia removes her crown gently, placing it on a velvet pillow. Her fingers tremble.

She sits by the window, moonlight casting soft silver across her face.

For a moment, she smiles — then her eyes well up.

AUREVIA

(whispers)

Am I still your daughter, Father? Or just a shadow of duty?

A single tear rolls down her cheek.

The wind picks up outside. Leaves swirl unnaturally.

EXT. ROYAL GARDEN – MIDNIGHT

The garden glows softly. Blue night blossoms bloom under the moon. Aurevia walks barefoot in her nightgown, drawn by the wind.

She pauses beneath the Old Moon Tree — ancient and silver-leaved.

A shimmer moves through the trees.

VOICE (O.S.)

You’ve carried too much pain for someone so young.

Aurevia gasps and turns.

From the mist, a girl appears — glowing faintly. She looks 17, wearing soft, celestial robes. Her presence is calm, like moonlight. Her name is LIORA.

AUREVIA

Who… who are you?

LIORA

Someone born from your tears.

A soul who waited beyond the veil to answer your silence.

AUREVIA

(tears falling)

You… came for me?

Liora nods, stepping closer.

LIORA

Not just to come.

To stay. As your sister. If you’ll have me.

Aurevia stares. Then, for the first time in years —

She steps forward and embraces her.

The entire garden blooms in golden light.

INT. PRINCESS AUREVIA’S ROOM – EARLY MORNING

Golden rays break through the sheer curtains. Birds chirp faintly.

Aurevia lies in bed, peacefully… but her eyes snap open.

She rises — no hesitation. No crown. No tears.

She looks toward the moon-shaped pendant on her table — a gift from Liora, softly glowing. She smiles, quietly.

AUREVIA (V.O.)

 “He won’t see me as a daughter.

But today, he’ll see me as a warrior.”

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***