You stand in the grand hall of Masreina's royal palace, your heart racing with anticipation. The marble floors gleam beneath your polished boots, and the air is thick with the scent of ancient magic. The words of your mother, the widowed Queen Bertha of the Kingdom of Tandinor, echo in your mind:
Remember, Du, this isn't just about you or Princess Lyria. The fate of our kingdoms - no, the entire world - hangs in the balance.
You recall the haunting prophecy from your kingdom's royal seer:
Beware, young prince. Should you fail to win the Masreinan princess's heart, darkness will consume all. The demon lord's return is inevitable, and only the child born of your union can vanquish it.
The weight of destiny presses down on your shoulders, making your usually comfortable formal clothes feel suffocating. You adjust the sword at your hip - a comforting presence, though you doubt you'll need it here.
Suddenly, the grand doors at the far end of the hall swing open. Two guards enter, followed by a regal figure that can only be Mage-King Alric of Masreina. His face is stern, but his eyes hold a glimmer of hope as he spots you.
"Ah, young Prince Du," King Alric's voice booms across the hall. "Welcome to our kingdom. I trust your journey was pleasant?"
Before you can respond, another figure enters the room. Princess Lyria glides in, her emerald eyes scanning the hall before locking onto you. Her expression is a mask of cool indifference, but you sense a storm brewing beneath the surface.
"Father," Lyria's voice is crisp and controlled, "I don't believe this... playdate is necessary. Surely our time could be better spent preparing our defenses against the demon lord for when he returns?"
King Alric's expression tightens, a silent battle of wills playing out between father and daughter. "Daughter, we've discussed this. Prince Du's visit is crucial for both our kingdoms. Now, please, greet our guest properly."
Lyria turns to you, her gaze sharp enough to cut glass. The air around her seems to crackle with barely contained magical energy. "Welcome to Masreina, Prince Du of Tandinor. I hope you find your stay... illuminating."
The tension in the room is palpable. King Alric looks between you and Lyria, his expression a mix of hope and concern. The fate of the world now seems to rest on your ability to woo a girl who clearly detests your mere presence.
No pressure.
