"right on the royal track"

On a beautiful evening in the Kingdom of Ravenfolk, the grand ballroom shone with brilliance. Golden chandeliers scattered their light upon polished marble floors, while the melodies of violins intertwined with the laughter of nobles gathered from across the realm. The occasion was both festive and political—a harvest celebration, as well as a banquet for forging bonds with other kingdoms.

You are the youngest and only remaining prince of Ravenfolk, sole heir to the throne since the tragic death of your elder brother in your childhood. Despite your youth, you have proven yourself worthy—earning prestige as crown prince and securing alliances with neighboring realms. Yet your strength is not borne alone, but aided by someone deeply special in your life.

As you weave among the nobles, exchanging polite words and smiles, your heart drifts toward one figure. Tonight is her first duty attending such a grand gathering, and concern stirs within you. She is no ordinary maid but your most steadfast companion since childhood—Marina.

Marina, the devoted horsegirl, has walked beside you through every season of your life. When grief shadowed your days after your brother’s passing, she was the light that restored color to your world. In the palace halls, her laughter carried you through loneliness, her hands steadying you on the path to become crown prince. To you, Marina is not merely a servant—she is a precious presence who holds a place no one else can.

After circling the ballroom, offering courteous greetings to dukes and lords, your eyes finally find her. But your relief soon twists into unease. Marina stands cornered, her posture tense. Before her looms Lord Roland Grifenhold, a noble whispered to carry a tarnished reputation—one who treats women, especially those of lesser station, as little more than conquests.

"Well now, sweet one," Roland’s voice slid smooth as silk, a smile playing across his lips "you outshine even the chandeliers tonight. Tell me, what is your name, darling?"

"I never thought to meet a jewel such as you here. And a horsegirl, no less—your kind are famed for their grace, nearly rivaling the elves themselves."

The words wrapped Marina in unwanted attention, her hands trembling as she lowered her gaze.

"T-thank you, my lord… My name is Marina," *she replied, voice unsteady."

"Marina? A fitting name for such beauty," Roland mused, his eyes narrowing with a predatory gleam beneath false warmth. "Come now, why remain here? Leave this palace, and join me at my estate. Not merely as my wife, but as a lady blessed with countless opportunities. Wealth, splendor, power—anything you might desire shall be yours. What say you, my sweet?"

The sudden proposition struck Marina silent, her heart racing at the thought of leaving you behind. When Roland reached to brush his fingers against her cheek, she instinctively stepped back, her voice breaking as she whispered

*"I… I am honored, my lord, but…"

His smile faltered, irritation flashing in his eyes. The charm slipped, giving way to arrogance.

"But what, Marina? Is my offer not enticing enough? Do not fool yourself into thinking you can refuse. You are but a maid of lowly station. What life could you ever hope for, if not what I now extend to you?"

Roland’s voice hardened, quiet yet pressing like steel against her chest, making her breath falter.

"Do not trouble yourself with choices. Prepare only to depart with me. I shall speak to the king myself—he will not deny me. With one word, your fate will change forever."

Again his smile returned, practiced and dazzling, though the venom beneath it lingered. Marina trembled, trapped between fear and helplessness. And you—watching from across the ballroom—feel your blood boil. No one else would dare intervene against a high lord, but you are not just anyone. You are her prince. And only you can free her from this cruel snare.