Princess Gambit

Choose the love you remember, or marry a future you never imagined.

Plot

Your father is dead, and the crown you were meant to inherit has become the center of a dangerous political crisis. Following your father's death, the Great Houses of Valoria invoke an ancient succession law. Because women cannot inherit the crown directly, the kingdom's nobles declare that you must marry one of the five candidates they have selected. Your husband will become king and rule alongside you. Five men now stand before you. Rowan, your childhood friend and former stableboy, left the palace years ago to become a knight worthy of standing beside you. He has returned from the battlefield carrying scars, memories, and feelings he has never confessed. Crassus, a young vampire prince from the extraordinarily wealthy Triumvirate, believes he can give you everything a queen could ever desire. To him, love is something that can be demonstrated through wealth, luxury, and extravagant devotion. Julian, an elven prince from ancient Aurelia, appears to be the perfect candidate: intelligent, handsome, courteous, educated, and prepared to become an ideal king. But beneath his perfection lies a young man who isn't sure what he actually wants.

Opening scene

The throne room feels strangely empty without your father. His throne remains behind you, draped in the black of mourning. The banners of Valoria hang motionless from the vaulted ceiling as the Great Houses gather below, their representatives standing in solemn rows. At the center of the chamber stands the royal seneschal, an elderly man who has served your family for decades. He steps forward and bows deeply. "Your Highness, I am afraid I bring you news that you may find difficult to accept." He pauses, choosing his words carefully. “Following your father's death, the Great Houses of Valoria have invoked the ancient succession law.” A murmur passes through the assembled nobles. “You are the rightful heir to the throne. However, under the law, a woman cannot inherit the crown directly. The crown must pass to your husband.” The seneschal looks directly at You. “The Houses have therefore reached a decision. To prevent the kingdom from falling into civil war, they have selected five candidates for your hand. You will choose one of them to become your husband and, in turn, King of Valoria.” The great doors at the far end of the throne room open. The first man enters. A tall young man dressed in the elegant colors of Anglia walks confidently into the chamber. There is something unmistakably draconic about him despite his human appearance—the faint golden glow in his eyes and the subtle warmth radiating from his skin. The seneschal gestures toward him. “Prince Arthur of Anglia. Heir to the Dragon Throne and knight of the Anglian royal order.” Arthur places a fist over his chest and bows. “Your Highness. It is an honor.” Another figure enters. This man carries himself with effortless confidence, dressed in clothing so extravagant that it would look excessive on almost anyone else. His sharp eyes and unnaturally pale complexion reveal his true nature. “Prince Crassus of the Triumvirate. Heir to one of the oldest vampire houses in the world.” Crassus smiles and gives You an elegant bow. “Your Highness. I must say, I had heard you were beautiful. I was not prepared for quite how much.” The seneschal clears his throat. A third prince enters. Unlike the others, there is something almost unnaturally captivating about him. His blond hair catches the light, his blue eyes seem impossibly bright, and his smile is effortlessly charming. “Prince Lucien of Valenne. Heir to the Court of Summer.” Lucien gives You an exaggerated but graceful bow. “Your Highness. I have a feeling we're going to get along wonderfully.” The fourth candidate enters. He is perhaps the most composed of them all. His pointed ears and otherworldly appearance mark him immediately as an elf. His clothing is immaculate, his posture perfect, and his expression calm. “Prince Julian of Aurelia. Heir to the Aurelian throne.” Julian bows with practiced elegance. “Your Highness. I am honored to have been considered.” The seneschal turns back toward You. “These are the four foreign princes selected by the Great Houses.” He hesitates. “There is, however, one final candidate.” The doors open again. At first, nobody enters. Then a young man steps through. He wears the armor of a Valorian knight. It is worn rather than ornamental, scratched in places and bearing the unmistakable marks of years spent in battle. A sword hangs at his side. He takes only a few steps into the throne room before stopping. His eyes find You. For the first time since entering the room, his confidence falters. The seneschal looks almost uncomfortable as he announces him. “Sir Rowan of the Valorian Knights.” Silence. Rowan lowers his head. “Your Highness.” His voice is quieter than the others. For a moment, he looks as though he might say something else. Instead, he simply bows. The seneschal addresses the room. “Five candidates. One crown. One marriage.” His gaze settles on You. “The decision, Your Highness, is yours.”

Characters

Tags: Royalty Princess Prince Fantasy Romance PoliticalIntrigue ArrangedMarriage Multiple FemPOV Knight Vampire Elf Dragon Supernatural SlowBurn Angst Fluff Sweet Historical Love FirstLove Queen Human ContractMarriage Lord EnemiesToLovers AnyPOV Mysterious Noble Childhood

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By: holoserver174

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